Ravens send message to Suggs (ESPN Article)

[HoldingCall]

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. 

Suggs hasn't burnt any bridges, it's all a part of the game. Players and organization know that. The sentence in bold highlights why another team would not have an issue signing him if it came to that. Hopefully it will not!

[TDubbs]

I'm fairly confident that Suggs will agree to an extension. I think he and the team both can see that it is mutually beneficial for Suggs to stay in Baltimore. We need the presence in our locker room still, and despite those last few games, he's still capable of playing at a high level. 

[HoldingCall]

Hopefully, some of this season's craziness hasn't caused him love of the game. We know he has other interest. There is a remote possibility that he only want to finish his present contract then consider whether he'd rather pursue his film passion. Remote, but possible!

[callahan09]

Suggs was terrible in the second half of this season.  What was that about?  Why the huge dropoff?  Is he still capable of being an effective player through 16 games?

[mdrsharon]

We really don't know the truth about injuries, but football is a head game.

 

Rice,  and Suggs  just  weren't performing for the second half of this year. Why?  Was something going on we don't know about?

I think these guys had injuries that we are not in on. But something was in their head that made them play with less.

 

One thing about Baltimore and their fans, we are loyal. We hate when players we like are disposed.

Really bummed about Heap, Mason, and Boldin, as well as other positions. Sometimes we were best to say goodbye, sometimes not.

Hopefully we can get it together and these guys will be back and strong next year.

[baroquenspirit]

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.

I know as fans we always want the best. I also know I don't follow your team as close as you do…but from where I sit, Ozzie has done a great job over the last few years…as has the Ravens brass. The Flacco money might have been too big…but what could they do? 

[Militant X 1]

I'm fairly confident that Suggs will agree to an extension. I think he and the team both can see that it is mutually beneficial for Suggs to stay in Baltimore. We need the presence in our locker room still, and despite those last few games, he's still capable of playing at a high level. 

 

I don't think so!  If Suggs is allowed to walk or test the free agency market based off of that hardline stand by Ozzie; why should he stay in Baltimore if another team feels he is worth more to them than Baltimore does? 

 

#Mili

[Poes Crows]

I know as fans we always want the best. I also know I don't follow your team as close as you do…but from where I sit, Ozzie has done a great job over the last few years…as has the Ravens brass. The Flacco money might have been too big…but what could they do? 

 

If I were a Steeler fan I'd be absolutely giddy regarding the recent adventures of Oz and I'd want him to stay too.

 

We did pay Flacco too much, but we miss evaluated him also.  Well should say that Oz miss evaluated him. There is little doubt Oz expected Flacco to come in this year and pick right up where he left off in the playoffs.

 

The good news is that Oz is now officially upon the Bisciotti "I'm Watching You" list.  Bisciotti clearly defined "Failure" as not making the playoffs and stated if Oz fails again next year he will intervene.  What form that intervention takes in 2015 is debatable.  (There's a previous post that speculates upon what Bisciotti is steamed about, however reading Bisciotti is not difficult. He's not complex.)  The belief here is that we will have to "fail" three consecutive years for Bisciotti to see the light. If the decision were up to this poster, Oz never would have had that State of the Team press conference the other day.

 

The bad news is delay leaves us that further behind the curve to make the changes that must be made and turn the team around.  The loyal fans are of course going to believe we'll be right back in the Championship game next year.  Not seeing anything close to that.

[A Fish Called Yanda]

I love Suggs as much as the rest of you guys, but his production lately has not been up to par with the amount of money that he's getting paid.

 

Hopefully he doesn't get insulted by this and agrees to an extension.

[TDubbs]

I don't think so!  If Suggs is allowed to walk or test the free agency market based off of that hardline stand by Ozzie; why should he stay in Baltimore if another team feels he is worth more to them than Baltimore does? 

 

#Mili

 

Fair point. That is the key, will Ozzie let him test the market? I'm not so sure he will, I guess I just have faith that the sides will come to an extension and keep the Sizzle in Baltimore. I just think it's difficult for this team to lose Ed Reed, Ray Lewis and Suggs in consecutive off seasons. 

[billick]

Suggs nickname should be " contract year".

[The Raven]

Suggs nickname should be " contract year".

 

That's a really cool nickname, man.

[1/28/01]

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're so smart that you're not. I hope that makes sense ;)

[Poes Crows]

You're so smart that you're not. I hope that makes sense ;)

 

Its not about being smart. It's about being correct. I threw in some inconsistent punctuation there to prove it.

[Dr. Kelley]

He will be traded promptly in the offseason to the 49ers for a used washing machine and a sack of practice footballs, and niners fans will immediately declare that they "finally got that missing piece to get them over the hump"

[Inqui]

That's a really cool nickname, man.

Imagine that on NBC. "Contract Year, Ball So Hard University."

[Inqui]

He will be traded promptly in the offseason to the 49ers for a used washing machine and a sack of practice footballs, and niners fans will immediately declare that they "finally got that missing piece to get them over the hump"

Considering how they poisoned Boldin, I'd hate to see what they do to Suggs. :(

[FlocksGottaFeed]

I don't think so!  If Suggs is allowed to walk or test the free agency market based off of that hardline stand by Ozzie; why should he stay in Baltimore if another team feels he is worth more to them than Baltimore does? 

 

#Mili

I agreed Oz needs to make sure that Suggs does not read into that press Q&A too much and reassure him regarding his importance to this organization, how 'hardline' was it? Suggs already knows that this is not a new position regarding our FO's handling of past negotiations (i.e. - Ray).

When put in that context, it really is something he most likely has already contemplated during his last negotiations. Sure, there will be teams that would be glad to have him, but this is home for him. Could there be a better place to retire then the team that drafted you and you are still the 'main attraction' on defense? As important as branding is to Suggs, I'm sure that he's way ahead of us on this. He understands the business aspect and a 'hack' around move is way too risky at this stage in his career. He could command more money now or much, much, much more money after retirement (i.e. - Ray Lewis, etc.) in the future. As a film producer, he knows that he needs to write the feature film ending to his screenplay.

 

Another SB Ring under his defensive Ravens' watch will do it. Priceless.

[Bltravens]

If Suggs didn't gain weight simply by looking at fried chicken, cake, pop or whatever else they serve at The Castle he'd be a borderline HOFer. Two seasons wasted from fatness and even our Super Bowl year he was seriously over weight.

[TDubbs]

If anyone saw Suggs on Total Access tonight he was very coy when asked about his contract status. As if to say my cap hit is 12m and that's where it is staying. And really, why should he take a pay cut? That's his contract and that's what he deserves.

[K-Dog]

If anyone saw Suggs on Total Access tonight he was very coy when asked about his contract status. As if to say my cap hit is 12m and that's where it is staying. And really, why should he take a pay cut? That's his contract and that's what he deserves.

Well then.
I guess I have another jersey to retire.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

If anyone saw Suggs on Total Access tonight he was very coy when asked about his contract status. As if to say my cap hit is 12m and that's where it is staying. And really, why should he take a pay cut? That's his contract and that's what he deserves.

Didn't get to see that interview. Sounds like maybe he's leaning towards exploring the marketplace. That's business savvy and will help his $ position whether he stays or goes to the highest bidder. For example, if doesn't look real good for him out there (due to injury last year and pedestrian performance at the end of this year) he'll probably stay and 'ball harder than he ever had before this upcoming season with a lesser extended $ (his career will be on the line). A successfully dominating season will empower him to call shots if he Sugg-ceeds.

On the other hand if he's forced-out and doesn't end-up on a Rex Ryan-like team where his respect and acceptance is already solidified by the new teammates which he is now directly in conflict for salaries and prestige, he'll probably still have to 'ball harder than he ever had before this upcoming season (his career will be even more on the line). He won't have a home.

 

Man, this gets me down. Glad that I don't make those decisions.

[The Mom Gene]

If anyone saw Suggs on Total Access tonight he was very coy when asked about his contract status. As if to say my cap hit is 12m and that's where it is staying. And really, why should he take a pay cut? That's his contract and that's what he deserves.

He wouldn't get into details on NFL Network, not yet...  He would lose bargaining power if he stated his intention right now.  If he is going to state that he's sticking to his guns, then he may find himself in a similar position as other players have found... The people that hold the cards right now are The Ravens...  just going to depend on whether he is willing to play the game.  Or, again, if he simply just wants to stay...

[atljbo]

I see Roddy is recruiting Suggs just incase

[Inqui]

I see Roddy is recruiting Suggs just incase

Why do the Falcons always seem to get their big heavies in free agency?

[Militant X 1]

I agreed Oz needs to make sure that Suggs does not read into that press Q&A too much and reassure him regarding his importance to this organization, how 'hardline' was it? Suggs already knows that this is not a new position regarding our FO's handling of past negotiations (i.e. - Ray).

When put in that context, it really is something he most likely has already contemplated during his last negotiations. Sure, there will be teams that would be glad to have him, but this is home for him. Could be a better place to retire in then the team that drafted you and you are still the 'main attraction' on defense. As important as branding is to Suggs, I'm sure that he's way ahead of us on this. He understands the business aspect and a 'hack' around move is way too risky at this stage in his career. He could command more money now or much, much, much more money after retirement (i.e. - Ray Lewis, etc.) in the future As a film producer he knows that he needs to write the feature film ending to his screenplay.

 

Another SB Ring under his defensive Ravens' watch will do it. Priceless.

 

How hardline was it?  lol!  Ozzie publicly said what he wouldn't do and that he has no problem letting a good player walk out the door.  If I'm Suggs; I'm thinking to myself..."Wow!  So, it's like that?"  Now, I'm thinking about my own interests and if it is getting out of Baltimore...then so be it!

 

If anyone saw Suggs on Total Access tonight he was very coy when asked about his contract status. As if to say my cap hit is 12m and that's where it is staying. And really, why should he take a pay cut? That's his contract and that's what he deserves.

 

I absolutely loved watching Sizzle.  He was very coy and I don't blame him!  And like you, I'm saying that if he doesn't want to take a pay cut that is his choice.  Nothing wrong with that!  Get your money Sizzle!  Either from the Ravens or another team cause you already got a SB Championship ring with Baltimore.  Move on if need be!

 

Didn't get to see that interview. Sounds like maybe he's leaning towards exploring the marketplace. That's business savvy and will help his $ position whether he stays or goes to the highest bidder. For example, if doesn't look real good for him out there (due to injury last year and pedestrian performance at the end of this year) he'll probably stay and 'ball harder than he ever had before this upcoming season with a lesser extended $ (his career will be on the line). A successfully dominating season will empower him to call shots if he Sugg-ceeds.

On the other hand if he's forced-out and doesn't end-up on a Rex Ryan-like team where his respect and acceptance is already solidified by the new teammates which he is now directly in conflict for salaries and prestige, he'll probably still have to 'ball harder than he ever had before this upcoming season (his career will be even more on the line). He won't have a home.

 

Man, this gets me down. Glad that I don't make those decisions.

 

I believe that he may test the market and to be honest...I don't blame him!

 

He wouldn't get into details on NFL Network, not yet...  He would lose bargaining power if he stated his intention right now.  If he is going to state that he's sticking to his guns, then he may find himself in a similar position as other players have found... The people that hold the cards right now are The Ravens...  just going to depend on whether he is willing to play the game.  Or, again, if he simply just wants to stay...

 

Very smart business move on Suggs part.  Can't wait to see whether he stays or goes.  I'm leaning towards him wanting to test his market value.

 

#Mili

[Guest RBates]

Yeah that's it, lets play hardball with our best defensive player.  I'm still not over the Boldin trade!

 

I wonder how this is going to work out for us. Why not look at some of the underperforming guys on the team and ask for a rebate.

 

Decosta get ready, if this doesn't work you are next in line.

[TDubbs]

He wouldn't get into details on NFL Network, not yet...  He would lose bargaining power if he stated his intention right now.  If he is going to state that he's sticking to his guns, then he may find himself in a similar position as other players have found... The people that hold the cards right now are The Ravens...  just going to depend on whether he is willing to play the game.  Or, again, if he simply just wants to stay...

 

Yeah, he avoided saying anything of detail. But was very suggestive in a typical Sizzle way. He also really showed his displeasure in the Ravens giving away Anquan, he made that very clear in few words, lol. 

[TDubbs]

I absolutely loved watching Sizzle.  He was very coy and I don't blame him!  And like you, I'm saying that if he doesn't want to take a pay cut that is his choice.  Nothing wrong with that!  Get your money Sizzle!  Either from the Ravens or another team cause you already got a SB Championship ring with Baltimore.  Move on if need be!

 

Haha, exactly. It was very obvious. He also showed extreme displeasure with the Anquan situation, without saying very many words. He's great at conveying his message with tone and facial expressions, typical Sizzle. I'm not ready to retire another jersey quite yet though! :(

[The Mom Gene]

Problem is, just like everybody else on the team (the other 13 UFA's).  They can't pay everybody...  I love Suggs.  His attitude is fantastic, his outward demonstrative leadership was great.  But the F.O. has to decide who they want to keep...  who they can afford...  and they also know his performance fell off toward the end of the year.  Given those things, along with age, they gotta ask the question.  Comes down to a lot of factors.  I'm sure the F.O. has gauged every UFA on the roster based on age, performance, leadership, $$$ amount/cost average, among other things.  The chips will fall where they fall.

 

It was just like that last year...  You had so many players in a contract year and they all wanted top $$$.  Imagine keeping some of them where we would have been....  ain't it sweet to try and figure that out?  But just considering guys we let go...  People had a hissy fit over Reed...  He was a shell this year, Ellerbe... overpaid by the Dolphins...  Kruger...overpaid by the Browns...  The list goes on.

 

AND, I still maintain, that if Boldin had CHOSEN to stay, yeah, maybe the offense would have been better... and maybe not...  But we got Canty, Spears, Dumervil, D.Smith, and Huff... after losing the guys listed above, we needed them... Our Defense would have suffered immensely...   ON TOP of our offense.