Free Agency Targets

[baltimorefan328]

This is sort of a general free agency question, but do you guys think Harbaugh coaching the pro bowl may help the Ravens at all? I mean just from the videos on the website it seems Harbaugh is having a ton of fun with some of the guys there so do you think this may help in the early recruitment of some free agents at the pro bowl who may think I could see myself playing for this guy. Obviously theres a ton of other factors that go into something like this but I'm interested to see if this has any affect, specifically on a guy like cobb who would be amazing in Trestman's crossing routes for YAC concept with how he is in the open field

[GrimCoconut]

This is sort of a general free agency question, but do you guys think Harbaugh coaching the pro bowl may help the Ravens at all? I mean just from the videos on the website it seems Harbaugh is having a ton of fun with some of the guys there so do you think this may help in the early recruitment of some free agents at the pro bowl who may think I could see myself playing for this guy. Obviously theres a ton of other factors that go into something like this but I'm interested to see if this has any affect, specifically on a guy like cobb who would be amazing in Trestman's crossing routes for YAC concept with how he is in the open field

It probably helps with familiarity and personalities, but I don't think we can actually recruit at the moment due to NFL rules. I assume you know that and aren't implying that, but that's just in case. I do think it's possible that the players might be even more inclined to come here considering that they are getting familiar with him, although I don't know how much it improves our chances anymore than they were.

 

I do think it helps Harbaugh become a better coach, since he can see what JJ Watt does on the practice field and players of his calibre. 

[Dewy101]

Trent Richardson will probably be cut. Wouldn't hurt to bring him in for the league minimum to see what he might be able to do even though his vision is terrible

[rmcjacket23]

Trent Richardson will probably be cut. Wouldn't hurt to bring him in for the league minimum to see what he might be able to do even though his vision is terrible

I don't think he brings any value to this team from a skill perspective, so I'd pass.

[balfan23]

It probably helps with familiarity and personalities, but I don't think we can actually recruit at the moment due to NFL rules. I assume you know that and aren't implying that, but that's just in case. I do think it's possible that the players might be even more inclined to come here considering that they are getting familiar with him, although I don't know how much it improves our chances anymore than they were.

 

I do think it helps Harbaugh become a better coach, since he can see what JJ Watt does on the practice field and players of his calibre. 

What would Bill do?

[GrimCoconut]

What would Bill do?

Lol. New NFL bumper sticker? WWBD?

[balfan23]

As much as I'd hate this, I can see scenario where we say good bye to both (Ngata & McPhee).

 

I think we lose both Ngata and McPhee. I think we use their money on offense and the secondary with some free agent veterans for rotation. Probably re-sign Torrey, extend Tucker, tender Hill, and sign a few veteran free agents and guys like Justin, Daniels, etc.

In my previous post, I made is sound like it is an either/or proposition, but certainly loosing both is a possible scenario. I think it is a scenario we attempt to avoid, but circumstances could force our hand and cause them to both depart. 

 

I'm going to assume the team wants to at least explore extending Ngata. They will have a ceiling in mind as to what they are willing to commit in future $ to make that happen. If Ngata's expectations are way out of line with the team's, we will cut him without question. 

 

We will likewise have a ceiling in mind as to what we're willing to give McPhee, given his role here. If McPhee can get much more on the open market, we'll feel that we have no choice but to let him walk.

 

Up side is we'll have some free cash to address other areas of the team. Downside is - unless everyone stays healthy on the D line, we could be set up for issues up front. Losing both is a big chunk of our front 7 disappearing overnight. Counting on Urban and especially KLM is risky.  

[Dubs]

Anyone willing to take a short term risk on Brian Orakpo?

 

I cant see anyone giving him a long term contract but a one year prove your health contract may be worth it and could be cheap

[GrimCoconut]

In my previous post, I made is sound like it is an either/or proposition, but certainly loosing both is a possible scenario. I think it is a scenario we attempt to avoid, but circumstances could force our hand and cause them to both depart.

I'm going to assume the team wants to at least explore extending Ngata. They will have a ceiling in mind as to what they are willing to commit in future $ to make that happen. If Ngata's expectations are way out of line with the team's, we will cut him without question.

We will likewise have a ceiling in mind as to what we're willing to give McPhee, given his role here. If McPhee can get much more on the open market, we'll feel that we have no choice but to let him walk.

Up side is we'll have some free cash to address other areas of the team. Downside is - unless everyone stays healthy on the D line, we could be set up for issues up front. Losing both is a big chunk of our front 7 disappearing overnight. Counting on Urban and especially KLM is risky.

Yeah I expect the following to happen:

1. We try to extend Ngata but fail to agree on terms and trade him for a fifth-sixth round draft pick, in which Ozzie is heavily criticized.

2. We then extend Justin Tucker to avoid paying hon a second round tender and reduce his cap hit slightly this year.

3. We attempt to re-sign McPhee, Torrey, Forsett, and Daniels. I think we successfully re-sign Daniels and Forsett and let the rest test open market.

4. When then evaluate what McPhee and Torrey are getting on the open market and decide whether to make an offer or let them both go.

Fortunately, we can let both Smith and McPhee go in free agency because there are many talents at those positions in the draft and in free agency. This could their overall asking price as their value won't be the same. I'm not sure we'll retain either, but I don't think the Ravens are overly worried about what'll happen if that don't for the aforementioned reasons.

I'm hoping we also extend Yanda and reduce his cap hit this year. Yanda is a guy who could very well do that, so I do think it's possible although I admit I might be more hopeful than unbiased.

[Dewy101]

I don't think he brings any value to this team from a skill perspective, so I'd pass.

For a league minimum just for training camp to see what he may or may not provide wouldn't hurt us. He might be a better fit for our system.

[Dewy101]

Yeah I expect the following to happen:

1. We try to extend Ngata but fail to agree on terms and trade him for a fifth-sixth round draft pick, in which Ozzie is heavily criticized.

2. We then extend Justin Tucker to avoid paying hon a second round tender and reduce his cap hit slightly this year.

3. We attempt to re-sign McPhee, Torrey, Forsett, and Daniels. I think we successfully re-sign Daniels and Forsett and let the rest test open market.

4. When then evaluate what McPhee and Torrey are getting on the open market and decide whether to make an offer or let them both go.

Fortunately, we can let both Smith and McPhee go in free agency because there are many talents at those positions in the draft and in free agency. This could their overall asking price as their value won't be the same. I'm not sure we'll retain either, but I don't think the Ravens are overly worried about what'll happen if that don't for the aforementioned reasons.

I'm hoping we also extend Yanda and reduce his cap hit this year. Yanda is a guy who could very well do that, so I do think it's possible although I admit I might be more hopeful than unbiased.

KO needs an extension too.

[PerpetuallyBored74]

What would Bill do?

 

Cheat.

[rmcjacket23]

For a league minimum just for training camp to see what he may or may not provide wouldn't hurt us. He might be a better fit for our system.

Training camp cut into our salary cap also, doesn't matter if its the league minimum or not.

 

I'd rather bring somebody in for the league minimum who can actually contribute. Besides, we already know he's not the kind of runner who fits our system.

[Moderator 3]

Training camp cut into our salary cap also, doesn't matter if its the league minimum or not.

 

I'd rather bring somebody in for the league minimum who can actually contribute. Besides, we already know he's not the kind of runner who fits our system.

Not really unless he's one of the highest paid 51.

[rmcjacket23]

Not really unless he's one of the highest paid 51.

Which, under the veteran minimum, he almost certainly would be. Vet minimum for Richardson in 2014 would have been $570K, which means it could realistically be $600K this season.

 

Ravens had about 15-20 players under the Rule of 51 last season that had a cap hit of $600K or less.

[rmw10]

Which, under the veteran minimum, he almost certainly would be. Vet minimum for Richardson in 2014 would have been $570K, which means it could realistically be $600K this season.

 

Ravens had about 15-20 players under the Rule of 51 last season that had a cap hit of $600K or less.

 

Do you really have to nitpick over every little thing?  Even if the difference is $200K between him on the roster and the 52nd guy, that's pretty negligible in NFL terms.  I'm not a fan of bringing Richardson in, but man, give it a rest.  Not everything needs to be a debate.

[sflegend89]

If we bolster any spot on our roster significantly in free agency it has to be CB.

 

We scored plenty against NE, I don't feel like the WR market has anything major for us this year besides resigning Torrey. Guys like Dez, Maclin, and Demaryius will get massive deals with their teams.. Denarius Moore does seem like a possible bargain signing for us though. The kid is plenty talented and hasn't been able to show much playing in Oakland. I think he could do damage in our offense. Eddie Royal is also an interesting option if there is a deal to be had.

 

My ideal signing would be Chris Culliver or Antonio Cromartie.. I don't think we have a shot at Maxwell. With Jimmy, Webb, Asa coming back healthy and one of those CB signings I think our defense is absolutely scary. We have to build depth at CB and brace for possible injuries next year, it really derailed our SB run this year. I think we should go offense early in the draft and defense for our "big" free agent signing and we'll be in really good shape.

[AsianRice]

If we bolster any spot on our roster significantly in free agency it has to be CB.

 

We scored plenty against NE, I don't feel like the WR market has anything major for us this year besides resigning Torrey. Guys like Dez, Maclin, and Demaryius will get massive deals with their teams.. Denarius Moore does seem like a possible bargain signing for us though. The kid is plenty talented and hasn't been able to show much playing in Oakland. I think he could do damage in our offense. Eddie Royal is also an interesting option if there is a deal to be had.

 

My ideal signing would be Chris Culliver or Antonio Cromartie.. I don't think we have a shot at Maxwell. With Jimmy, Webb, Asa coming back healthy and one of those CB signings I think our defense is absolutely scary. We have to build depth at CB and brace for possible injuries next year, it really derailed our SB run this year. I think we should go offense early in the draft and defense for our "big" free agent signing and we'll be in really good shape.

I do agreed with this; our offense are young and improved; next season they will be the beast after having playoff experience and performance  under their belts...

 

However, we really need a legit #1 WR; it's either through the draft and FA.

[sflegend89]

I do agreed with this; our offense are young and improved; next season they will be the beast after having playoff experience and performance  under their belts...

 

However, we really need a legit #1 WR; it's either through the draft and FA.

 

It would be nice to have a guy that fits that "true #1" billing at wr but I can't really pin point how because guys like Dez and Demaryius aren't financially viable for us and are extremely likely to stay put anyway. Outside of those 2 I would say Crabtree has #1 potential still but SF is going to make it a priority to keep him. That leaves the draft which is still possible but not all that likely unless we move up.. a guy that intrigues me and could make it to our neck of the woods is Dorial Green-Beckham from Oklahoma, 6'5, freak athlete. Will have to see how much his stock rises leading up to the draft.

 

With that said there are so many recent SB winners who didn't have a "true #1". The only reason we lost to NE wasn't because we didn't have enough weapons on offense, it's because we couldn't get a single stop when it mattered, couldn't even force a FG. Losing that game really came down to our injury depleted secondary.. we got picked apart by the short passing game and inexperienced guys like Melvin blew their assignments on those gadget plays. That was the difference in the game and in our season.. the secondary depth and not having Jimmy.

Edited January 25, 2015 by sflegend89

[Tenacious Faulker]

Eddie Royal.  Highly possible an highly productive at X,Y or Z 

[arnie_uk]

Do you really have to nitpick over every little thing? Even if the difference is $200K between him on the roster and the 52nd guy, that's pretty negligible in NFL terms. I'm not a fan of bringing Richardson in, but man, give it a rest. Not everything needs to be a debate.

coming out of mobile to like this

[Tenacious Faulker]

Training camp cut into our salary cap also, doesn't matter if its the league minimum or not.

 

I'd rather bring somebody in for the league minimum who can actually contribute. Besides, we already know he's not the kind of runner who fits our system.

How does training camp count into into the salary cap when its beased on the top 51 salaries?  I'm not a Richardson fan - major bust.  But busts sometimes have a way of turining themselves around - sometimes.  Look at Mark Ingram.  If they bring in Richardson for a test run and they find a role for him then that's fine by me.  He obviously has some talent and the Ravens have a history of bringing out the best out of players boith good and bad.  

 

Besides, out system is different now and while I'd like to see Forsett in black and purple, Trestman may need a different type of player for his system.  Trestman maybe the "QB-whisperer", but Kubiak was the "running back whisperer".

[balfan23]

I think we lose both Ngata and McPhee. I think we use their money on offense and the secondary with some free agent veterans for rotation. Probably re-sign Torrey, extend Tucker, tender Hill, and sign a few veteran free agents and guys like Justin, Daniels, etc.

You know, the more I look at our roster and our cap situation, the higher I feel the probability is for that scenario to be true. I'd actually put the probability of losing both and extending Ngata/losing McPhee about equal. I'm increasingly of the mind that retaining McPhee is a long-shot. We are just too tight to the cap and have too few options for reducing that number. 

 

Also, the more I think about it, the more I feel that losing both is a pretty sizable risk. We would lose 2 top performers from the front 7. I think you can add that Canty is also likely to be gone (either by retirement or cut). Sure, he's not a top performer, but that's a lot of turnover. 

 

As it was last year with Suggs, dealing with Ngata's contact is priority #1 and nothing can really go forward until that is resolved. Yes, we can make some minor moves, like cutting Canty, Gino, McClellan ... but that's all window dressing. For us to make moves of any kind of significance ... that will have to wait until Ngata's situation is settled. 

[PurpleCity5]

F.O should try to work out a new deal with Ngata at all risks. Our defense/pass rush was rejuvenated with Ngata back into the lineup. He may not get 10+ sacks but his ability to collapse the pocket is what helps Doom and Suggs get those sacks, especially the double teams that he demands. Ngata is a player you'd want to keep, McPhee can be a loss but I don't think that it would be that good to lose both. McPhee is one of the best pass rushers in the league despite what the #'s say and he's a very good run stopper. 

Edited January 25, 2015 by PurpleCity5

[Pirate88]

We scored plenty in foxboro but many times the offense sputtered like Texans/jaguars. Torrey isn't nowhere near a complete WR. He does not play fast other than a straight line. He isn't sharp or sudden in routes and he gears down in breaks and cuts. He has no instincts for zones. Joe is a great deep thrower and led the league in pi calls before torrey even was drafted. The scoring in foxboro was on joe. He was consistently threading needles and making undrafted WRs play to their max as well as helped SS squeeze out another good season after his team didn't want him. Same with the TE Owen Daniels who everybody thought was no longer NFL quality. Ask patsie fans the respect they have for Joe.

The Ravens don't really need a Dez or Demaryius although it would be nice!! They just need some more complete better side #2's and a good TE that are good route runners, play fast and snatch or attack the ball. There happens to be some very good WRs in free agency this off season that's undervalued from their sub par and in some cases terrible QBs. Rob Housler came into the NFL raw but very talented. He has learned from Fitzgerald and is a great route runner who plucks and attacks the ball. While he is 6'5 1/2 258lbs He also has WR speed and is great after the catch. Jermaine Gresham is as talented as Gronk but has been held back by sub a sub par QB who holds back AJ Green as well. Vernon Davis is likely a salary cap cut as well. Any one of these guys could rival Gronk as nfls best TE if they are catching from Joe Cool 2.0 and backed up by a dominant OLine like we have. If Monroe returns to form I believe its the best in the NFL that has a top10 LT and 3 players arguably the best at their position and a very solid Center.

I dont wanna see Joes arm and a great OLine not maximized by lack of complete and consistent playmakers that run sharp routes and play fast and attack the football while having size.There are WR bargains as well from the same thing, bad QB play. I recently watched some of Crabtrees games especially vs Seattle. I came away surprised at his playspeed!! He is sharp and sudden in his breaks and elusive and physical after the catch. And he has great hands and attacks the ball the great athleticism and body control. He is also ultra competitive. He would have roasted Sherman many times if Kaepernick knew anything about timing or the cerebral side of playing QB. Kenny Britt is flat out awesome. He is mature and focused now and many coaches that play with or against him say he is very similar to Julio Jones in size and talent. He plays fast and runs sharp routes and has good hands and is very athletic and aggressive attacking the ball. He has ankle breaking moves for a big WR he also lays crushing blocks. At this point he just wants to play with a good QB and prove he is a #1WR. My opinion we sign a WR and TE and any of these players would have breakout and career years with Joe in our offense. We may even be able to add Denarius Moore as the second WR addition if he wants a One year $1mil prove himself on a real NFL team deal. Then after set on WR we could focus on a young explosive edge rusher and corners in the draft or more lineman.

Edited January 26, 2015 by Pirate88

[1/28/01]

Do you really have to nitpick over every little thing? Even if the difference is $200K between him on the roster and the 52nd guy, that's pretty negligible in NFL terms. I'm not a fan of bringing Richardson in, but man, give it a rest. Not everything needs to be a debate.

Ding ding. Worn thin on just about everyone.

[1/28/01]

coming out of mobile to like this

Sure, as well here.

[juanman7]

Does anyone know if/when there will be a state of the franchise press conference by Steve Bisciotti and Ozzie like there was last year?

[sflegend89]

I really can't see Torrey not getting re-signed. Home grown product, loves the city, loves the team, still young and a big part of our offense.. we would have to low ball him really bad for him to test the market. I could see us letting Forsett walk before Torrey.. there's a lot more risk involved with Forsett because of his age/position and his desire for a big pay day after the season he's had. It sucks because he did great this year and he deserves to get paid for how he produced but I can't help but think Ozzie isn't willing to pay him like a top 10 RB just based on one season at age 29. 

 

There will be a doormat team that is willing to pay him like a top 10 RB because they have a lot less to lose than we do on a bad deal. It's ultimately up to Forsett, take less money and play for the team that gave you your big break and compete for a SB or swallow your pride and take the big pay day as it may be his last shot at that kind of money considering his age/position.

 

I wouldn't think any less of him if he followed the money, it's understandable given his circumstances but I really want to see him back in Baltimore and I know that's where Justin wants to be as well. But as we all know sometimes business get's in the way of what players want on a personal level and we have to be understanding of that as fans. If Forsett goes after the money it's not for selfish reasons, he would be looking after himself and his family long term. Hopefully both sides can find a happy median here.

Edited January 26, 2015 by sflegend89

[Inqui]

Does anyone know if/when there will be a state of the franchise press conference by Steve Bisciotti and Ozzie like there was last year?

http://www.pressboxonline.com/2015/01/12/official-ravens-nfl-2015-offseason-guide

 

Date not yet announced, but before February 2 at a guess.