Halfway through the season, who are our top Offseason priorities?

[wademan2636]

Now that the season is almost halfway done, the players have shown enough at this point to begin the discussion of what will happen in the offseason.  McPhee and Torrey are clearly the top priorities, but a lot will need to happen in order to retain both.

 

That being said, I think that numerous things could happen in the offseason.

 

First of all, McPhee needs to be our clear cut #1 priority.  Losing him in the offseason will set us back for a few years on defense.  Suggs and Doom (while they are still good now) are not getting any younger, and could possibly drop off soon.  That would leave Upshaw as our only young OLB, and he is a terrible pass rusher.  In my opinion, McPhee needs to be in the long term plans for our defense if we are serious about regaining our defensive prowess that we lost a few years ago.  

 

Torrey, who was originally the #1 priority, has become the #2 (in my opinion).  I think we should try to retain him, but only at the right price.  He has proven to be not worth the big money, and I don't think that giving him a huge contract would be a smart idea.  I would rather pay McPhee more money to stay than Torrey.

 

In order to clear some space, I would like to see Canty and Jacoby get cut, and I hope that we can restructure Ngata's contract.  Also, if Mosley shows enough this season to be the green dot guy, I think Daryl Smith's future may be changing on this team.  Possibly a restructure to make sure he stays here at least 1 more year.  I think that we could also cut Webb, depending on how the rest of his season looks.  As of right now, he has become the biggest part of our coverage resurgence that has allowed us to get 10 sacks in the past 2 games.  However, he has proven to be very injury prone and has dropped off since his breakout season in 2011.  

 

In the end, I think that Ozzie will recognize McPhee's importance to the future of our defense, and he will do anything he can to retain McPhee.

 

What do you guys think?

 

 

[757RavensFan]

The sample size is still limited w/ McPhee.  Don't get me wrong, I love what he brings to the defense, but he still has to play the rest of the year out at this pace for him to be considered a high dollar signee.

 

I would put Jimmy Smith as the #1 priority to lock up for a long term contract.  

 

As far as Torrey Smith is concerned, he has some serious droughts in between games to consider him

the main guy to get resigned.

[berad]

You nailed it with McPhee, hope he doesn't outprice us because he's a wrecking ball.

Torrey, I'd still like to sign him, and maybe with the struggles he comes cheaper than usual.

Ngata, Jacoby, Koch, and Canty are guys the FO has to make a decision on. When does their compensation start to outweigh the production? Daryl Smith could be on that list but I think he's okay although Arthur Brown is just hanging out as a healthy scratch every week.

Hill, Stewart, and Daniels' deals are up after the season - I think those are the big guys besides McPhee and Smith (correct me if I'm wrong) - and the FO will have to consider how they play the remainder of the year. For Owen Daniels, he might be looking to retire and our interest will definitely hinge on how Dennis Pitta is recovering.

[wademan2636]

You nailed it with McPhee, hope he doesn't outprice us because he's a wrecking ball.

Torrey, I'd still like to sign him, and maybe with the struggles he comes cheaper than usual.

Ngata, Jacoby, Koch, and Canty are guys the FO has to make a decision on. When does their compensation start to outweigh the production? Daryl Smith could be on that list but I think he's okay although Arthur Brown is just hanging out as a healthy scratch every week.

Hill, Stewart, and Daniels' deals are up after the season - I think those are the big guys besides McPhee and Smith (correct me if I'm wrong) - and the FO will have to consider how they play the remainder of the year. For Owen Daniels, he might be looking to retire and our interest will definitely hinge on how Dennis Pitta is recovering.

I'd be willing to put money on the fact that both Jacoby and Canty get cut.  As for Ngata, I think that he gets restructured.  And, I think that Daryl Smith stays 1 more year, but I know that we all want to see Brown get his chance.

 

I think, depending on Hill's 10 game "audition", 1 of either Hill or Stewart gets retained.  I just don't trust Elam anymore, and I like the idea of the safety duo of Stewart/Hill and Terrence Brooks.  

 

And as for Owen Daniels, if he doesn't retire (which I think he will), I think we give him another 1 year contract.  He has proven that he can still be an asset on a team, so if he wants to play, I see us giving him another year.  If Pitta is smart, he'll retire, so Daniels will be useful if he decides to return.

[Drew P]

Now that the season is almost halfway done, the players have shown enough at this point to begin the discussion of what will happen in the offseason.  McPhee and Torrey are clearly the top priorities, but a lot will need to happen in order to retain both.

 

That being said, I think that numerous things could happen in the offseason.

 

First of all, McPhee needs to be our clear cut #1 priority.  Losing him in the offseason will set us back for a few years on defense.  Suggs and Doom (while they are still good now) are not getting any younger, and could possibly drop off soon.  That would leave Upshaw as our only young OLB, and he is a terrible pass rusher.  In my opinion, McPhee needs to be in the long term plans for our defense if we are serious about regaining our defensive prowess that we lost a few years ago.  

 

Torrey, who was originally the #1 priority, has become the #2 (in my opinion).  I think we should try to retain him, but only at the right price.  He has proven to be not worth the big money, and I don't think that giving him a huge contract would be a smart idea.  I would rather pay McPhee more money to stay than Torrey.

 

In order to clear some space, I would like to see Canty and Jacoby get cut, and I hope that we can restructure Ngata's contract.  Also, if Mosley shows enough this season to be the green dot guy, I think Daryl Smith's future may be changing on this team.  Possibly a restructure to make sure he stays here at least 1 more year.  I think that we could also cut Webb, depending on how the rest of his season looks.  As of right now, he has become the biggest part of our coverage resurgence that has allowed us to get 10 sacks in the past 2 games.  However, he has proven to be very injury prone and has dropped off since his breakout season in 2011.  

 

In the end, I think that Ozzie will recognize McPhee's importance to the future of our defense, and he will do anything he can to retain McPhee.

 

What do you guys think?

 

Forsett.

[acranfor]

I actually do not see McPhee as a top priority. I think the Ravens want to retain him badly, but do not see us focusing on a pass rush specialist when we already have Suggs & Dumervil (and Upshaw) under contract. I also predict we spend an early draft pick on an OLB/DE next year.

 

If we keep McPhee it will be a huge win, however, he is not a building block for this team. Only an accessory.

[hawkprey]

McPhee could be replaced by other late round draft picks that may already be on the team. He is valuable, but we haven't had trouble filling that spot. Jernigan, KLM, Tyson and Urban all have shown similar promise.

 

The way I see it, McPhee will sign elsewhere, netting us a 4th round conditional pick - and I'd be fine with that.

[rmcjacket23]

Now that the season is almost halfway done, the players have shown enough at this point to begin the discussion of what will happen in the offseason.  McPhee and Torrey are clearly the top priorities, but a lot will need to happen in order to retain both.

 

That being said, I think that numerous things could happen in the offseason.

 

First of all, McPhee needs to be our clear cut #1 priority.  Losing him in the offseason will set us back for a few years on defense.  Suggs and Doom (while they are still good now) are not getting any younger, and could possibly drop off soon.  That would leave Upshaw as our only young OLB, and he is a terrible pass rusher.  In my opinion, McPhee needs to be in the long term plans for our defense if we are serious about regaining our defensive prowess that we lost a few years ago.  

 

Torrey, who was originally the #1 priority, has become the #2 (in my opinion).  I think we should try to retain him, but only at the right price.  He has proven to be not worth the big money, and I don't think that giving him a huge contract would be a smart idea.  I would rather pay McPhee more money to stay than Torrey.

 

In order to clear some space, I would like to see Canty and Jacoby get cut, and I hope that we can restructure Ngata's contract.  Also, if Mosley shows enough this season to be the green dot guy, I think Daryl Smith's future may be changing on this team.  Possibly a restructure to make sure he stays here at least 1 more year.  I think that we could also cut Webb, depending on how the rest of his season looks.  As of right now, he has become the biggest part of our coverage resurgence that has allowed us to get 10 sacks in the past 2 games.  However, he has proven to be very injury prone and has dropped off since his breakout season in 2011.  

 

In the end, I think that Ozzie will recognize McPhee's importance to the future of our defense, and he will do anything he can to retain McPhee.

 

What do you guys think?

1. Torrey is still the #1 priority in my opinion, because there's nobody on this roster that can do what he does. He might not be the best route runner or have the best hands, but he's the guy that takes the top off the defense, and he draws attention. Jacoby doesn't do that, and neither do any of the guys on this roster.

 

2. McPhee is priority #2, because he's an important situational player, but losing him isn't the end of the universe, because he's still a package player and Suggs and Dumervil are still going to play more snaps than him whether he's signed or not.

 

3. Ngata either gets an extension or gets cut (precisely like Suggs last season), most likely an extension. There is no restructuring to be done, because that doesn't solve any problems. He either gets an extended contract, or he goes to FA.

 

4. Canty will be gone, and I think Sam Koch remains a likely cut candidate also. Not convinced that Jacoby gets cut this year, because cutting him saves less than $1M against the cap. Same exact situation for Daryl Smith, so I see them both returning.

 

In an ideal world, I'd like to see contract extensions for Ngata and Yanda, and us re-signing McPhee and Torrey. I could care less if Justin Forsett is back, because he's far from a special talent, and I feel confident that a blind monkey can run for 80-90 yards a game in this offense, particularly when the whole line is healthy.

[arnie_uk]

Interior pass rush imo, is the second most valuable player on a team. With qb at one obviously.

[1/28/01]

Keep Kubiak!!!!!!

[PurplePassion824]

I would love to have McPhee resigned.  His next 9 games (Plus Playoffs)  will determine his contract and whether we can afford it.  I would also like to get Torrey a new contract but he may ask for too much money.  We also can't forget about Tucker.  I think he's a restricted free agent next year but I would like an extension before next season.  

 

Also, Jimmy Smith does not seem to get the credit he deserves.  IMO hes at least a top 10 corner maybe top 5 at this point.  We need to get him signed to an extension before he is sought after,

[berad]

Keep Kubiak!!!!!!

This, too, please stay Gary

[The Raven]

In this order:

 

1. McPhee

2. Torrey

3. Hill

4. Extend Jimmy asap.

 

McPhee is the engine that makes our pass rush go. Suggs and Doom have played well, but it's fairly easy for an offense to eliminate edge rushers if there isn't a strong interior rush. There are several techniques and protection schemes teams can use to neutralize or at least limit edge rushers. When you have interior pass rushers, you make it harder for offenses to do that. Inside pass rushers make the whole defense better.

 

Torrey has not played up to the standard I expect, but he has made plays for us this season, even though a few of those were forcing opposing defenses into committing DPI. Considering Smitty is aging and the rest of our WR core is young/unproven, Torrey is a must sign to me, unless he asks for too much.

 

Hill is a difference maker in the secondary and can play both FS and SS. Depending on how these next nine games go, Hill could get a nice deal.

 

And of course, Jimmy is fantastic. Lock him up ASAP.

[pep_meister]

setting jimmy smith up is priority #1... CBs are gold in the league and Jimmy is elite. We never manage to retain decent CBs and when we do, he's glass.

[gabefergy]

McPhee. Anyone who thinks hr is replacable doesnt unferstand the value of an interior pass rusher. He's the best pass rusher that we have drafted since Suggs.

Torrey would be next in line, but I'm not sure what his value is at this juncture. He's a number 2 WR with excellent speed but also inconsistent route running. I would like to keep him though.

Daniels and Forsett. Aging veterans that have proven to be quite reliable. It would be nice to keep them, but not if it costs too much.

RFAs Tucker and Hill. Tender them while thinking about a long term extension. Paying kickers is always an interesting venture. Hill has a very worrisome past but hes worth another year of a tryout at a minimum.

[beanfigger]

I'm starting to get the feeling that Jimmy will not be with us after he plays out his contract. I really hope I'm wrong. Because of this, I don't see us letting Webb go, and I certainly see us targeting a CB early on next May.

 

Re-signing McPhee would be nice, but I kind of doubt it happens if he keeps up this type of production, and we go deep into the playoffs with everyone watching him.

 

I think we do retain Torrey because I don't think it will be as expensive as we once thought to do so. I also think he might want to stay with us more than some of the others already mentioned. I think we keep Daniels another year, as well, for a lot of the same reasons.

 

I hope Kubiak stays another season or two, but his phone will definitely be ringing. What will help us there is playing deep into January/February and hoping that a lot of the vacant head coaching positions get filled before we our season is over.

 

Jacoby is probably headed elsewhere after being cut, but I do think Daryl sticks around another year. Ngata's likely extension will help us afford all that and still leave room for a decent pickup or two, as always. I wouldn't be surprised if we locked up Forsett for a couple more years at a bargain price, too.

[K-Dog]

Keep Kubiak!!!!!!

I will pitch in fifty bucks and a plate of my wifes oatmeal cookies.

[bmorepizzy]

Torrey Smith is huge I think the numbers may not show it be he is still giving you one to two big penalties per game, which in my opinion is almost as good as the catch sometimes bigger e.g first drive of the game 45 yard or so penalty that was converted to an Owen Daniels touchdown. In essence he balances or offense out by stretching the field and clearing out the extra safety and extra DB for Steve Smith's one on one and the tight ends down in the middle of the field.

[GrimCoconut]

The sample size is still limited w/ McPhee. Don't get me wrong, I love what he brings to the defense, but he still has to play the rest of the year out at this pace for him to be considered a high dollar signee.

I would put Jimmy Smith as the #1 priority to lock up for a long term contract.

As far as Torrey Smith is concerned, he has some serious droughts in between games to consider him

the main guy to get resigned.

As far as I'm aware, Jimmy Smith's contract isn't fully guaranteed. If it is, then it changes my opinion here, but we could free up some money if we extended him. It would take back loading the deal some, but it's doable.

I definitely think we need to extend Jimmy asap. The longer the worse it could be for us financially.

[GrimCoconut]

You nailed it with McPhee, hope he doesn't outprice us because he's a wrecking ball.

Torrey, I'd still like to sign him, and maybe with the struggles he comes cheaper than usual.

Ngata, Jacoby, Koch, and Canty are guys the FO has to make a decision on. When does their compensation start to outweigh the production? Daryl Smith could be on that list but I think he's okay although Arthur Brown is just hanging out as a healthy scratch every week.

Hill, Stewart, and Daniels' deals are up after the season - I think those are the big guys besides McPhee and Smith (correct me if I'm wrong) - and the FO will have to consider how they play the remainder of the year. For Owen Daniels, he might be looking to retire and our interest will definitely hinge on how Dennis Pitta is recovering.

I'm concerned that McPhee will price himself out of our range. I said before that his versatility to rush the passer anywhere on the DL will cause a team to become excited by his potential and offer him a substantial deal. I still view that as a likely scenario. His play has only confirmed my belief. I hope we can retain him though.

I really believe we'll be able to re-sign Torrey on a cheap one year prove it deal. Not super cheap but cheap enough. Probably something similar to Nicks. He hasn't been on fire this year, so I can't see a team offering a huge contract with the WR that'll be on the market next year.

I'm glad you mentioned Koch. He really hasn't played well the last couple years. He's been very inconsistent. I think it's time to really evaluate his contract and potentially move on from him. I think Daryl belongs on the list, because I can see the team move Mosley to take his spot and have Brown at WLB.

I think Hill returns regardless. He's an RFA so unless we don't offer him a tender he'll be back--unless another team poaches him. I don't see Stewart returning. He just hasn't been that good. Daniels is in an interesting spot and you're right, it will depend on Pitta.

Another name to add is Forsett and whether we bring him back or let him go.

[GrimCoconut]

McPhee could be replaced by other late round draft picks that may already be on the team. He is valuable, but we haven't had trouble filling that spot. Jernigan, KLM, Tyson and Urban all have shown similar promise.

The way I see it, McPhee will sign elsewhere, netting us a 4th round conditional pick - and I'd be fine with that.

I'm only worried about extending McPhee because of those knees. Granted he had issues when he gained weight but knee injuries concern me with extensions. Furthermore, I think your wrong when you say we've seen similar promise from Urban, Lewis Moore and Tyson. Urban and Lewis Moore have never played in the NFL--not even in preseason. I'm a huge fan of both and was stoked to get them both. I just don't like saying we're set because of two guys who gave never played and another guy who has been inconsistent but solid.

[ravensdan]

McPhee. Anyone who thinks hr is replacable doesnt unferstand the value of an interior pass rusher. He's the best pass rusher that we have drafted since Suggs.

Torrey would be next in line, but I'm not sure what his value is at this juncture. He's a number 2 WR with excellent speed but also inconsistent route running. I would like to keep him though.

Daniels and Forsett. Aging veterans that have proven to be quite reliable. It would be nice to keep them, but not if it costs too much.

RFAs Tucker and Hill. Tender them while thinking about a long term extension. Paying kickers is always an interesting venture. Hill has a very worrisome past but hes worth another year of a tryout at a minimum.

I agree with all this and think it will play out this way. No way you give hill more than a year right now. He's been suspended 3 years in a row.

I am surprised we haven't extended jimmy. Unless his agent is playing hard ball. We could get away paying him at a "discount" if we sign him early. Although we can keep franchise tagging him this organization doesn't really go that route except to hammer out last minute extensions.

I believe the cap is going to go up a lot over the next few years based on many reports. Although that is a dangerous game to play.

[berad]

I'm concerned that McPhee will price himself out of our range. I said before that his versatility to rush the passer anywhere on the DL will cause a team to become excited by his potential and offer him a substantial deal. I still view that as a likely scenario. His play has only confirmed my belief. I hope we can retain him though.

I really believe we'll be able to re-sign Torrey on a cheap one year prove it deal. Not super cheap but cheap enough. Probably something similar to Nicks. He hasn't been on fire this year, so I can't see a team offering a huge contract with the WR that'll be on the market next year.

I'm glad you mentioned Koch. He really hasn't played well the last couple years. He's been very inconsistent. I think it's time to really evaluate his contract and potentially move on from him. I think Daryl belongs on the list, because I can see the team move Mosley to take his spot and have Brown at WLB.

I think Hill returns regardless. He's an RFA so unless we don't offer him a tender he'll be back--unless another team poaches him. I don't see Stewart returning. He just hasn't been that good. Daniels is in an interesting spot and you're right, it will depend on Pitta.

Another name to add is Forsett and whether we bring him back or let him go.

Good call on Hill being an RFA, forget how young he is.

Forsett I'm torn on. He's been really good but I wonder how much is system? How much money do you put into the RB position anymore?

[hn68wb4]

I think the biggest question mark has to be Torrey. I think some team like Oakland may give him a contract that is just too much for us to match, i don't think the FO will be willing to pay big bucks for him seeing as how he isn't a #1 go to receiver for Joe, we'll see if he will take a hometown discount seeing as how he went to college here and isn't too far from his family.

Jacoby Jones is another name thats up in the air, i have no idea what happened to him but since the SB he just hasn't been the same, I just don't think he goes well with Kubes, because he also wasn't too good when in Houston with Kubes and now Kubes is here and he's taken a massive step back. I think he still provides a ton of value on kick returns, even though he has made a few errors (which based off of history im sure the FO wants him taking a shot every time because he could take it all the way at any moment) but every game he breaks at least one kick return for big yardage, no TDs yet but he hasn't been useless. But we need to put someone else back to return punts, he's muffed 2 now, a guy who can at least catch it everytime would be better, I guess Camp can do it.

Obviously the top priority has to be Jimmy, even though we've got another year of his services, a long term deal would be best.

If McPhee keeps up the play from the last three games (4 sacks) then he's most likely heading out of Baltimore (maybe even to the Falcons who desperately need a pass rusher). Unfortunately we can't afford to keep everyone (although i thought the same thing last off season and Ozzy got it done), I expect a few names to be gone next offseason that we don't want to go but i guess it'll be for the best, i trust Ozzy to do what is best. In my opinion I'd rather retain McPhee than anyone since he's arguably our best pass rusher aside from Doom (i wish i could put Sizzle up there, but he hasn't been rushing like he used to for a while now).

I think restructuring with Ngata is a must, even though this year he's been great, i mean what other DT in the league has 2 ints?, his cap number is still way too big

If Hill can keep up his play from yesterday with a bigger role then he'll need to be resigned

And i think Daniels can still be had for relatively cheap just for another year, heavily depends on Pitta's future, if Pitta really is done then Daniels may be a must resign as well as a draft pick for a better pure athletic receiving TE

[hn68wb4]

Another name to add is Forsett and whether we bring him back or let him go.

If I'm being completely honest, i say keep Forsett and let Pierce go, he just hasn't lived up to the great rookie year, and even with the massive improvement in the run game from last year, he's stayed the same. I'd say time to just let Pierce go and draft a new face (i don't think high but there are a few guys i wouldn't be upset with early, namely Gordon or Gurley but otherwise i think there are guys that can be had later) and resign Forsett for another year or two

[hn68wb4]

Good call on Hill being an RFA, forget how young he is.

Forsett I'm torn on. He's been really good but I wonder how much is system? How much money do you put into the RB position anymore?

can't be too much of the system, Pierce hasn't improved at all. System is far from irrelevant but i don't think its all system, guy's burst is awesome to have in the backfield.

[berad]

can't be too much of the system, Pierce hasn't improved at all. System is far from irrelevant but i don't think its all system, guy's burst is awesome to have in the backfield.

This is all true and he's surehanded as a receiver, too. But, if I'm playing devil's advocate, he turns 30 next year (just turned 29 on the 14th) and has yet to start for a whole season - which he looks like he'll do this year.

However, on the other hand, he's very low mileage through his career and hasn't been banged up from what I remeber through this year.

[hn68wb4]

This is all true and he's surehanded as a receiver, too. But, if I'm playing devil's advocate, he turns 30 next year (just turned 29 on the 14th) and has yet to start for a whole season - which he looks like he'll do this year.

However, on the other hand, he's very low mileage through his career and hasn't been banged up from what I remeber through this year.

i just looked it up and kind of upset he had 95 yards yesterday, the week before was his first time over 100, he almost did it two consecutive weeks, i think he'll be good for a few more years, the low mileage over his career has really played to his advantage. He's only 116 yards away from his season best and he's averaging more per attempt than ever in his career. Coming here may have relaunched his career in the NFL, there's still 9 games to go and he's become our feature back and he's doing it all, i see a pretty nice contract coming his way after the season. He's come out of no where and is playing well beyond expectations.

 

EDIT: Sorry averaging the 2nd most in his career, he's averaging 5.8 now, when he was with Houston he was averaging 5.9 but he's already had over 20 more attempts this season. Kubes and him just get along very nicely i guess

[ravefan52]

I'd love to keep both for the right prices. McPhee should be the #1 priority though. He is much tougher to replace than Torrey.

[GrimCoconut]

Good call on Hill being an RFA, forget how young he is.

Forsett I'm torn on. He's been really good but I wonder how much is system? How much money do you put into the RB position anymore?

This is all true and he's surehanded as a receiver, too. But, if I'm playing devil's advocate, he turns 30 next year (just turned 29 on the 14th) and has yet to start for a whole season - which he looks like he'll do this year.

However, on the other hand, he's very low mileage through his career and hasn't been banged up from what I remeber through this year.

I think Forsett's return depends on a few things. I think he could be back, though I wouldn't give him a lot of money with his age and production. He's a good role player, for sure. I'd rather take a RB like Gordon than to re-sign Forsett, if I'm being honest. It depends on how much, though. And as you say, he has low mileage.