[News] Late For Work 2/5: Ravens' Potential Salary-Cap Casualties

[OzzieBisciotti]

I bet you Steve Smith regrets that he isn't on the Panthers SB 50 team this year. So sad that he came to us and we didn't make the playoffs and then to top it off he has a season ending injury and we have the worst season in franchise history. Sorry Steve, you should've gone out a winner with your former team.

[balfan23]

13 minutes ago, OzzieBisciotti said:

I bet you Steve Smith regrets that he isn't on the Panthers SB 50 team this year. So sad that he came to us and we didn't make the playoffs and then to top it off he has a season ending injury and we have the worst season in franchise history. Sorry Steve, you should've gone out a winner with your former team.

It isn't like Steve decided he didn't like the Panthers chances for getting to the Super Bowl and decided to leave and go to a team that he thought had a better shot at it. They got rid of him ... not the other way around. So "regret" really isn't right word, since that implies he made some error in judgement in leaving the Panthers. He played the hand he was dealt the best he could. But yeah, it would be nice if he were able to have stayed with his team until the end and could go out a champion, but it was not to be. 

[Halshayeji]

19 hours ago, steelcityraven said:

hn68wb4... I think Arrington is gone... he saw less and less playing time as we needed him more and more. I think the writing is on the wall for Arrington plus it don't hurt us $$$$ to let him go. I think Webby has been willing to take pay cuts and has been a team player plus he played well at S... I think he stays. Monroe (SMH) I think we almost have to keep him... it will cost us too much to let him go! We will hold onto him for another year and hope for the best. I don't see Forsett going anywhere... Canty is gone... we simply do not need him with Urban, KLM and others out playing him... and we would clear 2.15million in cap room to let him go... Kendick Lewis is gone. He don't give us a lot of space (1million) but he has fallen so far down the depth chart and it is clear that we just do not trust him. I would be shocked to see KLewis back. Pitta will be released post june 1... that is big... but the biggest will be letting go of DSmith. Smith played great for us but his regression is obvious. He is losing that step and losing the battle to father time. He will not get that back and we know that (WIth ZOrr and ABrown waiting in the wings... and letting go of DSmith meaning $2.6 million in cap space.) I just do not see us bringing him back... and that hurts bc he has played so well for us..... Arrington, Pitta, Canty, Klewis are expected to start and all have fallen far enough down the depth chart that letting them go is the wisest financial move we can do. DSmith will clear 2.6 + million and we have to believe we can either draft a replacement or bring in a FA replacement that is a better investment at this stage of his career. The opposite is true with Forsett and Monroe. For what we are paying Forsett... he seems to be a bargin around the NFL and Monroe would simply cost too much to let him go so- in his case the best financial decision with him is to keep him and hope for the best. (SMH)

Arrington, webb, Forsett, monroe, you are dead on! 2 mil in cap space right there.

canty and d smith would free up about 4.5-5 mil. and around 7.5 (2017). I still think we can get some value for them rather than just cutting them. I caution tho, Orr and Brown wont cut it as starters.

K Lewis, meh I don't want to see him on this squad simply because I'd rather give those limited snaps to Elam or Brooks to see what they got.

pitta should free a lot of cap both this year and next.

The real question here is.... How much cap space will Flacco clear up?

 

[balfan23]

"Other measures could be taken, including renegotiating quarterback Joe Flacco’s contract, to find salary-cap space." ---

I haven't heard a peep on this front. It is now February. We have a little over a month to find money before we start to lose players to FA and have no way of bringing outside FAs in, given the lack of cap. No idea if negotiations are happening, but are not being reported, or if nothing is happening. If the latter, I'm not sure why we should expect that an agreement can be easily and quickly reached. Maybe it can, but I wouldn't count on it.

[law215]

Fans are always expecting Joe to take a pay cut when for better or worse, he is clearly the Ravens best , most durable, impactful player. What fans tend not to question is their almost worship of OZ who has put the team in this cap hell. Webb counting 9.5M against cap is absurd. Where is his MVP, how many pro bowls has he played in?. Paying Pitta a long-term contract after breaking his hip is stupid. How about the Monroe contract? He is neither durable nor consistently performing at a high level. Now, $9.5M, $8.7M, $7.2M adds to $25.4 million reasons it's time to hold OZ accountable. Stop hoping Joe takes or wants less money and demand OZ and DeCosta, this supposed dynamic duo of GMs, start earning theirs.

[bigcatfrank1]

So based on this Chart we could give KO a $6.5 mil Raise this year to stay as LT and then another $2.2 Mil next Year. with incentives and build a contract. I say do it. Let Monroe go and give KO the money. take the 2.2 in dead money. We make it up by just releasing Arrington.- next

[bigcatfrank1]

  21 hours ago, steelcityraven said:

hn68wb4... I think Arrington is gone... he saw less and less playing time as we needed him more and more. I think the writing is on the wall for Arrington plus it don't hurt us $$$$ to let him go. I think Webby has been willing to take pay cuts and has been a team player plus he played well at S... I think he stays. Monroe (SMH) I think we almost have to keep him... it will cost us too much to let him go! We will hold onto him for another year and hope for the best. I don't see Forsett going anywhere... Canty is gone... we simply do not need him with Urban, KLM and others out playing him... and we would clear 2.15million in cap room to let him go... Kendick Lewis is gone. He don't give us a lot of space (1million) but he has fallen so far down the depth chart and it is clear that we just do not trust him. I would be shocked to see KLewis back. Pitta will be released post june 1... that is big... but the biggest will be letting go of DSmith. Smith played great for us but his regression is obvious. He is losing that step and losing the battle to father time. He will not get that back and we know that (WIth ZOrr and ABrown waiting in the wings... and letting go of DSmith meaning $2.6 million in cap space.) I just do not see us bringing him back... and that hurts bc he has played so well for us..... Arrington, Pitta, Canty, Klewis are expected to start and all have fallen far enough down the depth chart that letting them go is the wisest financial move we can do. DSmith will clear 2.6 + million and we have to believe we can either draft a replacement or bring in a FA replacement that is a better investment at this stage of his career. The opposite is true with Forsett and Monroe. For what we are paying Forsett... he seems to be a bargin around the NFL and Monroe would simply cost too much to let him go so- in his case the best financial decision with him is to keep him and hope for the best. (SMH)

Arrington, webb, Forsett, monroe, you are dead on! 2 mil in cap space right there.

canty and d smith would free up about 4.5-5 mil. and around 7.5 (2017). I still think we can get some value for them rather than just cutting them. I caution tho, Orr and Brown wont cut it as starters.

K Lewis, meh I don't want to see him on this squad simply because I'd rather give those limited snaps to Elam or Brooks to see what they got.

pitta should free a lot of cap both this year and next.

The real question here is.... How much cap space will Flacco clear up?

 

Arrington, Forsett, Canty, Monroe and Pitta all gone. Re-structure Flacco , Webb and a couple others. Net gain KEEP KO at LT and pick up a #1-2 Wide Reciever in FA or RFA these 2 are my coaching recommendations. Now will OZ and the FO do it...lol we will see. Here is my reasoning. For the past umtene years (except for the Flacco deal, which I think they could have trimmed down before the final #) the Ravens have played the "spread the cash around" to find mediocre players. Has that really worked? Sure every once in a while a gem, or they pay a bump premium, or get lucky like the Dumervil deal. But here is a chance with probably a large pool of 3-5 year talented Wide Recievers in the NFL that could be available in the market. Strong young players that have proven experience and talent. Put in the line up now with Steve Smith Sr. will absolutely propel the Ravens to a receiving level of above average proportions. The odds are greatly in that favor. Thus leaving Aiken, who proved his ability and skill as a strong #2-3. Lastly Perriman as the seated #4. With the bench players,draft, URFA, released, walk-ons and even trade the Ravens are set to go for 2016, a core for 17 and further. What if Sr. gets injured? or Aiken or Perriman is a bust? anyone of those 3 things happen the Ravens are behind the eight ball again. I throw out a few receivers for Oz to shop when the calling opens- Keenan Allen (San Diego Chargers), Kendall Wright ( Titans ) Travis Benjiman (Cleveland) or even mid $ on Tavon Austin ( Rams) and there are others as well. suggestions?

[bigcatfrank1]

Fans are always expecting Joe to take a pay cut when for better or worse, he is clearly the Ravens best , most durable, impactful player. What fans tend not to question is their almost worship of OZ who has put the team in this cap hell. Webb counting 9.5M against cap is absurd. Where is his MVP, how many pro bowls has he played in?. Paying Pitta a long-term contract after breaking his hip is stupid. How about the Monroe contract? He is neither durable nor consistently performing at a high level. Now, $9.5M, $8.7M, $7.2M adds to $25.4 million reasons it's time to hold OZ accountable. Stop hoping Joe takes or wants less money and demand OZ and DeCosta, this supposed dynamic duo of GMs, start earning theirs.

Laworfootball? Joe and his agent should look at how other QB's in the league who are trophy wining "Franchise" Quarterbacks do it. The Ravens will keep Joe - FAT AND HAPPY- his family set for life and he will have the key to the city. What more could he ask for? So why shouldn't he sit down, work out the deal that HELPS the TEAM work within the NFL SALARY CAP numbers, to put them in a position to WIN the Super Bowl. What do you say there law....

[bigcatfrank1]

22 draft picks form over the past three years who are still with the team. If they all continue to take the next step and we get some people back healthy we seem to be building a very strong nucleus. G's : Urschel and Jensen - T: RWagner - TE's: Gilmore, Maxx and Boyle- WR's: Perrman, Camp and Waller- RB's: Talifero, Buck and Juice- DT's: Timmy and CDavis - DE's: ZSmith, BUrban and KLM- LB's : CJ, ABrown and ZOrr (UFA)- CB's: Tray Walker and S: Elam and Brooks! Who ever we add in this season (and drafting as high as we are) should mean that somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 players of our 53 man roster were home grown and that the youth movement is in full effect. 30 of 53 players will be under a rookie contract which should also bode well for us in a tight salary cap situation! I see the vision but a lot depends on some of these young guys being able to take the next step!

I Agree, If this team can ever practice and play under the same coaching staff...maybe they can manage to play together with some cohesiveness. They looked all out of sorts this year. Flacos very words were- "they are a bit confused" Then I have to get them back in the huddle and kind of straighten them out and they are alright".... Changing OC twice in 2 years has been a big deal. Defense was adjusting to Pees making some changes as well. Great Nucleus....Need another over the top Wide Reciever - shut down Corner - need our Sacks (Suggs and fellows) - Ints and Turnovers up - We are back in the playoffs!

[bigcatfrank1]

  3 hours ago, OzzieBisciotti said:

I bet you Steve Smith regrets that he isn't on the Panthers SB 50 team this year. So sad that he came to us and we didn't make the playoffs and then to top it off he has a season ending injury and we have the worst season in franchise history. Sorry Steve, you should've gone out a winner with your former team.

It isn't like Steve decided he didn't like the Panthers chances for getting to the Super Bowl and decided to leave and go to a team that he thought had a better shot at it. They got rid of him ... not the other way around. So "regret" really isn't right word, since that implies he made some error in judgement in leaving the Panthers. He played the hand he was dealt the best he could. But yeah, it would be nice if he were able to have stayed with his team until the end and could go out a champion, but it was not to be. 

Steve left 2 years ago

[bigcatfrank1]

I bet you Steve Smith regrets that he isn't on the Panthers SB 50 team this year. So sad that he came to us and we didn't make the playoffs and then to top it off he has a season ending injury and we have the worst season in franchise history. Sorry Steve, you should've gone out a winner with your former team.

Steve left 2 years ago

[bigcatfrank1]

John Elway bought this coaching staff from the Ravens. Manning, not that he doesn't deserve it, is in the big game tomorrow primarily because of a great defense and an incredible coaching job. The Ravens lost on the back to back Title game....probably best, with all of the injuries and personnel issues It looks like it was the right choice by Kubiak.

[law215]

  4 hours ago, law215 said:

Fans are always expecting Joe to take a pay cut when for better or worse, he is clearly the Ravens best , most durable, impactful player. What fans tend not to question is their almost worship of OZ who has put the team in this cap hell. Webb counting 9.5M against cap is absurd. Where is his MVP, how many pro bowls has he played in?. Paying Pitta a long-term contract after breaking his hip is stupid. How about the Monroe contract? He is neither durable nor consistently performing at a high level. Now, $9.5M, $8.7M, $7.2M adds to $25.4 million reasons it's time to hold OZ accountable. Stop hoping Joe takes or wants less money and demand OZ and DeCosta, this supposed dynamic duo of GMs, start earning theirs.

Laworfootball? Joe and his agent should look at how other QB's in the league who are trophy wining "Franchise" Quarterbacks do it. The Ravens will keep Joe - FAT AND HAPPY- his family set for life and he will have the key to the city. What more could he ask for? So why shouldn't he sit down, work out the deal that HELPS the TEAM work within the NFL SALARY CAP numbers, to put them in a position to WIN the Super Bowl. What do you say there law....

The Ravens will restructure Joe's cap number as planned in year 3 of his contract, but Joe earned his money. The cap woes are not a result of Joe's original deal. In fact, it was cap friendly. Poor contracts by front office have them in this situation. You internet tough guys with your capital letters make me laugh.

[balfan23]

7 hours ago, law215 said:

Fans are always expecting Joe to take a pay cut when for better or worse, he is clearly the Ravens best , most durable, impactful player. What fans tend not to question is their almost worship of OZ who has put the team in this cap hell. Webb counting 9.5M against cap is absurd. Where is his MVP, how many pro bowls has he played in?. Paying Pitta a long-term contract after breaking his hip is stupid. How about the Monroe contract? He is neither durable nor consistently performing at a high level. Now, $9.5M, $8.7M, $7.2M adds to $25.4 million reasons it's time to hold OZ accountable. Stop hoping Joe takes or wants less money and demand OZ and DeCosta, this supposed dynamic duo of GMs, start earning theirs.

While some (mostly reporters close to the team) may believe Oz is beyond reproach, I do think many fans are concerned with the latest round of contracts that have been handed out. However, other than Pitta, it is really hard to say that anyone could see the slide in performance from Webb and Monroe coming when their contracts were signed. Throw in the draft and the last round of not so impressive FAs brought in and there is no doubt Oz has not lived up to his lofty reputation of late. 

But to the point on Joe ... he has indeed been our biggest impact player over recent years. However, there is no getting around the crushing effect of his cap hit starting this year. Yes, there are other factors hurting our cap, but his can't be ignored. He is basically tied for the 2nd highest hit in the league, with only Brees having a bigger hit (by $1.5M). That's more than any team can honestly handle. So, that's why anyone who wants to see this team succeed is going to want to see Joe rework his deal. I think that is pretty clear. 

[rmcjacket23]

9 hours ago, bigcatfrank1 said:

So based on this Chart we could give KO a $6.5 mil Raise this year to stay as LT and then another $2.2 Mil next Year. with incentives and build a contract. I say do it. Let Monroe go and give KO the money. take the 2.2 in dead money. We make it up by just releasing Arrington.- next

The dead money isn't $2.2M if we cut Monroe...it's $6.6M, same amount of dead money as Pitta. Cap savings is $2.1M.

While dead money itself is largely irrelevant to decision making, I do find it funny that so many fans complained about the high dead money costs of guys like Rice and Ngata, yet by just releasing many of the players people want to see cut, you're creating $15-20M in dead money. Rice and Ngata coat $18M in dead money last year, so it's basically same as last year in terms of dead money.

 

[rmcjacket23]

9 hours ago, bigcatfrank1 said:

Laworfootball? Joe and his agent should look at how other QB's in the league who are trophy wining "Franchise" Quarterbacks do it. The Ravens will keep Joe - FAT AND HAPPY- his family set for life and he will have the key to the city. What more could he ask for? So why shouldn't he sit down, work out the deal that HELPS the TEAM work within the NFL SALARY CAP numbers, to put them in a position to WIN the Super Bowl. What do you say there law....

So basically...do the same thing he did last time? His contract is certainly within the parameters of the salary cap right now.

[rmcjacket23]

9 hours ago, bigcatfrank1 said:

Arrington, Forsett, Canty, Monroe and Pitta all gone. Re-structure Flacco , Webb and a couple others. Net gain KEEP KO at LT and pick up a #1-2 Wide Reciever in FA or RFA these 2 are my coaching recommendations. Now will OZ and the FO do it...lol we will see. Here is my reasoning. For the past umtene years (except for the Flacco deal, which I think they could have trimmed down before the final #) the Ravens have played the "spread the cash around" to find mediocre players. Has that really worked? Sure every once in a while a gem, or they pay a bump premium, or get lucky like the Dumervil deal. But here is a chance with probably a large pool of 3-5 year talented Wide Recievers in the NFL that could be available in the market. Strong young players that have proven experience and talent. Put in the line up now with Steve Smith Sr. will absolutely propel the Ravens to a receiving level of above average proportions. The odds are greatly in that favor. Thus leaving Aiken, who proved his ability and skill as a strong #2-3. Lastly Perriman as the seated #4. With the bench players,draft, URFA, released, walk-ons and even trade the Ravens are set to go for 2016, a core for 17 and further. What if Sr. gets injured? or Aiken or Perriman is a bust? anyone of those 3 things happen the Ravens are behind the eight ball again. I throw out a few receivers for Oz to shop when the calling opens- Keenan Allen (San Diego Chargers), Kendall Wright ( Titans ) Travis Benjiman (Cleveland) or even mid $ on Tavon Austin ( Rams) and there are others as well. suggestions?

Yeah one suggestion....get your facts straight.

Keenan Allen and Kendall Wright are NOT free agents. I'll repeat it just so it is clear....they are NOT free agents. They will both be playing with the same teams in 2016.

Travis Benjamin, who is largely a #3 WR in this league, is probably the best FA WR to be, and he probably resigns in Cleveland.

Until teams start cuts, there's no WRs in FA worth discussing.

[thecommish]

  On 2/5/2016 at 2:06 PM, steelcityraven said:

22 draft picks form over the past three years who are still with the team. If they all continue to take the next step and we get some people back healthy we seem to be building a very strong nucleus. G's : Urschel and Jensen - T: RWagner - TE's: Gilmore, Maxx and Boyle- WR's: Perrman, Camp and Waller- RB's: Talifero, Buck and Juice- DT's: Timmy and CDavis - DE's: ZSmith, BUrban and KLM- LB's : CJ, ABrown and ZOrr (UFA)- CB's: Tray Walker and S: Elam and Brooks! Who ever we add in this season (and drafting as high as we are) should mean that somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 players of our 53 man roster were home grown and that the youth movement is in full effect. 30 of 53 players will be under a rookie contract which should also bode well for us in a tight salary cap situation! I see the vision but a lot depends on some of these young guys being able to take the next step!

I wouldn't consider Zsmith a DE maybe if this was a 4-3 but he is way undersized for that position and didn't play there at all last season. I would hold of in calling Elam, Walker, and Brown contributors. KLM will be on the bubble.

elam started his first season plus....that clearly makes him a contributor-anything else just adds to that title....while i agree that contributor may be a stretch for brown so far....i think he will be asked to do a lot more this season- i dont think i could call him a contributor....ZSmith played DE in college and we listed him as a DE but i agree hr is an OLB in our system....butni see the point... we have a lot of homegrown talent -who could really step up and play well.... and if so that should mean we can afford to step out in FA and sign a few people again (some this year) but more so even next year!

[Halshayeji]

20 hours ago, bigcatfrank1 said:

Arrington, Forsett, Canty, Monroe and Pitta all gone. Re-structure Flacco , Webb and a couple others. Net gain KEEP KO at LT and pick up a #1-2 Wide Reciever in FA or RFA these 2 are my coaching recommendations. Now will OZ and the FO do it...lol we will see. Here is my reasoning. For the past umtene years (except for the Flacco deal, which I think they could have trimmed down before the final #) the Ravens have played the "spread the cash around" to find mediocre players. Has that really worked? Sure every once in a while a gem, or they pay a bump premium, or get lucky like the Dumervil deal. But here is a chance with probably a large pool of 3-5 year talented Wide Recievers in the NFL that could be available in the market. Strong young players that have proven experience and talent. Put in the line up now with Steve Smith Sr. will absolutely propel the Ravens to a receiving level of above average proportions. The odds are greatly in that favor. Thus leaving Aiken, who proved his ability and skill as a strong #2-3. Lastly Perriman as the seated #4. With the bench players,draft, URFA, released, walk-ons and even trade the Ravens are set to go for 2016, a core for 17 and further. What if Sr. gets injured? or Aiken or Perriman is a bust? anyone of those 3 things happen the Ravens are behind the eight ball again. I throw out a few receivers for Oz to shop when the calling opens- Keenan Allen (San Diego Chargers), Kendall Wright ( Titans ) Travis Benjiman (Cleveland) or even mid $ on Tavon Austin ( Rams) and there are others as well. suggestions?

I really don't see Forsett walking. At least not this year. I also don't see monroe walking this year because it just doesn't make any financial sense. Arrington pitta and canty are probably gone.

You emphasized on Keep KO. I agree but not necessarily at LT because having a probowl Guard that can slide outside if needed is s luxury.

I personally think K.Aiken has already proved that he's a crisp rout runner with above average hands. Hes also prity fast (4.45) I think he's a lock to start and do well catching passes from Joe. SSS played at a pro bowl level for 2 seasons in a row. Even 80 percent of him would start on most NFL teams so I'm not worried about him come playoffs. Perriman is a baller everyone! Just wait

Tho keenan Allen, Kendall wright, Benjamin, and Austin are more likely staying with their teams than leaving. I feel ya when you say all we need is a #3 guy just in case Perriman doesn't pan out or Aiken gets hurt.

Benjamin had 950 yards on a bad team. If he's disrespected by NFL GMs that they only offer him #3 WR money il gladly take him. Or anyone that can stretch the field like that and be our returner.

[rmcjacket23]

5 minutes ago, Halshayeji said:

I really don't see Forsett walking. At least not this year. I also don't see monroe walking this year because it just doesn't make any financial sense. Arrington pitta and canty are probably gone.

You emphasized on Keep KO. I agree but not necessarily at LT because having a probowl Guard that can slide outside if needed is s luxury.

I personally think K.Aiken has already proved that he's a crisp rout runner with above average hands. Hes also prity fast (4.45) I think he's a lock to start and do well catching passes from Joe. SSS played at a pro bowl level for 2 seasons in a row. Even 80 percent of him would start on most NFL teams so I'm not worried about him come playoffs. Perriman is a baller everyone! Just wait

Tho keenan Allen, Kendall wright, Benjamin, and Austin are more likely staying with their teams than leaving. I feel ya when you say all we need is a #3 guy just in case Perriman doesn't pan out or Aiken gets hurt.

Benjamin had 950 yards on a bad team. If he's disrespected by NFL GMs that they only offer him #3 WR money il gladly take him. Or anyone that can stretch the field like that and be our returner.

Not sure where people are getting this false information from, but Allen, Wright and Austin are NOT free agents, so of course they will be returning to their teams. They are all under extremely cheap contracts for the most part, so their respective teams have no reason to cut them on what is mostly a rookie deal.

Benjamin will probably resign in Cleveland before FA (as he's already said he plans on doing) or will get terribly overpaid by a desperate team because of how incredibly weak the FA market for WRs is.

Unless there are some very surprising cuts once FA begins, I wouldn't bank on the Ravens upgrading the WR core significantly via FA this year. There just won't be much money to spend and there really isn't anybody worth spending it on.

[Halshayeji]

3 hours ago, rmcjacket23 said:

Not sure where people are getting this false information from, but Allen, Wright and Austin are NOT free agents, so of course they will be returning to their teams. They are all under extremely cheap contracts for the most part, so their respective teams have no reason to cut them on what is mostly a rookie deal.

Benjamin will probably resign in Cleveland before FA (as he's already said he plans on doing) or will get terribly overpaid by a desperate team because of how incredibly weak the FA market for WRs is.

Unless there are some very surprising cuts once FA begins, I wouldn't bank on the Ravens upgrading the WR core significantly via FA this year. There just won't be much money to spend and there really isn't anybody worth spending it on.

 

Thats what I said. Allen wright and Austin are probably staying put. Benjamin is probably resigning but if he's desrispected I'd gladly take him as insurance if perriman gets hurt again. If he gets overpaid the. So be it. Who said anything about upgrading significantly? All I need is someone that can stretch the field and star as a returner. A 2-3 mil per year guy with a friendly cap hit year 1

[rmcjacket23]

18 hours ago, Halshayeji said:

 

Thats what I said. Allen wright and Austin are probably staying put. Benjamin is probably resigning but if he's desrispected I'd gladly take him as insurance if perriman gets hurt again. If he gets overpaid the. So be it. Who said anything about upgrading significantly? All I need is someone that can stretch the field and star as a returner. A 2-3 mil per year guy with a friendly cap hit year 1

OK, but I'm still not sure why people are even mentioning guys like Allen, Wright or Austin when they are under contract with other teams and there's no chance the others teams dump them. They are as likely to be Ravens as AJ Green and Antonio Brown are next season.

As far as the guy you are asking for, there really isn't anybody like that or likely to be anybody like that on the market. A field stretcher would be a Chris Givens type and returners can be found everywhere and likely for like a 5th or 6th round pick. I have no interest in spending anything more than the bare minimum on a kick returner. Just doesn't yield the value it used to.

[Halshayeji]

8 minutes ago, rmcjacket23 said:

OK, but I'm still not sure why people are even mentioning guys like Allen, Wright or Austin when they are under contract with other teams and there's no chance the others teams dump them. They are as likely to be Ravens as AJ Green and Antonio Brown are next season.

As far as the guy you are asking for, there really isn't anybody like that or likely to be anybody like that on the market. A field stretcher would be a Chris Givens type and returners can be found everywhere and likely for like a 5th or 6th round pick. I have no interest in spending anything more than the bare minimum on a kick returner. Just doesn't yield the value it used to.

Beats me, I often wonder where some people get these ideas but at the same time I remember that we had an article last week in the lines of "what would it take for Von Miller to end up a Raven". Really? A miracle is what it would take lol

another article sounded like "lets get Desean Jackson" and a few weeks before that we had an article named "ravens looking to add 1 or 2 wide recievers to the mix". Thats all in our back yard so just imagine all the stuff out there in the internet that just doesn't make sense. If I had to guess, that's where these ideas come from

I know where you stand on a kick returner and I respect that your standing by your guns even though I still disagree. I still see value in a solid kickoff and punt returner if and only if he can also contribute as a WR just in case Perriman goes down. Financially, I do concur that it may not make financial sense to the Ravens this year but we never know how its gonna look like with Flacco's contract and KO staying or not. There is enough cap space to be freed but the real question is "is it worth it"

[bigcatfrank1]

  On 2/6/2016 at 1:52 PM, bigcatfrank1 said:

  On 2/6/2016 at 0:30 PM, law215 said:

Fans are always expecting Joe to take a pay cut when for better or worse, he is clearly the Ravens best , most durable, impactful player. What fans tend not to question is their almost worship of OZ who has put the team in this cap hell. Webb counting 9.5M against cap is absurd. Where is his MVP, how many pro bowls has he played in?. Paying Pitta a long-term contract after breaking his hip is stupid. How about the Monroe contract? He is neither durable nor consistently performing at a high level. Now, $9.5M, $8.7M, $7.2M adds to $25.4 million reasons it's time to hold OZ accountable. Stop hoping Joe takes or wants less money and demand OZ and DeCosta, this supposed dynamic duo of GMs, start earning theirs.

Laworfootball? Joe and his agent should look at how other QB's in the league who are trophy wining "Franchise" Quarterbacks do it. The Ravens will keep Joe - FAT AND HAPPY- his family set for life and he will have the key to the city. What more could he ask for? So why shouldn't he sit down, work out the deal that HELPS the TEAM work within the NFL SALARY CAP numbers, to put them in a position to WIN the Super Bowl. What do you say there law....

The Ravens will restructure Joe's cap number as planned in year 3 of his contract, but Joe earned his money. The cap woes are not a result of Joe's original deal. In fact, it was cap friendly. Poor contracts by front office have them in this situation. You internet tough guys with your capital letters make me laugh.

Law you are the one who was complaining, sounds like you are ok with him restructuring so what is your point? Sure he deserves and earned his money, no one is saying that he didn't. Don't put words in my mouth. It was your tough guy post that was making the issue about the Ravens forcing Joe to do something, it obviously is his choice. I think Joe can make the choice, his agent may or may not have the same "soul".

[bigcatfrank1]

  On 2/6/2016 at 1:44 PM, bigcatfrank1 said:

Arrington, Forsett, Canty, Monroe and Pitta all gone. Re-structure Flacco , Webb and a couple others. Net gain KEEP KO at LT and pick up a #1-2 Wide Reciever in FA or RFA these 2 are my coaching recommendations. Now will OZ and the FO do it...lol we will see. Here is my reasoning. For the past umtene years (except for the Flacco deal, which I think they could have trimmed down before the final #) the Ravens have played the "spread the cash around" to find mediocre players. Has that really worked? Sure every once in a while a gem, or they pay a bump premium, or get lucky like the Dumervil deal. But here is a chance with probably a large pool of 3-5 year talented Wide Recievers in the NFL that could be available in the market. Strong young players that have proven experience and talent. Put in the line up now with Steve Smith Sr. will absolutely propel the Ravens to a receiving level of above average proportions. The odds are greatly in that favor. Thus leaving Aiken, who proved his ability and skill as a strong #2-3. Lastly Perriman as the seated #4. With the bench players,draft, URFA, released, walk-ons and even trade the Ravens are set to go for 2016, a core for 17 and further. What if Sr. gets injured? or Aiken or Perriman is a bust? anyone of those 3 things happen the Ravens are behind the eight ball again. I throw out a few receivers for Oz to shop when the calling opens- Keenan Allen (San Diego Chargers), Kendall Wright ( Titans ) Travis Benjiman (Cleveland) or even mid $ on Tavon Austin ( Rams) and there are others as well. suggestions?

Yeah one suggestion....get your facts straight.

Keenan Allen and Kendall Wright are NOT free agents. I'll repeat it just so it is clear....they are NOT free agents. They will both be playing with the same teams in 2016.

Travis Benjamin, who is largely a #3 WR in this league, is probably the best FA WR to be, and he probably resigns in Cleveland.

Until teams start cuts, there's no WRs in FA worth discussing.

That was my mistake, I thought that their contracts were 3 year contracts. Darn shame, because they both would be worth a look. Don't get me wrong, I' not saying there are any shoe ins. In fact i could be pessimistic as some of the responses and say "no way" the Ravens get a WR in FA" there isn't any one available. What I am saying is that Oz and the FO guys know better than anyone what guys are available, and who might come available, to what degree, what the contracts look like, etc. I dont, ( obviously). I am saying that I think the Ravens should consider making a shot at a decent young receiver if one is available in FA or even RFA . make a play. If we don't get them, we don't get them. But if we happen to work a deal, we then have to cut the cap in other areas. I think that it is risky to go with Steve Sr. and Perriman knowing what happened last year, plus Sr. isn't going to hang around past next year most probably. Don't go Draft, and the short 1 mil deals dont seem to be working out either so why keep doing it?

[bigcatfrank1]

  On 2/7/2016 at 3:16 PM, Halshayeji said:

 

Thats what I said. Allen wright and Austin are probably staying put. Benjamin is probably resigning but if he's desrispected I'd gladly take him as insurance if perriman gets hurt again. If he gets overpaid the. So be it. Who said anything about upgrading significantly? All I need is someone that can stretch the field and star as a returner. A 2-3 mil per year guy with a friendly cap hit year 1

OK, but I'm still not sure why people are even mentioning guys like Allen, Wright or Austin when they are under contract with other teams and there's no chance the others teams dump them. They are as likely to be Ravens as AJ Green and Antonio Brown are next season.

As far as the guy you are asking for, there really isn't anybody like that or likely to be anybody like that on the market. A field stretcher would be a Chris Givens type and returners can be found everywhere and likely for like a 5th or 6th round pick. I have no interest in spending anything more than the bare minimum on a kick returner. Just doesn't yield the value it used to.

The reason I mentioned them, was as examples of players the Ravens "should be looking for this off season". If you would have read my entire post you might have understood that. It was my mistake, I thought that their contracts were up this year. So they are not available, thank you for clarifying. Darn shame, they would be the type of players that would make good additions to this team in my opinion. I dont think that AJ Green or Antonio Brown fall in the same category, nor would they be available in the same capacity , but that might be your opinion. My point is made in the post just ahead of this one if you care to read on the entire WR issue.

[rmcjacket23]

51 minutes ago, bigcatfrank1 said:

That was my mistake, I thought that their contracts were 3 year contracts. Darn shame, because they both would be worth a look. Don't get me wrong, I' not saying there are any shoe ins. In fact i could be pessimistic as some of the responses and say "no way" the Ravens get a WR in FA" there isn't any one available. What I am saying is that Oz and the FO guys know better than anyone what guys are available, and who might come available, to what degree, what the contracts look like, etc. I dont, ( obviously). I am saying that I think the Ravens should consider making a shot at a decent young receiver if one is available in FA or even RFA . make a play. If we don't get them, we don't get them. But if we happen to work a deal, we then have to cut the cap in other areas. I think that it is risky to go with Steve Sr. and Perriman knowing what happened last year, plus Sr. isn't going to hang around past next year most probably. Don't go Draft, and the short 1 mil deals dont seem to be working out either so why keep doing it?

Short answer... because we have to. The reason we have to is that we don't have the cap space to spend on probably even a mid-tier WR. A guy who costs even $3-4M a year is realistically probably going to be out of our price range, given our current cap situation. Unless Joe agrees to a contract extension prior to FA opening, which may or may not happen, there's a good chance we won't be signing anybody, regardless of position, in that price range.

So the types of players you get on short term, cheap deals aren't your typical better receivers on the open market, particularly in a market as weak as this one is this year. If we were to sign a WR in FA, I would bet a ton that its either an aging veteran on the "decline", but who's price tag is reasonable and output could be as well (similar to a Steve Smith-type signing), or a younger WR who is unproven and possibly even injury prone (a Chris Givens type player).

The draft is the most likely option, considering WR is more of a long-term problem than a short-term one anyway. Signing a cheap UFA is still likely, though signing an RFA is probably out of the question. RFAs are attached to draft pick compensation, so signing a guy like that not only requires money but draft picks as well. Not really our style, nor is it really any teams style. You don't see too many teams signing RFAs from other teams.

[thieverycorporation]

Besides Ose and Tucker. The comp picks scenario doesn't look like a factor as they may be the only loses from our team that other teams may covet and pay. You can't say much about the others in relation to getting a high comp pick anyway. So to dismiss the likelihood of addressing a EfRA as viable and that it would severely impact the comp pick formula doesn't seem to ring true (this year). We may luck up and get one more then expected but it won't be as bountiful this year or past ones. It's conceivable that we make a play for a perceived missing cog. I'd think they'd at least listen and look. Some cast off's will be there, but will they bite?  The first wave(s) of cuts have started and it will be very interesting to see how teams try to position themselves before the draft. The Ravens should be announcing whether they have been in talks with Flacco/company soon and any progress. The silence is deafening.

Edited February 10, 2016 by thieverycorporation

[Halshayeji]

9 hours ago, thieverycorporation said:

Besides Ose and Tucker. The comp picks scenario doesn't look like a factor as they may be the only loses from our team that other teams may covet and pay. You can't say much about the others in relation to getting a high comp pick anyway. So to dismiss the likelihood of addressing a EfRA as viable and that it would severely impact the comp pick formula doesn't seem to ring true (this year). We may luck up and get one more then expected but it won't be as bountiful this year or past ones. It's conceivable that we make a play for a perceived missing cog. I'd think they'd at least listen and look. Some cast off's will be there, but will they bite?  The first wave(s) of cuts have started and it will be very interesting to see how teams try to position themselves before the draft. The Ravens should be announcing whether they have been in talks with Flacco/company soon and any progress. The silence is deafening.

I'm with you on this one.

i don't think we are going to see fireworks in FA because that's not how Ozzie works but I wouldn't be surprised if we make a move or 2 in RFA because of that exact reason. If we can somehow strike an extension with Flacco and keep KO then we really don't have anything to lose in terms of comp picks.

cap space remains the only question mark but there are ways around it

[rmcjacket23]

13 minutes ago, Halshayeji said:

I'm with you on this one.

i don't think we are going to see fireworks in FA because that's not how Ozzie works but I wouldn't be surprised if we make a move or 2 in RFA because of that exact reason. If we can somehow strike an extension with Flacco and keep KO then we really don't have anything to lose in terms of comp picks.

cap space remains the only question mark but there are ways around it

Yeah, definitely not buying it. I'm not sure people fully understand what it takes to sign a RFA away from another team to begin with...

1. Ignoring the comp pick process, Ozzie's generally not a fan of trading picks for players, particularly quality picks. In this case, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that when you guys are discussing possibly signing RFAs from other teams, you're thinking of signing actual quality players, not just sending a 6th round pick for a player, which would be more likely to happen. If that happens, most people wouldn't even bat an eye, as its the equivalent of trading for a guy like Will Davis. Its a signing, but most people don't even care and it largely goes unnoticed for the most part.

2. Given that, the "quality" RFAs are getting assigned high tenders, meaning 2nd and 3rd round tenders or higher. I'd be absolutely stunned if Ozzie agreed to trade a 2nd or 3rd round pick for practically anybody this season, particularly somebody that he then basically has to pay market value for.

3. On top of all of that... in order to sign an RFA away from a team, you would need to structure a contract that the other team can't or won't match. In looking at our salary cap situation... how exactly do we plan on accomplishing that? We could backload it, but then so can any other team, and we don't have the cap space to frontload it, which is what most teams attempt to do in these deals.

In all honesty, I'd bet we'd be more inclined to have one or our RFAs be snagged by another team than for us to sign one from somebody else.