Free Agents To Consider: Offense

[balfan23]

I would NOT give Rolando McClain the start even if he does come back, which is unknown. I would be some what okay heading into the season with McClellan and Brown starting though. 

There seems to be a lot of people fantasizing about McClain returning to the game and being a solid starter game 1. Look - it could happen ... but there is no way in the world that the team is going to bank on that. To think we'd cut Jameel, let Smith walk and stand pat, simply because Rolando is coming back to the game is foolishness. If we can't come to terms with Smith, we're going to find another option to add to the position. We are simply too thin at that position. 

[Static]

I here ya, but if he has a great pre-season, it would be hard to ignore.

 

Thats different I'm just saying I wouldn't give anyone who has been away from football the nod over someone else intentionally. 

[RobFuseRaven]

Thats different I'm just saying I wouldn't give anyone who has been away from football the nod over someone else intentionally. 

 

You have to put the best player on the field though.

[RobFuseRaven]

There seems to be a lot of people fantasizing about McClain returning to the game and being a solid starter game 1. Look - it could happen ... but there is no way in the world that the team is going to bank on that. To think we'd cut Jameel, let Smith walk and stand pat, simply because Rolando is coming back to the game is foolishness. If we can't come to terms with Smith, we're going to find another option to add to the position. We are simply too thin at that position. 

 

I love redemption stories, though! But, seriously, I'm aware of that. I'd just like to see him turn his career around after turning his life around of course.

[balfan23]

I know we've had 3 Ravens arrests, and they'd probably be weary about bringing him back, but it does seem like he wants to change. With the tiny contract he commands, they wouldn't have anything to lose.

There is a difference between bringing him back to give him a shot and inking him in as a starting ILB next to Brown (who really wasn't a starter last year either).

 

I fully expect to see us let him come back and see if he is serious about turning things around. As you say, with his tiny contract, there is little risk in that.

 

However, there is huge risk in saying that we don't need to bring Smith back (or someone else in his stead) because of Rolando's return. That is tantamount to saying he's our starter, or is at least going to be counted on as a guy who can be a significant contributor. 

[dhstandard]

There seems to be a lot of people fantasizing about McClain returning to the game and being a solid starter game 1. Look - it could happen ... but there is no way in the world that the team is going to bank on that. To think we'd cut Jameel, let Smith walk and stand pat, simply because Rolando is coming back to the game is foolishness. If we can't come to terms with Smith, we're going to find another option to add to the position. We are simply too thin at that position. 

 

I agree, but having him back would be a great commodity.  I really hope we re-sign Daryl Smith.

[RobFuseRaven]

There is a difference between bringing him back to give him a shot and inking him in as a starting ILB next to Brown (who really wasn't a starter last year either).

 

I fully expect to see us let him come back and see if he is serious about turning things around. As you say, with his tiny contract, there is little risk in that.

 

However, there is huge risk in saying that we don't need to bring Smith back (or someone else in his stead) because of Rolando's return. That is tantamount to saying he's our starter, or is at least going to be counted on as a guy who can be a significant contributor. 

 

I just think there are other options if Daryl Smith doesn't return. McClain isn't a main option, but anything can happen. The position should have more depth and I expect Ozzie to get more depth.

[chsbasebalplayer]

There seems to be a lot of people fantasizing about McClain returning to the game and being a solid starter game 1. Look - it could happen ... but there is no way in the world that the team is going to bank on that. To think we'd cut Jameel, let Smith walk and stand pat, simply because Rolando is coming back to the game is foolishness. If we can't come to terms with Smith, we're going to find another option to add to the position. We are simply too thin at that position. 

Agree with this mainly because it was unknown how good he would have been last year for us when we signed him. Has been inconsistent through his career (although in the wrong system)

[I AM LEGEND]

I hope if we lose Daryl smith it forces the coaching staff to play Arthur Brown...the youth movement is the way to go.

[RavensFanInCA]

Free Agent Defense thread is over there. Back to Offensive FAs?

[Ravenslifer]

My goodness if we sign Smith....

 

WR 1 Torrey Smith

WR 2 Steve Smith

TE Dennis Pitta

Slot Marlon Brown

 

Plus Rice and Pierce in the backfield... in Kubiak's system? Talk about fixing our offensive woes from last year.

 

Now add Jacoby to that list as another deep threat.  Complete 180 from last year.

[RavensFanInCA]

Now add Jacoby to that list as another deep threat.  Complete 180 from last year.

 

Not sure it's a complete 180 when all but one player is a carry-over from the previous year (although I guess Pitta almost counts as a new player). Either way, I do think we'll be better.

[Ravenslifer]

Not sure it's a complete 180 when all but one player is a carry-over from the previous year (although I guess Pitta almost counts as a new player). Either way, I do think we'll be better.

 

Last year we lost Boldin totally, Pitta for all but 4 games, and Jacoby for a good chunk of the season, not to mention Marlon was a rookie that made some seriously boneheaded decisions early on, and showed steady improvement.  Now remember that Marlon was also a player who missed a lot of camp because of the broken leg.  So IMO he's going to be a much, much better player next year than he was in 2013, almost like the difference between Torrey in 2011 and 2012.  We have Pitta back, we have Jacoby back, and We'll have Eugene for the entire season.  That's 4 pieces we were missing at various stages, all who barring injury will be here and will have an entire offseason to work together to get that much more comfortable with each other.  That's what I mean - last year we had so much inexperience and new faces, and this year we have a bunch of players locked in who should be much more comfortable with each other.

[Natural Born Hitters]

Just saw this on FB...

Agent: @Panthers WR Steve Smith (@89SteveSmith) Done In Carolina. Details Here: http://cbsloc.al/1fuI9Kv #NF

[Ravenslifer]

Just saw this on FB...

Agent: @Panthers WR Steve Smith (@89SteveSmith) Done In Carolina. Details Here: http://cbsloc.al/1fuI9Kv #NF

 

It's been on NFL.com for a while - at this point it's clear he's not in Carolina next year, the problem is that right now the Panthers I think are still trying to trade him, kind of like we did dangling Boldin out there last year - but Smith is almost 3 years older, has been in the league 2 years longer, and has a higher salary to absorb than Boldin did.  The same thing is going on - everyone knows Smith is done, and nobody wants to absorb the cap hit if they can sign him as a street FA.  But at this point he's still A Panther.  His agent just confirmed that he won't be a Panther in 2014, but I think at this point he's not technically a FA.

[Ravenskid52752]

here is a possiblity of the numbers we can give the top 3 centers om the market Mack, Puente, Smith and give likey deals for all 3. very good article.

http://commonsensefootball.com/2014/03/12/ravens-free-agency-options-at-center/

[Ravenslifer]

here is a possiblity of the numbers we can give the top 3 centers om the market Mack, Puente, Smith and give likey deals for all 3. very good article.

http://commonsensefootball.com/2014/03/12/ravens-free-agency-options-at-center/

 

That would be a nice deal for de la Puente - and he's still young enough that we can backload it and extend him down the road.

[jdynamite]

A couple years ago didn't he say something about wanting to play got Baltimore?

Yep the year(2010) before Cam Newton came. And people kept whining he's washed up on these boards then he went and had a monster season 79 rec, 1394yds 7tds. And all of sudden people were like Awww we shoulda traded for him.

Other than Muhammad, S.Smith has never had a decent complementary WR.

[JoeyFlex5]

I had been focused on De La Puente, because I thought Mack was a pipedream. Perhaps he isn't ... but the question will be, will we be better off with Mack, or De La Puente, Owen Daniels and Steve Smith? 

 

Now, obviously, I don't know that signing Mack will prevent those two other signings, I just threw them out there as general examples, but you get my drift. Mack over De La Puente will cost us more and will therefore cost us a guy or two that we otherwise may get. 

 

But again - I think our approach is signaling that the FO isn't aligned with Birk's sentiment (that Gino is the guy for the future). 

with the re-signings we'll have to make next offseason, id much rather have de la puente. he is a solid starter, with an all pro guard and a potential all pro guard on the other side, then we dont need a stalwart all pro center, we will do more than fine with a far above average center. 

 

if we signed mack, id still be happy as all hell, but we have a future to think about with the smith brothers big payday's coming in a year. daryl smith, de la puente, and chris clemons, with any WR/TE draft combo of marqise lee/jordan matthews/brandin cooks and ASJ/friedorowicz/niklas would make this a perfect and ideal offseason in my eyes. 

[Sami84]

Ozzie said we needed to get bigger on the o line. De La puente isnt exactly big. Mack is.

[BmoreBird22]

Yep the year(2010) before Cam Newton came. And people kept whining he's washed up on these boards then he went and had a monster season 79 rec, 1394yds 7tds. And all of sudden people were like Awww we shoulda traded for him.

Other than Muhammad, S.Smith has never had a decent complementary WR.

I wanted him because he was still a burner and a great receiver.

Then, there was the Reggie Wayne rumors from last year when everyone thought the Colts would have a complete overhaul. I'm always all for adding good, veteran receivers

[RavensNation14]

Steve Smith paired with Torrey would be a nice combo. I think Steve still has another 2-3 years left in the tank and he could be productive in our system

[HazDaGeneral]

Steve Smith paired with Torrey would be a nice combo. I think Steve still has another 2-3 years left in the tank and he could be productive in our system

 

Mannnn I swear Carolina trying to hold onto something when they know nobody is going to trade with them, just release the man so when can give it a go

[Static]

Not sure how I feel about Steve Smith yet. One thing I do like is that if he does come he will be cheap becauses that the only way ozzie signs him. He's no Brandon Stockley but he could probably still ball.

[jazz1988]

Ozzie said we needed to get bigger on the o line. De La puente isnt exactly big. Mack is.

 

That was before we hired Gary Kubiak. Kubiak favors smaller offensive linemen  in order for his offense to work

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

My goodness if we sign Smith....

WR 1 Torrey Smith

WR 2 Steve Smith

TE Dennis Pitta

Slot Marlon Brown

Plus Rice and Pierce in the backfield... in Kubiak's system? Talk about fixing our offensive woes from last year.

I'm with you on being excited about Steve smith, think it would be a great signing, but not the line up you show.

Steve smith in the slot over marlon brown. He's said he wants to move into the slot. He's lost a bit on the outside but with his quickness, route running, strength, hands and ability after the catch he is going to be a beast in the slot.

And I think browns best spot will be on the outside as he learns to fight for the ball in the air and cleans up his route running.

But I just think you lose something from both players in the arrangement you give.

[Gordo52]

Not sure it's a complete 180 when all but one player is a carry-over from the previous year (although I guess Pitta almost counts as a new player). Either way, I do think we'll be better.

Hard to be any worse but I agree with you

[Ravenskid52752]

There is Mutual interest in Julian Edelman as he does want to come to here. they talk about the ravens interest in more WR's and they really want Steve Smith here if he is cut. they are going to pounce hard on him. rumor to be let go tomorrow.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-eugene-monroe-0313-20140312,0,7116914.story

[BloodRaven]

Not sure it's a complete 180 when all but one player is a carry-over from the previous year (although I guess Pitta almost counts as a new player). Either way, I do think we'll be better.

 

Far from 180, we still have to fix our non existent ground game and give Flacco space to step up in the pocket and time to throw.

[balfan23]

Ozzie said we needed to get bigger on the o line. De La puente isnt exactly big. Mack is.

Mack: 6'4 311lbs

De La Puente: 6'3 306 lbs

 

5 lbs is a deal breaker? That's a Big Mac dinner with a large fry. Look around the league - centers aren't much bigger than Gino - they are just better.