Free Agent Wide Receivers

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

A lot of the FA's out there may be want more money than the Ravens could pay. We need to use it keep some of our own players. Decker would be awesome but the cost would hamstring us in cap space and somebody gonna break the bank for him. I can see a player cut late in camp maybe, but I really think the FA is going for one in the draft. There's a lot of talent out there, finding it is something our scouts have to be focused on. Britt would bring too much baggage, something the Ravens never want.

Britt also played with and was friends with Ray Rice in college. As one of our highest character leaders on the team, I think he could keep him in line.

Plus from his tweets last year it sounds like he wants to be in Baltimore. An agreeable situation can often do wonders for these "troubled" players.

Then again, it may not, it's a crapshoot. But the draft and FA always are. You can make a positive and negative case for every player. Deckers got the dropsies, Edelman's a system, Brady product only. I could go on.

Britt isn't a high risk bc no ones going to pay him, with a comparatively high reward bc of his physical potential. Im not advocating signing him, I just wouldn't be opposed to it if we did. A 1-2 year, minimum type deal to see if he can show more of that potential with an actual QB throwing him the ball?

Nothing wrong with that.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

Depending on the price, I'm all for it. I've always been a fan of the talent of Santonio. He's a natural route runner and has wicked hands. He's had some down years in NY and may be ready to prove himself again and against his former team.

Plus he would fit the making tough catches mold, like you said is a very good route runner, and also fits the mold of signing under-the-radar cuts. Probably wont command much due to recent production and injuries, and may be motivated to stick it to his former team.

He may not be the veteran role model, but if he can play and can be had on the cheap without losing a comp pick, id be all for it.

[cursona pirate]

Im still on team Jacoby Jones. I think we can get him back. We probably will draft a wr too in the draft.

[Cville-Raven]

Anyone but Eric Decker

[Guest I-70WestRaven]

Britt also played with and was friends with Ray Rice in college. As one of our highest character leaders on the team, I think he could keep him in line.

Plus from his tweets last year it sounds like he wants to be in Baltimore. An agreeable situation can often do wonders for these "troubled" players.

Then again, it may not, it's a crapshoot. But the draft and FA always are. You can make a positive and negative case for every player. Deckers got the dropsies, Edelman's a system, Brady product only. I could go on.

Britt isn't a high risk bc no ones going to pay him, with a comparatively high reward bc of his physical potential. Im not advocating signing him, I just wouldn't be opposed to it if we did. A 1-2 year, minimum type deal to see if he can show more of that potential with an actual QB throwing him the ball?

Nothing wrong with that.

Thanks, forgot the Ray Rice connection and the fact he wants to be here is a definite plus. Good post!

[Jalxsu]

People laughed at me when I recommended Edelman as a cheap free agent signing last year. I think last season he proved he can be a very effective slot receiver, filling in admirably as Wes Welker's replacement. I'd still love him as a Raven, but I doubt we'd be willing to overpay him, as someone likely will this off season.

I'm expecting us to probably lose Jacoby Jones, and I think we're likely to draft a stronger, larger receiver who can go up and make the contested catch. Decker and Cooper are both likely to be overpaid, and assuming we draft a guy of that ilk, a player with their ability wouldn't be needed.

Since I anticipate us losing Jones, I'd quite like another quick guy who could make a difference on special teams. My ideal choice would be Dexter McCluster. I think he would be stronger on offense than Jones, and he's almost as good on returns. The only issue is, I think he may be out of our price range.

There's two cheap guys who I feel could fit the bill nicely. The first is another Jacoby - Jacoby Ford of the Raiders. He's one of the quickest guys in the league, is a decent special teams guy, and with a better, big armed QB, he has the potential to be an exciting, big play receiver. He hasn't shown much yet in the NFL, but I put the blame on playing on an awful Raiders team. Probably the best thing about him - he will be very cheap.

The second guy I could see us signing is Tiquan Underwood from Tampa Bay. His career had been disappointing until this year when the Buccaneers switched from Josh Freeman to Mike Glennon. Under Glennon (who reminds me of a young Joe Flacco), Underwood was a big play waiting to happen. He's lightening quick and ended the season with an average of 18.3 yards per reception. I'd not be surprised if Tampa Bay want him back, but if he decides to test free agency, he could be an absolute steal for us.

[Jalxsu]

Nate Burleson has been released by Detroit today.

Would be a nice addition if we could keep him healthy.

[Purple_ICE 81]

Nate Burleson---> 33 years old, significant injury after significant injury, not the greatest WR  to begin with...no thanks.

[Willbacker]

Nate Burleson has been released by Detroit today.

Would be a nice addition if we could keep him healthy.

We'd have to put in his contract that all pizza must be delivered.

[edthehead]

out of them all I would say edelman,he works hard and is a little tough but he is small and could be a product of T.Brady,So  I would say no to all, I mean who plays tough look at our past FA, they were tough,they played hard . I do not see it in any players on this list,to be honest I would stay with jacoby at the right price,I think this new staff(kubiak and crew) will put our players in the right position to make plays,,,    

[Allenlh]

Im still on team Jacoby Jones. I think we can get him back. We probably will draft a wr too in the draft.

 

I second Pirate... Really hope we can bring him back, so explosive and important for returns too...

[Ravenslifer]

Nate Burleson---> 33 years old, significant injury after significant injury, not the greatest WR  to begin with...no thanks.

 

But he's also a cut - it might not be Burleson, but I think if we were going to add a vet it will be a cut player so we don't give up any comp picks for next year (although depending on the years a vet would only cost us a 7th round comp).

[Ravenslifer]

The one guy I wonder about is James Jones - the Packers already have Cobb and Nelson, but Jones will probably cost more now that he's been starting the last 2 years.  He'd be a great fit though, IMO.

[redrum52]

The only FA wr I would want us to sign would be Jacoby.  He knows the system and fits in well.  The only reason I wouldn't bring him back is due to cost.  There is no way the team is willing to pay anything near what he was getting before.  Other than that I'd like the team to just draft the new guys.  I see almost everyone out there being out of the teams price range and the only one I see fitting, in Nicks, can't even stay healthy.  Decker, to me, represents everything that people think is wrong with our wr corps right now.  He's soft, can disappear in games, unreliable hands and back to the soft part, seems to struggle with physical corners.

 

Our defense was molested through the the air and here are his contributions for the opening day thrashing we took (and I had to double check for how poor it was): Targeted 7 times.  2 rec 32 rec yds lng 27 and I specifically remember him dropping a TD that game(he was on my fantasy team and I was playing against Wes Welker.  Guess who got the td on the next play?).  He's not that great and honestly don't know how focused he is on football considering he's doing a show with his wife.

 

I just don't think the FA route is the way to go for weapons, unless we're looking at TEs who are released.

[Juviebest]

I really don't get the fascination with Nicks. He's been awful the last two years and labeled an injury milking bum. I mean prior to the past two seasons I would have loved Nicks, I even wanted him in the draft. I live in NFC East territory and have watched him numerous times not show up on game day...injured or not.

I'm intrigued by a cheap one year prove it deal to Britt, but no telling what shape he is in either...mental or physical.

I honestly can not find a free agent WR that I would like for their asking price. Right player, right price sounds about correct.

[SecretAgentMan]

I'm intrigued by Britt, I think with a good QB he could be GREAT.. But something I've learned this past year is that potential doesn't always mean guarentee...

[Mt. Crushmore]

I'm intrigued by Britt, I think with a good QB he could be GREAT.. But something I've learned this past year is that potential doesn't always mean guarentee...

 

He is so inconsistent 

[Ravenslifer]

He is so inconsistent 

To be fair though, he hasn't exactly been working with great quarterbacks.  Vince Young, the remains of Kerry Collins and Matthew Hasslebeck, Locker, and Ryan Fitzpatrick.  I think Locker could be decent if he ever stayed healthy, but he doesn't, and so Britt ends up catching almost an equal number of passes from 2 quarterbacks each year, not really what you need if you're looking to develop chemistry.

[Robbo15]

No Britt

[Ravenslifer]

Depending on the price, I'm all for it. I've always been a fan of the talent of Santonio. He's a natural route runner and has wicked hands. He's had some down years in NY and may be ready to prove himself again and against his former team. 

 

But he belongs in the Hakeem Nicks  category - guy just can't stay healthy.  He'd probably still be in Pittsburgh if he could, but the fact is he's played 16 games just twice in 8 years.  He and Nicks to me belong in a category of "I'd sign them assuming they're not going to be a starter" because I just can't count on them to play a full 16 game season.  I've been on the warpath with this "receivers and injury history" thing lately, but let's face it - 2008-2009 it was Miracle Man, LJ Smith, Marcus Smith and Demetrius Williams, 2010 it was Donte Stallworth, 2011 it was Lee Evans, 2012 we were surprisingly healthy, but 2013 it was Jacoby and Dennis.  It's like every year we find a guy and everyone thinks he's going to do totally amazing things for us, and then he gets injured and misses a significant portion of the season.  I realize this can happen to anybody, but all the same I'd rather not take a shot on guys with a laundry list of injuries to their names and hope to count on them as being impact players.

[CalvinSmoke]

If we can get Britt for a cheap, prove your self in pre-season or get cut kind of deal. Than why the hell not. I'm hoping we go offensive line in the 1st round tbh. 

[Ravenskid2085]

Eric Davis just mentioned on NFL AM that if Steve Smith was cut by the Panthers, the Ravens would be his best fit in free agency.

If we could bring a veteran who can still produce like Steve Smith in on the cheap, I think it would be a solid signing.

 

Thoughts?
 

[Donte19]

Eric Davis just mentioned on NFL AM that if Steve Smith was cut by the Panthers, the Ravens would be his best fit in free agency.

If we could bring in a veteran who can still produce like Steve Smith in on the cheap, I think it would be a solid signing.

 

Thoughts?

 

I live in charlotte so all I get to do is hear about him, and listen to him. He is smart and tough, fights for the ball like a mini Boldin, been banged up lately but I would accept him here and that could force us to worry about WR less than thinking its a important priority, then maybe sure up the backup TE spot and work on FS and Oline. Getting a developmental receiver wont hurt so bad if we got him...but he loves it in charlotte

[Ravenskid2085]

I live in charlotte so all I get to do is hear about him, and listen to him. He is smart and tough, fights for the ball like a mini Boldin, been banged up lately but I would accept him here and that could force us to worry about WR less than thinking its a important priority, then maybe sure up the backup TE spot and work on FS and Oline. Getting a developmental receiver wont hurt so bad if we got him...but he loves it in charlotte

Agreed about the mini Boldin thing, he would give our offense some much needed attitude. But yeah, he seems like the kind of guy who should retire a Panther for life, face of that franchise. 

[Donte19]

Agreed about the mini Boldin thing, he would give our offense some much needed attitude. But yeah, he seems like the kind of guy who should retire a Panther for life, face of that franchise. 

Cam is the face, owner told him soon after he was drafted to always keep his hair neat and always rep the franchise in a good way...no tats where people can see and all that stuff, but should retire there i agree

[PurplePassion824]

Looks like the Eagles have released Jason Avant.  He is a third down type of receiver.  In 2009 32 of his 37 catches on third down converted for first downs.  I wouldn't mind having him.  He is a high class guy.  Not sure what kind of price he may command though.

[Juviebest]

Looks like the Eagles have released Jason Avant. He is a third down type of receiver. In 2009 32 of his 37 catches on third down converted for first downs. I wouldn't mind having him. He is a high class guy. Not sure what kind of price he may command though.

It'd probably only take a vet min near deal and one year probably (I would go two). Living in Philly territory I've watched this guy a bunch. Big time class act and his hands are Boldin-esque (ocassional drops included). I'd be all for having him as a 4th receiver behind Torrey, Draft Pick, Marlon.

[TimeEdReed]

Devin Hester hitting the market. At his age he might come at a discount price compared to keeping Jacoby. I like Jacoby better, especially as a reciever, but it seems like the writing is on the wall for fitting him in under our cap and given his desire to play offense as much or more than being a returner. Hester could be a solid return threat still for a year or two as a short term solution.

[Ravenslifer]

Eric Davis just mentioned on NFL AM that if Steve Smith was cut by the Panthers, the Ravens would be his best fit in free agency.

If we could bring a veteran who can still produce like Steve Smith in on the cheap, I think it would be a solid signing.

 

Thoughts?

 

 

I'd bring him in for the right price, but we'd still need to draft a receiver early.  Smith is 35 and looks like he's lost a few steps recently.  But he'd be a great veteran presence.  Plus he'd bring that physical move-the-chains, make-third-down conversions type of ability we lacked last year.

[RavensNation14]

I would like us to bring in Jason Avant. He won't command a lot of money because of all the other household names there are. Probably would do a 2-3 year deal and would get solid production from him. He is a great third down receiver at getting open and making tough catches.