[News] Late For Work 5/18: Ozzie Newsome Losing Patience With Two Possible Contract Extensions?

[January J]

It grieves me, and I can't believe I'm saying this because I am a HUGE Tucker fan, but with a great front line and a great quarterback, you win games with touchdowns, and the kicker is only there for kickoffs and extra points. I think we need to sign Yanda first, protect Flacco, and win games with offense. Now, in the Trent Dilfer days, we needed a great kicker like Stover to compensate for our average offense. And, yes, I love Tucker and hope he stays a Raven for life!

if we had tucker in 2011 we would probably have another Super Bowl victory under out belts now. Can't deny the importance of a clutch kicker in crucial situations, when the games on the line in the playoffs I don't want to rely on anyone other than tucker. Also have to consider the possible moving back of the PAT this year. Not gonna make a huge difference but it does increase the value of a good kicker.

[rmcjacket23]

if we had tucker in 2011 we would probably have another Super Bowl victory under out belts now. Can't deny the importance of a clutch kicker in crucial situations, when the games on the line in the playoffs I don't want to rely on anyone other than tucker. Also have to consider the possible moving back of the PAT this year. Not gonna make a huge difference but it does increase the value of a good kicker.

Sure, but there's also a long, long list of "elite" kickers who went from being amongst the best in the league to being unemployed completely within a year or two. Kicking is primarily a mental game for the most part, and while I have no doubts about Tucker's mental toughness, there's no shortage of kickers who people have said the exact same things about who went on to bounce from team to team due to inconsistencies.

 

I'm not really concerned about Tucker's deal anyway. He's a kicker... they don't cost extreme amounts of money, the guaranteed money typically isn't that much, and you can always franchise tag them for a reasonable price anyway. The really good kickers are making $3.5M a season with less than half guaranteed.

 

These types of negotiations typically don't concern me. Even the franchise tag amount is just about $4M on a one year deal.

[January J]

Sure, but there's also a long, long list of "elite" kickers who went from being amongst the best in the league to being unemployed completely within a year or two. Kicking is primarily a mental game for the most part, and while I have no doubts about Tucker's mental toughness, there's no shortage of kickers who people have said the exact same things about who went on to bounce from team to team due to inconsistencies.

I'm not really concerned about Tucker's deal anyway. He's a kicker... they don't cost extreme amounts of money, the guaranteed money typically isn't that much, and you can always franchise tag them for a reasonable price anyway. The really good kickers are making $3.5M a season with less than half guaranteed.

These types of negotiations typically don't concern me. Even the franchise tag amount is just about $4M on a one year deal.

I hear that- I'm not too concerned about it either. Tucker just seems like a baltimore guy and he's really easy going- and like you said it won't be difficult to reach an agreement anyway. However I think we mighhhht have to use the tag on yanda next year- I actually thought jimmy was going to play this year out and we might use it on him next year- but to my surprise they got it done fairly early. I just think yanda is really realizing he's one of ;if not THE top guard in the league and he's takin a look around at some of the other guys around the league like ngata and suh who are maximizing their earnings and he might be wanting to do the same. Just a thought- hope I'm wrong, and like I said the tag is always there if so.

[huntrgathrr]

This is a case where Flacco should get involved. He could make some concessions verbally to allow Ozzie to re-sign Yanda and Osemele right now. It would be in his and the team's best interest to do so. Tucker shouldn't be too much of a problem. The fiasco of 2013 was due to the loss of Osemele and the poor performance of the offensive line....clearly Flaccco's worst season as a pro and the only time he has missed the playoffs.

I think all 3 will get their extensions and allow some unprecedented continuity in the Ravens offense which has improved and looks to excel this season.

[rmcjacket23]

This is a case where Flacco should get involved. He could make some concessions verbally to allow Ozzie to re-sign Yanda and Osemele right now. It would be in his and the team's best interest to do so. Tucker shouldn't be too much of a problem. The fiasco of 2013 was due to the loss of Osemele and the poor performance of the offensive line....clearly Flaccco's worst season as a pro and the only time he has missed the playoffs. I think all 3 will get their extensions and allow some unprecedented continuity in the Ravens offense which has improved and looks to excel this season.

1. Really doesn't benefit Joe to do so. A verbal agreement mostly means nothing (especially in this business), and Joe isn't in a position where he should be renegotiating anything right now.

 

2. There's really nothing stopping us from resigning both this season, because we could easily fit both under the cap (Yanda's deal would almost certainly lower his present year cap number anyway). The issue is making sure that we can afford them 2-3 years from now.

 

While Joe's impending extension very well may help us out, if I'm a fan, I'm pumping the brakes on this notion that Joe is all of the sudden going to go back to costing $10M a year in cap space. I'd bet a ton that the Ravens will try desperately to more "straight line" his next extension, keeping his cap hits in a similar, manageable range consistently throughout, instead of the ridiculous jumps in cap space that this deal has. And frankly, I'd still expect Joe's cap number next season to be in the $18-20M range anyway, as well it should be.

[rmcjacket23]

I hear that- I'm not too concerned about it either. Tucker just seems like a baltimore guy and he's really easy going- and like you said it won't be difficult to reach an agreement anyway. However I think we mighhhht have to use the tag on yanda next year- I actually thought jimmy was going to play this year out and we might use it on him next year- but to my surprise they got it done fairly early. I just think yanda is really realizing he's one of ;if not THE top guard in the league and he's takin a look around at some of the other guys around the league like ngata and suh who are maximizing their earnings and he might be wanting to do the same. Just a thought- hope I'm wrong, and like I said the tag is always there if so.

Basically a 0% chance we tag Yanda or Osemele. There's no difference from franchise tag standpoint between centers, guards, or tackles, so a franchise tag for a player like Yanda would cost probably about $13M for one season.

 

Outside of Joe, there isn't a single player on this roster right now who is worth $13M a season, even if its a one year deal. That's not going to be even a remote consideration.

[WNC-Raven]

This is a case where Flacco should get involved. He could make some concessions verbally to allow Ozzie to re-sign Yanda and Osemele right now. It would be in his and the team's best interest to do so. Tucker shouldn't be too much of a problem. The fiasco of 2013 was due to the loss of Osemele and the poor performance of the offensive line....clearly Flaccco's worst season as a pro and the only time he has missed the playoffs. I think all 3 will get their extensions and allow some unprecedented continuity in the Ravens offense which has improved and looks to excel this season.

If only it were that easy

[RavensFootballFan]

What is with the lack of respect of veteran Ravens players in various rankings? Is there jealousy or spiteful feelings among voters playing a role into voting instead of accomplishments? Alex Smith ahead of Flacco? Are you kidding me? "Harrison feels the help the Chiefs have given Smith this offseason via the draft and free agency propels Smith ahead of Flacco" Really? Has Harrison forgotten who we drafted on offense? Has Harrison forgotten we have one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL? Has Harrison forgotten we drafted a number one ranked TE in the draft as well as the fastest WR with huge upsides. Let's not forget we also got Javorius Allen as RB in the draft, dude is shifty and fast and ranked higher than Perriman on rookie rankings. The Ravens have 3 players among the top 54 and the Chiefs have only one rookie offensive player in the top 100, WR Chris Conley at 63, that is it and that was what put Smith over Flacco according to Harrison? That is not logical, that is plain biased and cooking the rankings using personal feelings instead of stats, what a joke that Harrison ranked Smith ahead of Flacco. 

Edited May 18, 2015 by RavensFootballFan

[runcontrol]

What is with the lack of respect of veteran Ravens players in various rankings? Is there jealousy or spiteful feelings among voters playing a role into voting instead of accomplishments? Alex Smith ahead of Flacco? Are you kidding me? "Harrison feels the help the Chiefs have given Smith this offseason via the draft and free agency propels Smith ahead of Flacco" Really? Has Harrison forgotten who we drafted on offense? Has Harrison forgotten we have one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL? Has Harrison forgotten we drafted a number one ranked TE in the draft as well as the fastest WR with huge upsides. Let's not forget we also got Javorius Allen as RB in the draft, dude is shifty and fast and ranked higher than Perriman on rookie rankings. The Ravens have 3 players among the top 54 and the Chiefs have only one rookie offensive player in the top 100, WR Chris Conley at 63, that is it and that was what put Smith over Flacco according to Harrison? That is not logical, that is plain biased and cooking the rankings using personal feelings instead of stats, what a joke that Harrison ranked Smith ahead of Flacco. 

 

 

Yeah I don't get it.  The Top 100 on NFL Network that has Flacco, Suggs, Mosley and Ngata on the bottom of the list is voted on by the players, so i don't why guys these veterans fell so far down the list after having a better season.  But this list of the top 10 qbs by Harrison is almost hilarious.  Ben in front of Manning and Brees. I have always put Ben as the fifth qb on these lists but there is no way he is number three.  And I don't understand why people keep putting Wilson so far up these lists.  That team is built around the defense and the run game.  Wilson just throws that ball up there and hopes a receiver comes down with it.  But the most ridiculous part is Smith being in front of Flacco.  I wouldn't  have liked it, but i would have understood if he had Eli or Kaep there.  Smith makes no sense.  The guy didn't throw a td to a wide receiver all season and suddenly with the addition of Maclin and Conley he is a top 10 qb?    Get real

[757RavensFan]

if we had tucker in 2011 we would probably have another Super Bowl victory under out belts now. Can't deny the importance of a clutch kicker in crucial situations, when the games on the line in the playoffs I don't want to rely on anyone other than tucker. Also have to consider the possible moving back of the PAT this year. Not gonna make a huge difference but it does increase the value of a good kicker.

 

It shouldn't have even came down to a kicker in that game.  *Looking at Lee Evans*  Even when it did come to Kundiff, the 30 seconds before the actual kick was a cluster.  They should have taken timeout before they sent Kundiff out there.  Everything from the decision making to the kick was rushed beyond belief.  I digress.

[Mr.Incredible]

Flacco has been a SB mvp, never lost in rd1 in the playoffs, been to playoffs 6/7 times in career, strongest arm in the nfl, accurate and clutch. It amazes me how so many people can rank such lame or mediocre qb's higher than Flacco, like Matt Ryan, Matthew Stafford, even Andy Dalton who shouldn't even be in the same sentence as him, and now Alex Smith. None of them have done or are half of what Flacco has done or is. But are a lot of times considered just as good and/or better than Flacco. Thought we rated qb's by their success, obviously im wrong. Can't wait to see them in the playoffs...oops forgot they don't make it that far.

[January J]

It shouldn't have even came down to a kicker in that game. *Looking at Lee Evans* Even when it did come to Kundiff, the 30 seconds before the actual kick was a cluster. They should have taken timeout before they sent Kundiff out there. Everything from the decision making to the kick was rushed beyond belief. I digress.

lol I feel you- that's very true but things like that happen - players drop catches and coaches forget to call timeouts- but it goes right back to who do you want kicking in those chaotic stressful situations to get us over the hump? My money would be on tucker all day- u just can't phase that guy- he handles pressure like it's absolutely nothin.

[RaveKid]

Id want to keep KO but i dont think he is really worth TOP dollar. Has an injury history and hasnt actually made a probowl. Depending on how yanda plays out, i see no reason we cant sign them both. Tucker though will be looking for big kicker money, which isnt THAT much compared to other positions. IF yanda doesnt play out, we should def be able to retain KO & Tucker.

Funny how flacco gets looked as lesser then other QB's who will retire with far less accolades then him.

[Saxxin]

Smith over Joe. LMAO. This guy gets a paycheck for this? Where do I apply?

[The Ink Daddy!]

Joe Flacco easily the most underrated player in the history of the National Football League. End of discussion.

[Ravens4Real]

Yeah I don't get it. The Top 100 on NFL Network that has Flacco, Suggs, Mosley and Ngata on the bottom of the list is voted on by the players, so i don't why guys these veterans fell so far down the list after having a better season. But this list of the top 10 qbs by Harrison is almost hilarious. Ben in front of Manning and Brees. I have always put Ben as the fifth qb on these lists but there is no way he is number three. And I don't understand why people keep putting Wilson so far up these lists. That team is built around the defense and the run game. Wilson just throws that ball up there and hopes a receiver comes down with it. But the most ridiculous part is Smith being in front of Flacco. I wouldn't have liked it, but i would have understood if he had Eli or Kaep there. Smith makes no sense. The guy didn't throw a td to a wide receiver all season and suddenly with the addition of Maclin and Conley he is a top 10 qb? Get real

He is more than likely basing this off of last years performances from QB's and with that in mind, Ben certainly was better than Manning and Bree's.

[ALSKAN RAVEN FAN]

I hope Oz gets some more of the extensions done before next season.

[Bandit666]

The list is a joke. Maybe after Joe gets his 2nd SB ring this year he'll get the respect. Then again, who really cares about a list. Wins are more important and SB rings are even better.

[hen826957]

@ALSKAN RAVEN FAN me to ALSKAN RAVEN FAN me to hope to at least K.O. or Yanda before the season starts and I'll be happy.

[balfan23]

if we had tucker in 2011 we would probably have another Super Bowl victory under out belts now. Can't deny the importance of a clutch kicker in crucial situations, when the games on the line in the playoffs I don't want to rely on anyone other than tucker. Also have to consider the possible moving back of the PAT this year. Not gonna make a huge difference but it does increase the value of a good kicker.

Yeah - forget even this missed chip shot. Think back to the Ravens going for it on 4th and 6 when a 50 yard kick was available to them, because they knew that converting a 4th and 6 had better odds than Cundiff making a 50 yarder. They would have rolled Tucker out there in a heart beat and the entire game changes if we tie it there. 

 

What can you do ... the past is past. 

 

Ultimately, I think we'll find a way with Tucker. 

[purpledown]

the Ravens have to fix this"rent a player" situations.They have to find a way to keep valuable players. Its good to hit on draft picks but not so good when they are gone to the highest bidder a few years later.

[Maryland]

The franchise tag for guards and kickers is pretty affordable. Either one can be retained an additional season if needed.

[cigarjon68]

Too see Alex Smith is the 10 rated QB is insulting , but hey the Ravens rarely get that kind of love with the media anyway they just win baby !

[Ravens West]

"What the heck?!...What the heck?!!! I gotta stop hittin' that stuff!", exclaimed Elliot Harrison after sobering up and reading his now, prematurely, published list comprised during the previous night's extreme partying.

[DENNYK]

Harrison is just another yahoo trying to make a name for himself. Alex Smith over Flacco based on nothing more than speculation is no surprise to me. What does it really matter anyway? The game is played on the field and we all know that. Alex Smith? How many playoff wins and SB rings does he have?

[DENNYK]

There are 2 things that drive me nuts about the NFL. The Ravens always being disrespected, and the Cowboys called "America's Team".

[cec327]

If Smith was so great how come he couldn't beat out Kapernick?

[rmcjacket23]

the Ravens have to fix this"rent a player" situations.They have to find a way to keep valuable players. Its good to hit on draft picks but not so good when they are gone to the highest bidder a few years later.

Impossible to fix, because its a problem that all 32 teams face. You simply can't have a roster of 53 players who are being paid market value.

 

If you'll notice, there's a strong positive correlation between the consistently good teams in this league and the high number of players they lose on an annual basis to FA.

[rmcjacket23]

The franchise tag for guards and kickers is pretty affordable. Either one can be retained an additional season if needed.

Actually, no.

 

There is no franchise tag specifically for guards. There is a franchise tag for OL in general, which includes guards, centers and tackles.

 

The franchise tag for OL in 2015 is $12.9M, meaning in 2016, its pretty much guaranteed to exceed $13M. Neither of our guards, nor any guard or center in the entire league, is worth $13M a year, especially for one year.

 

Franchise tag isn't an option for Yanda or KO.

[trevorsteadman]

I really believe the Ravens found great targets in Perriman and Williams. I bet Flacco gets over that 4000 yard mark that he has yet to hit. Trestman is phenominal at getting receivers open and in good situations. Forsett realized last year how good he really is. If the offensive line holds up and gives Flacco and Forsett enough time, this offense should be better than last year. I really think that if Trestman can make Josh McCown look that good that Flacco will be even better. I also love the idea of Forsett and Buck Allen catching balls in the backfield. Hopefully this offense clicks early for some early wins.