Free Agents To Consider: Offense

[BmoreBird22]

But Birk was still playing at a high level, he was very smart and good in pass protection, he knew what the defense was going to throw at us. Goodwin is just old. He's not a terrible run blocker but he struggles a lot with pass protection. I don't mind bringing him in for depth because I think he can play Guard as well, but I really don't want a guy like that starting at C for us this season. We need somebody to really hold that spot down and do a decent job in protection and also push the pile in the running game.

 

BTW: I accidentally voted your post down when I tried to quote you.

Trust me, I want someone like BDLP much more than Goodwin, but if I had to choose, I'd take Goodwin over Gino.

I get he's old and isn't at a level he used to be (I emphasize he'd be like Birk, just toward the end of his career Birk). Maybe not the best blocker, but he'll at least keep everyone in sync, which was a massive problem last year

[HoldingCall]

Bruising? Tate? He's a one dimensional speed back who can't stay healthy and needs an elite O-Line to produce. Pass. We're set at RB.

I think we need three RBs, not just two especially since Pierce is usually hurting. Ben probably can't be an every down back but would be a good addition to the mix.  

[TimeEdReed]

Tate would be great but probably too expensive. We can get a serviceable back in mid rounds and have him for cheap on a rookie contract. Bell would be good too if not too overpriced. Who knows though the RB market could tank, I assume we wouldn't take a back until the market cools way down though. With the talk that Monroe is basically staying, I want to see a center signed more than anything.

[HoldingCall]

Tate would be great but probably too expensive. We can get a serviceable back in mid rounds and have him for cheap on a rookie contract. Bell would be good too if not too overpriced. Who knows though the RB market could tank, I assume we wouldn't take a back until the market cools way down though. With the talk that Monroe is basically staying, I want to see a center signed more than anything.

Agreed! Drafting one is the better idea. Also, wondering if they will go after a F/A free safety or draft one. 

[poedacrow]

James Jones is the only WR worth looking at in FA, also had his best year last year ( injuries moving him up the chain) He is a vet and probably pretty cheap.

 

edit: Emmanuel Sanders actually could be an awesome pick up but he might be looking for a big pay day. Also comming off his best season.

 

Both were making about 2.5mil. We could cover that easily and probably get some decent production.

 

Agreed. This would be a typical Raven FA move. A proven, stable vet who was cut by his team. It won't break the bank to sign him for 2-3 years and it looks like there's a lot of production left in Mr. Jones.

[Bullrush]

I think we need three RBs, not just two especially since Pierce is usually hurting. Ben probably can't be an every down back but would be a good addition to the mix.  

 

Tate is looking for a starting job and a decent payday. He's definitely not worth that. Not worth a starting job and definitely not worth a fat contract either. If he came in here to split carries and take a backup type contract I'd be all for it, but the way it looks right now adding him wouldn't make any sense considering we're already spending a lot of money on Rice.

[BloodRaven]

You can't be serious. I'd rather have a shoe play Center for us.

 

We already have a shoe playing centre for us.

 

I agree about Ben Tate though, I'd rather look at the other Tate.

[HoldingCall]

Tate is looking for a starting job and a decent payday. He's definitely not worth that. Not worth a starting job and definitely not worth a fat contract either. If he came in here to split carries and take a backup type contract I'd be all for it, but the way it looks right now adding him wouldn't make any sense considering we're already spending a lot of money on Rice.

Your explanation makes sense. It wouldn't be advantageous to use a lot of money on Tate considering the other needs of the team. However, I think of him as a young underdeveloped talent with lots of upside potential. I see the same in Monroe who, of course, is more proven in his position. 

[BmoreBird22]

What would you all think of Jermichael Finley? He'd likely be cheap due to his injuries and drops, and it'd be a one year deal, but Kubiak loves tight ends. It'd be like having two Pitta's, sorta, but it would be a thought to float around

[Purple_ICE 81]

What would you all think of Jermichael Finley? He'd likely be cheap due to his injuries and drops, and it'd be a one year deal, but Kubiak loves tight ends. It'd be like having two Pitta's, sorta, but it would be a thought to float around

First of all he isn't going to be cheap considering all the teams showing interest, even if he gets a 1-2 year deal it should still be worth $4-5M minimum maybe more. And I dont think he would be open to joining a team only to take the backseat to someone who just got a big payday.. he is a starter not a blocker/reserve TE.

[Purple_ICE 81]

If we are talking running backs my dark horse Raven is James Starks. He has shown the ability to make big runs against good Ds and could be a good backup to Bernard Pierce if Ray Rice should get suspended.

 

If we go the veteran route...Ronnie Brown. Cheap, great pass protector, has a versatile skill set being able to catch out of the backfield, move the chains, and score on the goal line.

[The Raven]

Any notable guards in free agency? If we're forced to move KO to RT, it would be nice to have a solid LG. We could use depth at guard regardless of what we do with KO. 

[BmoreBird22]

First of all he isn't going to be cheap considering all the teams showing interest, even if he gets a 1-2 year deal it should still be worth $4-5M minimum maybe more. And I dont think he would be open to joining a team only to take the backseat to someone who just got a big payday.. he is a starter not a blocker/reserve TE.

What teams have shown interest

[Purple_ICE 81]

What teams have shown interest

If the Packers can't resign him....Jets, Seahawks, Giants, Chiefs, Steelers, and Patriots have shown interest. He is the best TE available and recovering well from his injury, he is expected to get medical clearance within the next 2 weeks.

[BmoreBird22]

If the Packers can't resign him....Jets, Seahawks, Giants, Chiefs, Steelers, and Patriots have shown interest. He is the best TE available and recovering well from his injury, he is expected to get medical clearance within the next 2 weeks.

I only ever hear news relating back to the Packers with him. I should have figured the Patriots and Chiefs would.

For a couple of the teams named, I can't imagine his role would be much bigger than here

[Purple_ICE 81]

I only ever hear news relating back to the Packers with him. I should have figured the Patriots and Chiefs would.

For a couple of the teams named, I can't imagine his role would be much bigger than here

Just the Steelers maybe..all other mentioned he would either be a starter or in the Pats case they could revert to using 2 TE sets like they used to with Gronk and Hernandez.

[BmoreBird22]

Just the Steelers maybe..all other mentioned he would either be a starter or in the Pats case they could revert to using 2 TE sets like they used to with Gronk and Hernandez.

Just the Steelers maybe..all other mentioned he would either be a starter or in the Pats case they could revert to using 2 TE sets like they used to with Gronk and Hernandez.

I was thinking the Seahawks, Steelers, and Patriots.

The only reason I even brought him up is because of Kubiak being big on two tight end sets

[Purple_ICE 81]

I was thinking the Seahawks, Steelers, and Patriots.

The only reason I even brought him up is because of Kubiak being big on two tight end sets

I think a better option than Jermichael Finley for us is Garrett Graham. He played in Kubiak's system...played very well last year putting up 50/550/5 line through only 13 games, and he could come for cheap.

[BmoreBird22]

I think a better option than Jermichael Finley for us is Garrett Graham. He played in Kubiak's system...played very well last year putting up 50/550/5 line through only 13 games, and he could come for cheap.

I actually want Garret Graham, I was just trying to think outside the box a little. I used to hear a lot about him, but nothing in here recently.

How is he as a blocker

[0_o]

Any notable guards in free agency? If we're forced to move KO to RT, it would be nice to have a solid LG. We could use depth at guard regardless of what we do with KO. 

 

Yeah, there's a few. Ideally, you'd want to keep Osemele at LG because it would provide greater depth on the roster. But in the event that we can't replace both of our free agent tackles with viable starters, moving Osemele outside is a solid backup plan. You could go about it in several different ways though. You could draft a guard in the 2nd or 3rd, you could sign a guard and save your draft pick for another position, you could draft a Tackle and promote the guard position from within through a training camp battle. Personally, I'd like to keep Osemele at LG because when he's healthy you're getting Pro Bowl level production on the inside.

 

Some of the top guards out there:

 

1.) Geoff Schwartz - (28) Solid Vet. Huge body.  Stands 6'6'' 340 pounds. You get the size that Ozzie prefers on the interior. You might be able to get him cheap being that he's coming off a vet minimum contract last year and sat out the entire 2011 season with an injured hip. When he's on, he gives you elite run blocking and is capable of top 10 pass protection but the knock on him is injuries and whether or not he can sustain high level play through the course of a full season. Probably top guard in FA.

 

2.) Travelle Wharton - (33) 6'4'' 315 pounds. He's entering the latter part of his career and last season he was coming off an ACL injury. So you're looking at a short term contract, maybe a 1 or 2 year deal. I'd be shocked if he commanded anything more than $2-3M a year. The gamble with him is his age and his knee, if it pays off you get a top 10 run blocker and a middle of the pack pass blocker. Last year he was rated as Pro Football Focus' 3rd overall LG but he's about to be 33 so he's nothing more than a stop gap. Unless he can have a Birk-Esque type of finish to his career.

 

3.) John Asomah - (26) 6-4'' 305 pounds. Younger and not as big as you'd like from a guard but he's a terrific pass blocker (he's an ok run blocker, "efficient"). Has 4 years experience in the Zone-Blocking Scheme that the Cheifs ran in Kansas City. Similar in ways to the Houston Texans running game during the Kubiak years. He injured his shoulder last season and never reclaimed his starting role. But he's definitely athletic enough to do the things Kubiak requires from his guards laterally. Wouldn't expect a huge demand for him on the market.

[Purple_ICE 81]

I actually want Garret Graham, I was just trying to think outside the box a little. I used to hear a lot about him, but nothing in here recently.

How is he as a blocker

I consider him as a pretty balanced player able to block and catch. I consider his blocking a little better than just average...he is a serviceable blocker and could fit well as our TE2. He may have a big market too though so than that leaves guys like Brandon Myers, Andrew Quarless or maybe Scott Chandler. I think the best way to go is probably the draft though.

[Purple_ICE 81]

Any notable guards in free agency? If we're forced to move KO to RT, it would be nice to have a solid LG. We could use depth at guard regardless of what we do with KO. 

Davin Joseph recently got cut...he used to be a beast before a patellar tendon injury. With another offseason to heal and get back to strength he could be an intriguing prospect who could come on a cheap deal. I also like Willie Colon although he may be a bit pricey...he has experience playing all over the line. And my darkhorse Raven is Wade Smith who could be a serviceable guard and has even played center before too. He is a Kubiak disciple and never misses games.

[BmoreBird22]

I consider him as a pretty balanced player able to block and catch. I consider his blocking a little better than just average...he is a serviceable blocker and could fit well as our TE2. He may have a big market too though so than that leaves guys like Brandon Myers, Andrew Quarless or maybe Scott Chandler. I think the best way to go is probably the draft though.

I would not want Scott Chandler anywhere near the Ravens. I honestly prefer the draft if the Ravens could add ASJ

[Bullrush]

Center David Baas just got cut loose by the Giants. Big guy, former guard, good run blocker, struggles in pass protection. Might be worth a shot.

[Purple_ICE 81]

Center David Baas just got cut loose by the Giants. Big guy, former guard, good run blocker, struggles in pass protection. Might be worth a shot.

Injury prone

[Purple_ICE 81]

Steve Smith is being traded by the Panthers. If he fails to be traded and gets cut he could be another option for the Ravens. Last year even in one of his worst years as a wideout he put up 60+catches and averaged 12 yards per. Going on 35 but still has a lot left in the tank for another 2-3 years of decent production. Maybe a 1 year deal option...but he could have a good sized market.

[rmw10]

Steve Smith is being traded by the Panthers. If he fails to be traded and gets cut he could be another option for the Ravens. Last year even in one of his worst years as a wideout he put up 60+catches and averaged 12 yards per. Going on 35 but still has a lot left in the tank for another 2-3 years of decent production. Maybe a 1 year deal option...but he could have a good sized market.

 

I want a long term option, not a stop gap.  I like Steve Smith a lot, but I don't think he's the direction we should be looking.

[Bullrush]

Reminds me of Derrick Mason. Could be a decent pickup for 1-2 seasons.

[Purple_ICE 81]

I want a long term option, not a stop gap.  I like Steve Smith a lot, but I don't think he's the direction we should be looking.

I wouldn't be surprised if someone like the Patriots  bit the bullet on an Anquan Boldin-esque trade. He has a manageable salary ($7M) and definitely still has some left in the tank. For something like a 5th or 6th round pick it may be worth it. But then again he will be cut either way so it would be smart just to let him hit the market.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

WR's I think are worth a look considering their upside, and risk vs. reward:

1. Kenny Britt

- Very talented, but injuries may have reduced his ceiling considerably. Publicly stated he'd like to be in Baltimore last year. Has a relationship with Ray Rice who is an offensive "leader." Can probably be had for a very cheap 1 or 2 year deal to prove he can get back to where he was. Although has a history of off field issues, he was relatively quiet and well-behaved through a situation where he lost playing time and was called out publicly by his coaching staff. I don't think he'll get back to the Kenny Britt of 2-3 years ago, but the potential reward could be well worth the investment.

2. Hakeem Nicks

- I'm less on board with this move than I was. He publicly listed teams he wants to go to, and we were not one of them. I also originally thought he could be had relatively cheap considering the level of talent and potential upside, but it looks like there are several teams interested which will inflate his value on the open market. If he can be had on a 1-2 year deal for $6-8mill total, with escalators and bonuses for production and games played I'd be on board with it.

3. Santonio Holmes

- I predicted he'd be cut by the Jets (as many did) a while ago and still think he's got something left in the tank. I think he can fit the role that we're looking for and knows the AFC North well. He has shown that when his back is against the wall or needs to prove himself to win a big contract he performs at an elite level. As a cut he wouldn't take away a comp pick. I would not sign him to anything more than 1 or 2 years as he's shown that when he has financial security he tends to mail it in. Plays best on the biggest stages. Would definitely be interested on a 1 year deal for $2-4 million that's incentive laden - not a long term answer but could bring great value with something to prove and the possibility to earn one more big money deal before retirement. Dependent on a physical.

4. Kevin Walter

- Needs to be checked out physically, and not someone that I think can be relied on as a #2 option, but may have value as a leader on the offense as they go through this transition. Would bring in a player's prospective to the WR group for learning the offense and could help bring along the young guys. Would be a reliable set of hands and a decent #3 or 4 option. Worth a look if healthy and for the vet minimum. Makes the most sense if we look to the 1st round of the draft to pick up a WR.

These are the only 4 FA WR's id be interested in. Of course, all have their red flags but if they can be signed with minimal financial commitment and to short term deals to prove they have overcome their issues, I think the potential reward (1-3) is well worth it. I don't think the upside is there with Walter, but I do like the value he brings in knowing the offense and could be an extension of the coaching staff.

Either way, I'd like to look at the draft. Watkins is likely out of the picture, but I think if there's a way to get Mike Evans id do it. He's been dominant and still has so much room to improve.