Eugene Monroe - the workout warrior

[Maryland]

Everyone knows I really love Eugene Monroe and really have since his days dating back to Jacksonville, but if the reports are true about him declining a simple contract restructure and the "play like a Raven attitude" not being there, then I'm pretty much okay with him being let go.

He is a supreme talent and a really great player when healthy, even here, but not every player is a fit for every single team they play for. 

Some options I'd really like to consider would be trading for Joe Thomas or signing the following: Cordy Glenn, Kelvin Beachum, Donald Penn, and Russell Okung. I'm doubting the Ravens could land Penn or Okung, but Glenn and Beachum are flying under the radar in a major way and they are both highly underrated. Beachum is coming off a major injury, so he could come cheaper. 

 

And the last option would be to tag or re-sign KO. I have no desire to tag Justin Tucker, but KO showed he could play LT today against a really strong pass rush. He has that "play like a Raven" attitude and sheer nastiness to his game. I had questioned his foot quickness to play T, but he answered those questions for me. He'd be an option to really consider because he had played LT in college, even.

If injuries frustrate you, then I don't know why you would want Okung. Glenn is the best LT on that list. I'm sure he's not flying under any GM's radar. More likely he gets franchised. And Penn really doesn't seem like a spectacular LT. More of a power run-blocker who struggles with speed. Didn't consider Beachum, so maybe a 1-year prove-it deal would be right up his ally (wouldn't be a steep comp. pick to give up). 

 

You pretty much have to limit yourself to cut candidates with Ozzie anyway. Ryan Clady and Will Beatty, for example. Two guys just as injured as Monroe, but possible stop-gaps nonetheless while we develop whoever we draft. Or maybe they cut and re-sign Monroe (unlikely, but an option).  

[BmoreBird22]

If injuries frustrate you, then I don't know why you would want Okung. Glenn is the best LT on that list. I'm sure he's not flying under any GM's radar. More likely he gets franchised. And Penn really doesn't seem like a spectacular LT. More of a power run-blocker who struggles with speed. Didn't consider Beachum, so maybe a 1-year prove-it deal would be right up his ally (wouldn't be a steep comp. pick to give up). 

 

You pretty much have to limit yourself to cut candidates with Ozzie anyway. Ryan Clady and Will Beatty, for example. Two guys just as injured as Monroe, but possible stop-gaps nonetheless while we develop whoever we draft. Or maybe they cut and re-sign Monroe (unlikely, but an option).  

Injuries are far from the reason I'd accept Monroe being gone. I don't mind the move if he goes, but I don't necessarily want it, but injuries are not a huge factor, to me.

 

I wasn't necessarily advocating for Okung (who is playing in all 16 games, it appears and played in 17 of 18 in 2013) or Penn, but just rather listing off options that I would personally look into. 

The top two that I want are Glenn (who I wanted to replace Grubbs in the 2012 draft) and Beachum, who I think is vastly underrated. What I meant, in regards to Glenn, is I doubt he's seen as a top five guy and probably in the lower end of the top 10 guys, if that. PFF currently has him as their number four tackle, overall, but when you think of the elites, you think of Joe Thomas, Staley, Jason Peters, Tyron Smith, etc. 

I wouldn't mind Clady, honestly, but I'd hate to see Ozzie miss out on a guy like Glenn if he fit into the Ravens range purely over a comp pick.

[757RavensFan]

First of all why do you jump to conclusions? I didn't say lie to him.

Second of all no one in the open market is going to give him LT money after a few games. That would be bad business to pay him tackle money when we don't have to. Hes getting a lot of money either way, so I'd like to pinch pennies where I can. Like I said he's hitting free agency as a guard in everyone in the leagues mind. If we plan on playing him at LT it should make us feel a little better about giving him top dollar guard pay.

 

It was stated that KO was going to play LT for the remainder of the season.  You better believe his agent is going to work to get him LT money for his next contract.  There's no way his agent will settle for guard money if KO proves himself a worthy LT these last 4 games vs 4 very good teams. 

Edited December 15, 2015 by 757RavensFan

[Edgar]

First of all why do you jump to conclusions? I didn't say lie to him.

Second of all no one in the open market is going to give him LT money after a few games. That would be bad business to pay him tackle money when we don't have to. Hes getting a lot of money either way, so I'd like to pinch pennies where I can. Like I said he's hitting free agency as a guard in everyone in the leagues mind. If we plan on playing him at LT it should make us feel a little better about giving him top dollar guard pay.

His agent will have something to say about a left tackle making guard money.

If we want him as our tackle,we will have to pay him as such.

[52liveforever]

It was stated that KO was going to play LT for the remainder of the season.  You better believe his agent is going to work to get him LT money for his next contract.  There's no way his agent will settle for guard money if KO proves himself a worthy LT these last 4 games vs 4 very good teams. 

 

 

His agent will have something to say about a left tackle making guard money.

If we want him as our tackle,we will have to pay him as such.

 

Where is he going to get tackle money anywhere else other than here? His agent won't be able to sell him as a left tackle anywhere other than here. Everyone else is going to be offering him guard money so his agent can say what he wants. Four games playing left tackle and having a lot of injury issues is not getting him LT any where else in the league.

[757RavensFan]

Where is he going to get tackle money anywhere else other than here? His agent won't be able to sell him as a left tackle anywhere other than here. Everyone else is going to be offering him guard money so his agent can say what he wants. Four games playing left tackle and having a lot of injury issues is not getting him LT any where else in the league.

 

If KO plays well his last games at LT, a team with a lot of cap space and a desperate need for a LT will pay him to play LT.  Even if it's a small sample size of 4 games, other teams will look at the tape and pull the trigger if they think KO will help them at LT. 

Edited December 15, 2015 by 757RavensFan

[Moderator 3]

Most likely teams will throw money at a tremendous guard who can also play LT.

[52liveforever]

If KO plays well his last games at LT, a team with a lot of cap space and a desperate need for a LT will pay him to play LT. Even if it's a small sample size of 4 games, other teams will look at the tape and pull the trigger if they think KO will help them at LT.

Still don't see him getting LT money. He's getting a big pay day no doubt, but when negotiating I still think they are going to be going off of other guard contracts. Hey agree to disagree.

On another note holla to the 757. I'll be back in the 7 cities for the holidays for the first time in a few years. Heard a lot has changed.

[jazz1988]

I saw when Aaron Wilson stated on his twitter page how The Ravens were disappointed that Monroe wouldn't accept a simple restructure but honestly when it comes to contracts and etc it's the player agent whom is involved the most. Some players  trust their agents so much  to the point what ever the agent suggestions are  they go along with it .

 

Honestly I don't think it's  totally fair to blame a player when it comes to contract negotiations because their agents at the end of the day are the ones responsible for that . If Monroe agent felt like a simple contract restructure wasn't a good idea and Monroe went along with that then I'm cool with it. I honestly don't know the full details of the restructure but it obviously was  denied for a reason by Monroe agent.

Edited December 16, 2015 by jazz1988

[allblackraven]

I saw when Aaron Wilson stated on his twitter page how The Ravens were disappointed that Monroe wouldn't accept a simple restructure but honestly when it comes to contracts and etc it's the player agent whom is involved the most. Some players  trust their agents so much  to the point what ever the agent suggestions are  they go along with it .

 

Honestly I don't think it's  totally fair to blame a player when it comes to contract negotiations because their agents at the end of the day are the ones responsible for that . If Monroe agent felt like a simply contract restructure wasn't a good idea and Monroe went along with that then I'm cool with it. I honestly don't know the full details of the restructure but it obviously was  denied for a reason by Monroe agent.

That's OK but if you are MIA more than 50% of the time, it might be fair to consider helping team out in different way.

[B-more Ravor]

I saw when Aaron Wilson stated on his twitter page how The Ravens were disappointed that Monroe wouldn't accept a simple restructure but honestly when it comes to contracts and etc it's the player agent whom is involved the most. Some players  trust their agents so much  to the point what ever the agent suggestions are  they go along with it .

 

Honestly I don't think it's  totally fair to blame a player when it comes to contract negotiations because their agents at the end of the day are the ones responsible for that . If Monroe agent felt like a simple contract restructure wasn't a good idea and Monroe went along with that then I'm cool with it. I honestly don't know the full details of the restructure but it obviously was  denied for a reason by Monroe agent.

 

Not really the issue in this case though.  It has nothing to do with the agent.

 

What was decline was a "simple restructure", which means they offered to take most of his $5.5M base salary and pay it to him in March, instead of in 17 installments over the course of the season.  He wasn't getting any less, he was just getting it early, in one big check.

 

To be honest, I've never heard of a player declining to take the money "now".  Can't really conceive of why he would decline, but certainly not a team friendly act. 

 

The FO was PISSED, and rightfully so, IMO. 

 

Instead, they were forced to restructure Suggs (thereby adding future dead money to a deal with an older player), which now looks bad given his injury and the long rehab needed to come back.

[ellicottraven]

You know I just read a report on CNN on Marijuana for pain relief for NFL players. I was surprised that the mantle for this philosophy of pain relief through use of Marijuana is being propagated by none other than our own Eugene Monroe. I have no issues with this at all but the fact that he has the time to be the front man for social issues but doesn't take the time to suit up even with minor injuries is puzzling to me.

Now, after letting K.O go, we have no alternative but to hope that Monroe actually plays LT for us for 16 games this year. But, with him talking about NFL players being in constant pain and needing Marijuana to cope with it tells me that there is a possibility (not certainty by any means) that he had done it. With current NFL rules, that is a recipe for disaster in my view. If nothing else, he is going to be targeted a lot more for dope tests than others. Hopefully, the Ravens can renegotiate his contract and insert language that protects them in the event he is suspended for Marijuana usage. I don't care about him taking a pay cut, but I do want some protection clauses inserted into his contract to protect the Ravens.

Here is the article:

http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/09/health/nfl-marijuana-ban-eugene-monroe/index.html

Edited March 10, 2016 by ellicottraven
needed to add a link

[jazz1988]

12 minutes ago, ellicottraven said:

You know I just read a report on CNN on Marijuana for pain relief for NFL players. I was surprised that the mantle for this philosophy of pain relief through use of Marijuana is being propagated by none other than our own Eugene Monroe. I have no issues with this at all but the fact that he has the time to be the front man for social issues but doesn't take the time to suit up even with minor injuries is puzzling to me.

Now, after letting K.O go, we have no alternative but to hope that Monroe actually plays LT for us for 16 games this year. But, with him talking about NFL players being in constant pain and needing Marijuana to cope with it tells me that there is a possibility (not certainty by any means) that he had done it. With current NFL rules, that is a recipe for disaster in my view. If nothing else, he is going to be targeted a lot more for dope tests than others. Hopefully, the Ravens can renegotiate his contract and insert language that protects them in the event he is suspended for Marijuana usage. I don't care about him taking a pay cut, but I do want some protection clauses inserted into his contract to protect the Ravens.

Here is the article:

http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/09/health/nfl-marijuana-ban-eugene-monroe/index.html

I don't remember  Monroe ever having a minor injury but he's right Marijuana should be look into as a  medical drug for pain. I don't think it would be wise for a player to use it while playing on the football field though

[Tru11]

Nice Necro

[757RavensFan]

On 12/15/2015 at 0:57 PM, 52liveforever said:

 

 

 

Where is he going to get tackle money anywhere else other than here? His agent won't be able to sell him as a left tackle anywhere other than here. Everyone else is going to be offering him guard money so his agent can say what he wants. Four games playing left tackle and having a lot of injury issues is not getting him LT any where else in the league.

Hello Oakland!!

[The Raven]

15 hours ago, ellicottraven said:

You know I just read a report on CNN on Marijuana for pain relief for NFL players. I was surprised that the mantle for this philosophy of pain relief through use of Marijuana is being propagated by none other than our own Eugene Monroe. I have no issues with this at all but the fact that he has the time to be the front man for social issues but doesn't take the time to suit up even with minor injuries is puzzling to me.

Now, after letting K.O go, we have no alternative but to hope that Monroe actually plays LT for us for 16 games this year. But, with him talking about NFL players being in constant pain and needing Marijuana to cope with it tells me that there is a possibility (not certainty by any means) that he had done it. With current NFL rules, that is a recipe for disaster in my view. If nothing else, he is going to be targeted a lot more for dope tests than others. Hopefully, the Ravens can renegotiate his contract and insert language that protects them in the event he is suspended for Marijuana usage. I don't care about him taking a pay cut, but I do want some protection clauses inserted into his contract to protect the Ravens.

Here is the article:

http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/09/health/nfl-marijuana-ban-eugene-monroe/index.html

What does one have to do with the other? If you're hurt you can't play. It doesn't take much time to form an opinion on a social issue. I'm frustrated with his lack of play time too but there's like, no connection between talking about a social issue and suiting up, especially since we aren't even in season right now. That you think there's a connection there is puzzling to me.

[ellicottraven]

3 hours ago, The Raven said:

What does one have to do with the other? If you're hurt you can't play. It doesn't take much time to form an opinion on a social issue. I'm frustrated with his lack of play time too but there's like, no connection between talking about a social issue and suiting up, especially since we aren't even in season right now. That you think there's a connection there is puzzling to me.

I'm not saying there is a connection at all. I'm just wondering if there is a connection between what he says and what he's done in the past. Clearly he was hurting a lot for the past 2 yrs. Why else would he miss half the games played and some of the games he played in he couldn't finish. What exactly did he do to deal with that tremendous pain he was going through? I understand one is a social issue and the other isn't. But, it wasn't me that made the connection between the two. It was Monroe.

[GrimCoconut]

4 minutes ago, ellicottraven said:

I'm not saying there is a connection at all. I'm just wondering if there is a connection between what he says and what he's done in the past. Clearly he was hurting a lot for the past 2 yrs. Why else would he miss half the games played and some of the games he played in he couldn't finish. What exactly did he do to deal with that tremendous pain he was going through? I understand one is a social issue and the other isn't. But, it wasn't me that made the connection between the two. It was Monroe.

Perhaps Monroe got advice from a physician that he could take medicinal marijuana for his pain, only to realize that the NFL bans its use and thus realizes his inability to use that form of treatment? I know where you're going with this and Monroe isn't my favorite guy atm, but I think the connection you're assuming could exist may just a misjudgment on your part. You're saying perhaps Monroe did marijuana in the past to relieve his pain, and now this may be an issue for him and us due to the NFL possibly targeting him for increased drug testing. 

First of all, I'm pretty sure it's unethical for an organization to drug test you out of suspicion since that would be borderline discrimination. Second of all, I truly think that he probably wants to use this pain relieving treatment but isn't capable due to current NFL rules. 

[ellicottraven]

4 minutes ago, GrimCoconut said:

Perhaps Monroe got advice from a physician that he could take medicinal marijuana for his pain, only to realize that the NFL bans its use and thus realizes his inability to use that form of treatment? I know where you're going with this and Monroe isn't my favorite guy atm, but I think the connection you're assuming could exist may just a misjudgment on your part. You're saying perhaps Monroe did marijuana in the past to relieve his pain, and now this may be an issue for him and us due to the NFL possibly targeting him for increased drug testing. 

First of all, I'm pretty sure it's unethical for an organization to drug test you out of suspicion since that would be borderline discrimination. Second of all, I truly think that he probably wants to use this pain relieving treatment but isn't capable due to current NFL rules. 

I'm not saying he did it in the past because he wasn't ever caught by the NFL anti doping team. But, what I'm saying is he may be tempted to do it in the future if that is what he believes to help with his pain. In any case even if he isn't immature or foolish enough to try it, he is definitely bringing attention to himself and the Ravens in this regard which is unwelcome attention in my view. Do I agree that medical marijuana should be legal in the NFL? I'm not really sure one way or the other. So, I leave it to the league to decide and right now it is illegal.

[GrimCoconut]

2 minutes ago, ellicottraven said:

I'm not saying he did it in the past because he wasn't ever caught by the NFL anti doping team. But, what I'm saying is he may be tempted to do it in the future if that is what he believes to help with his pain. In any case even if he isn't immature or foolish enough to try it, he is definitely bringing attention to himself and the Ravens in this regard which is unwelcome attention in my view. Do I agree that medical marijuana should be legal in the NFL? I'm not really sure one way or the other. So, I leave it to the league to decide and right now it is illegal.

Sounds like you leave me no choice.

19 hours ago, ellicottraven said:

You know I just read a report on CNN on Marijuana for pain relief for NFL players. I was surprised that the mantle for this philosophy of pain relief through use of Marijuana is being propagated by none other than our own Eugene Monroe. I have no issues with this at all but the fact that he has the time to be the front man for social issues but doesn't take the time to suit up even with minor injuries is puzzling to me.

Now, after letting K.O go, we have no alternative but to hope that Monroe actually plays LT for us for 16 games this year. But, with him talking about NFL players being in constant pain and needing Marijuana to cope with it tells me that there is a possibility (not certainty by any means) that he had done it. With current NFL rules, that is a recipe for disaster in my view. If nothing else, he is going to be targeted a lot more for dope tests than others. Hopefully, the Ravens can renegotiate his contract and insert language that protects them in the event he is suspended for Marijuana usage. I don't care about him taking a pay cut, but I do want some protection clauses inserted into his contract to protect the Ravens.

Here is the article:

http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/09/health/nfl-marijuana-ban-eugene-monroe/index.html

Whether this is your intention or not, but you sure made it sound like you did say he did this in the past because you are suggesting in your original post that he may be targeted more because of him coming out for this and the possibility exists he had done it--it being marijuana. 

This is all taking away from the main point, though, which is Monroe. I'm just proving here that you did indeed say this. It's OK what you said, but I just think the point implied above is wrong. It would be wrong of the NFL to do that. Could they? Hey, maybe. You may be on to something. The NFL may target him more, which is unethical if they do, as a result of his comments. Regardless, I think we need to find a way to move on from Monroe any way we can. It's not even related just to this marijuana thing. That's a sidebar on the main story for me.

[ellicottraven]

1 minute ago, GrimCoconut said:

Sounds like you leave me no choice.

Whether this is your intention or not, but you sure made it sound like you did say he did this in the past because you are suggesting in your original post that he may be targeted more because of him coming out for this and the possibility exists he had done it--it being marijuana. 

This is all taking away from the main point, though, which is Monroe. I'm just proving here that you did indeed say this. It's OK what you said, but I just think the point implied above is wrong. It would be wrong of the NFL to do that. Could they? Hey, maybe. You may be on to something. The NFL may target him more, which is unethical if they do, as a result of his comments. Regardless, I think we need to find a way to move on from Monroe any way we can. It's not even related just to this marijuana thing. That's a sidebar on the main story for me.

okay.

[Guest]

I don't know.

Flacco gets seriously hurt for the first time in his career and right out of the box we are going to play musical chairs with his offensive line.  Not that retaining Monroe is key to Flacco's protection.  Monroe has been an under performer for us.

First we can't provide him with decent receivers, now Flacco you get no time to throw. 

Maybe beating Pittsburgh again is all 2016 is about.

 

 

[cobrajet]

They have a pill form of marijuana (Idrasil) that does not make you high but helps with pain. I can see some guys preferring something like that to narcotics like Percocet. I am not 100% sure, but I think the problem may be that once the pills are approved, since it puts THC in your system like when you smoke it, how could they prove you did not also smoke some marijuana to get high. If that is the case, I can see guys saying they wanting the pill form for pain, so they can get away with smoking it. That is probably the big concern for the NFL, and I can see why.

[jimmypowder]

9 hours ago, Danny D said:

I don't know.

Flacco gets seriously hurt for the first time in his career and right out of the box we are going to play musical chairs with his offensive line.  Not that retaining Monroe is key to Flacco's protection.  Monroe has been an under performer for us.

First we can't provide him with decent receivers, now Flacco you get no time to throw. 

Maybe beating Pittsburgh again is all 2016 is about.

 

 

He got hurt because a weak Hurst got pushed back into him like a rag doll .We cannot have this happen if we want to be playoff bound. 

Edited March 11, 2016 by jimmypowder

[DomMcRaven]

33 minutes ago, jimmypowder said:

He got hurt because a weak Hurst got pushed back into him like a rag doll .We cannot have this happen if we want to be playoff bound. 

This indeed. I don't even want him on the field unless if it's the preseason. 

[ALPHA]

There are tackles that will go undrafted who would be better backups than Hurst, even when he added strength last offseason he was the worst LT in the league. I like the guy but I just don't think he is cut out for the NFL.

[443hurricane]

On 11/26/2015 at 11:51 AM, ellicottraven said:

Eugene Monroe looks like the perfect WWE wrestler. That is all he is and ever will be - a workout warrior. Not a football player because he is too fragile (clearly) for football. A mosquito bite seems to sideline this guy! One of the poorer free agent signings of late it seems like. There may be people that defend him, but I'm pretty convinced this guy got his money and takes every opportunity to rest his body against an NFL beatdown! I don't know if his injuries aren't real, but I'm pretty convinced he doesn't go all out to play if he can avoid it. A shame especially after Hurst contributed  (albeit innocently) to Joe Flacco's season ending injury. I'm just angry that this guy who we paid so many millions to is proving to be so fragile!

I've argued with Grim that he was our biggest bust FA ever..

 

I won't mention how I proved that he was over paid and fragile. But I absolutely love this thread.

[PurpleCorsair]

Hard to call him our worst FA signing ever because he's been pretty good when healthy, but he's just never healthy...

 

[usmccharles]

2 minutes ago, PurpleCorsair said:

Hard to call him our worst FA signing ever because he's been pretty good when healthy, but he's just never healthy...

 

Babin could be on that list...

[allblackraven]

10 minutes ago, usmccharles said:

Babin could be on that list...

Never forget Michael Huff