Steve Smith a Raven!

[BSHU_Miami]

Love it. Last big WR we obtained thru FA got us a ring.

who?

[JO_75]

For whatever reason, WalterFootball hated the deal:

http://walterfootball.com/freeagents2014recap.php

 

I personally thought it was a good signing, well done.

 

I have learned not to judge any contract until you see what the cap hit per year is. When analysts and websites like this begin to judge contracts like that, then I'll take any contract grades seriously. 

[BmoreBird22]

Newsflash Mr. Walter Football, I'm really not that interested in his speed anyway. We've got T. Smith and Jacoby ... we don't need speed, we need toughness (as you said). And when you are looking for a guy that can make those key catches, I am not going to judge value based on yardage stats. I'm not concerned about his value on your fantasy team, Mr. Walter, I'm interested in his value getting my REAL team wins.

Joe didn't have a technician like this last year, or a blocker who is as willing as Steve. He's awesome.

The thing that makes me most excited is that he's a very high effort player on catches, putting his body on the line and taking a shot or just laying out to make the catch. I'm excited

[balfan23]

So now that I've been told for "the millionth time" (I only see 2 posts about this, but who's counting ...) that Dietrich-Smith is off the market, it is definitely time to get busy and in my mind get real about who we should be targeting. 

 

Time to just set the sights on De La Puente and make that happen. I really don't see any other desirable options outside of Mack and I think that if we go for him, we'll end up empty handed. Imagine, if we target Mack, he's got a number of other suitors ... it will take some time to get an offer in front of him. Then Browns have 5 days to match the offer - which I expect they will do ... on day 5. 

 

During that time, if another team wanting a center lands De La Puente (the Giants are set to pursue him), then we are left holding the bag. 

 

Sorry Mom ... I know this probably should go on the "what FA we want on offense" thread, but .. oh well

[ravensdan]

Lmao, I remember that!

Wes Welker=overrated

Mike Wallace=overrated

Dwyane Bowe=overrated

Greg Jennings=overrated

Well all but wes were.

[BmoreBird22]

So now that I've been told for "the millionth time" (I only see 2 posts about this, but who's counting ...) that Dietrich-Smith is off the market, it is definitely time to get busy and in my mind get real about who we should be targeting. 

 

Time to just set the sights on De La Puente and make that happen. I really don't see any other desirable options outside of Mack and I think that if we go for him, we'll end up empty handed. Imagine, if we target Mack, he's got a number of other suitors ... it will take some time to get an offer in front of him. Then Browns have 5 days to match the offer - which I expect they will do ... on day 5. 

 

During that time, if another team wanting a center lands De La Puente (the Giants are set to pursue him), then we are left holding the bag. 

 

Sorry Mom ... I know this probably should go on the "what FA we want on offense" thread, but .. oh well

Mack has four total suitors, and one was the Colts who just signed Phil Costa, so three total. Some don't think that the Ravens are serious about trying to acquire Mack, so BDLP may be the next target in line with both Smiths signed

[organizedchaos007]

who?

Think he means Boldin but, we traded for him a 4th and 5th rounder. So he wasn't a FA. we can call it, Acquisition lol

[BmoreBird22]

Well all but wes were.

Overrated is such a subjective term and honestly depends on what you expect of them and what contract they get. Like Wallace got massively overpaid and is definitely overrated given his contract, but I'm seeing Eric Decker as less overrated given his contract

[balfan23]

Mack has four total suitors, and one was the Colts who just signed Phil Costa, so three total. Some don't think that the Ravens are serious about trying to acquire Mack, so BDLP may be the next target in line with both Smiths signed

My concern is that, even if we are serious about going after Mack, the Browns are just going to match the offer - especially with it being a division opponent going after him. BDLP is the best option left and from the start has been the guy I have felt we'd target. I just haven't heard us express any interest. The Giants have, but I don't know that they've scheduled a visit yet. 

[FuzzyRaven]

This guy is going to make some big plays for the Ravens, and he has competitive fire like few others.  He is a good thing for this team.  89 has been my favorite player for a long time, and I have a feeling he's going to convert a few more Ravens fans before he's done.

[RichieAsh]

I'll have to watch him some more highlights, but I have read Smitty has a reputation for being really tough to jam at the line since he is a powerful little guy, and combines that with quick feet. That will be a huge addition if he can bring that to our receiving corps.

[Bravens292]

Don't fix what isn't broken. Flacco's performance last year was much more a reflection of the offense around him than anything else.

 

He wasn't perfect either. I love Joe and you're right the offense did have more to do with it but he needs to be better than he was too, mechanically and mentally. Telegraphing throws, throwing into double coverage, and under/overthrowing Wr's was common for him. some of the latter may be due to chemistry so hearing his commitment this offseason to working with his Wr's is a good start. I think he'll be a heck of a lot better. 

 

So now that I've been told for "the millionth time" (I only see 2 posts about this, but who's counting ...) that Dietrich-Smith is off the market, it is definitely time to get busy and in my mind get real about who we should be targeting. 

 

Time to just set the sights on De La Puente and make that happen. I really don't see any other desirable options outside of Mack and I think that if we go for him, we'll end up empty handed. Imagine, if we target Mack, he's got a number of other suitors ... it will take some time to get an offer in front of him. Then Browns have 5 days to match the offer - which I expect they will do ... on day 5. 

 

During that time, if another team wanting a center lands De La Puente (the Giants are set to pursue him), then we are left holding the bag. 

 

Sorry Mom ... I know this probably should go on the "what FA we want on offense" thread, but .. oh well

 

Its really the only move we have. The center class is pretty underwhelming and Mack probably won't happen. Its either BDLP, some unknown, or Gino again if you ask me.

 

I am very disappointed in this year's WR draft class.

 

Tim Smith            WR    95      Virginia    rSr    6-0    195

Rashard Smith    WR    128    North Carolina State    rSr    5-9    177

Jamil Smith         WR    140    Ball State    rSr    5-6    140

Devon Smith       WR    150    Marshall    rSr    5-7    155

Daniel Smith       WR    116    Notre Dame    Sr    6-3    213

 

Best rated Smith is only 95th.

 

We now have 2 smiths on both sides of the ball. you want to add another one? haha

[BmoreBird22]

My concern is that, even if we are serious about going after Mack, the Browns are just going to match the offer - especially with it being a division opponent going after him. BDLP is the best option left and from the start has been the guy I have felt we'd target. I just haven't heard us express any interest. The Giants have, but I don't know that they've scheduled a visit yet.

Well, the Ravens have been busy trying to re-sign their own guys. We saw Monroe wasn't a target until Pitta was signed, then Smith only became heavily negotiated for after Monroe, and same with Jacoby. It's got to be a grueling process trying to hammer out these deals so quickly, so I'd think you want to just go one at a time

[BmoreBird22]

I'll have to watch him some more highlights, but I have read Smitty has a reputation for being really tough to jam at the line since he is a powerful little guy, and combines that with quick feet. That will be a huge addition if he can bring that to our receiving corps.

Part of the reason he's hard to jam is he's just so good on selling his routes right off the bat, so the cornerback is usually left going the wrong way while Smith is running down the field

[503_ravens_fan]

Love this signing. Love it even more since Steve Smith is pissed off. A pissed off Steve Smith is scary.

[balfan23]

Well, the Ravens have been busy trying to re-sign their own guys. We saw Monroe wasn't a target until Pitta was signed, then Smith only became heavily negotiated for after Monroe, and same with Jacoby. It's got to be a grueling process trying to hammer out these deals so quickly, so I'd think you want to just go one at a time

Yeah, I get it. The ink isn't dry on their contract with Steve and I'm clamoring for us to get moving on a new center! Nonetheless, that's the next move I'm looking forward to hearing about. 

[Bravens292]

Walter posts like 1,000 different stuff on his site. When he posts that much stuff, he can't study things in depth. He probably resorts to what other people say and the stat sheet for a lot of things. Some of his grades make him look like a fool. a C- for a reasonable deal for Decker? an A+ for Revis? a D for Golden Tate? some of this crap hes spewing is unbelievable. The Smith explanation deserves a facepalm. Smitty must've thrown him a punch recently or something.

[Purple_ICE 81]

ICE UP SON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes...nothing like having to meet your boss for 2 hours straight then come home and get this glorious news...pumped up for our passing game next year.

[IceDevilHH81]

Don`t get me wrong! I have a lot respect for S. Smith … but I don`t like the fact that we are getting older at the WR position!  I don`t think we will draft a WR high (maybe not at all) now… and I can`t understand that at all with a good deep WR class in the draft! 

[ravensfan2430]

do you still raise your hand to go to the toilet at your place of work?

HAHAHA.. sooo good. I thought the same thing when I was reading

[BmoreBird22]

Yeah, I get it. The ink isn't dry on their contract with Steve and I'm clamoring for us to get moving on a new center! Nonetheless, that's the next move I'm looking forward to hearing about.

I'm going to guess that's the next move in line. Our own Ravens that we wanted to get back are back, outside of Corey. Ozzie wanted a play making safety (none on the market) and to get bigger on the interior. Well, the interior needs a center, so I'd think that's next

[RichieAsh]

Apologies if someone already posted. Steve Smith showing Cary Williams who is the boss in a pre-season game.

 

[Bravens292]

Don`t get me wrong! I have a lot respect for S. Smith … but I don`t like the fact that we are getting older at the WR position!  I don`t think we will draft a WR high (maybe not at all) now… and I can`t understand that at all with a good deep WR class in the draft!

 

Not gonna affect our draft strategy. We don't just sign a 35 year old WR and say we're set. Still expect a 1st rounder.

[Yatagarasu]

The Wizard is at it again!

 

[Purple_ICE 81]

This is great news! Now we have two Smiths at WR!

How does Steve Smith compare to Boldin today?

In 2013 under a new OC Steve Smith was under utilized and was rarely used as a deep threat. But was one of Cam Newtons favorite 3rd down targets.

 

In 2011 and 2012 Smith was used THE RIGHT WAY and for that he put up 2 1000 seasons with over 10 games eclipsing 100 yards and 4 or 5 of them were 150+yds. A couple of years ago he was a beast of a WR...and I still think he has a ton left in the tank as well... to act as both a burner down the field and a possession receiver. 

 

Boldin never had the speed or general talent that Smiff had. The only thing Boldin has as an advantage is youth and strength...but Smiff is extremely strong for a 5'9" WR. Id take Smith now over Boldin hands down.

[organizedchaos007]

well from reading various comments on NFL.com. I can definitely say the sentiment from Panthers fans is..... that they have the dumbest GM ever, and that they all wish us the Superbowl that (we) deserve. Lol um ok. And from a couple Steelers fans.. that are not looking forward to playing us twice a year.

[Bravens292]

I'm already laughing just picturing how the TV analysts will react to this. i can already hear them questioning this move. Can't wait.

[Yatagarasu]

"Ravens sign WR Steve Smith (3 years, $11M; $3.5M bonus): MILLEN BLOOD AND GUTS KIELBASA Grade 
Ozzie Newsome is one of the top NFL general managers, but he's only human. He's made draft selections that haven't worked out, and he's signed some free agents who have disappointed. This looks to be Newsome's worst transaction ever. 

It's mind-boggling that Steve Smith received a $3.5 million signing bonus and an $11 million deal. Smith doesn't deserve any sort of signing bonus based on the way he played last year, and to be honest, I was expecting him to sign a 1-year contract for the veteran minimum. 

Smith is done. He has lost his elite speed. He failed to register more than 69 yards in a single game this past season. He's no longer a starting-caliber receiver. He's also a potential locker room distraction. This signing makes zero sense. The only possible reason for bringing Smith in is to energize the team and fan base following a mediocre 2013 campaign, and that doesn't even come close to justifying this sort of contract for a has-been."

 

http://walterfootball.com/freeagents2014recap.php

 

Well this signing could be another Michael Huff or another Derrick Mason.

[Guest I-70WestRaven]

I like the fact that Steve really has something to prove. I hope this will now let the Ravens focus on the O-line. The fact remains that Joe needs the time to throw but at the end of the day this my be Ozzie's most aggressive off season not to mention the organizations statement that 8-8 isn't the "Raven" way of doing things. I am all for it and always all for the Ravens!! Go Ozzie go!!

[Jamal]

Not in love with this move. Especially if this means we don't draft a WR in the early rounds.