[News] Late For Work 1/5: Simple And Straightforward Way To Lower Joe Flacco's Monster Cap Hit

[BR News]

Smith’s peculiar comment about Suggs. Biggest expected moves. Finished as 2nd-best defense in second half.

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[Bryden88]

That is indeed worrisome about Suggs.... very worrisome.

[Dorota]

"Suggs is a little vulnerable right now," Smith said.

 

"So, I'm not going to talk to Suggs about it. He's not a ray of sunshine like he usually is." "You can ask Terrell Suggs that question." Elvis Dumervil said.

 

"Suggs was among the few injured players who didn't come into the locker room after attending the Ravens' season-ending team meeting," wrote Hensley. "He hasn't spoken to reporters since he suffered the season-ending injury in the opener in Denver."

 

I'm not sure how to feel about that. Are you trying to ease us into Suggs announcing retirement? Or is there no other news that will get people's attention? Sounds to me like you guys are trying to imply that his injury isn't healing compatible with a football career. Please tell me I'm wrong!

Edited January 5, 2016 by Dorota

[salamander]

It may be troubling to Suggs that he is still in a boot and that SSS has his off already with the same injury that occurred 2 months earlier. I wonder whether Suggs feels that he is not healing as well or as quickly as he had hoped. That could possibly bum him out or worry him about being able to make a come back and being forced to consider retirement. I wish Suggs well and hope he is able to return fully healthy, although the article is cause for concern.

Edited January 6, 2016 by salamander

[EddiOK]

I agree that signing big-name players to big $$ contracts is not the best way to go. We need 2-3 successful, deep drafts over the next few years to get back to that hi-caliber D and consistent O that we need to get into the playoffs. I think it will take at least 2 drafts to fill all the gaps and repair the turnovers we have now. But this next one is critical; hit it, and we're on our way back. Miss it, and we start to look like Cleveland or Jax.

[balfan23]

"If you're hoping the Ravens make a big splash in free agency this offseason ..."

 

... then you haven't been following this team for very long. I don't know why anyone would ever hope for this because even if we had cap space (which we don't), it just isn't how we operate.

[rmcjacket23]

It is troubling to hear that Suggs is still in a boot and that SSS has his off already with the same injury that occurred 2 months earlier. I wonder whether Suggs feels that he is not healing as well or quickly as he had hoped. That could possibly bum him out or worry him about being able to come back. Don't like the possible implications of comments that Suggs "is not a ray of sunshine like he usually is" and that he did not join other injured teammates in the locker room. Regardless of what's going on, I hope Suggs can make it back healthy and play next year if the rehab is successful. Hate to hear that Suggs is struggling, perhaps physically, which would be very discouraging for any player. Wishing Suggs the best.

Certainly think there's different degrees to injuries and different healing times, so I don't put a ton of concern into this. I don't try to compare one torn Achilles or torn ACL to another, because many of them are different. 

 

If he's still in a walking boot in May, then I'll be concerned.

[balfan23]

The fact that "negotiations with Flacco became heated and somewhat acrimonious at times" is indeed troubling.

 

I think we'll ultimately get things settled, but the concern is that we won't be able to reduce the number to the extent that we'd like to and that it will take an extended period of time, which will hurt our ability to retain players and to bring in mid-level FA help to fill gaps that exist on this team.

 

This is certainly one of the most critical items on the agenda for this offseason, as we have a very limited set of options, regarding creating cap space. 

[rmcjacket23]

The fact that "negotiations with Flacco became heated and somewhat acrimonious at times" is indeed troubling. I think we'll ultimately get things settled, but the concern is that we won't be able to reduce the number to the extent that we'd like to and that it will take an extended period of time, which will hurt our ability to retain players and to bring in mid-level FA help to fill gaps that exist on this team.

For me, the only thing the FO should care about is flattening out the impact. Making sure that his cap number doesn't rise more than maybe $3-5M in any given season. Its just not sustainable to have a cap number double like its scheduled to this offseason.

 

If that means he gets "overpaid" by $1-2M a year, I'm fine with that. Just don't want to see the FO structure a deal that drops the cap hit down to like $15-16M this season and then in the future it balloons to like $28-30M again. Get a structure to where the cap hit over a five year period is consistently between $20-25M. That way, you'll know years in advance what you can afford and what you can't, and you build the structure of the team around that number, as you should, because he's the player you are building this team around.

 

I'm not overly concerned, because I think that's precisely what the FO will do. 

[balfan23]

For me, the only thing the FO should care about is flattening out the impact. Making sure that his cap number doesn't rise more than maybe $3-5M in any given season. Its just not sustainable to have a cap number double like its scheduled to this offseason.

 

If that means he gets "overpaid" by $1-2M a year, I'm fine with that. Just don't want to see the FO structure a deal that drops the cap hit down to like $15-16M this season and then in the future it balloons to like $28-30M again. Get a structure to where the cap hit over a five year period is consistently between $20-25M. That way, you'll know years in advance what you can afford and what you can't, and you build the structure of the team around that number, as you should, because he's the player you are building this team around.

 

I'm not overly concerned, because I think that's precisely what the FO will do. 

I agree that it isn't in our best interest to "kick the can down the road" so to speak, and end up in a pinch in another 2 years by trying to dramatically reduce his number in the near term. 

[bioLarzen]

Contract talks are probably impossible to fairly grasp from the outside - but what is there to negotiate on a player contract for more than a year? Surely, those contracts are intricate things with a sea of minute details to hammer out precisely, and those negotiations must have taken place sporadically and in a few-and-far-between fashion... but still... That sounds weird.

 

But then again - we can only see this thing from the outside... and who can tell how a watermelon looks inside by looking at it from the outside?

Edited January 5, 2016 by bioLarzen

[salamander]

I realize that the defense improved significantly in the latter half of the season and second defense in the league during that time is quite a turnaround. However, IMO, we still have lots of areas to improve upon defensively ( as well as offensively) if the Ravens hope to be back in contention next year. 

Edited January 5, 2016 by salamander

[The Greek]

waiting for the pees has been dismissed article. they will figure out a fair contract for flacco

[bioLarzen]

The fact that "negotiations with Flacco became heated and somewhat acrimonious at times" is indeed troubling.

 

I don't necessarily think so. This is business - and when business is done right, the sheer financial aspects will decide - the way the agreement has been reached is irrelevant. The deal very probably won't be reached any harder because the talks get heated at times - just like it would probably take the same amount of time if it went absolutely cordially all the way through.

 

We know that Ozzie, Dick Cass, Pat Moriarty and Steve are good businessmen - and from what is known, Joe Linta seems to be a good businessman, too. If there's a deal to be reached, it's going to be reached. If there isn't then... well... we'll see.

Edited January 5, 2016 by bioLarzen

[gabrielgrissom]

Sorry about it but... terrell perriman?

[rmcjacket23]

waiting for the pees has been dismissed article. they will figure out a fair contract for flacco

You'll be waiting awhile. 

 

I don't expect him to be fired in 2016.

[drillem]

I think the answer to all of this is to have the nfl salary cap raised significantly to accomodate all teams need for a solid team with decent players. Absent that, all teams are going to see players coming and going on a regular basis much more so than we already see.

[bioLarzen]

That is indeed worrisome about Suggs.... very worrisome.

 

 

"Suggs is a little vulnerable right now," Smith said.

 

"So, I'm not going to talk to Suggs about it. He's not a ray of sunshine like he usually is." "You can ask Terrell Suggs that question." Elvis Dumervil said.

 

"Suggs was among the few injured players who didn't come into the locker room after attending the Ravens' season-ending team meeting," wrote Hensley. "He hasn't spoken to reporters since he suffered the season-ending injury in the opener in Denver."

 

I'm not sure how to feel about that. Are you trying to ease us into Suggs announcing retirement? Or is there no other news that will get people's attention? Sounds to me like you guys are trying to imply that his injury isn't healing compatible with a football career. Please tell me I'm wrong!

 

 

Actually, I can clearly remember having a faint foreboding about that last summer. Just go back and watch Suggs' pressers from last August - just before the season started. Instead of his usual "August" self, he seemed definitely moody, low key, reserved, and never really answered any questions about his future and veteran leader's role directly - straight forward admitting for example, that the fact that he may be at the end of his career has crossed his mind. He definitely seemes like someone who's just realized that there may not be much more ahead for him...

[rmcjacket23]

I think the answer to all of this is to have the nfl salary cap raised significantly to accomodate all teams need for a solid team with decent players. Absent that, all teams are going to see players coming and going on a regular basis much more so than we already see.

That wouldn't change anything. If the cap rises, it just means the cost of players will rise. It doesn't mean every team will be able to afford all the players they want.

[bioLarzen]

You'll be waiting awhile. 

 

I don't expect him to be fired in 2016.

 

At least Pagano's future is set now, so the "bring back Pagano" bandwagon won't even leave the garage - as if there was any significant chance of bringing him back as a DC even if he got fired...

[bioLarzen]

That wouldn't change anything. If the cap rises, it just means the cost of players will rise. It doesn't mean every team will be able to afford all the players they want.

 

Exactly. All other franchises would have the same amount of raise. It's like giving everyone an additional 1000 dollars at a poker table - I got more chips, yet, my chances didn't improve...

[MadStorkSociety]

Guess that puts a higher priority on pass rusher in the draft! Get well Suggs!

[gabrielgrissom]

Actually, I can clearly remember having a faint foreboding about that last summer. Just go back and watch Suggs' pressers from last August - just before the season started. Instead of his usual "August" self, he seemed definitely moody, low key, reserved, and never really answered any questions about his future and veteran leader's role directly - straight forward admitting for example, that the fact that he may be at the end of his career has crossed his mind. He definitely seemes like someone who's just realized that there may not be much more ahead for him...

yea because i remember two seasons ago when asked about it he had said yea ive been playing for 11 or 12 years but im only 32... then at the start of this season he had said he was 'definatly on the back 9' when he tore his achilles again people were saying was he done... I thought for sure not... but I mean how long is he going to be around for?

[MadStorkSociety]

Flacco will make more in one year than i make in a life time. I hope he is smart enough to leave some on the table so we can afford a couple pro bowl receivers. They can only make him look even better.

[Dorota]

Actually, I can clearly remember having a faint foreboding about that last summer. Just go back and watch Suggs' pressers from last August - just before the season started. Instead of his usual "August" self, he seemed definitely moody, low key, reserved, and never really answered any questions about his future and veteran leader's role directly - straight forward admitting for example, that the fact that he may be at the end of his career has crossed his mind. He definitely seemes like someone who's just realized that there may not be much more ahead for him...

You're right! I think we even talked about it. Perhaps for him, without Reed, Lewis and especially Haloti Ngata, it is not the same. Ngata's trade did not really impact our DL in any negative way, but it took some of Suggs' soul.

[rmcjacket23]

Guess that puts a higher priority on pass rusher in the draft! Get well Suggs!

Agree, though I'm concerned that there won't be anybody at our #1 pick worth taking as a pass rusher.

 

This is one season where I'm dying to see how FA shakes out before the draft. Most years, I typically don't care and typically have a pretty good beat on who we will resign, not resign, etc. This year... there's about a half dozen players who could be or could not be cut, and I have no idea if guys like KO or Upshaw will be resigned or not.

 

If KO is not resigned, I think we are taking a LT with our first pick in the draft. There's three good one's from what I've seen from analysts so far, and I think we will for certain take one.

 

If KO is resigned, we cut Monroe and all bets are off. Think we still need secondary help regardless and obviously could use a pass rusher, but with the talk of moving Webb to FS... is CB a priority or is S a priority? If we cut Webb... are both priorities?

 

What about WR? Do we feel great with the three guys we will have (Steve, Perriman, Aiken)?

[rmcjacket23]

Flacco will make more in one year than i make in a life time. I hope he is smart enough to leave some on the table so we can afford a couple pro bowl receivers. They can only make him look even better.

Would you leave some on the table so your employer and fellow employees can make more?

[stixfix69]

We face the cap space issue every year, and we will find a way to keep the players we feel we can't lose, and allow the others to do their FA thing....Tag Tucker in hopes of reaching a deal before the season starts, by then we will know what we have left and if a long term deal can be reached....

[RavensAllDay1987]

I hate when people cry about how much these athletes get paid. This is the profession they are in and the money they are getting paid is the market value for their services, why fans get upset about what these guys make is just laughable.

[fusuymada]

The Ravens should just release Suggs and let someone else deal with an old, constantly out of shape veteran who obviously feels the Ravens owe him something. Suggs quit on the Ravens before the start of this season based on how he came in and then thought that 3 weeks worth of toning was going to prepare him for the season and this is what we got. Ravens should just announce his release and let him go. I said in an earlier comment if the players no longer view him as a leader, which apparently they do not, then his value is only what he produces which was nothing last year and probably not much more next year. I am not willing to pay Flacco a 20 mil cap hit for his performances either. I am not a great fan of Mallett but at least he could be accurate enough and smart enough to convert 3rd downs, something Flacco struggled with all year. Mallett had less talent around him than Flacco had and still produced similar results to Flacco. After this year and how we played, no one deserves a guaranteed spot on this team.