Ravens Signings and Re-signings (actual and speculation)

[GrimCoconut]

There's no way I'd want to take a $6M hit in 2016 for Webb. 2016 is a big year for us cap space wise.

You've got Joe's cap # doubling to about $28M, and if he doesn't agree to restructure/extend, you've got a problem there (and he has all the leverage in that season). You'd also have Jimmy Smith up for a potentially big contract, and you'd have both Yanda and KO has UFAs that season if Yanda doesn't get an extension.

I agree. This year we have free agents who we can lose. Losing Torrey, McPhee would suck but they certainly wouldn't be devastating loses. Yanda, KO and Jimmy could be huge losses.

[Pirate88]

There's no way I'd want to take a $6M hit in 2016 for Webb. 2016 is a big year for us cap space wise.

 

You've got Joe's cap # doubling to about $28M, and if he doesn't agree to restructure/extend, you've got a problem there (and he has all the leverage in that season). You'd also have Jimmy Smith up for a potentially big contract, and you'd have both Yanda and KO has UFAs that season if Yanda doesn't get an extension.

I was talking bout Jacoby Jones a June cut. Webb I think gets restructured for less $$ or cut. He has to know his value won't be much if he is cut even though he was good down the stretch. so he should agree to a paycut restructure that pays him more than he would get on the open market if he is flat out cut yet much more cap friendly for us and hopefully he is healthy. I think Suggs last season with the team will be 2015 as we likely draft a young edge rusher early this draft to learn under him. Either that or he takes a pay cut and becomes the #3 rotational edge rusher as he basically starts getting less snaps than the young player and reduced role or he retires. As long as Joe doesn't lose $$ I'm sure he restructures to reduce his cap #. After all he is used to winning. As long as an owner is willing to pay out the $$ then cap figures can be reduced and spread out. Osemele barring injury could be the best LG in the NFL next season and will cost. Yanda at 31-32 won't cost as much. Same with N'gata, at his age I think he restructures and even takes a pay cut at his age. Something like 3-4 years with a decent bonus up front and not much garunteed after that. Then He probably has another 2 years before he retires or has a reduced role. Or he could be cut altogether if Ravens land another good DT in round 2-3. Everybody is thinking WR in this draft but I see edge rusher then corner or edge rusher and DLine . This is an underwhelming Safety draft and That Elam pick is really hurting us!! Good news is we can get talented WRs/TEs at a bargain in FA like Housler Britt and Crabtree or a Vernon Davis once cut and focus on other positions in the draft.

[reed20]

There's no way we're letting the best offensive lineman in the league walk.

[Guest I-70WestRaven]

Let's let Ozzie do what he does best. That's why he's him and were not. Just sayin'! Way to soon to get into this.

[757RavensFan]

Outside of Pernell McPhee, what free agent re-signing would excite you the most?

[rmcjacket23]

I was talking bout Jacoby Jones a June cut. Webb I think gets restructured for less $$ or cut. He has to know his value won't be much if he is cut even though he was good down the stretch. so he should agree to a paycut restructure that pays him more than he would get on the open market if he is flat out cut yet much more cap friendly for us and hopefully he is healthy. I think Suggs last season with the team will be 2015 as we likely draft a young edge rusher early this draft to learn under him. Either that or he takes a pay cut and becomes the #3 rotational edge rusher as he basically starts getting less snaps than the young player and reduced role or he retires. As long as Joe doesn't lose $$ I'm sure he restructures to reduce his cap #. After all he is used to winning. As long as an owner is willing to pay out the $$ then cap figures can be reduced and spread out. Osemele barring injury could be the best LG in the NFL next season and will cost. Yanda at 31-32 won't cost as much. Same with N'gata, at his age I think he restructures and even takes a pay cut at his age. Something like 3-4 years with a decent bonus up front and not much garunteed after that. Then He probably has another 2 years before he retires or has a reduced role. Or he could be cut altogether if Ravens land another good DT in round 2-3. Everybody is thinking WR in this draft but I see edge rusher then corner or edge rusher and DLine . This is an underwhelming Safety draft and That Elam pick is really hurting us!! Good news is we can get talented WRs/TEs at a bargain in FA like Housler Britt and Crabtree or a Vernon Davis once cut and focus on other positions in the draft.

Here's my take...

 

1. Suggs isn't going anywhere for the next two seasons... he's basically locked in through 2016. Cutting him in 2016 would save us a whopping $100K against the cap, with $6.6M in dead money. We could ask him to take a paycut, but he's really not making that much that season anyway ($4.5M), and he has no incentive to agree, because he knows the franchise won't cut him over $100K. Even as a backup, he's worth way more than that. Frankly, the way his contract is designed, he basically is going to play here until he retires. Even in 2017, we save less than $2M against the cap by cutting him.

 

Bottom line... he's here a minimum of two more years, and quite possibly three.

 

2. You really can't restructure Joe's contract... he needs to accept an extension. Given how well he's been playing recently, he may not even accept an extension for equal or less. You've got an annually increasing salary cap, an even greater dependency on QBs in the league, and you'll have guys like Wilson and Luck (who arguably have lesser credentials) making upwards of $25M a season potentially.

 

3. If Yanda gets extended this offseason, it will likely be costly. Offensive lineman can play longer than a lot of players in this league, and he's probably got at least 2-3 quality years of play left in him at a minimum. He's coming off an All-Pro campaign, and he made $6.5M on average on his previous deal. He could easily get that again from us or from somebody else, and I would think the floor with him would be about $5M a year, which is substantial for a guard.

 

4. KO is an interesting case. Conventional wisdom says we would try to keep him, but if you're signing Yanda this season or next, can you afford to pay two guards elite guard money in back to back seasons? Historically, the answer is no, because we saw this a few years ago with Yanda/Grubbs. Grubbs was arguably better than KO is at that time, and we signed Yanda and let him walk. That potentially certainly looms for KO, considering that they probably do like Urschel and the fact that the franchise has a proven track record of drafting and developing quality interior lineman in the mid to late rounds of the draft.

[GrimCoconut]

4. KO is an interesting case. Conventional wisdom says we would try to keep him, but if you're signing Yanda this season or next, can you afford to pay two guards elite guard money in back to back seasons? Historically, the answer is no, because we saw this a few years ago with Yanda/Grubbs. Grubbs was arguably better than KO is at that time, and we signed Yanda and let him walk. That potentially certainly looms for KO, considering that they probably do like Urschel and the fact that the franchise has a proven track record of drafting and developing quality interior lineman in the mid to late rounds of the draft.

An interesting tidbit to add onto your comment is that KO has been injury-prone as much as he's been dominant. Furthermore, Zuttah actually played LG as well before he played center and has the versatility to swing. It's certainly possible the FO extends Yanda and lets KO play out his contract to see if he retains his quality of play and if he remains healthy. I think those are the two large factors for him. 

 

KO is also very versatile in that he could potentially play LT in a pinch, which is a nice benefit for us as well. I don't think it's nearly as clear-cut as you do, although I do agree that it'll be tricky. 

[rmcjacket23]

Merge topics...

[rmcjacket23]

An interesting tidbit to add onto your comment is that KO has been injury-prone as much as he's been dominant. Furthermore, Zuttah actually played LG as well before he played center and has the versatility to swing. It's certainly possible the FO extends Yanda and lets KO play out his contract to see if he retains his quality of play and if he remains healthy. I think those are the two large factors for him. 

 

KO is also very versatile in that he could potentially play LT in a pinch, which is a nice benefit for us as well. I don't think it's nearly as clear-cut as you do, although I do agree that it'll be tricky. 

Well I certainly don't think its clear-cut... I think there's plenty of question marks. In 2015 alone, you're going to have about $20M in cap space tied up between Yanda, Monroe, and Zuttah, with Monroe and Zuttah on the books for $13M in space in 2016.

 

If we're talking about locking up Yanda and KO in back to back seasons, you could have a $20-25M offensive line (excluding Wagner), which in my opinion, is a bit on the high side. And heck, Wagner would need a new deal after 2016 too, so you've potentially got three offensive lineman looking for decent sized contracts in the next three seasons, and they are essentially unarguably our three best lineman also.

 

If I were a betting man, I'd say at least one of them isn't around long term, and KO makes the most sense to me as that guy.

[GrimCoconut]

Well I certainly don't think its clear-cut... I think there's plenty of question marks. In 2015 alone, you're going to have about $20M in cap space tied up between Yanda, Monroe, and Zuttah, with Monroe and Zuttah on the books for $13M in space in 2016.

 

If we're talking about locking up Yanda and KO in back to back seasons, you could have a $20-25M offensive line (excluding Wagner), which in my opinion, is a bit on the high side. And heck, Wagner would need a new deal after 2016 too, so you've potentially got three offensive lineman looking for decent sized contracts in the next three seasons, and they are essentially unarguably our three best lineman also.

 

If I were a betting man, I'd say at least one of them isn't around long term, and KO makes the most sense to me as that guy.

Yeah, KO is a guy who could likely just find himself out of room here. I think we would want to keep both of them, but KO has his injury history and Yanda has fought through them. I think that's a big deal--consistency and dependability. Can you depend on them consistently to do their job? We know Yanda, yes. KO is a question mark in that area because he has been injured. One quantifier that we haven't really discussed is Zuttah, who could be the odd one out if we chose to extend Yanda and wanted to retain KO. We could potentially cut Zuttah and move Urschel to center if we chose that route. It's certainly on the table, although it's not necessarily terrific because Zuttah is relatively inexpensive at 3.5M base salary. 

[HoldingCall]

I was talking bout Jacoby Jones a June cut. Webb I think gets restructured for less $$ or cut. He has to know his value won't be much if he is cut even though he was good down the stretch. so he should agree to a paycut restructure that pays him more than he would get on the open market if he is flat out cut yet much more cap friendly for us and hopefully he is healthy. I think Suggs last season with the team will be 2015 as we likely draft a young edge rusher early this draft to learn under him. Either that or he takes a pay cut and becomes the #3 rotational edge rusher as he basically starts getting less snaps than the young player and reduced role or he retires. As long as Joe doesn't lose $$ I'm sure he restructures to reduce his cap #. After all he is used to winning. As long as an owner is willing to pay out the $$ then cap figures can be reduced and spread out. Osemele barring injury could be the best LG in the NFL next season and will cost. Yanda at 31-32 won't cost as much. Same with N'gata, at his age I think he restructures and even takes a pay cut at his age. Something like 3-4 years with a decent bonus up front and not much garunteed after that. Then He probably has another 2 years before he retires or has a reduced role. Or he could be cut altogether if Ravens land another good DT in round 2-3. Everybody is thinking WR in this draft but I see edge rusher then corner or edge rusher and DLine . This is an underwhelming Safety draft and That Elam pick is really hurting us!! Good news is we can get talented WRs/TEs at a bargain in FA like Housler Britt and Crabtree or a Vernon Davis once cut and focus on other positions in the draft.

 

If Elam seriously wants to play in the NFL for any length of time he should not sell sporting goods this offseason but use his time to work diligently on his craft. Do what needs to be done to improve or risk ending his career at the end of his rookie contract, or sooner. If he can't take year round football training for a few years then he is accepting a short career. The FO, I sure is watching.

[sflegend89]

Jacoby gotta go. His return game was just frustrating. 

 

Jacoby played scared all year. On all his big returns over his career he would confidently sprint full clip and force coverage teams to take good angles on him or get burned. This year he was afraid to put the pedal to the floor, he would bring the ball out and dance around looking for a lane before he would actually get in stride and he looked borderline scared of taking a big hit.

 

I'm not sure whether he took a shot that scared him off from being fearless in his returns or what but something was definitely off with him this year. I love Jacoby as a person, I'm forever thankful for the huge role he had in our 2012 SB run but I think his time in Baltimore has come to a close. It's not personal, just 100% a football decision. He's not a good wr and he was sticking around by being a playmaker in the return game. Reminds me a lot of Hester how they both lost their "spark" as returners at a certain point. It's been a hell of a ride but I think the magic has finally run out for Jacoby.

[BMORE_96]

If Elam seriously wants to play in the NFL for any length of time he should not sell sporting goods this offseason but use his time to work diligently on his craft. Do what needs to be done to improve or risk ending his career at the end of his rookie contract, or sooner. If he can't take year round football training for a few years then he is accepting a short career. The FO, I sure is watching.

the elam pick hurts to a degree. will hill comes to us, without any investment, and plays how we wanted elam to play.i call it the natural order of things. from now on, if elam plays well next to hill,or the darian stewarts or terrence brooks of the world take his spot, the defense would still do well. 

[The Raven]

Well I certainly don't think its clear-cut... I think there's plenty of question marks. In 2015 alone, you're going to have about $20M in cap space tied up between Yanda, Monroe, and Zuttah, with Monroe and Zuttah on the books for $13M in space in 2016.

 

If we're talking about locking up Yanda and KO in back to back seasons, you could have a $20-25M offensive line (excluding Wagner), which in my opinion, is a bit on the high side. And heck, Wagner would need a new deal after 2016 too, so you've potentially got three offensive lineman looking for decent sized contracts in the next three seasons, and they are essentially unarguably our three best lineman also.

 

If I were a betting man, I'd say at least one of them isn't around long term, and KO makes the most sense to me as that guy.

 

$20-25 M may be on the high side, but history shows that teams win when they invest in the line. For most of the decade, the Patriots spent about 25 on their line. And every year, they had the best line. I have no issue with spending $25M on the starting line. The game is won in the trenches, so buy a great line.

 

People may question the Patriots' reputation now, but you simply can't argue against the quality of their offensive line and its impact on their offense.

Edited January 27, 2015 by The Raven

[K-Dog]

Jacoby certainly didnt do terrible this year, but not what we all have gotten used to.

[HoldingCall]

the elam pick hurts to a degree. will hill comes to us, without any investment, and plays how we wanted elam to play.i call it the natural order of things. from now on, if elam plays well next to hill,or the darian stewarts or terrence brooks of the world take his spot, the defense would still do well. 

We know how big the word "if" can be. "If he plays well," then I agree but I don't see it happening without a lot of off season work on his skills. He needs to find a group to work with, and should put other summer job pursuits on the side for a while. I think, that's what's best right now for him and the team.

[Moderator 3]

Reminder: Draft talk goes in the Draft Forum. This thread is about players already on the team.

[rmcjacket23]

$20-25 M may be on the high side, but history shows that teams win when they invest in the line. For most of the decade, the Patriots spent about 25 on their line. And every year, they had the best line. I have no issue with spending $25M on the starting line. The game is won in the trenches, so buy a great line.

 

People may question the Patriots' reputation now, but you simply can't argue against the quality of their offensive line and its impact on their offense.

True, but particularly when it comes to interior O-line, we have a history of successfully drafting and developing players there. Given that, its sort of hard to justify paying top dollar to positions where we can probably find or develop suitable replacements.

 

I would think positions where we are notoriously weak at drafting and developing, such as QB (until Joe), WR, and probably Corner are spots where we should consider spending larger chunks of our money.

 

I mean lets be honest with ourselves... positions like RB, linebacker, D-line for the most part, and interior O-line are positions this team has had no issue drafting and developing players historically, and that's unlikely to change. I'm not saying we let generational players like Ray or possibly Mosley (a bit early for this) walk after their first contract, but its the precise reason why guys like Ellerbe, Kruger, Art Jones, etc. aren't amongst our highest priority resigns, even though they were quality players for us.

Edited January 27, 2015 by rmcjacket23

[Purple Punishment]

Reminder: Draft talk goes in the Draft Forum. This thread is about players already on the team.

Meanie

[B-more Ravor]

Yeah - no way they are doing Post June 1 with Webb, for the reasons you stated. I think they have no choice, given his contract and their desperate lack of depth at the position, to ride Webb out for this season and pray he gives us reason to believe he can play somewhere in the general vicinity of his contract. 

 

.........

 

But true - as you say, it is a form of "kicking the can down the road", and as a general rule, we don't like to do it. 

 

 

While I agree that teams like as little dead money as possible, there are times they just may have no choice.  This, perhaps, may be one of them.

 

Unless the Cap goes up substantially more than expected, they are going to be over the Cap upon tendering their ERFAs and RFAs, so they are going to have to find substantial Cap space in order to get under the Cap and free up space to sign/re-sign guys.

 

The call with Webb is whether they feel he can recover AND stay healthy.  If not, then they almost have to do something because of the Cap savings a post-June 1 release provides.

 

I'm now leaning more towards a forced paycut (with incentives built into allow him to recoup that money) and if not, then a post-June 1 release.  That $8M in June can be used to sign their rookies and the excess to carry into the season for injury replacements. 

 

Look at it this way, if they feel that Webb will not be a Ravens in 2016 - then they are going to have $6M in dead money in 2016 either way.  So, if that's the case, then is Webb worth $8M this year or would they be better off using that $8M elsewhere?  No, the money isn't available until June, but they can spend to the Cap until then, knowing they've got enough to cover the rookies and carry into the season when the $8M is freed up in June.

 

Certainly not an optimal resolution, but perhaps the most practical.

[rmcjacket23]

While I agree that teams like as little dead money as possible, there are times they just may have no choice.  This, perhaps, may be one of them.

 

Unless the Cap goes up substantially more than expected, they are going to be over the Cap upon tendering their ERFAs and RFAs, so they are going to have to find substantial Cap space in order to get under the Cap and free up space to sign/re-sign guys.

 

The call with Webb is whether they feel he can recover AND stay healthy.  If not, then they almost have to do something because of the Cap savings a post-June 1 release provides.

 

I'm now leaning more towards a forced paycut (with incentives built into allow him to recoup that money) and if not, then a post-June 1 release.  That $8M in June can be used to sign their rookies and the excess to carry into the season for injury replacements. 

 

Look at it this way, if they feel that Webb will not be a Ravens in 2016 - then they are going to have $6M in dead money in 2016 either way.  So, if that's the case, then is Webb worth $8M this year or would they be better off using that $8M elsewhere?  No, the money isn't available until June, but they can spend to the Cap until then, knowing they've got enough to cover the rookies and carry into the season when the $8M is freed up in June.

 

Certainly not an optimal resolution, but perhaps the most practical.

I do agree with this... there might not be an option.

 

From the 2016 perspective, the Ravens would hold more leverage then if the status quo remains. So at that point, the Ravens basically could decide whether to extend at a significant discount (probably ideal) or cut. I don't think cutting outright is a really great option this season, and Webb still has the leverage in paycut negotiations.

 

While I don't think it will happen, I can see Webb playing at his current cap number being a possibility IF the Ravens are actually interested in him staying for a long time and they are able to work out some cap space in other areas, such as cutting/extending Ngata and/or Yanda.

[balfan23]

While I agree that teams like as little dead money as possible, there are times they just may have no choice.  This, perhaps, may be one of them.

 

Unless the Cap goes up substantially more than expected, they are going to be over the Cap upon tendering their ERFAs and RFAs, so they are going to have to find substantial Cap space in order to get under the Cap and free up space to sign/re-sign guys.

 

The call with Webb is whether they feel he can recover AND stay healthy.  If not, then they almost have to do something because of the Cap savings a post-June 1 release provides.

 

I'm now leaning more towards a forced paycut (with incentives built into allow him to recoup that money) and if not, then a post-June 1 release.  That $8M in June can be used to sign their rookies and the excess to carry into the season for injury replacements. 

 

Look at it this way, if they feel that Webb will not be a Ravens in 2016 - then they are going to have $6M in dead money in 2016 either way.  So, if that's the case, then is Webb worth $8M this year or would they be better off using that $8M elsewhere?  No, the money isn't available until June, but they can spend to the Cap until then, knowing they've got enough to cover the rookies and carry into the season when the $8M is freed up in June.

 

Certainly not an optimal resolution, but perhaps the most practical.

Absolutely, our cap situation is tough and we'll indeed be over the cap right out of the gate. However, saving 2M on Webb pre-June 1 isn't worth it and saving 8M after June 1 is way more money than we can effectively use after that date. Yes, we'll need to sign rookies and grab a couple of late pick ups, but that doesn't require anything close to that kind of money. Actually, I was thinking the difference between pre and post June 1 money for Jacoby was such that they'd be looking at making him a post June 1 cut and his saving difference would be enough to sign rookies and a couple of late pick ups

 

If we cut him, who's taking his place? As you say, we are tight on the cap, so we can't bring in any CBs of note off of the FA. If we save the money post-June 1, anyone who is worth anything is already on a roster. I agree, I think the team will love to have him take a pay-cut, but I just don't know that they have leverage to do that. 

[PurpleCity5]

Absolutely, our cap situation is tough and we'll indeed be over the cap right out of the gate. However, saving 2M on Webb pre-June 1 isn't worth it and saving 8M after June 1 is way more money than we can effectively use after that date. Yes, we'll need to sign rookies and grab a couple of late pick ups, but that doesn't require anything close to that kind of money. Actually, I was thinking the difference between pre and post June 1 money for Jacoby was such that they'd be looking at making him a post June 1 cut and his saving difference would be enough to sign rookies and a couple of late pick ups

 

If we cut him, who's taking his place? As you say, we are tight on the cap, so we can't bring in any CBs of note off of the FA. If we save the money post-June 1, anyone who is worth anything is already on a roster. I agree, I think the team will love to have him take a pay-cut, but I just don't know that they have leverage to do that. 

I think we could get a trade, but it just seems unlikely. 

Edited January 30, 2015 by PurpleCity5

[PurpleCity5]

I do agree with this... there might not be an option.

 

From the 2016 perspective, the Ravens would hold more leverage then if the status quo remains. So at that point, the Ravens basically could decide whether to extend at a significant discount (probably ideal) or cut. I don't think cutting outright is a really great option this season, and Webb still has the leverage in paycut negotiations.

 

While I don't think it will happen, I can see Webb playing at his current cap number being a possibility IF the Ravens are actually interested in him staying for a long time and they are able to work out some cap space in other areas, such as cutting/extending Ngata and/or Yanda.

I just don't see Webb getting cut at all. He hasn't lived up to his contract, but at the moment we're very thin at CB, the savings are totally low and a post June-1st cut is pretty much useless unless you're trying to free more roster spots, wouldn't make sense in Webb's case due to the fact that he's the unsung starting #2 CB and it ain't even close. I don't see it happening. 

[JO_75]

I just don't see Webb getting cut at all. He hasn't lived up to his contract, but at the moment we're very thin at CB, the savings are totally low and a post June-1st cut is pretty much useless unless you're trying to free more roster spots, wouldn't make sense in Webb's case due to the fact that he's the unsung starting #2 CB and it ain't even close. I don't see it happening. 

 

I don't see Webb getting cut either. Plus I think he showed a little flash of the old Webb in the post-season which I think the team will see as a sign he's going to be a contributing player. We aren't thin, Jimmy and Webb coming back. Melvin is a ERFA and will be back, so is Tramain Jacobs so that's 4 corners right there. Gorrer, Cason and Chris Greenwood are the only UFA CBs we have, I think Gorrer was playing well enough before getting injured that he'll get a low 1-2 year deal to come back. We'll be fine at Corner, it's just Ngata's contract is the big issue.

 

Feb 17th, 2014 we reached a new 5 year deal with Suggs, so hopefully at some point in Feb, we hear we inked a new 5-6 year deal with Ngata(remember he is still only 31 and is playing at a high level).

[DMH_in_WA]

Nobody offers the same type of dynamic return abilities on KO (Campanaro seems to be the guy on punts), but I think it's possible a guy falls to us in the draft or undrafted who can possibly provide some of the KRS role, and it's certainly possible Asa Jackson could fill that role for us as well. Asa was used on KO returns, IIRC. So he is a guy we could lean on for KO duties. The problem I foresee for Jacoby is that he is limited as a WR and now is slowing down as a RS, which limits his overall contributions to the team. I think it's a mostly matter of roster spot and not necessarily money.

For just his KO return skills alone I think you bring him back. He was #2 (qualified) in the NFL last year for avg yds/return on KO (30.6 - second only to Adam Jones by 0.7yds) and total return yards (978) while being 6th in total KO return attempts. And of those 5 above him with more attempts, only Hester has more total yards (150 more yards in 13 extra attempts).

That extra field position on KO alone is big. Add to it the possibility he can take it to the house every time he touches it, I think as long as you don't absolutely need the roster spot for a more explosive player, you leave him there until his #'s drop.

[bMore Heathen]

For just his KO return skills alone I think you bring him back. He was #2 (qualified) in the NFL last year for avg yds/return on KO (30.6 - second only to Adam Jones by 0.7yds) and total return yards (978) while being 6th in total KO return attempts. And of those 5 above him with more attempts, only Hester has more total yards (150 more yards in 13 extra attempts).

That extra field position on KO alone is big. Add to it the possibility he can take it to the house every time he touches it, I think as long as you don't absolutely need the roster spot for a more explosive player, you leave him there until his #'s drop.

2.5M for a guy that's only a KR is crazy, no matter how good he is. Not to mention the roster spot and the active spot on gameday. He should be cut at some point this offseason.

[balfan23]

I don't see Webb getting cut either. Plus I think he showed a little flash of the old Webb in the post-season which I think the team will see as a sign he's going to be a contributing player. We aren't thin, Jimmy and Webb coming back. Melvin is a ERFA and will be back, so is Tramain Jacobs so that's 4 corners right there. Gorrer, Cason and Chris Greenwood are the only UFA CBs we have, I think Gorrer was playing well enough before getting injured that he'll get a low 1-2 year deal to come back. We'll be fine at Corner, it's just Ngata's contract is the big issue.

 

Feb 17th, 2014 we reached a new 5 year deal with Suggs, so hopefully at some point in Feb, we hear we inked a new 5-6 year deal with Ngata(remember he is still only 31 and is playing at a high level).

I agree. Aside from all of the money issues Webb carries - given our weakness at the CB position, what he has showed us in the past and his relative improvement through this season, I just don't know that the team is as ready to give up on Webb as many in the fan base are. 

 

But make no mistake, he's on the serious hot-seat this season. He's going to have to be a lot better than "pretty good", for us to not part ways with him after the 2015 season. 

[Pirate88]

Danell Ellerbe is a likely cap cut by the dolphins. If he is we should seriously consider bringing him back!! Some fans forget how good he is. He didn't play with same fire with dolphins whose defense shows no attitude!! But he was awesome in Baltimore. He has safety speed and athleticism and is physical and explosive and he hits like a savage when he plays for the ravens. I was at the AFC championship game January 2013 and Patsie fans were petrified of Ellerbe more than Lewis. One way or another I'm for replacing Daryl Smith. I think we could get a Round5-6 pick for him considering we are paying part of his salary and he still is a good LB. Its just he has clearly lost a half step and is way on the wrong side of 30!! I know some fans will be angry at the idea of trading a good player but if the Ravens don't replace Smith now when the opportunity is there, the Ravens will be going into the off season next year at this time with 3 aging LBsLBs all well over 30 whose play could fall off as early as next year. We could be talking bout Smiths and Suggs down year next draft season. And Dumervil as well will be 32 and he is the youngest of the bunch. I think Dumervil will have another very productive year next year but scenario is of all of the older LBs having off years and showing their age has to be taken in consideration. Finding legit replacements for Suggs and Smith would be enough of a challenge!!

If not Ellerbe then Sean Weatherspoon and Daryl Washington should be seriously considered in my opinion. They all would be bargains for various reasons but either would make a ferocious 3 down tandem with Mosley. I would lean towards Washington or Weather spoon cuz they are 26 and 27 while Ellerbe will be 29 next year. However at 29 he is still is in his prime and he has experience with the Ravens. So any of them would be a winner to pair up with Mosley. It would give the ravens 2 instinctful and physical 3 down LBs with the athleticism speed and cover skills of many hard hitting strong safety's. They can cover TEs and RBs man up and patrol zones over the middle like 2 extra hard hitting Safety's. Then if we add a Michael Bennett or Grady Jarett in the draft and that's the most ferocious and active front7 in the NFL!!

[Pirate88]

As for resignings Will Hill is most important in my opinion. He is our only proven safety and can do it all from safety position and that's a rare commodity around the NFL. It would be cool to bring Torrey back but not at expense of not being able to sign a TE and another WR that's more consistent.