2016 free agency

[PurpleCity5]

Aiken is playing on a team where he's the #1 option now.  The Bengals have so many options, no one gets forced fed the ball.  If I had a choice, I'd pick Jones over Sanu too, by the way.  Sanu can throw though and I'd love to get the Pats back with a wr pass at some point.  The reason they come up, is because I think they'd be reasonably priced, young receivers.  I don't think anyone advocating bringing them in, thinks they're a #1.  Good #2 or 3 option.  For what it's worth, I do hope we bring Givens back as well.  This season has proven more that it doesn't hurt to have a few extra decent wideouts, but the truth is, not many teams have the kind of depth the Bengals do.

Hit the nail on the hammer, let's not forget that Sanu really came up last season as the Bengals #1 option last season and really stepped up when they needed him to. Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't Sanu put up 156 Yards against us last season as the only realistic weapon on the team? I don't ever recall Aiken ever putting up a 100 Yard game. I think Sanu is definitely better Aiken, without a doubt. 

Edited November 18, 2015 by PurpleCity5

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

Aiken is playing on a team where he's the #1 option now. The Bengals have so many options, no one gets forced fed the ball. If I had a choice, I'd pick Jones over Sanu too, by the way. Sanu can throw though and I'd love to get the Pats back with a wr pass at some point. The reason they come up, is because I think they'd be reasonably priced, young receivers. I don't think anyone advocating bringing them in, thinks they're a #1. Good #2 or 3 option. For what it's worth, I do hope we bring Givens back as well. This season has proven more that it doesn't hurt to have a few extra decent wideouts, but the truth is, not many teams have the kind of depth the Bengals do.

FWIW Aiken has only been the #1 option for one game, 2 if you count the Browns but he wasn't targeted much in that game if I recall correctly.

Especially early on Joe didn target anyone but SSS. So on the production but, Aiken really hasn't had much more opportunity on the surface but if have to look at the targets to be sure.

Still my point was, the consensus seems to be that Aiken is trash or at best just a guy - yet it seems many of the same people have a strong desire to bring in one of those two.

Those two ideas just seem like such a contradiction to me. You hear a lot if "Aiken has no business being more than a #3" followed by "we need to bring in WR talent in FA and I want Jones or Sanu."

Just doesn't make sense on a team full of #3 receivers that the fan base has been displeased with to be excited about bringing in similar players.

[redrum52]

FWIW Aiken has only been the #1 option for one game, 2 if you count the Browns but he wasn't targeted much in that game if I recall correctly.

Especially early on Joe didn target anyone but SSS. So on the production but, Aiken really hasn't had much more opportunity on the surface but if have to look at the targets to be sure.

Still my point was, the consensus seems to be that Aiken is trash or at best just a guy - yet it seems many of the same people have a strong desire to bring in one of those two.

Those two ideas just seem like such a contradiction to me. You hear a lot if "Aiken has no business being more than a #3" followed by "we need to bring in WR talent in FA and I want Jones or Sanu."

Just doesn't make sense on a team full of #3 receivers that the fan base has been displeased with to be excited about bringing in similar players.

I get what you're saying.  I have no problem with Aiken and think the extra reps now will help him out.  I'm just saying, it wouldn't hurt to have more, reliable bodies next year.  I haven't said he's trash, especially with Marlon playing how he is.  I just think down the line, Jones would be a good compliment to someone like Perriman.

[Winchester]

I don't get the love affair with Sanu and Jones.

Aiken has 10 more catches, 100 more yds, and 2 more TDs than Sanu this year.

As the #1 receiver for the majority of last season he only had 50 catches and 790 yds. And that was with a dominant run game. And aside from that he's never even come close to those numbers.

Jones I like more... In 2013 he had a good year with 700 yds and 10 TDs. But that was with AJ Green drawing consistent double teams.

This year he's done marginally more than Aiken... And my point of comparing to Aiken isn't to say were fine with Aiken, but that most say Aikens garbage but are putting these guys on their wish list.

Marvin Jones is likely to get close to Torrey type money if not more with how the market has since been increased by Julio, Dez, Hilton, and Thomas.

I just can't get too excited about dropping that kind of money on another #3 receiver. If that's the caliber player were going to target I'd rather a Nate Washington who can give you the same level production for much less.

I probably prefer Crabtree over anyone not named Alshon Jeffrey.

I don't think Jones or Sanu can be a #1. And if SSS doesn't come back Sanu/Jones and Aiken is a downgrade over SSS/Aiken.

If you project Givens 4 games over 9 games he's right there production wise with Sanu. So IMO we'd be paying just to bring in another guy the caliber of what we've been dealing with all along.

Plus those two have more experience than Givens and Aiken so there's arguably more reason to believe that Givens/Aiken can develop more than the Bengals duo.

I think it's a matter of the grass being greener. I see Aiken/Givens when I watch Sanu/Jones. Or at least not much better to justify paying FA market value to bring one in.

I totally agree!! Sanu or Jones as a #2 but neither are close to being a #1. Sanu is better than aiken but what is that really saying?? Ravens need a legit WR who can clearly be a #1. Not hopefully be a #1. Both those guys will be overrated by desperate teams!! For the money I would prefer Quick or Wright over either of them!! Quick has more tools than Jones or sanu. And will be cheap to sign to a one yr prove it deal for like $1mil. He actually has the tools to be a #1. He is a hard worker and was having breakout games before his injury even with the worst qb in the league. My opinion that is the idea of free agency. Find the players that could be breakout stars with the ravens at a cheap price like Emmanuel Sanders and Lafell. Quick has the size speed athleticism and work ethic to be a #1 WR. He has been chained up by terrible QB play.

If Joe has good receivers that he trusted he would likely play like he does in the playoffs all the time. Remember when Brady did not trust his WRs?? He made bad throws, reads and decisions. Many were saying he was done

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

We may hate Princess Brady but for the love of god he was never done. And Sanu is a lot better than Aiken. For what it's worth, we have a top ten offense statistically with awful WRs. If we brought in Sanu or Jones we'd be that much better. And quick? Same WR who only has 51 yards and who's career high is 375 yards? Which our own Kamar Aiken has surpassed this year? No thanks. And Lafell isn't that great my man. That one is all Tom Brady. He was AWFUL with Newton.

Kendall Wright I agree with. He's a pretty good WR. But if he hits the FA market there's no way he comes here. I'd be estatic though.

As for Sanu's statistics. He's the fourth recieving option in a loaded offense with a mediocre QB. I mean. They have a beast of a TE(despite a bad game)in Eifert, AJ Green who's a top 5 WR, Marvin Jones who is a flat out playmaker, and two good RBs. He can be very good honestly. Easily better than anyone we have. He's in a crowded offense. Same goes for Jones. I'm okay with a #2.

And size, speed, and athletic ability. Great. So he's another Tommy Streeter. No hands and a crap route runner. Utterly useless to me.

[-Truth-]

Jones is notably better than the average No.3 receiver. I'd be surprised if he turned out to be less than a quality No.2 on another team. I also don't see him finding $8 million on the open market in the offseason. He'd be a hotter commodity if his 2014 season wasn't wiped out by injuries and he wasn't able to build on what was quietly a terrific 2013 season, wherein despite playing just 555 snaps, he routinely came down with circus catches in traffic and showed shiftniess in the open field. He's currently stuck behind top-tier players in A.J. Green and Tyler Eifert while on a passing attack that has the 8th lowest attempts in the league so I feel that he could see an uptick in production in another situation. I'd personally be happy to bring him on board.

[PurpleCity5]

Reggie Nelson is a guy I think we could sign. I don't know if Cincinatti would part ways with him but I like him.

[Ravens2343]

Reggie Nelson is a guy I think we could sign. I don't know if Cincinatti would part ways with him but I like him.

 

He would be a decent stop gap option for us, but I don't think he would address the position the way we need to.  Id prefer we spend more and get Gipson or Weddle if we don't go Ramsey in the draft. 

 

A player from the Bengals I wouldn't mind if we signed though would be Leon Hall, he could be a cheap veteran option to provide good depth (especially if we go Hargreaves in round 1). 

 

If/when he is cut, what would fans think of bringing back Paul Kruger?  If he is cheap it would be a good option for us to replace Upshaw and provide good depth while potentially someone like Bosa, Ogbah or Calhoun learns from Suggs and Doom.

[PurpleCity5]

He would be a decent stop gap option for us, but I don't think he would address the position the way we need to. Id prefer we spend more and get Gipson or Weddle if we don't go Ramsey in the draft.

A player from the Bengals I wouldn't mind if we signed though would be Leon Hall, he could be a cheap veteran option to provide good depth (especially if we go Hargreaves in round 1).

If/when he is cut, what would fans think of bringing back Paul Kruger? If he is cheap it would be a good option for us to replace Upshaw and provide good depth while potentially someone like Bosa, Ogbah or Calhoun learns from Suggs and Doom.

Im not in favor of Gipson or Weddle. We'll have more cap space this year, but Jimmy and Pitta's cap space will come into fruition and man are they hefty. Im sure we'll get a deal done with Joe, but we'll probably have a cap space of 15M if I had to guess with expiring contracts and cap cuts. Thats not including rookie deals.

At this point, we have too many holes at WR, CB, and OLB to even think about dropping major cash for one free agent.

I'd love to put the trend on hold, but I don't think this is the year we do it.

I've brought up Kruger as an option here and it makes sense. He's familiar with us, still can make a good impact, and wouldn't hurt out comp. Comp picks are much more valuable now that they can be traded. Though I don't know how he would feel about it. I think he said some things a while back, maybe Im wrong, I don't know. I remember he really wanted to stay here and loved it here. I think hes a good possibility.

[Purple Punishment]

We might need the best FA QB out there gong into next season. Flacco won't be back until OCT/NOV next season

[Purple_ICE 81]

I'd love to see us reunite with Anquan Boldin this offseason, aslong as he isn't considering retirement.

Dude gets seemingly older and slower every year, I know Iknow...but the dude is a freak of a receiver and still has a knack for making plays and being a super reliable target.

He always wanted to retire a Raven too, hopefully we might make that happen.

[PurpleCity5]

My preference as of now is to find a FA Vet, a guy like VJax, Garcon or whomever and draft a WR early. I would love to have Tyler Boyd here honestly. Him and Perriman(If he can see the field might be deadly.

[Winchester]

Pretty much this. Though I want another coverage backer in there as well.

As much as I have hopes for Breshad... I don't trust him to stay healthy. We might need a FA acquisition at WR and a draft pick. Jones, Sanu, Garcon, Vjax. All would be good.

I do not want sanu or Jones. Other teams #3 or 4 receiving option is no way to fix WR problems. I liked sanu out of college. He played faster than his computer numbers. But this year he looks considerably slower!! He actually looks like a 4.7 receiver now. Jackson will be 33 and Garcon's big year is a distant memory and he is 30-31 as well. No thanx!! Some players have enough speed to lose a step and still be more explosive than most. Garcon is not that receiver. I do agree receiver needs to be addressed big seriously!! But no more #3 options or declining receivers!!

[Winchester]

Pretty much this. Though I want another coverage backer in there as well.

As much as I have hopes for Breshad... I don't trust him to stay healthy. We might need a FA acquisition at WR and a draft pick. Jones, Sanu, Garcon, Vjax. All would be good.

I do not want sanu or Jones. Other teams #3 or 4 receiving option is no way to fix WR problems. I liked sanu out of college. He played faster than his computer numbers. But this year he looks considerably slower!! He actually looks like a 4.7 receiver now. Jackson will be 33 and Garcon's big year is a distant memory and he is 30-31 as well. No thanx!! Some players have enough speed to lose a step and still be more explosive than most. Garcon is not that receiver. I do agree receiver needs to be addressed big seriously!! But no more #3 options or declining receivers!!

[rmcjacket23]

I do not want sanu or Jones. Other teams #3 or 4 receiving option is no way to fix WR problems. I liked sanu out of college. He played faster than his computer numbers. But this year he looks considerably slower!! He actually looks like a 4.7 receiver now. Jackson will be 33 and Garcon's big year is a distant memory and he is 30-31 as well. No thanx!! Some players have enough speed to lose a step and still be more explosive than most. Garcon is not that receiver. I do agree receiver needs to be addressed big seriously!! But no more #3 options or declining receivers!!

Anybody above that level will likely be well out of our price range, so no point in discussing better options that much.

 

Mid-tier veterans and draft picks... that's the WR market we will be in.

[Winchester]

Anybody above that level will likely be well out of our price range, so no point in discussing better options that much.

 

Mid-tier veterans and draft picks... that's the WR market we will be in.

That was what I was implying my friend I would prefer draft a WR early and find a young WR ready to break out that has been held back by bad QBs,scheme, bad teams with no work ethic or motivation, and opportunity. Or even a combination of these things with some minor injuries that are not serious. Marqise is still a very skilled and explosive WR that fell behind other skilled WRs while missing games and practices. I would trade a round 4 pick for him. Perhaps even after the draft the ravens could acquire marqise for a 2017 draft pick. Look at the couple games and opportunities and his movement skills. He is more explosive than Robinson and hurns who are legit #1 and elite #2 WRs.

[rmcjacket23]

That was what I was implying my friend I would prefer draft a WR early and find a young WR ready to break out that has been held back by bad QBs,scheme, bad teams with no work ethic or motivation, and opportunity. Or even a combination of these things with some minor injuries that are not serious. Marqise is still a very skilled and explosive WR that fell behind other skilled WRs while missing games and practices. I would trade a round 4 pick for him. Perhaps even after the draft the ravens could acquire marqise for a 2017 draft pick. Look at the couple games and opportunities and his movement skills. He is more explosive than Robinson and hurns who are legit #1 and elite #2 WRs.

1. I'm sure the Jags would rather keep him, since he's cheap and he's depth at a position that frequently has injuries. I don't know why the Jags would do that deal.

 

2. Drafting a WR makes plenty of sense, but I don't think it comes in the first round. 

[Daft Classic]

I see us taking a look at Garcon. He's still pretty young at 30, and you might be able to blame his dip in production to the Redskin's difficulty at WR. Would be nice having an option for Joe that is known for his ability to catch the ball, especially with SSS being a question mark. Other than that, I'd rather see us try V-Jax for a short, cheap deal so we can at least put a patch on the WR issue

[Ravens2343]

My preference as of now is to find a FA Vet, a guy like VJax, Garcon or whomever and draft a WR early. I would love to have Tyler Boyd here honestly. Him and Perriman(If he can see the field might be deadly.

 

I think that would be the best way for us to address the receiver position.  If SSS returns I still think we should do this and sign a veteran along with a high draft pick.  Givens should be resigned and only 2 out of Campanaro, Brown, Aiken, Waller and Butler should make it.  Id vote Campanaro and Aiken with Waller spending time on the practice squad

[Challenge Accepted]

Hope we go after WR Brian Quick

[GrimCoconut]

Watching Boldin and Smith Sr on the same team on the field at the same time would certainly make Sundays interesting. There would be a lot of attitude on the field lol.

I'm not sure who we'll get. I'd really like someone good but those guys are usually expensive.

[Deflated Football]

We might need the best FA QB out there gong into next season. Flacco won't be back until OCT/NOV next season

I think he'll start the season opener.

[Deflated Football]

I really want Garçon. He would be perfect in this system. It just seems like an Ozzie signing to me especially if he's cut.

[Winchester]

1. I'm sure the Jags would rather keep him, since he's cheap and he's depth at a position that frequently has injuries. I don't know why the Jags would do that deal.

 

2. Drafting a WR makes plenty of sense, but I don't think it comes in the first round.

Oh I know the odds are kind of stacked against it. But they do have Rashad Greene as well and may not be done shopping for WRs in the draft. Marqise does have very rare raw tools. Similar to Torry Holt. It would be cool to make a pitch for him around draft time for a 2017 pick. If he were coming out this year after his heismann finalist year, he would be the top receiver in the draft. His next year was held up by minor injuries and a terrible freshman qb.

[Winchester]

OK guys such a bad season!! Let's say the ravens do make the moves and clear salary space to the Maxx. Assuming Joe Cool restructures, SS retires,Webb, Daryl Smith,Canty,Monroe,Lewis,Elam all cut. Say cap rises and everything is done and works out to clear salary space and retool the roster. And ravens actually have $20 mil or more to play with. What are some of the names that you would like to ravens CONSIDER??

I personally believe in this salary cap, current collective bargaining agreement that free agency should be approached like the draft. Meaning, my humble opinion it is very important to find hidden gems. Players that will be better with the ravens than their previous team. Just as edge rushers, receivers and all players in the draft are drafted high because their skills warrant a pro career far more productive than their college career based on better coaching, system and supporting cast in the NFL. Free agency has an advantage however. The players are more coached up and acclimated to a larger playbook and NFL caliber competition. Talented players do not play to their potential for countless reasons!! Bad scheme,bad scheme fit,unmotivated losing environment resulting in poor work ethic, player not in his best shape and bad endurance only scratches the surface. Free agency should be more exiting than the draft. All that underachieving talent that can be signed cheap waiting to be motivated, begin working harder,coached and placed in a system to succeed, prove themselves and land their big contract!! I said Emmanuel Sanders is a bargain and future pro bowler even. Everybody thought it was an outlandish idea because he was on a team with an elite qb and looking for a #2 to step up and yet he did not. Now keep in mind I said countless reasons keep a player from reaching his fullest potential including opportunity and coaches doghouse. For more than one reason Sanders just did not click with Ben and the scheme. He was underrated by his own coach and qb. I been saying cj2k has more left in the tank everybody thought. I said after the super bowl run the ravens should urge Reed to retire and sign Woodson. Because Woodson has far more left in the tank than Reed. Everybody called that a ridiculous statement!! Vinny from the fan I run into now and then, friends, family, a sf 49er scout and a former Ravens player all called it rediculous!! I had a friend post the idea on here and it was completely flamed to hell!! lol And understandably so!! Reed was the beloved hometown hero.

Now I am not bringing this up to rub it in to all who flamed the idea. My next point has to do with signing vets 30 and over. Couple things to consider. Players decline at different ages. And some players can afford to decline where others can't. Garcon and Vjackson are 2 names posters seem to like. Let's just say I do not!! Jackson may have a decent year receiving left, or not. Keep in mind just my opinions. Sometimes I do not like an older player even after a good year. It comes down to watching him play for a couple plays and viewing his movement and which muscle groups he leans on to create surges,tackles or whatev.

Anyways off track a little. While older vets are cheap and usually the bargains everybody looks for. My opinion finding the young free agents with tools to break out in ravens system and disciplined structure are the kind of bargains management should be looking for!! My opinion to be championship successful ravens need to find the next WR to post 5 1200+ yard seasons, the next edge rusher to post over 100 sacks. Not the last guy to do so and hope at 33-34 he has something left. For those reasons So far I like Mike Neal, Brian Quick, Marqise,( by trade of course) Nick Perry( whom could stand to be in better shape for his position) and Mingo. Whom I think could be an absolute beast if he bulked up just a little and learned technique and scheme from a savvy vet or good position coach the way Ninkovich taught Chandler Jones and Jamie Collins. However Quick and Neal I am not sure of yet returned from injury totally intact. Neal I think plays in the mold of Geno Atkins or Aaron Donald!! About 6'2 288 lbs, but lean, powerful, and as explosive as many edge rushers. Quick is a hard worker and was having breakout games even with terrible qb play. Think of him as a college prospect already coached up ready for his break out season. Mingo has very rare explosion and tools. He just needs more bulk and power and somebody teach him how to use his tools. But more explosive and potential than any edge rusher in this draft outside Joey Bosa. I have not yet checked the whole list of free agents. Iam sure there is more talent yet to break out.

Edited November 25, 2015 by Winchester

[nyc9192]

I do not want sanu or Jones. Other teams #3 or 4 receiving option is no way to fix WR problems. I liked sanu out of college. He played faster than his computer numbers. But this year he looks considerably slower!! He actually looks like a 4.7 receiver now. Jackson will be 33 and Garcon's big year is a distant memory and he is 30-31 as well. No thanx!! Some players have enough speed to lose a step and still be more explosive than most. Garcon is not that receiver. I do agree receiver needs to be addressed big seriously!! But no more #3 options or declining receivers!!

I'm with you.I dont get the infatuation with Sanu and Jones on this board.Also never been a Pierre Garcon fan in the least.I think VJax could be a viable option on a short contract.

Edited November 25, 2015 by nyc9192

[PurpleCity5]

I think that would be the best way for us to address the receiver position. If SSS returns I still think we should do this and sign a veteran along with a high draft pick. Givens should be resigned and only 2 out of Campanaro, Brown, Aiken, Waller and Butler should make it. Id vote Campanaro and Aiken with Waller spending time on the practice squad

I would love to have Tyler Boyd here. He would make an immediate impact here and in the 2nd round the value would be just great. Really think him and Perriman could form a deadly duo.

I'm not high on Chris Givens as some seem to be. A problem that seem to follow him is that he just doesn't seem to make a big impact with the amount of snaps he takes. I wouldn't compete for him as he is an UFA. If we can keep him for cheap then I say you do it, but I wouldn't shift much attention to him.

I would just keep Aiken and Camp. I think we carry 6 WRs, Smith Sr.(If he returns), Perriman, Draft pick, Free Agents, Aiken, Camp.

Edited November 26, 2015 by PurpleCity5

[donkeyking64]

Upgrade the Left TAckle position!!!!!!! Do whatever must be done to get Eugene Monroe out of here!

[January J]

I would love to have Tyler Boyd here. He would make an immediate impact here and in the 2nd round the value would be just great. Really think him and Perriman could form a deadly duo.

I'm not high on Chris Givens as some seem to be. A problem that seem to follow him is that he just doesn't seem to make a big impact with the amount of snaps he takes. I wouldn't compete for him as he is an UFA. If we can keep him for cheap then I say you do it, but I wouldn't shift much attention to him.

I would just keep Aiken and Camp. I think we carry 6 WRs, Smith Sr.(If he returns), Perriman, Draft pick, Free Agents, Aiken, Camp.

my thoughts exactly. Let givens walk- bring back Aiken and camp. Draft Boyd and/ or sign Experienced FA- get perriman healthy- see if SSS decides to return.

[Deflated Football]

my thoughts exactly. Let givens walk- bring back Aiken and camp. Draft Boyd and/ or sign Experienced FA- get perriman healthy- see if SSS decides to return.

This would make me annoyed. Camp's injuries are a concern and Aiken is wildly incosistent. Givens has reliable hands and is another speedy deep threat. Enough with the oft-injured WR's and Aiken is sluggish and has mental lapses at times. No thanks.