[News] Byrne Identity: Adding An Important Veteran To The Mix

[BR News]

The Ravens regularly sign vets like Rod Woodson, Shannon Sharpe and Steve Smith to push them over the hump.

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[ALSKAN RAVEN FAN]

It is going to be fun to see how Ben gets thrown into the mix and watch him help guide the younger guys going forward.

[Saxxin]

O.K I get it. I like Watson and he is a great community guy and a good mentor and leader, but can we move on to something else please? It's not like we resigned John Mackey!

I agree. Love the signing but to much of anything is bad. Don't make us sick of the guy lol.

[FloridalovesRavens]

Don't know about anyone else but it sure is nice to hear NICE things about new players. So, keep it coming. Sorry but I like it lol!!

[ellicottraven]

I like Watson's demeanor and humility. He will certainly bring a lot to the locker room. I also want Daryl Smith to be brought back on a 1 yr deal. He earned it and is also a great locker room leader.

[bioLarzen]

Adding veterands on the back stretch of their career is always a risky move. Sometimes it ends up being a great one - Woodson, Sharpe, Steve Smith, McNair, Mason, Owen Daniels etc..., other times not so much: Lee Evans, Huff, Dallas Clark, Jason Babin etc. Let's hope Ben Watson will end up in the first group. He seems a nice guy and a good player.

[Virginia 55]

Bottom line = Steve Smith should have stayed in Carolina. This is what you get in the grass is greener scenario.

[usmccharles]

5 minutes ago, Virginia 55 said:

Bottom line = Steve Smith should have stayed in Carolina. This is what you get in the grass is greener scenario.

Incase you forgot, it wasnt his choice.  The Panthers paid him while he was on our team, he even pointed it out to some twitter keypad warrior.  But, A for effort....

[20306cab]

Didn't realize this was such an earth shattering signing until this site let me know about it with every other story. OK, SB here we come! I get Byrne's an employee and big fan, but come on. Take off the purple glasses every once in a while, and return from la-la land. By NO means did the Ravens "THUMP" the Steelers in that playoff game. And Jump Ball Joe's bonehead throw to Smith, did NOT come anywhere close "to nearly connecting." with him. I used to like these Byrne identity articles, but most are becoming just so much of Raven's lovefest, they are sickening. By the way, in the '06 playoff game, the Ravens D held Manning and the high powered Colt's O, to ZERO TD's, and McNair pretty much singlehandedly handed them the game.

[BigUgly]

This really highlights some of the recent failures of the draft to develop players at needed positions.  With Watson, who seems serviceable though aged, the Ravens will have committed over $17M to the TE position.  It's turning into the same black hole as the safety position, where the Ravens have committed over $13M.  These should have been two positions effectively and affordably covered by mid-round draft picks, but that has not been the case.

[Crusader]

This really highlights some of the recent failures of the draft to develop players at needed positions.  With Watson, who seems serviceable though aged, the Ravens will have committed over $17M to the TE position.  It's turning into the same black hole as the safety position, where the Ravens have committed over $13M.  These should have been two positions effectively and affordably covered by mid-round draft picks, but that has not been the case.

Yep this team is a BIG mess and I think you will be adding the linebackers group to that list.

[law215]

I don't like the signing. OZ just drafted 2 TEs last draft. If Maxx , a second round pick can't carry the load, why draft him with a 2nd round pick?. Also, at 35, how long can he contribute to the team? It's not like Ravens are a couple of players away from Superbowl champions at 5-11. Add to that Waller is now a TE and some guy off the practice squad tendered? Where else could the money on this contract be used to improve the team? We give Wright money like he is really a good CB. SMH at how OZ manages to blow money on over-valued players but never has enough to keep quality ones.

[rmcjacket23]

On 3/10/2016 at 5:49 PM, Virginia 55 said:

Bottom line = Steve Smith should have stayed in Carolina. This is what you get in the grass is greener scenario.

Excellent hindsight analysis there sir. Keep up the outstanding work.

SMH.