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

[GrimCoconut]

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 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

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

With the talent available in free agency next year at the WR position, I just don't see Torrey getting big money. Then again, who knows. I just don't see it yet. I think he gets a team-friendly one-year deal and then we evaluate. 

 

Jacoby Jones needs to go if he doesn't improve. He's looked horrible and I think his confidence is shot and I'm concerned he may have lost his speed. He looked good last year, but guys who are elite RS don't last long in the NFL. I said this before. It's a skill that is quick to perish. 

 

I don't like the idea of restructuring Ngata's deal. I'm also not a fan of re-signing a player who will be a 2015 RFA that doesn't need to be extended. He's still relatively cheap with no long-term commitment. With his suspension history, I would rather use the wait-and-see approach. 

 

I like Forsett but I'm not sure it's wise to invest a lot of money into RB. It depends on his deal, for sure. If he's cheap then why not? 

[Ravenslifer]

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.

 

 

 

McPhee is number 1 at the right price.  Whether we retain Torrey or not, Steve Smith has proven that there are certain qualities we need in a number 1 receiver for Joe - not that Torrey is a bad or even average player, but there are certain receiver traits that Flacco seems to embrace look for that makes him very, very comfortable throwing to the receiver, and Torrey doesn't have them - we need to find a guy with the Masee/Q/Smith Sr. traits that can be here for Joe long term.

[hn68wb4]

With the talent available in free agency next year at the WR position, I just don't see Torrey getting big money. Then again, who knows. I just don't see it yet. I think he gets a team-friendly one-year deal and then we evaluate. 

 

Jacoby Jones needs to go if he doesn't improve. He's looked horrible and I think his confidence is shot and I'm concerned he may have lost his speed. He looked good last year, but guys who are elite RS don't last long in the NFL. I said this before. It's a skill that is quick to perish. 

 

I don't like the idea of restructuring Ngata's deal. I'm also not a fan of re-signing a player who will be a 2015 RFA that doesn't need to be extended. He's still relatively cheap with no long-term commitment. With his suspension history, I would rather use the wait-and-see approach. 

 

I like Forsett but I'm not sure it's wise to invest a lot of money into RB. It depends on his deal, for sure. If he's cheap then why not? 

I guess it depends on what you mean by "big money" when referring to Torrey, thats why i was trying to be careful about not saying that. I don't think anyone will offer him big money, but i think its definitely possibly that someone could elect to pay him more than we'd be willing to offer, i think he'll be back but im just entertaining the possibility that someone'll offer more than we want to pay, its happened a million times in the past

Why aren't you a fan of restructuring Ngata?

No way I'd give Forsett a lot of money, thats not what i meant, i mean to re-sign him at a reasonable price for a one or two year deal, i don't think he's in any way a long term answer at RB, i think we'll take another RB in the draft, where in the draft i dont know, depends on who's available when we pick but i still think we'll take one at some point.

[GrimCoconut]

I guess it depends on what you mean by "big money" when referring to Torrey, thats why i was trying to be careful about not saying that. I don't think anyone will offer him big money, but i think its definitely possibly that someone could elect to pay him more than we'd be willing to offer, i think he'll be back but im just entertaining the possibility that someone'll offer more than we want to pay, its happened a million times in the past

Why are you a fan of restructuring Ngata?

No way I'd give Forsett a lot of money, thats not what i meant, i mean to re-sign him at a reasonable price for a one or two year deal, i don't think he's in any way a long term answer at RB, i think we'll take another RB in the draft, where in the draft i dont know, depends on who's available when we pick but i still think we'll take one at some point.

I know what you're saying, and it's certainly possible someone could offer Torrey a nice deal, but with his body of work I just don't see it happening when you have the likes of Crabtree, Thomas, and other WRs as free agents next year. Wes Welker is even a free agent. 

 

I'm not sure how long Ngata is going to play and I'm not sure how  long he will be productive. He has been hampered by injuries, and if we could somehow trade him I would definitely entertain the idea with the right compensation. 

 

I know you didn't mean give him a lot of money. I'm just giving my opinion on the matter. It's not really indicative of what I thought you were saying. I didn't mean to imply that. 

[hawkprey]

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.

Just to clarify, by "Similar promise", I meant "Similarly, [these players] have shown promise". They are not at McPhee's level but they could be soon, the same way Brandon Williams wasn't at Art Jones level who wasn't at Corey Redding's level, until they got the chance. I think we'll have no problem filling McPhee's level because someone will step up next year and there are 4 good candidates.

[Tru11]

both torrey and mcphee are RFA so they both wont be going anywhere.

 

also ravens are good at finding pass rusher but terrible in finding a legit deep treath.

 

that alone makes torrey priority #1.

 

btw Jimmy has still 1 year and after that RFA left so he will be on the team for at least 2 seasons ....

[1/28/01]

both torrey and mcphee are RFA so they both wont be going anywhere.

also ravens are good at finding pass rusher but terrible in finding a legit deep treath.

that alone makes torrey priority #1.

btw Jimmy has still 1 year and after that RFA left so he will be on the team for at least 2 seasons ....

McPhee is UFA.

Incorrect about Jimmy as well.

[gabefergy]

both torrey and mcphee are RFA so they both wont be going anywhere.

also ravens are good at finding pass rusher but terrible in finding a legit deep treath.

that alone makes torrey priority #1.

btw Jimmy has still 1 year and after that RFA left so he will be on the team for at least 2 seasons ....

I dont think you said one thing that is accurate. McPhee and Torrey are both unrestricted FAs. And since when have the Ravens been good at finding pass rushers? McPhee and Kruger, maybe Adalius Thomas, are the only quality pass rushers the Ravens have drafted since Suggs.

[beanfigger]

both torrey and mcphee are RFA so they both wont be going anywhere.

also ravens are good at finding pass rusher but terrible in finding a legit deep treath.

that alone makes torrey priority #1.

btw Jimmy has still 1 year and after that RFA left so he will be on the team for at least 2 seasons ....

Neither Torrey nor McPhee are RFA, and neither will Jimmy be after next year.

[Tru11]

hmmmmmm so i see.....

[rmw10]

Without reading through the thread...

 

McPhee, Torrey, Daniels, and Forsett should all be guys that we should want to re-sign at this point.  It wouldn't absolutely kill us to lose any of them, but they are guys that we should definitely be looking at bringing back.  Daniels and Forsett should both be relatively cheap, so the main priorities would be Torrey and McPhee.  Tucker and Hill are RFAs that could be in line for extensions as well.

 

In regards to guys would still be under contract, a decision on Ngata needs to be made.  Will we cut him or extend him?  He's definitely not playing at his current cap number.  Canty and Koch are likely gone, with the possibility of Koch being back at a lower amount.  We have some time on Jimmy but we probably want to open extension talks with him as well.  A guy that isn't being talked about that much in the way of an extension is Yanda.  He'd help clear some cap room, but we also get to keep a stellar player.

 

Needs haven't changed too much from this year.  RB, WR, TE, OLB, and CB will all be needs at varying levels.  TE and OLB could be eliminated if Pitta comes back and if McPhee sticks around.  A long-term RB and WR should be in the cards.  CB could be solved via FA and/or the draft, in my opinion.

[GrimCoconut]

Without reading through the thread...

McPhee, Torrey, Daniels, and Forsett should all be guys that we should want to re-sign at this point. It wouldn't absolutely kill us to lose any of them, but they are guys that we should definitely be looking at bringing back. Daniels and Forsett should both be relatively cheap, so the main priorities would be Torrey and McPhee. Tucker and Hill are RFAs that could be in line for extensions as well.

In regards to guys would still be under contract, a decision on Ngata needs to be made. Will we cut him or extend him? He's definitely not playing at his current cap number. Canty and Koch are likely gone, with the possibility of Koch being back at a lower amount. We have some time on Jimmy but we probably want to open extension talks with him as well. A guy that isn't being talked about that much in the way of an extension is Yanda. He'd help clear some cap room, but we also get to keep a stellar player.

Needs haven't changed too much from this year. RB, WR, TE, OLB, and CB will all be needs at varying levels. TE and OLB could be eliminated if Pitta comes back and if McPhee sticks around. A long-term RB and WR should be in the cards. CB could be solved via FA and/or the draft, in my opinion.

I think on Yanda, nobody mentions him because I think a lot of people think he isn't necessarily likely to return with the 2016 free agents up for new deals. Jimmy Smith, KO, Upshaw are the biggest ones. I'm not sure we can invest that much into the OL may have to choose between KO and Yanda. Though I think if Yanda takes a friendly deal he's one who could very likely be extended and re-signed. I'd like that very much. He is a bit older so we'll have to see. I do agree he's a possibility.

I think TE is a need regardless of Pitta but it depends on how much. With what's shaping up to be a very lackluster TE class, I think the odds are against us taking one but you never know.

I think OLB and CB are draft needs regardless of free agency, it's just a matter of how high. I think we'll re-sign one of Brown or Franks, so we don't have too much turnover but I think whoever is retained is retained at a very cheap rate a one year deal, though I could see an affordable two year contract offered.

I think this is the end for Koch and Canty, and I can see Ngata being added to the list if he doesn't take some kind of outright pay cut or restructure. I don't think he'll take a pay cut, which implies a restructure that would satisfy both he and the Ravens.

If we do let a guy like Ngata or Canty go, I can see us re-sign a player we know from before--Cory Redding. He'll be a free agent next year and knows the defense to an extent. I could see him back to provide veteran leadership to a DL that could potentially lose some. Remember that McPhee attributed a lot of his success early on to Redding.

[jdynamite]

Forsett.

He has performed excellently. But I wouldn't be bothered at all if he ran 1300 yds and still were not resigned. Only if it were at a cheap price. I'm confident that we could add a decent RB in the draft or FA to complement LT (possibly Pierce if he stays healthy ). Forsett is doing great but I don't think he is about to have a P.Holmes type run. I'm thinking more like Olandis Gary, Tatum Bell and many others that hand success with Kubiak running system.

[Inqui]

He has performed excellently. But I wouldn't be bothered at all if he ran 1300 yds and still were not resigned. Only if it were at a cheap price. I'm confident that we could add a decent RB in the draft or FA to complement LT (possibly Pierce if he stays healthy ). Forsett is doing great but I don't think he is about to have a P.Holmes type run. I'm thinking more like Olandis Gary, Tatum Bell and many others that hand success with Kubiak running system.

Yeah, a running game is mostly as good as its line to begin with. And Kubiak's system means any bum off the street can look good if they have what the coaches look for.

 

I'd be content with a two- or three-year deal, but he's hardly worth breaking the bank over.

[rmw10]

I think on Yanda, nobody mentions him because I think a lot of people think he isn't necessarily likely to return with the 2016 free agents up for new deals. Jimmy Smith, KO, Upshaw are the biggest ones. I'm not sure we can invest that much into the OL may have to choose between KO and Yanda. Though I think if Yanda takes a friendly deal he's one who could very likely be extended and re-signed. I'd like that very much. He is a bit older so we'll have to see. I do agree he's a possibility.

I think TE is a need regardless of Pitta but it depends on how much. With what's shaping up to be a very lackluster TE class, I think the odds are against us taking one but you never know.

I think OLB and CB are draft needs regardless of free agency, it's just a matter of how high. I think we'll re-sign one of Brown or Franks, so we don't have too much turnover but I think whoever is retained is retained at a very cheap rate a one year deal, though I could see an affordable two year contract offered.

I think this is the end for Koch and Canty, and I can see Ngata being added to the list if he doesn't take some kind of outright pay cut or restructure. I don't think he'll take a pay cut, which implies a restructure that would satisfy both he and the Ravens.

If we do let a guy like Ngata or Canty go, I can see us re-sign a player we know from before--Cory Redding. He'll be a free agent next year and knows the defense to an extent. I could see him back to provide veteran leadership to a DL that could potentially lose some. Remember that McPhee attributed a lot of his success early on to Redding.

 

Yeah it's not forgone on Yanda, but he's definitely a possibility that many aren't discussing.  He's got 2 years left on his deal but his bonus money is very manageable for those 2 years.  His base salary is what will be tough going forward, and an extension could possibly solve those issues if we need the cap space.

 

I'm not sure on TE.  I believe we'll want Daniels back regardless of Pitta's status.  As long as he's willing to play, I think he'll be here.  He's insurance if Pitta does come back and can't handle it, and a viable starting option if Pitta is done.  Plus, we have Gillmore who is getting some time now, so we'll see how he does.  If we add someone, it'll be a late pick or a low-priced FA, in my opinion.

 

I definitely think we'll be hitting CB, and it wouldn't surprise me if we hit the position in FA as well.  Grab a mid-tier FA and a high pick on CB.  It lets the draft pick ease in while giving a solid option in the FA.

 

OLB was my original thought with an early pick, but if McPhee comes back, I don't see it.  We would certainly have an awful lot invested in that position, even though McPhee plays more DL.  This is another case where I could see a late pick only, pending McPhee is back.  If he's gone, I think we'll be looking high.

 

I feel like we'll work something out with Ngata even though I'd rather move on.  I think we have some more important long-term pieces where that money could be better spent.  Canty is gone without question in my book.  Koch is gone but I wouldn't rule him out from coming back at some point.  Jacoby likely won't be back either.  He's one I forgot.

[GrimCoconut]

Yeah it's not forgone on Yanda, but he's definitely a possibility that many aren't discussing.  He's got 2 years left on his deal but his bonus money is very manageable for those 2 years.  His base salary is what will be tough going forward, and an extension could possibly solve those issues if we need the cap space.

 

I'm not sure on TE.  I believe we'll want Daniels back regardless of Pitta's status.  As long as he's willing to play, I think he'll be here.  He's insurance if Pitta does come back and can't handle it, and a viable starting option if Pitta is done.  Plus, we have Gillmore who is getting some time now, so we'll see how he does.  If we add someone, it'll be a late pick or a low-priced FA, in my opinion.

 

I definitely think we'll be hitting CB, and it wouldn't surprise me if we hit the position in FA as well.  Grab a mid-tier FA and a high pick on CB.  It lets the draft pick ease in while giving a solid option in the FA.

 

OLB was my original thought with an early pick, but if McPhee comes back, I don't see it.  We would certainly have an awful lot invested in that position, even though McPhee plays more DL.  This is another case where I could see a late pick only, pending McPhee is back.  If he's gone, I think we'll be looking high.

 

I feel like we'll work something out with Ngata even though I'd rather move on.  I think we have some more important long-term pieces where that money could be better spent.  Canty is gone without question in my book.  Koch is gone but I wouldn't rule him out from coming back at some point.  Jacoby likely won't be back either.  He's one I forgot.

I wasn't implying we wouldn't re-sign Daniels. I think he could get a two-year deal with us next year, though that's a bit reluctant on my part considering his health. I'm still worried about giving him any long-term deal, though two-years isn't exactly long-term. I think we will want to take a TE to develop, since Gillmore has been developing this year, though it may end up a luxury and I'm not sure that happens if I am being honest. 

 

Yanda has one-year left, as in 2016 he'll be a free agent. Unless you're suggesting we restructure him now?

 

I think OLB could be a position we address even if McPhee returns because Upshaw is a free agent in 2016, along with Jimmy Smith, Ngata, Canty, Koch, Yanda and Osemele. Some big free agents there. Drafting a more complete OLB would allow us to let Upshaw walk, if we so chose. It really depends, though. Remains to be seen for sure. Just saying that I think if we retain McPhee we let Upshaw go, because that's four OLBs we would have retained and that's a lot of an investment. Suggs, Dumervil, Upshaw, McPhee. 

 

I lean towards the Ravens retaining Ngata, but I think it's very feasible he's gone. I do believe a guy like Redding could be a target for us, because he could serve Ngata's role well if we chose to let go of Ngata. 

[omar586]

i'll wait after we celebrate our SB win, than we can talk depth.

[Maryland]

I think you're confusing restructuring a contract with offering a contract extension. Ozzie (almost) never restructures contracts, with Webb's contract being the first one in a long time to be restructured and not extended. Restructuring contracts pushes guaranteed money into the future, forcing you to pay more for players as they go past their prime, making them difficult to cut. Leave restructuring to contracts to Jerry Jones and Kevin Colbert. 

[arnie_uk]

Looks like we have another one

[Drew P]

He has performed excellently. But I wouldn't be bothered at all if he ran 1300 yds and still were not resigned. Only if it were at a cheap price. I'm confident that we could add a decent RB in the draft or FA to complement LT (possibly Pierce if he stays healthy ). Forsett is doing great but I don't think he is about to have a P.Holmes type run. I'm thinking more like Olandis Gary, Tatum Bell and many others that hand success with Kubiak running system.

 

I think that the value of Kubiaks "system" is over stated and the RB's are under appreciated I have yet to see Pierce (or LT) hit the home run the way Forsett has. Without that guy this year the Ravens would not have that dynamic that was missing last year. Its still football there is nothing innovative to what scheme the O line is employing this year its still not about the X's and O's but about the Jims and the Joes...

[rmcjacket23]

I think that the value of Kubiaks "system" is over stated and the RB's are under appreciated I have yet to see Pierce (or LT) hit the home run the way Forsett has. Without that guy this year the Ravens would not have that dynamic that was missing last year. Its still football there is nothing innovative to what scheme the O line is employing this year its still not about the X's and O's but about the Jims and the Joes...

But it has to be at least significantly about the execution of the offensive line and the scheme, otherwise there's no excuse for Ray Rice to struggle as badly as he did last season.

 

Forsett isn't nor has he ever been as talented as Ray Rice, and the major difference between this season and last season is the "tweaks" to the scheme, coupled with the infusion of different players and the execution of those players on the offensive line.

 

When you've got three different RBs with three different skill sets (all of which are somewhat limited in my opinion), and they can all get at least 3.5-4 yards per carry, then in my opinion, it really doesn't matter who the RB is.

[JoeyFlex5]

mcphee is almost certainly taking a huge payday elsewhere, he isnt under the radar anymore, he is now getting some spotlight, and with possible injury concerns, our FO wont be outbidding those bad teams that are throwing insane amounts of money at him, im not happy about it but i dont expect mcphee to stay. 

 

also, a bigger priority than anyone right now, is to extend jimmy before his price tag goes through the roof. 

 

we need to let arthur brown see the field and see what we have with him, we could save some cap room if brown outplays daryl smith. jacoby seems to be done, he would make some nice cap room, also with ngata playing his best ball in years, he was a popular pick to get cut, but right now im not so sure, maybe a frontloaded extension so he can be cut later on if necessary without penalty, and if we backload jimmys extension, that should be very possible, and i say that should get done before joes contract gets out of control and restructures are needed. 

 

torrey on the other hand, obviously we cant let him go, regardless of his numbers, he is a huge part of our system, a huge reason we win, and not many people have more respect in our locker room, the good thing about him having a "down" year is that those high bidding teams may be scared off, thinking he is on a decline, but i dont believe it, i just think he plays a different role in the new system and its working fine, we may be able to get him on the cheap. 

 

ive said it for a while now and i still believe it, i think we plan on taking a blue chip pass rusher in the first this year, maybe even a trade up, i just dont see a scenario where we keep mcphee, it sucks because he is a versatile pass rushing machine. 

[rmcjacket23]

mcphee is almost certainly taking a huge payday elsewhere, he isnt under the radar anymore, he is now getting some spotlight, and with possible injury concerns, our FO wont be outbidding those bad teams that are throwing insane amounts of money at him, im not happy about it but i dont expect mcphee to stay. 

 

also, a bigger priority than anyone right now, is to extend jimmy before his price tag goes through the roof. 

 

we need to let arthur brown see the field and see what we have with him, we could save some cap room if brown outplays daryl smith. jacoby seems to be done, he would make some nice cap room, also with ngata playing his best ball in years, he was a popular pick to get cut, but right now im not so sure, maybe a frontloaded extension so he can be cut later on if necessary without penalty, and if we backload jimmys extension, that should be very possible, and i say that should get done before joes contract gets out of control and restructures are needed. 

 

torrey on the other hand, obviously we cant let him go, regardless of his numbers, he is a huge part of our system, a huge reason we win, and not many people have more respect in our locker room, the good thing about him having a "down" year is that those high bidding teams may be scared off, thinking he is on a decline, but i dont believe it, i just think he plays a different role in the new system and its working fine, we may be able to get him on the cheap. 

 

ive said it for a while now and i still believe it, i think we plan on taking a blue chip pass rusher in the first this year, maybe even a trade up, i just dont see a scenario where we keep mcphee, it sucks because he is a versatile pass rushing machine. 

Its a tough call with McPhee. I'm not convinced that he's getting much public exposure at this point. I think a major factor in the explosion from Paul Kruger was the fact that our team made the playoffs, we were front and center for so long in the playoffs, and he played well during that period. I think coaches and players know about him, but not at that level yet. Its hard to really gauge McPhee's contract possibilities at this point, since the season isn't even halfway over, but we are also probably going to be in a somewhat better cap situation than we were when Kruger's deal came up.

 

I don't see us cutting Daryl or Jacoby, because there really isn't much cost-savings in doing so. We would only save $750K each in 2015 by letting them go. To put that in perspective, you could save nearly as much if not more by cutting somebody like Gino Gradkowski or Albert McClellan, who I think are less valuable and more easily replaceable than losing Daryl or Jacoby.

 

I would say though that most likely 2015 would be the last seasons as a Raven for both Jacoby and Daryl, and you're then talking almost $4M in cap savings between the two.

[The Raven]

Its a tough call with McPhee. I'm not convinced that he's getting much public exposure at this point. I think a major factor in the explosion from Paul Kruger was the fact that our team made the playoffs, we were front and center for so long in the playoffs, and he played well during that period. I think coaches and players know about him, but not at that level yet. Its hard to really gauge McPhee's contract possibilities at this point, since the season isn't even halfway over, but we are also probably going to be in a somewhat better cap situation than we were when Kruger's deal came up.

 

I don't see us cutting Daryl or Jacoby, because there really isn't much cost-savings in doing so. We would only save $750K each in 2015 by letting them go. To put that in perspective, you could save nearly as much if not more by cutting somebody like Gino Gradkowski or Albert McClellan, who I think are less valuable and more easily replaceable than losing Daryl or Jacoby.

 

I would say though that most likely 2015 would be the last seasons as a Raven for both Jacoby and Daryl, and you're then talking almost $4M in cap savings between the two.

 

Yeah, no. That's not how the NFL works buddy. Teams know who McPhee is. No, he doesn't have "public exposure" to fans around the NFL, but they don't sign players. I guarantee you NFL GMs, coaches, and scouts know who McPhee is. NFL teams don't need to see a guy in the playoffs to know how good he is. They aren't fans. They do their homework. This is one of the dumbest things you've said.

[rmcjacket23]

Yeah, no. That's not how the NFL works buddy. Teams know who McPhee is. No, he doesn't have "public exposure" to fans around the NFL, but they don't sign players. I guarantee you NFL GMs, coaches, and scouts know who McPhee is. NFL teams don't need to see a guy in the playoffs to know how good he is. They aren't fans. They do their homework. This is one of the dumbest things you've said.

While that's true, you then can't think that NFL coaches and GMs are somehow going to elevate and pay McPhee top-tier pass rushing money (like a Paul Kruger) based on what essentially amounts to less than half a season of quality play.

 

I would guarantee that in the last 2-3 years, no coaches or GMs in this league were anxiously awaiting McPhee to become a FA so they could throw a boatload of cash at him.

 

And while I'm the biggest proponent of NFL executives and coaches having exponentially more knowledge and a much higher level and capability of evaluating talent than basically every fan on the planet does, lets not pretend like these guys don't throw a bunch of money at people on annual basis who turn out to be far, far, far less than what they saw on film.

 

Ellerbe put together about one years worth of quality film, and that was about it. He got a pretty large contract with the Dolphins with significant guaranteed money. He played terribly in his first season, was demoted to outside linebacker and sub-packages in the offseason, then was put on IR this season with a hip injury that really wasn't season-ending. He will be a FA come this offseason after the Dolphins inevitably release him.

 

And that entire scenario played out based on coaches, GMs and scouts watching film and live production from a player for what amounts to basically one season.

 

Needless to say, the evaluation process isn't fool proof. Its possible teams that evaluate him don't really like him that much. They may see him as a situational player who's primarily effective as a 50% snap count guy, in which case paying him significant money to be off the field half the time may not be in their best interest.

 

Again, far too early to make these judgments about how much interest or compensation he will get.

[redlobster]

Ngata - $8.5 million saved if cut next year (more than likely extended if he continues to play at quality level)

Canty - $2.6 million saved if cut next year

Koch - $2.5 million saved if cut next year

Jacoby - $750k saved

D Smith - $750k saved

 

Cutting those 5 saves 15.1 million in cap space that can go towards extending Torrey, Jimmy (if wanted since he is on 5th year deal).

 

I would be ok with Daniels being resigned at a very very low price. Forsett can walk and draft another rb in a later round.

[757RavensFan]

Yeah, no. That's not how the NFL works buddy. Teams know who McPhee is. No, he doesn't have "public exposure" to fans around the NFL, but they don't sign players. I guarantee you NFL GMs, coaches, and scouts know who McPhee is. NFL teams don't need to see a guy in the playoffs to know how good he is. They aren't fans. They do their homework. This is one of the dumbest things you've said.

 

 

I agree with the underlined.  You better believe by the end of the season at least 13 opposing HC and Off Coordinators know who McPhee is and that's b/c they had to face him and game plan for him this year.

[Corvus]

Just skimming through the thread, can't believe I didn't notice anyone mention getting Justin Tucker resigned who is in a contract year as well. Where would we be without his leg over the last two and a half years? I know he is "just a kicker" and that Pernell and Torrey's arrows are pointing up but come on guys, this is the best kicker in the league and he has won us several games, including arguably the Super Bowl since we only won that by 3 points. I'm sure it won't be a real issue to get him resigned and I know he wants to stay here but it's just surprising to me that he has been left out of this thread's discussion. we've got Jimmy for another year already so we really need to focus on Tucker, T. Smith, and McPhee and getting them resigned and honestly, Tucker is the most proven commodity of the three so he would be my #1 focus if I were Ozzie/Eric.

[GrimCoconut]

Its a tough call with McPhee. I'm not convinced that he's getting much public exposure at this point. I think a major factor in the explosion from Paul Kruger was the fact that our team made the playoffs, we were front and center for so long in the playoffs, and he played well during that period. I think coaches and players know about him, but not at that level yet. Its hard to really gauge McPhee's contract possibilities at this point, since the season isn't even halfway over, but we are also probably going to be in a somewhat better cap situation than we were when Kruger's deal came up.

 

I don't see us cutting Daryl or Jacoby, because there really isn't much cost-savings in doing so. We would only save $750K each in 2015 by letting them go. To put that in perspective, you could save nearly as much if not more by cutting somebody like Gino Gradkowski or Albert McClellan, who I think are less valuable and more easily replaceable than losing Daryl or Jacoby.

 

I would say though that most likely 2015 would be the last seasons as a Raven for both Jacoby and Daryl, and you're then talking almost $4M in cap savings between the two.

McPhee can play all over the line and his recent play has been very good in his role, so it's not inconceivable to think he could get paid very well on the open market, which I suspect happens barring an injury. If we make the playoffs, which looks very likely, he will gain even more attention. Granted, a Super Bowl appearance will certainly help increase his value, it won't necessarily increase it that much. There is a slight premium to be paid for signing a Super Bowl player, though, so you are correct there. 

 

Cutting Jacoby and/or Daryl Smith would be more than just cap savings. I think you could see both cut after June 1st and not make the 53 roster. See, their cut would likely be a result of more than a superficial reason of cap space. I think it's so much more multifaceted than that. If we do draft a WR high, which is pretty possible considering the class and free agents available on the open market, that could push Jones out of a job. I think Jones is here for training camp, but I would guarantee that if he doesn't improve we'll cut him before the 53. Daryl Smith could be cut or even traded if we see enough out of Arthur Brown and CJ Mosley to make that decision. I think if Mosley proves it, he can take the MIKE spot next year, which would push Smith back to WILL. If Brown is nipping at his heels, it could cause the FO to let Smith go to allow Brown playing time and to maintain its ST depth to improve the overall 53, rather than keeping a LB around just for depth (a la Brown this year).

 

If cut after June 1st, Jones would save $1.625M in 2015 but cost $1.75M in 2016. Daryl Smith would also save $1.625M in 2015 but cost $1.75M in 2016. That would save us a total of $3.25M in 2015 but cost us $3.5M in 2016, where we won't have to bare the weight Rice's dead money as much and will likely restructure Flacco to some extent. Cuts and trades aren't necessarily always about cap savings, so I can see Smith and Jones cut to 1) help improve cap security for possible future signings as necessary (such as an unforeseen injury a la Morgan Cox this year), 2) to reduce roster spots to help augment other areas of the roster that are not as strong. 

 

As for cutting Gradkowski, it's possible, though he would only save us $660K, and McClellan, while he would save $1M but he's a quality ST player and has rotated as an ILB and OLB in our system, so he provides decent depth. It's certainly plausible, though I'm not sure how likely considering Arthur Brown rides the bench and does not contribute on ST at all. So, he either rides the bench next year, is cut, or becomes a contributor, but then where does that leave Daryl Smith and CJ Mosley? 

[GrimCoconut]

Yeah, no. That's not how the NFL works buddy. Teams know who McPhee is. No, he doesn't have "public exposure" to fans around the NFL, but they don't sign players. I guarantee you NFL GMs, coaches, and scouts know who McPhee is. NFL teams don't need to see a guy in the playoffs to know how good he is. They aren't fans. They do their homework. This is one of the dumbest things you've said.

He is right in that players do get paid a premium for winning in or playing in a Super Bowl. It's not some record-breaking number or escalator, though there is a premium for signing a player who has won that game or even played in it. Granted, it's usually paid for by teams with losings records to acquire some of the intangible skills and assets that went into making it to and winning the game. I do agree, however, that teams know who he is. He's not some secret. Lol.