In Ozzie We Trust (2014 Edition) The Ravens Free Agency Thread

[GrimCoconut]

It's such a tough one. For the most part, I'm on your side in that I'd rather not extend him. There's too much risk there in my opinion. I wasn't big into the draft back when Ngata was picked, but I distinctly remember the chief concern of him was that he took lots of plays off. That's what I see out of the Ngata that we have now. When he wants to play hard, you're still getting an absolutely dominant player. It's just not too often that you see that desire in him. Maybe it's just because he's been consistently banged up. If he wants that next contract from us, he has to stay healthy and prove that he wants it.

Yeah, I mean I love the player he was when he came here but he's not the same player on the field. Not at all. He's as you did--takes plays off. It's disappointing because you know what he can be. But I suppose as he gets older he's getting comfortable and we're seeing what he was at Oregon at times.

I don't remember Ngata ever taking plays off before. I'm going he gets motivated for a new deal and we use that to trade him or let him go for that big deal like Reed. We've invested heavily onto the DL with draft picks so I feel like it could be time

[GrimCoconut]

Ngata has been injured since 2011. We play into January, so he hasn't gotten a lot of chance to heal except for this offseason. Even though he hasn't been that dominant, if we lose Ngata, the defense will really suffer. The last 20 minutes of the Super Bowl wasn't pretty.

Everyone plays injured. That's the game. I know the Ravens press people even said it but I just don't think that's an excuse. I don't agree with it. I like Ngata but with the talent we have and we've developed I think it's possible that Ngata could be replaced. I mean if he wants big money or even like 5m would you give it to him? I wouldn't.

[rmw10]

Yeah, I mean I love the player he was when he came here but he's not the same player on the field. Not at all. He's as you did--takes plays off. It's disappointing because you know what he can be. But I suppose as he gets older he's getting comfortable and we're seeing what he was at Oregon at times.

I don't remember Ngata ever taking plays off before. I'm going he gets motivated for a new deal and we use that to trade him or let him go for that big deal like Reed. We've invested heavily onto the DL with draft picks so I feel like it could be time

 

It's just a gut feeling here, but I think there's too much of a sense of loyalty to actually get rid of him.  I'd be surprised if we don't agree to an extension with him before we even think about cutting him.

[GrimCoconut]

It's just a gut feeling here, but I think there's too much of a sense of loyalty to actually get rid of him. I'd be surprised if we don't agree to an extension with him before we even think about cutting him.

Maybe. I'm not sure though because we let Reed go and he was a fan favorite and a team favorite. Lewis remained because he was the soul of this team.

[jazz1988]

Everyone plays injured. That's the game. I know the Ravens press people even said it but I just don't think that's an excuse. I don't agree with it. I like Ngata but with the talent we have and we've developed I think it's possible that Ngata could be replaced. I mean if he wants big money or even like 5m would you give it to him? I wouldn't.

 

Not sure if he can get more money than he already has but I would definitely try to extend him to a  more cap friendly deal and I would have no issue with giving him 5 mill. I feel like ever since we lost a solid north tackle in Kelly Gregg and  the issues with Terrence Cody not getting back to his 2011 form has left Ngata with more responsibilities and him having nagging injuries hasn't helped either. He is in great shape right now and if these young defensive linemen can live up to the expectations we have for them  this year then  I think it will only benefit Ngata,

 

Ngata would be able to stay fresh and his responsibilities may not be as large as it has been in the past.  I think it all comes down to him staying healthy and he hasn't been able to do that for the past two years but hopefully this is the year where he can stay healthy.

[hawkprey]

Everyone plays injured. That's the game. I know the Ravens press people even said it but I just don't think that's an excuse. I don't agree with it. I like Ngata but with the talent we have and we've developed I think it's possible that Ngata could be replaced. I mean if he wants big money or even like 5m would you give it to him? I wouldn't.

I don't know about that. A lot of players play through injury, but sometimes there's a clear difference between them being healthy and not (see: Suggs first half vs 2nd half of lastyear). Ngata was clearly injured from the Super Bowl. No one plays in their first Super Bowl and leaves unless it's serious. He said that an injury that late in the season means you can't get completely into shape because you're rehabbing, and that makes sense. Since he's had time to fully rehab, I'm expecting more of the "old Ngata", at least, until he gets injured again. But we can't afford to lose him unless someone else proves themselves in a big way - then we might have to pay them. People thought Suggs would be gone this year and that would've been disastrous.

[Gordo52]

Since we're discussing Ngata here, I'm personally not interested in us re-signing him. I like him but his injuries and that retirement talk never set right with me. I don't feel like he tries as hard out there every snap either. I'd restructure and trade him if we could or keep him and maybe he'll be motivated enough his final year and play great and we get a comp for him.

I agree with most of this but it's scary thinking about what our defensive line would look without him. He has all the leverage.

[rmw10]

I'm still very interested in picking up a vet T.  As things currently stand, the starting OL would be Monroe - KO - Zuttah - Yanda - Wagner.  If we go with 8 or 9 OL as we usually do, you get to pick 3-4 of Ryan Jensen, John Urschel, Gino Gradkowski, AQ Shipley, and James Hurst.  The only true T there is a UDFA coming off of a major injury.  He's also had his struggles in minicamp.  I think we need some sort of veteran presence in there if Wagner doesn't work out and just as added protection in case of injury.

[GrimCoconut]

I'm still very interested in picking up a vet T. As things currently stand, the starting OL would be Monroe - KO - Zuttah - Yanda - Wagner. If we go with 8 or 9 OL as we usually do, you get to pick 3-4 of Ryan Jensen, John Urschel, Gino Gradkowski, AQ Shipley, and James Hurst. The only true T there is a UDFA coming off of a major injury. He's also had his struggles in minicamp. I think we need some sort of veteran presence in there if Wagner doesn't work out and just as added protection in case of injury.

Well, Jah Reid is still on the team. Lol.

[rmw10]

Well, Jah Reid is still on the team. Lol.

 

Exactly my point lol

[GrimCoconut]

Exactly my point lol

Rumor has it Jah showed more toughness in that bar fight than he ever did with the Ravens. The Ravens hope he'll translate that toughness to the field!

[BmoreBird22]

Rumor has it Jah showed more toughness in that bar fight than he ever did with the Ravens. The Ravens hope he'll translate that toughness to the field!

Low blow, but he and AQ are almost assuredly gone, and that's another $1.2 million in cap saved if they count for the top 53

[bMore Heathen]

Low blow, but he and AQ are almost assuredly gone, and that's another $1.2 million in cap saved if they count for the top 53

After the way AQ played last year I really hope he is gone. The guy spent more time on his back then on his feet. Sure, he was playing out of position, but if his C play is anything like his G play, he doesn't deserve a spot. Even if we did give up a draft pick for him. The fact that Jah couldn't beat him out for playing time last year is telling. If AQ is the better player then, goodbye. We have several other options in Urschel, Gino, and Jensen which can all play multiple positions. Even though Gino was bad last year he's cheap and would probably be better at G where he doesn't need to think as much.

[JO_75]

I'm guessing Rolando McClain isn't retiring after all. We have traded him or at least his rights to the Dallas Cowboys per Schefter. Dallas gives their 6th and receives our 7th and McClain.

 

6th? I know we sent our 7th but Jerry still overpaid lol.

 

 

 

Adam Schefter

1 min · 

Interrupt soccer for this: Dallas traded 6th-rd pick for LB Rolando McClain and Baltimore's 7th-rd pick, per source. McClain wants to play.

[BmoreBird22]

I'm guessing Rolando McClain isn't retiring after all. We have traded him or at least his rights to the Dallas Cowboys per Schefter. Dallas gives their 6th & 7th round Picks.

I was all for giving him a chance, but glad he's gone because this saga has become too much

[JO_75]

I was all for giving him a chance, but glad he's gone because this saga has become too much

 

Also... I'm pretty sure after Ozzie got off the phone with Jerry, him and DeCosta laughed about what Jerry gave up for him.

[BmoreBird22]

Also... I'm pretty sure after Ozzie got off the phone with Jerry, him and DeCosta laughed about what Jerry gave up for him.

A sixth round pick helped get Brown, Ngata, and Campanaro. Here's to hoping that works out again

[TDubbs]

Rolando McClain is a weird dude to say the least. Playing .. not playing .. who knows. We gave him a chance to come to Baltimore (best spot for him, no question) and he retires. Now he wants back? As a Cowboy? Good riddance. 

[JO_75]

A sixth round pick helped get Brown, Ngata, and Campanaro. Here's to hoping that works out again

 

True, and I read it wrong. I didn't see the part where we sent our 7th along with McClain for their 6th. I thought the Cowboys gave us their 6th and 7th. Well still, we robbed the Cowboys on that one.

[BmoreBird22]

True, and I read it wrong. I didn't see the part where we sent our 7th along with McClain for their 6th. I thought the Cowboys gave us their 6th and 7th. Well still, we robbed the Cowboys on that one.

I misread it at first as well, but that's still a pick. Knowing the Cowboys, that pick will be pretty close to a fifth rounder

[JO_75]

Rolando McClain is a weird dude to say the least. Playing .. not playing .. who knows. We gave him a chance to come to Baltimore (best spot for him, no question) and he retires. Now he wants back? As a Cowboy? Good riddance. 

 

At least Favre earned the right to not make up his mind being a future HOF QB but McClain hasn't earned anything to pull this stunt.

[TDubbs]

At least Favre earned the right to not make up his mind being a future HOF QB but McClain hasn't earned anything to pull this stunt.

 

Hahaha, truth. It definitely shows that he has some character concerns that are still lingering that he needs to figure out. It's just a shame he's wasted so much talent. 

[Bweezy_24]

Can We Bring A Few More Players For Tryouts Before Training Camp Such As

Danario Alexander

Michael Bush

[Raven07]

could a LeRon McCLain-Ravens reunion be on the horizon?

McClain just posted this article to his facebook page...

 

http://russellstreetreport.com/might-leron-mcclain-draw-the-ravens-interest/#.U77A7NqpfX8.facebook

 

[Underdogsontop!]

Can We Bring A Few More Players For Tryouts Before Training Camp Such As

Danario Alexander

Michael Bush

I've thought about Michael bush too, something must be holding teams back on him....

[1/28/01]

could a LeRon McCLain-Ravens reunion be on the horizon?

McClain just posted this article to his facebook page...

http://russellstreetreport.com/might-leron-mcclain-draw-the-ravens-interest/#.U77A7NqpfX8.facebook

Oh goodness, I hope not. Mediocre RB and lackluster FB.

[display name]

Oh goodness, I hope not. Mediocre RB and lackluster FB.

I wouldn't say that. McClain definitely wasn't as good as Leach but still a solid player.

[berad]

could a LeRon McCLain-Ravens reunion be on the horizon?

McClain just posted this article to his facebook page...

 

http://russellstreetreport.com/might-leron-mcclain-draw-the-ravens-interest/#.U77A7NqpfX8.facebook

 

 

Liked McClain but it's over now, we spent a 4th rounder on Juszczyk and he's gotten praise throughout the off-season.

 

McClain's been desperately searching for a new team, RSR is probably desperate for a story too.

[display name]

Liked McClain but it's over now, we spent a 4th rounder on Juszczyk and he's gotten praise throughout the off-season.

 

McClain's been desperately searching for a new team, RSR is probably desperate for a story too.

I wouldn't mind signing him to a 1-year no guarantee deal to push Juszczyk. If we wanted to we could cut him before the season and not have any dead money left over. What's the harm?

[berad]

I wouldn't mind signing him to a 1-year no guarantee deal to push Juszczyk. If we wanted to we could cut him before the season and not have any dead money left over. What's the harm?

 

That's not a bad idea but I'll poke some holes in it.

 

If McClain knew we would release him with the full deal, would he sign? Would Juszczyk see it as an insult? Who gets cut to make room for McClain? What proportion of reps get cut from Juszcyzk to make room for McClain?