Ravens send message to Suggs (ESPN Article)

[baroquenspirit]

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- When I asked Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome whether Terrell Suggs would definitely be back next season, it was like Newsome was speaking directly to the six-time Pro Bowl linebacker.

Here was the message: Suggs should consider a contract extension or he could end up on another team like Anquan Boldin.

Newsome's noncommittal response in regard to Suggs' future was the biggest headline to come from the "State of the Ravens" news conference Wednesday. The Ravens are going to play hardball with their players again, and Suggs shouldn't think this is a hollow threat. Not only did the Ravens trade Boldin last year, they also let safety Ed Reed -- the third-best player in team history -- go elsewhere because they refused to overpay for him.

[Ed_Reed20]

Not like we haven't been discussing this since last week.

[Guest I-70WestRaven]

I can think of is "Wow!" The Ravens mean business. Will be watching this play out.

[The Raven]

Not like we haven't been discussing this since last week.

 

Well, I guess it's good for it to have its own thread. Not sure if it did before.

 

I'm really conflicted on this. I think our pass rush would decline without Suggs. I am skeptical of Simon, McPhee, and Upshaw's ability to match his presence as a pass rusher. The extra money would be invaluable, but Suggs does a lot for our defense. When healthy, which I doubt he was in the latter half of this season, Suggs is a great asset in coverage, stopping the run, and rushing the passer. 

 

I know Suggs was briefly on the injury report after the first Cincy game with a foot injury. He was removed a week or so later, but I suspect it hurt his ability. 

 

I'd like to offer an extension at a reduced salary, but I don't think Suggs will take that. I'd retain him, but I think Ozzie might trade him or just cut him.

[Ravenseconbeast]

We're going to treat him w/ respect.   His been an anchor for us for years with the Ravens.   

We drafted him and this is his only home he knows.    

I think Ozzie has been a bit too aggressive in his message, but @ the end him and Suggs will find a way to get something done thats best for both side.   

 

[Ed_Reed20]

Well, I guess it's good for it to have its own thread. Not sure if it did before.

 

I'm really conflicted on this. I think our pass rush would decline without Suggs. I am skeptical of Simon, McPhee, and Upshaw's ability to match his presence as a pass rusher. The extra money would be invaluable, but Suggs does a lot for our defense. When healthy, which I doubt he was in the latter half of this season, Suggs is a great asset in coverage, stopping the run, and rushing the passer. 

 

I know Suggs was briefly on the injury report after the first Cincy game with a foot injury. He was removed a week or so later, but I suspect it hurt his ability. 

 

I'd like to offer an extension at a reduced salary, but I don't think Suggs will take that. I'd retain him, but I think Ozzie might trade him or just cut him.

 

True.

 

Fully agreed on the young pass rushers. I'm guessing we'll get a resolution before the draft but I'm looking forward to seeing if/when the team drafts a high-upside pass rusher. Obviously, the offense needs re-tooling but there really doesn't seem to be a quality pass rusher for the long-term. Upshaw is a run-stuffer, McPhee is still chasing his rookie form and while Simon has potential, he's still a question mark. 

[PurpleCityLights]

Ozzie & John have gone mad.......

[rmw10]

True.

 

Fully agreed on the young pass rushers. I'm guessing we'll get a resolution before the draft but I'm looking forward to seeing if/when the team drafts a high-upside pass rusher. Obviously, the offense needs re-tooling but there really doesn't seem to be a quality pass rusher for the long-term. Upshaw is a run-stuffer, McPhee is still chasing his rookie form and while Simon has potential, he's still a question mark. 

 

You'll definitely have a decision before the draft.  Free agency starts March 11th, so expect the decision around then.

 

While none of them are Suggs, I think you could build a nice rotation with Upshaw, McPhee, Simon, and even Hamilton.  All of them have their strengths, but none are well-rounded.

[Inqui]

I think Ozzie has been a bit too aggressive in his message, but @ the end him and Suggs will find a way to get something done thats best for both side.   

I disagree with the first bit, as I think both sides are going to end up playing hard-ball with each other, but I agree with the second bit. I think working something out is in both parties' best long-term interests. Of course, this may send a message to other players to try and get as much guaranteed money on their contracts as they can (though I guess they already know that these days).

 

 

You'll definitely have a decision before the draft.  Free agency starts March 11th, so expect the decision around then.

 

While none of them are Suggs, I think you could build a nice rotation with Upshaw, McPhee, Simon, and even Hamilton.  All of them have their strengths, but none are well-rounded.

As a contingency plan, I really think we could make do with them. I agree none of them are likely 2015 Pro Bowlers, but getting regular snaps is the best way to see what they can do.

[rmw10]

I disagree with the first bit, as I think both sides are going to end up playing hard-ball with each other, but I agree with the second bit. I think working something out is in both parties' best long-term interests. Of course, this may send a message to other players to try and get as much guaranteed money on their contracts as they can (though I guess they already know that these days).

 

 

As a contingency plan, I really think we could make do with them. I agree none of them are likely 2015 Pro Bowlers, but getting regular snaps is the best way to see what they can do.

 

I think Hamilton could surprise a lot of people.  He looked really good in the preseason as a pass rusher, and at least adequate at setting the edge.  He could still use some work, but I really want to see what he can do.

[marylandmike12]

I disagree with the first bit, as I think both sides are going to end up playing hard-ball with each other, but I agree with the second bit. I think working something out is in both parties' best long-term interests. Of course, this may send a message to other players to try and get as much guaranteed money on their contracts as they can (though I guess they already know that these days).

 

 

As a contingency plan, I really think we could make do with them. I agree none of them are likely 2015 Pro Bowlers, but getting regular snaps is the best way to see what they can do.

Didn't Jace Amaro get arrested.....not on the bandwagon

[Inqui]

Didn't Jace Amaro get arrested.....not on the bandwagon

Not that I know of, unless it happened early this morning NZT. You might be thinking of Austin Seferian-Jenkins, depending on the timeframe you're talking. Should probably take this to the draft forum though. :p

[Inqui]

I think Hamilton could surprise a lot of people.  He looked really good in the preseason as a pass rusher, and at least adequate at setting the edge.  He could still use some work, but I really want to see what he can do.

Yeah, I think if Suggs walks whoever steps up would pleasantly surprise some people - mainly because they'll have done so for a reason. It would be a huge loss and change our offseason's direction in a big way, but I don't think our defence would end up getting certifiably crippled by it.

[redrum52]

We're going to treat him w/ respect.   His been an anchor for us for years with the Ravens.   

We drafted him and this is his only home he knows.    

I think Ozzie has been a bit too aggressive in his message, but @ the end him and Suggs will find a way to get something done thats best for both side.   

 

I think so too.  I also don't think Suggs is done.  Neck injuries are nothing to play with and can severely hamper a players production.  I remember Justin Tuck having a neck injury as well and you don't play as aggressively as you usually do.  He was playing well up until it was mentioned that he hurt it and I think that played a role in his drop off.  I think he comes back and continues what he started earlier in the season.  Would love to see him retire a Raven on something like a 3 year extension.  

[FlocksGottaFeed]

This all just another Roger Goodell plot!

 

Seriously, with all the bridges Suggs (one of my favorite Ravens) has burnt where else would he go? From his draft and on he's been consistently committed to being a Raven and since Ray & Ed's departure he is the unchallenged 'marquee' player on the defense. Just think: As outspoken as he has been, he's never had any memorable controversial opinions on the player's union, contracts of other players or FO shortcomings. He is a company man when it comes to us. He's family and he's home and he knows if Ray did it (extending until to retire) - it's good enough for him. 

[jdynamite]

Yeah pretty much been expecting this, hope Suggs goes for the contract extension.

Or I should say I hope they offer him a contract extension because last season I never officially saw it reported that Boldin was ever offered a contract extension, I only saw reports of a pay-cut or go...

[hawkprey]

I hope it's not so much "We want him gone" but "We need to let players know we're not kidding around".

[Inqui]

Yeah pretty much been expecting this, hope Suggs goes for the contract extension.

Or I should say I hope they offer him a contract extension because last season I never officially saw it reported that Boldin was ever offered a contract extension, I only saw reports of a pay-cut or go...

I suspect the FO saw Boldin more as a really talented guy and lockerroom leader who only had a couple more years before his use by date. From what I heard he got a one-year extension offer that basically served as a pay cut too, and he didn't want it (not that I blame him). I think the FO would rather keep Suggs on long-term for a few more reasons - what jkm brought up being among them.

 

I hope I'm right on that one, and I hope Suggs wants that extension too.

[Inqui]

This all just another Roger Goodell plot!

 

Seriously, with all the bridges Suggs (one of my favorite Ravens) has burnt where else would he go? From his draft and on he's been consistently committed to being a Raven and since Ray & Ed's departure he is the unchallenged 'marquee' player on the defense. Just think: As outspoken as he has been, he's never had any memorable controversial opinions on the player's union, contracts of other players or FO shortcomings. He is a company man when it comes to us. He's family and he's home and he knows if Ray did it (extending until to retire) - it's good enough for him.

Really good post. I especially liked the bolded parts.

 

As great as Suggs has been for us, I think he's really set himself up to be a Raven for life. I think we'll be prepared to pay him the most considering his age, recent dropoff in numbers, injury history and status with other franchises around the league. Not that they wouldn't want him, but I still think we'll still be prepared to pay him the most. I know we said that about Ellerbe and Kruger, but those guys have their whole careers ahead of them and I think Ray Lewis is a better comparison.

[Static]

the third-best player in team history -- 

 

Wait what?

[Inqui]

Wait what?

Behind Ray and JO I guess? Seems like a bit of a throwaway line to me, more than anything.

[jdynamite]

Wait what?

When I saw the quote and your response I was curious. But that's a quote from the Article that states that last season we let Ed Reed ( third best player in team history ) go into FA to search for money.

I have no problem with that since Ogden and Ray Lewis are 1A-1A there is no 1B they both that great lol.

[baroquenspirit]

Wait what?

They were talking about Ed Reed. Where would you rank Ed?

[Chris K]

I will be really dissapointed if Suggs is gone next year. Talk about losing an identity. I get his pass rush production dropped astronomically, but I would sincerely chalk that up to his accumulated injuries, most likely why he gained weight. If Ozzie doesn't restructure I will be surprised, we will have no leader on defense, seriously. No one else sticks out, and Suggs isn't great at it mind you, but at least there's some "Ravens defense" look with 55 lined up. Aside from solely losing the only true vocal veteran on D, our pass rush production would drop significantly, guarantee it. Upshaw will never be a good pass rusher, and I'll just assume we're not going to seriously consider Simon or McPhee as a legitimate replacement.  

 

We need Suggs, Ozzie needs to work something out, and try to work something out.

 

Suggs just does not seem like the type of player to bail out of his career team near the end of his career, I doubt he won't finish his career a Raven.

[CalvinSmoke]

This makes me curious... Where would Sizzle rank in all time Ravens? I got Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, JO, Matt Stover, Jamal Lewis, and Suggs at #6

[Chris K]

This makes me curious... Where would Sizzle rank in all time Ravens? I got Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, JO, Matt Stover, Jamal Lewis, and Suggs at #6

I'd say if Suggs finishes his career in B-town and does so strongly, he takes Matt Stover's spot, or Jamal Lewis goes up and Stover goes to #6.

[tolucaraven]

Honestly Suggs was awful last 8 games of the year vs run and pass. He even played against some of the worst tackles in the league during that period. He almost single handedly cost them the Bears game. In my opinion he is done. Waited to see if he needed offseason surgery for an injury as an explanation as an reason but havent heard he needs any.

[good_n_purple]

Didn't Jace Amaro get arrested.....not on the bandwagon

Texas Tech football players arrested on felony credit card abuse charges

Jace Amaro and Kenny Williams were booked into the Lubbock County Criminal Detention Center. - http://lubbockonline.com/filed-online/2012-03-09/texas-tech-football-players-arrested-felony-credit-card-abuse-charges

[Poes Crows]

What you have to understand baroquenspirit is that Oz takes a certain amount of satisfaction in cutting guys that don't do his bidding. 

 

Oz points to the Boldin fiasco as a badge of honor.  Oz actually believes that was a good move for the Ravens.  Well maybe not, maybe Oz just enjoyed cutting a guy as stated.

 

That statement by Oz, regarding Suggs with Boldin as background really says all that needs to be said about Oz's decision making and equilibrium of mind.  The man still can't understand how destructive to the Raven's that move was. He really can't and his poor thought processing has him using that fiasco as justification for further mismanagement.

 

Now there's a slight difference. Oz is offering a contract extension, with Boldin I don't believe that was the case. I'll be corrected here if I am wrong.

 

Oz knows Suggs was hurt and can return to form next year.  Elevated by attrition to defensive leader, why not let him go Oz?

 

But here's the thing, if we are going to rebuild, lets start at the top. Let's clean house at the management level and get some fresh minds in here without an expectation of being unassailable.

 

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- When I asked Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome whether Terrell Suggs would definitely be back next season, it was like Newsome was speaking directly to the six-time Pro Bowl linebacker.

Here was the message: Suggs should consider a contract extension or he could end up on another team like Anquan Boldin.

Newsome's noncommittal response in regard to Suggs' future was the biggest headline to come from the "State of the Ravens" news conference Wednesday. The Ravens are going to play hardball with their players again, and Suggs shouldn't think this is a hollow threat. Not only did the Ravens trade Boldin last year, they also let safety Ed Reed -- the third-best player in team history -- go elsewhere because they refused to overpay for him.

[rmw10]

What you have to understand baroquenspirit is that Oz takes a certain amount of satisfaction in cutting guys that don't do his bidding.

Oz points to the Boldin fiasco as a badge of honor. Oz actually believes that was a good move for the Ravens. Well maybe not, maybe Oz just enjoyed cutting a guy as stated.

That statement by Oz, regarding Suggs with Boldin as background really says all that needs to be said about Oz's decision making and equilibrium of mind. The man still can't understand how destructive to the Raven's that move was. He really can't and his poor thought processing has him using that fiasco as justification for further mismanagement.

Now there's a slight difference. Oz is offering a contract extension, with Boldin I don't believe that was the case. I'll be corrected here if I am wrong.

Oz knows Suggs was hurt and can return to form next year. Elevated by attrition to defensive leader, why not let him go Oz?

But here's the thing, if we are going to rebuild, lets start at the top. Let's clean house at the management level and get some fresh minds in here without an expectation of being unassailable.

You never give up, do you?