Free Agency Targets

[ravenz2752]

Any upcoming free agents that will fit well with the ravens?

[Alaska Alaska!]

Vernon Davis. But I don't know what kind of $$$ he's looking for.  Also, hope we get a chance at Bryon Maxwell but rumors are the Eagles are gunning for him

[codizzle]

Vernon Davis. But I don't know what kind of $$$ he's looking for. Also, hope we get a chance at Bryon Maxwell but rumors are the Eagles are gunning for him

Wouldn't want either at all

[Alaska Alaska!]

Wouldn't want either at all

Don't leave me in suspense.  Why wouldn't you want them?

[codizzle]

Don't leave me in suspense. Why wouldn't you want them?

Money mainly.. And is Vernon a FA this season?

Honestly don't expect us to sign a FA CB unless Jimmy looks rough next summer

[akacrow]

We should keep our own players and build through the draft.

[GrimCoconut]

I really want DT Cory Redding, S Rahim Moore, TE Virgil Green are probably my top guys at the moment. Still evaluating the CB market. 

[Alaska Alaska!]

Money mainly.. And is Vernon a FA this season?

Honestly don't expect us to sign a FA CB unless Jimmy looks rough next summer

If a talented CB is avalible that meets our price range, we're definitely signing them.  And VD is a FA.  Might be too expensive as you said

Edited January 5, 2015 by Alaska Alaska!

[hn68wb4]

Something I've been looking at as I've been getting ready for the offseason is the prospect of signing a vet CB for depth, not a guy that should be starting but quality depth at the vet minimum would be nice, if this year has taught us anything it's that we should have at least some depth at that position with our starters being Jimmy and Webb, two guys that have had problems with injuries. I don't want to be caught again next year without depth. So a couple vets out there in no particular order: Charles Tillman, Terrance Newman, Rashean Mathis, Hold on to Aaron Ross (although he's had two serious injuries two years in a row). Also a vet DT would be nice, especially if we indeed let Cody walk. 

 

I've never been one for signing young high profile FAs...I'd rather take cheap vets or low profile guys, i think thats what our FO does as well. Seems like we get good value out of doing that and we don't have to tie up a bunch of money for high profile guys.

[PurpleCity5]

Not FA's but these guys could part ways. Vincent Jackson or Larry Fitzgerald. Vincent Jackson was a hot trade target, he was nearly moved, I think the problem is that no one wanted to take on his hot contract which is why they couldn't find a suitor, I think that will lead to a break up. If that's the case, than I think F.O should pursue. Larry isn't sure hes coming back to Arizona and honestly, he isn't liking the situation that he's in, so there's a chance he could be out, the problem is expenses. 

 

Getting on of these guys will make the upcoming draft very flexible, not have to worry about WR's and just allowing us to grab a pass rusher, I feel that Flacco still needs a guy that he can rely on and I feel that one of these guys would be great suitors, if they're let go, I could definitely see F.O make the pursuit and who wouldn't want to play for the Ravens? Also, Jackson is a move the chains kind of guy, something we lack. 

 

As far as FA's go. 

 

Kareem Jackson CB, Texans: Kind of been dealing with injuries and hasn't been that impactful. I feel that we can sign him at a good deal. 

 

Charles Tillman CB, Bears: Aging, I feel that he can be an underrated signing as well. 

 

Eddie Royal WR, Chargers: Versatile player and speedy, would be another underrated signing as well. 

 

Antrel Rolle S, Giants: If the price presents itself, than this could be a great signing, Will Hill and Rolle once played together in New York, Hill was one of the top ranked safeties, I think both of these guys could make for one of the top safeties duo, it depends on the price though. 

Edited January 5, 2015 by PurpleCity5

[GrimCoconut]

Not FA's but these guys could part ways. Vincent Jackson or Larry Fitzgerald. Vincent Jackson was a hot trade target, he was nearly moved, I think the problem is that no one wanted to take on his hot contract which is why they couldn't find a suitor, I think that will lead to a break up. If that's the case, than I think F.O should pursue. Larry isn't sure hes coming back to Arizona and honestly, he isn't liking the situation that he's in, so there's a chance he could be out, the problem is expenses.

Getting on of these guys will make the upcoming draft very flexible, not have to worry about WR's and just allowing us to grab a pass rusher, I feel that Flacco still needs a guy that he can rely on and I feel that one of these guys would be great suitors, if they're let go, I could definitely see F.O make the pursuit and who wouldn't want to play for the Ravens?

I think both will be out of our price range. The problem with your solution is that we address glaring needs in free agency and use the draft to add talent. We need talent to develop, future high end talent, at WR. I think the veteran approach would be misguided.

I'd rather spend our free agency money on CB depth, FS if possible, RB, re-signing McPhee and Smith, etc.

[rmw10]

I won't mention names for guys not currently on the team, but here are the positions I could see us hitting...

 

RB - likely Forsett is back

WR - likely Torrey is back

TE - could be Daniels, a mid tier FA, or even an upper tier FA depending on what they think of Pitta

OT - might add a cheap veteran for depth

DL - might add a cheap veteran for depth

CB - likely to add a mid tier veteran

S - could add someone, but could bypass as well

[PurpleCity5]

I think both will be out of our price range. The problem with your solution is that we address glaring needs in free agency and use the draft to add talent. We need talent to develop, future high end talent, at WR. I think the veteran approach would be misguided.

I'd rather spend our free agency money on CB depth, FS if possible, RB, re-signing McPhee and Smith, etc.

Larry, possibly, it depends on his goals. As for Vincent I'm not quiet sure if that's the case. He's had a very down season, and Tampa is very iffy on his contract, he's turning 32 and has played for a team that went 2-14, I could see that he would join at a good price, I'm not his agent so I don't know but I might say the chances are good. 

 

Keeping both the Smith's is a priority, but I feel that CB depth could be address through the draft, you can find some gems up there. Brashaud Breeland was found in the 4th round and have played well. We got Webb in the 5th I believe. I feel like F.O still hasn't given up on Elam and refuses to, as far as McPhee, I'd love to keep him, but I feel like he'll be out of price range. 

[GrimCoconut]

Larry, possibly, it depends on his goals. As for Vincent I'm not quiet sure if that's the case. He's had a very down season, and Tampa is very iffy on his contract, he's turning 32 and has played for a team that went 2-14, I could see that he would join at a good price, I'm not his agent so I don't know but I might say the chances are good.

Keeping both the Smith's is a priority, but I feel that CB depth could be address through the draft, you can find some gems up there. Brashaud Breeland was found in the 4th round and have played well. We got Webb in the 5th I believe. I feel like F.O still hasn't given up on Elam and refuses to, as far as McPhee, I'd love to keep him, but I feel like he'll be out of price range.

You never want to go into a draft with a glaring need. It is not a recipe for success from what I've personally seen. There's never a guarantee someone falls to you. You must address needs in free agency.

Webb was a third round pick.

[PurpleCity5]

You never want to go into a draft with a glaring need. It is not a recipe for success from what I've personally seen. There's never a guarantee someone falls to you. You must address needs in free agency.

Webb was a third round pick.

Yeah, that's true, but we did that with "14 Draft with C.J and Timmy that has worked out very well. Maybe we need help at WR and CB, but I think part of our success is due to the both of them. 

 

About Webb, lol whoops, got that wrong. I thought for a second he was a 5th rounder. 

[bMore Heathen]

Money mainly.. And is Vernon a FA this season?

Honestly don't expect us to sign a FA CB unless Jimmy looks rough next summer

I'm pretty sure Vernon still has 1 year. I seem to remember him wanting more money this last offseason and the team wouldn't negotiate because he still had 2 years left. And he had very little production this year.

Even if I'm wrong on the contract, we couldn't affod him. Especially when you consider Pittas contract already on the books. Can't devote that much cap to 1 position.

[GrimCoconut]

Yeah, that's true, but we did that with "14 Draft with C.J and Timmy that has worked out very well. Maybe we need help at WR and CB, but I think part of our success is due to the both of them.

About Webb, lol whoops, got that wrong. I thought for a second he was a 5th rounder.

We didn't have a glaring need at either position. In fact, I still recall people being incensed by both selections due to Arthur Brown and Brandon Williams.

[rmcjacket23]

I'm pretty sure Vernon still has 1 year. I seem to remember him wanting more money this last offseason and the team wouldn't negotiate because he still had 2 years left. And he had very little production this year.

Even if I'm wrong on the contract, we couldn't affod him. Especially when you consider Pittas contract already on the books. Can't devote that much cap to 1 position.

He's under contract in 2015. Some people perceive that he will be released, however.

[RavensFanMania]

We should keep our own players and build through the draft.

agree, but some holes should be filled with FA.  That being said I'd like to see Ozzie go after Walter Thurmond.  He is an excellent slot CB that could free up the DB and Safeties to play their position.

Edited January 5, 2015 by RavensFanMania

[allblackraven]

Byron Maxwell, Cory Redding.

 

I would love to have a spot for Fitz in case he doesn't take a paycut. Time for him to have a real shot at SB.

[Footman DCXLV]

Byron Maxwell, Cory Redding.

 

I would love to have a spot for Fitz in case he doesn't take a paycut. Time for him to have a real shot at SB.

 

In spite of the apparent consensus, I don't think wide receiver is a huge need right now, unless Steve Smith retires (which I think only has a chance of happening if we win the Super Bowl). Torrey has a career year last year, then a slow start before finishing really strong this year, and the Marlon Brown and Kamar Aiken have really shown consistency that we haven't had from young non-starters in recent memory. There's also Campanaro, who people really seem to like.

 

I would imagine Jacoby is gone next year, which hurts as a fan with his postseason heroics still being so recent, but makes sense from a football standpoint. So, that still leaves Torrey and Steve as the top guys, with Brown, Aiken, and Campanaro behind him, all three of whom are young enough and have shown enough to be given the chance to do more. So, while it adds up to still not having that stud athlete receiver receiver we've never had except Terrell Owens (oh, wait...), I don't see much changing at the receiver position for next season. The following year, however, I hope we can finally sign/draft a top talent to play opposite Torrey.

 

Of course, if we can't resign Torrey this offseason, or if Steve retires, all this becomes moot and I would hope we can make a big splash like signing Fitzgerald. It would certainly fit our theme of signing high-character receivers late in their career and giving them a chance to win a ring before they retire.

 

On a personal note, I just hope Fitzgerald plays for any team next year with a decent quarterback. That guy deserves it.

[ellicottraven]

I really want DT Cory Redding, S Rahim Moore, TE Virgil Green are probably my top guys at the moment. Still evaluating the CB market. 

While I like Redding as a DT also, don't forget we have ample depth at that position already in KLM, Tyson, Jernigan, Williams and Urban. More than likely Ngata will be back as well. You never know about Canty. He may decide to stay back another year depending on how we do this year...

[GrimCoconut]

In spite of the apparent consensus, I don't think wide receiver is a huge need right now, unless Steve Smith retires (which I think only has a chance of happening if we win the Super Bowl). Torrey has a career year last year, then a slow start before finishing really strong this year, and the Marlon Brown and Kamar Aiken have really shown consistency that we haven't had from young non-starters in recent memory. There's also Campanaro, who people really seem to like.

 

I would imagine Jacoby is gone next year, which hurts as a fan with his postseason heroics still being so recent, but makes sense from a football standpoint. So, that still leaves Torrey and Steve as the top guys, with Brown, Aiken, and Campanaro behind him, all three of whom are young enough and have shown enough to be given the chance to do more. So, while it adds up to still not having that stud athlete receiver receiver we've never had except Terrell Owens (oh, wait...), I don't see much changing at the receiver position for next season. The following year, however, I hope we can finally sign/draft a top talent to play opposite Torrey.

 

Of course, if we can't resign Torrey this offseason, or if Steve retires, all this becomes moot and I would hope we can make a big splash like signing Fitzgerald. It would certainly fit our theme of signing high-character receivers late in their career and giving them a chance to win a ring before they retire.

 

On a personal note, I just hope Fitzgerald plays for any team next year with a decent quarterback. That guy deserves it.

I'd politely disagree regarding WR, although I do think it's possible we fail to address it again in this draft. I disagree because even if we re-sign Smith, we have problems at the WR position. We lack a true WR who can become a consistent, rhythm-based weapon for Joe Flacco. Too often we find the WR drop the ball or unable to separate from man coverage. This is a problem and probably the biggest one our offense has. Joe is a rhythm QB and he needs the rhythm to get going. It's hard to get him going if he is cold. That's what leads to our losses, I've seen.

 

Smith Sr is nearing retirement inevitably, and Smith is inconsistent. Torrey is a bit more of a big play threat, though he's a free agent and as I said, he's inconsistent. It takes a couple years for a WR to truly come into form, so to say it wouldn't be prudent to take a WR now is mistaken. I think it wise to draft a WR, though to sign one seems unnecessary, IMO, outside of Torrey Smith. 

 

I know people will point to Marlon, Aiken or Campanaro, but I do not trust any of them to become a legitimate #1 WR. I've always thought Marlon could become a #2 but he doesn't play like a #1 and doesn't take full advantage of his size at times. He's also had a propensity to be hurt, similar to Campanaro, who has dealt with injuries since college. That's two of our three WRs I mentioned for future development with a propensity for injury, and then you have a journeyman WR who has never stuck on a team until now. Granted, he's looked good but to rely on him to take the next step and become a #1 WR seems misguided. 

 

We need to draft a WR for the future, but I don't necessarily think it's guaranteed. 

[GrimCoconut]

While I like Redding as a DT also, don't forget we have ample depth at that position already in KLM, Tyson, Jernigan, Williams and Urban. More than likely Ngata will be back as well. You never know about Canty. He may decide to stay back another year depending on how we do this year...

KLM and Urban are both injured, one twice in the same years. It's hard to justify relying on them when they're coming off injuries. Jernigan has also been banged up this year. Ngata has also been banged up many times in his career, and is due a lot of money and may not be an affordable option who could find himself off the team. Same can be said for Canty, though his play hasn't been as good as Ngata's. If we cut Ngata and Canty, which is possible, then Redding's veteran leadership would be excellent to have.

 

Redding has a track record of helping young guys develop, and I believe McPhee himself credited Redding with his success. I see guys in Indy who look good, and I believe that Redding is also responsible in some way for their success. Zach Kerr was a guy I really liked last year who has done well in Indy, and I think Redding is probably someone who helped him along. I personally think Redding would be a better addition than Ngata from a leadership perspective, because Redding has a tangible history I know of where he has documented proof of his impact on young players. That can't be understated. 

[DomMcRaven]

I'd politely disagree regarding WR, although I do think it's possible we fail to address it again in this draft. I disagree because even if we re-sign Smith, we have problems at the WR position. We lack a true WR who can become a consistent, rhythm-based weapon for Joe Flacco. Too often we find the WR drop the ball or unable to separate from man coverage. This is a problem and probably the biggest one our offense has. Joe is a rhythm QB and he needs the rhythm to get going. It's hard to get him going if he is cold. That's what leads to our losses, I've seen.

 

Smith Sr is nearing retirement inevitably, and Smith is inconsistent. Torrey is a bit more of a big play threat, though he's a free agent and as I said, he's inconsistent. It takes a couple years for a WR to truly come into form, so to say it wouldn't be prudent to take a WR now is mistaken. I think it wise to draft a WR, though to sign one seems unnecessary, IMO, outside of Torrey Smith. 

 

I know people will point to Marlon, Aiken or Campanaro, but I do not trust any of them to become a legitimate #1 WR. I've always thought Marlon could become a #2 but he doesn't play like a #1 and doesn't take full advantage of his size at times. He's also had a propensity to be hurt, similar to Campanaro, who has dealt with injuries since college. That's two of our three WRs I mentioned for future development with a propensity for injury, and then you have a journeyman WR who has never stuck on a team until now. Granted, he's looked good but to rely on him to take the next step and become a #1 WR seems misguided. 

 

We need to draft a WR for the future, but I don't necessarily think it's guaranteed. 

Preach! I've been saying this for years! We don't even have to go outside of the division to realize this. You got Antonio Brown in PIT and A.J. Green in CIN. Since we're playing the Pats and though he isn't a WR per se, they got Gronk. Other examples include: Megatron in DET, Julio Jones in ATL, Demaryius Thomas in DEN, Dez in DAL, etc, etc.

[Static]

Anyone who can catch a football

[PurpleCity5]

In spite of the apparent consensus, I don't think wide receiver is a huge need right now, unless Steve Smith retires (which I think only has a chance of happening if we win the Super Bowl). Torrey has a career year last year, then a slow start before finishing really strong this year, and the Marlon Brown and Kamar Aiken have really shown consistency that we haven't had from young non-starters in recent memory. There's also Campanaro, who people really seem to like.

 

I would imagine Jacoby is gone next year, which hurts as a fan with his postseason heroics still being so recent, but makes sense from a football standpoint. So, that still leaves Torrey and Steve as the top guys, with Brown, Aiken, and Campanaro behind him, all three of whom are young enough and have shown enough to be given the chance to do more. So, while it adds up to still not having that stud athlete receiver receiver we've never had except Terrell Owens (oh, wait...), I don't see much changing at the receiver position for next season. The following year, however, I hope we can finally sign/draft a top talent to play opposite Torrey.

 

Of course, if we can't resign Torrey this offseason, or if Steve retires, all this becomes moot and I would hope we can make a big splash like signing Fitzgerald. It would certainly fit our theme of signing high-character receivers late in their career and giving them a chance to win a ring before they retire.

 

On a personal note, I just hope Fitzgerald plays for any team next year with a decent quarterback. That guy deserves it.

I got to agree with Grim and Dom. You can't be 100% confident that Steve Smith Sr. is going to come back and reproduce the same again. We made that mistake with Torrey. It's also hard to trust Brown, he's having a hard time finding separation, and Camp has been too often injured. 

 

I think this draft class has plenty of depth, we can certainty grab a receiver a WR and there are guys that I think could become successful. I believe that if we have a shot at Jaelen Strong, Kevin White, Maxx Williams, or Tyler Lockett in the later rounds we have to take it. 

 

I don't feel that we need to reach for a WR in the first. I think we'll be fine with drafting BPA in the 1st, but if you don't surround Flacco with enough weapons, then he'll never be able to put up the #s the Ravens pay him for. F.O wants Flacco to become elite but he can't if he's not getting much help out there sometimes.

 

I feel that we need a guy who can come in and play hard every game. A possession WR, I don't know who, maybe it's Torrey, I don't know. This is going to sound weird but we need a player like Antonio Brown or Golden Tate. It'll help Flacco get into rhythm and become more consistent. 

[Kid87]

we should Resign Tyrod and Danny Gorrer 

[rmcjacket23]

we should Resign Tyrod and Danny Gorrer 

And ideally, they'll never play.

[52N19]

assuming 

 

Byron Maxwell, Cory Redding.

 

I would love to have a spot for Fitz in case he doesn't take a paycut. Time for him to have a real shot at SB.

 

i thought redding was done when he left the ravens. that guy is still productive at his age and years in the league.