The final cuts

[BmoreBird22]

Just now, Tank 92 said:

B. Will

If he approaches Damon Harrison money, I don't think he'll be back

[Tank 92]

I know there's been some tweets on this but not sure if you guys have read this.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/09/04/justin-forsett-likely-will-return-to-the-ravens/

[Sami84]

1 hour ago, Tank 92 said:

B. Will

mmm..not sure if hes worth it. Unless he shows more improvement in getting to the passer i'd not break the bank for him.

[rmw10]

 

Edited September 5, 2016 by rmw10

[RavensPunkXVX]

Forsett had to know what was up. It had been entirely too quiet. Nothing from the FO or players. Completely expected. 

[rmw10]

From reading through Zrebiec's tweets and replies in regards to all of this, it definitely sounds like Forsett was fully aware and willing to make this move for the team.  The Ravens had to wait until today at 4pm to put both Elam and Davis on IR (which hasn't happened yet) to open up the possibility of them returning later in the season.  Forsett was one of the true vested veterans on the team, and they don't have to go through waivers.  Assuming all of this is true, major props to Forsett for this.  It sounds like he was willing to do all of this for the good of the team.

Edited September 5, 2016 by rmw10

[RavensPunkXVX]

1 minute ago, rmw10 said:

From reading through Zrebiec's tweets and replies in regards to all of this, it definitely sounds like Forsett was fully aware and willing to make this move for the team.  The Ravens had to wait until today at 4pm to put both Elam and Davis on IR (which hasn't happened yet) to open up the possibility of them returning later in the season.  Forsett was one of the true vested veterans on the team, and they don't have to go through waivers.  Assuming all of this is true, major props to Forsett for this.  It sounds like he was willing to do all of this for the good of the team.

That's why you gotta love Forsett. Idc about his play. Keep him on the team until he retires. Lol such a good guy. 

[Sami84]

Watched Pierce today..all the games. This guy is a freak..for a guy so huge I can't think of a guy at 330 pounds that flies off the line like him.

Also, Carter looks really useful. He's explosive..

Alex Lewis has been my most pleasent surprise this summer. He has lots of great plays and a few bad ones BUT i would Def start him over urschel. 

Skura impressed me a lot too. He was my 2nd favorite free agent behind ochi. 

I really think in Jensen/Skura we could have a good alternative over zuttah who i feel is simply considered a ''safer'' option rather than a better one.

[RavensFanMania]

If I have to say that I was upset with one cut it would be Victor Ochi. I really feel he has a good chance of having a successful career. Much more so than Butler or any other player we cut. 

 

Anyway, here's hoping we don't have to poach him off the Jets PS. 

Edited September 5, 2016 by RavensFanMania

[lgcs27288]

10 minutes ago, Sami84 said:

Watched Pierce today..all the games. This guy is a freak..for a guy so huge I can't think of a guy at 330 pounds that flies off the line like him.

Also, Carter looks really useful. He's explosive..

Alex Lewis has been my most pleasent surprise this summer. He has lots of great plays and a few bad ones BUT i would Def start him over urschel. 

Skura impressed me a lot too. He was my 2nd favorite free agent behind ochi. 

I really think in Jensen/Skura we could have a good alternative over zuttah who i feel is simply considered a ''safer'' option rather than a better one.

Look at you being all positive and stuff... This actually has me pretty excited for the players.

[Ravensfan23]

12 minutes ago, rmw10 said:

From reading through Zrebiec's tweets and replies in regards to all of this, it definitely sounds like Forsett was fully aware and willing to make this move for the team.  The Ravens had to wait until today at 4pm to put both Elam and Davis on IR (which hasn't happened yet) to open up the possibility of them returning later in the season.  Forsett was one of the true vested veterans on the team, and they don't have to go through waivers.  Assuming all of this is true, major props to Forsett for this.  It sounds like he was willing to do all of this for the good of the team.

Not that it really matter, because I'd love to have Forsett back, but my question is, if Dixon never gets injured is Forsett still in the teams plans? I ask because if he was/is in the teams plans and expected to be a big part of the offense, why cut him at all? Why not just restructure his contract? I think you only cut Forsett because he's not a long term 2016 option and you don't want to pay him guaranteed money be apart of a committee.  I'd expect Forsett to be a huge part of what the Ravens will do over the first few weeks of the season, until West shows he can be a bell cow and Dixon returns. I don't think the Ravens want one guy taking all the reps and I don't think Buck put much trust in the coaches to feel comfortable with him being anything more than a 3rd down back right now. 

So imo you bring Forsett back to form a 1-2 punch with West while Buck serves as the 3rd receiving back and once Dixon is healthy Forsett is probably back out of the door again with not much penalty to the team.  Also if the 4 week timeline holds true for Dixon that would put him back at practice after Week 3. He'll have a full week of practice and be able to get his feet week at home in Week 4 vs OAK at home. If he prove to be 100% and shows well in that game, Forsett could very well be cut in favor of Waller who will be coming off suspension after that game and the Ravens really seem to like him. 

I think it'll be good for Forsett to come back and form that 1-2 punch with West but I don't see him saying on the roster long term.  

[rmw10]

1 minute ago, Ravensfan23 said:

Not that it really matter, because I'd love to have Forsett back, but my question is, if Dixon never gets injured is Forsett still in the teams plans? I ask because if he was/is in the teams plans and expected to be a big part of the offense, why cut him at all? Why not just restructure his contract? I think you only cut Forsett because he's not a long term 2016 option and you don't want to pay him guaranteed money be apart of a committee.  I'd expect Forsett to be a huge part of what the Ravens will do over the first few weeks of the season, until West shows he can be a bell cow and Dixon returns. I don't think the Ravens want one guy taking all the reps and I don't think Buck put much trust in the coaches to feel comfortable with him being anything more than a 3rd down back right now. 

So imo you bring Forsett back to form a 1-2 punch with West while Buck serves as the 3rd receiving back and once Dixon is healthy Forsett is probably back out of the door again with not much penalty to the team.  Also if the 4 week timeline holds true for Dixon that would put him back at practice after Week 3. He'll have a full week of practice and be able to get his feet week at home in Week 4 vs OAK at home. If he prove to be 100% and shows well in that game, Forsett could very well be cut in favor of Waller who will be coming off suspension after that game and the Ravens really seem to like him. 

I think it'll be good for Forsett to come back and form that 1-2 punch with West but I don't see him saying on the roster long term.  

They cut him so they could get the extra roster spot so they can have the option of bringing back Elam or Davis from IR.  Although it might be a slight indictment on his ability that they chose him, I think it's more about his status as a vested veteran.  It's clear that Forsett is on board with this decision.  With that being said, I think Forsett would still be here even if Dixon wasn't hurt.  I think they value the veteran presence, and the pass blocking ability.  I mean, we saw Buck the other night in pass protection and it wasn't good.  West has struggled there and I don't think we've seen enough of Dixon in that regard yet.

I'm not exactly sure what the plan is when Dixon gets back, but I imagine that's something we'll have to figure out as it goes along.  Is West for real?  Preseason says so but he needs to keep that up in the regular season.  If West and Buck are handling their share, maybe Forsett is back out the door.  I don't think it hurts to have him around though.  He's apparently very respected in the locker room too.

[Sami84]

6 minutes ago, Ravensfan23 said:

Not that it really matter, because I'd love to have Forsett back, but my question is, if Dixon never gets injured is Forsett still in the teams plans? I ask because if he was/is in the teams plans and expected to be a big part of the offense, why cut him at all? Why not just restructure his contract? I think you only cut Forsett because he's not a long term 2016 option and you don't want to pay him guaranteed money be apart of a committee.  I'd expect Forsett to be a huge part of what the Ravens will do over the first few weeks of the season, until West shows he can be a bell cow and Dixon returns. I don't think the Ravens want one guy taking all the reps and I don't think Buck put much trust in the coaches to feel comfortable with him being anything more than a 3rd down back right now. 

So imo you bring Forsett back to form a 1-2 punch with West while Buck serves as the 3rd receiving back and once Dixon is healthy Forsett is probably back out of the door again with not much penalty to the team.  Also if the 4 week timeline holds true for Dixon that would put him back at practice after Week 3. He'll have a full week of practice and be able to get his feet week at home in Week 4 vs OAK at home. If he prove to be 100% and shows well in that game, Forsett could very well be cut in favor of Waller who will be coming off suspension after that game and the Ravens really seem to like him. 

I think it'll be good for Forsett to come back and form that 1-2 punch with West but I don't see him saying on the roster long term.  

 

frankly, if dixon never got injured i think allen wouldnt have made the 53

[Ravensfan23]

12 minutes ago, Sami84 said:

Watched Pierce today..all the games. This guy is a freak..for a guy so huge I can't think of a guy at 330 pounds that flies off the line like him.

Also, Carter looks really useful. He's explosive..

Alex Lewis has been my most pleasent surprise this summer. He has lots of great plays and a few bad ones BUT i would Def start him over urschel. 

Skura impressed me a lot too. He was my 2nd favorite free agent behind ochi. 

I really think in Jensen/Skura we could have a good alternative over zuttah who i feel is simply considered a ''safer'' option rather than a better one.

I agree on all accounts. Pierce was definitely a pleasant surprise. I think the Ravens have been looking for a backup NT they can rotate in with Williams without losing much if anything from a impact stand point and I think Pierce could be that guy. Davis going on IR really opens the door for him to get a ton of snaps. 

I actually think Carter might be active over Correa over the first couple weeks or so. That won't be a popular move with fans and many will call Correa a bust because of it, which wouldn't be true, but I think right now Carter bring more in the pass rush and ST department than Correa does. Also he can be used similar if not exactly like the Ravens envision Correa being used. The only edge I'd give Correa is his ability to set the edge. Didn't really see Carter do that much in the preseason. 

Definitely think Zuttah is the safe pick at this point. It's tough to go into a season with 3/5 of your oline not only new but inexperienced as well. Can't really blame the Ravens for being safe with Zuttah but with the emphasis they put on the Center position during practice and Preseason, I definitely think they are looking for the successor at that position. Much sooner than later. 

 

[Sami84]

frankly, Carl Davis on IR is a wonderful thing. He's a big lump of mediocrity at best and if he wasnt a 3rd roudner would have been an easy cut on an emotional and production basis. He generates little push and gets caught out by schemes easily . im all for Iowa Linesman...On the offensive side of the ball..not the D. 

Edited September 5, 2016 by Sami84

[K-Dog]

I think the Forsette  thing was just to keep anyone from winning that guess the roster contest. 

[omar586]

23 minutes ago, K-Dog said:

I think the Forsette  thing was just to keep anyone from winning that guess the roster contest. 

lol

[ellicottraven]

6 hours ago, January J said:

Yeah but Hurst and one of them CB's will likely be cut in the coming days anyway to make room for other guys such as Hester and possibly even forsett. The 53 is far from final until we get closer to game day.

Yeah not eligible unfortunately. 

I think Forsett and Hester are earmarked for IR designees Carl Davis and Matt Elam. Those two that you speak of will be the next to go if we get to sign somebody like that Green Bay LG or somebody else that we sign ro trade for...

[Ravensfan23]

6 minutes ago, rmw10 said:

They cut him so they could get the extra roster spot so they can have the option of bringing back Elam or Davis from IR.  Although it might be a slight indictment on his ability that they chose him, I think it's more about his status as a vested veteran.  It's clear that Forsett is on board with this decision.  With that being said, I think Forsett would still be here even if Dixon wasn't hurt.  I think they value the veteran presence, and the pass blocking ability.  I mean, we saw Buck the other night in pass protection and it wasn't good.  West has struggled there and I don't think we've seen enough of Dixon in that regard yet.

I'm not exactly sure what the plan is when Dixon gets back, but I imagine that's something we'll have to figure out as it goes along.  Is West for real?  Preseason says so but he needs to keep that up in the regular season.  If West and Buck are handling their share, maybe Forsett is back out the door.  I don't think it hurts to have him around though.  He's apparently very respected in the locker room too.

Derrick Mason, Todd Heap and Ngata were also respected in the lockerroom as well. I agree that it would be nice to have him around but again, if his role is nothing more than a committee guy who probably isn't getting many reps, where's his value? The Ravens have more than enough veteran leadership in the lockerroom, I don't see that as a must to keep Forsett around. 

In terms of cutting him to create an extra roster spot, I really don't buy it. Simply because the Ravens could have chosen anyone else as you pointed out, but they picked Forsett. They could have cut Powers or Lewis who are both vested veterans and probably wouldn't have had a lot of suitors early. They could cut Guy or McClellan. Also just like they did with other rookies, they could have cut guys like Carter, Peirce, Price, Hurst and some others with a pretty good idea of them passing through waivers and simply to bring them back a day or two later once the IR moves go through. Risky yes, but just like Boldin and Ngata don't you kinda risk souring the relationship with one of your vets by even approaching Forsett with this? If they re-sign Forsett for the same type money and it's guaranteed, then i'd buy the whole, we just needed a roster spot and Forsett was nice enough to oblige. However if he's signed for less money and the Ravens aren't taking much risk with his contract, i gotta believe it's because they feel confident in moving away from him. 

If the 3rd preseason game was any indication and I know it's just preseason, but Forsett and Dixon was basically that 1-2 punch I spoke about before, with West serving as the short yardage back while Allen was more of a receiving guy with the first unit. They look like they were really prepping Dixon for a large role on offense and he looked like he was answering the call. So I have no doubt once he returns the plan will remain the same. So now, if West continues to play well and is more than just a shortage yardage back over the first 3-4 weeks of the season, Dixon returns and the team continues to make him a big part of the offense, what do you do? Do you keep Forsett around as a 3rd RB? He's not of the same caliber as Buck in terms of the passing game so do you use him in that 3rd down role over Allen? You certainly won't have him on the inactive list and are you really gonna carry 4 RBs on the active roster when none of those guys really provide much in the ST area? Or do you take carries away from Dixon and West who could be a dynamic 1-2 punch just to give Forsett touches?

Also Forsett isn't exactly a stud in pass pro. I'd refer to Forsett as a willing blocker. Go back and look at the first play vs the Lions last week, Flacco couldn't step into a deep throw that could have potentially been a TD to Wallace because Forsett was pushed back into Flacco's face. Both Dixon and West have improved throughout the preseason and even though it's just preseason it's encouraging. But more importantly in this department, Trestman has used a package that I really like on 3rd downs. It's basically Juice replacing the RBs as the only one in the backfield and it creates huge mismatches for the defense. He's the best pass pro option of all those guys and as I said both Dixon and West have improved in that area so I don't see that as a big enough reason to keep Forsett around. 

So we'll see. 

[Davesta]

If forsett gets bought back, who's our RB1? I'm only asking this because my fantasy draft is on Tuesday. And I gotta have at least 1 Raven on it! Lol

[Ravensfan23]

2 hours ago, Sami84 said:

frankly, if dixon never got injured i think allen wouldnt have made the 53

I disagree because I think the Ravens already know what many fans are just finding out. Allen is more of a 3rd down back in a rotation of RB. Many will disagree with this, but imo he's a younger, more physical and explosive version of Forsett. He's not really dynamic in the make something out of nothing department but he'll take what the defense gives him and unlike Forsett he has the strength to break tackles getting more out of the play. Where Forsett is better than him is vision, patience and most of all he holds onto the ball. Imo all of these attributes are things that will come with experience for Buck. He's only entering his 2nd season in the NFL, so he's still developing in many areas. 

Buck Allen is a guy who works really well in space and that is exactly what Trestman wants this offense to be about, guys making plays in space. Forsett while steady and very good at what he does, doesn't really fit that mold. Which is why imo the Ravens made it known back during the combine that the RB job was up for grabs. Harbs talked about Forsett clearly being the more proven option right now but even though he loves him the ball will go to the guy who's gaining the most yards. Forsett hasn't been bad, but both West and Dixon has looked much better. While Buck hasn't been as impressive as a runner, he's proven to be a better option as a pass catcher than Forsett. So if it's true that the ball will go to the guy gaining the most yards, where does Forsett fit in and why would you cut a young guy who could add better value as a 3rd down back who also proved can step in as a backup when needed?

So even if Dixon doesn't get hurt, it's likely that Forsett would be the #3 RB behind Dixon and West who both have shown dynamic potential. Are you really gonna pay Forsett 3Mil to be buried on the RB depth chart at some point during this season?

[Ravensfan23]

41 minutes ago, Davesta said:

If forsett gets bought back, who's our RB1? I'm only asking this because my fantasy draft is on Tuesday. And I gotta have at least 1 Raven on it! Lol

Not a Fantasy Football guy but if Forsett is brought back I'd still go with West. It'll probably be RB by committee but he's likely to get more goal line touches and i'd imagine TD mean the most in fantasy. 

 

[Tank 92]

8 hours ago, Ravensfan23 said:

Derrick Mason, Todd Heap and Ngata were also respected in the lockerroom as well. I agree that it would be nice to have him around but again, if his role is nothing more than a committee guy who probably isn't getting many reps, where's his value? The Ravens have more than enough veteran leadership in the lockerroom, I don't see that as a must to keep Forsett around. 

In terms of cutting him to create an extra roster spot, I really don't buy it. Simply because the Ravens could have chosen anyone else as you pointed out, but they picked Forsett. They could have cut Powers or Lewis who are both vested veterans and probably wouldn't have had a lot of suitors early. They could cut Guy or McClellan. Also just like they did with other rookies, they could have cut guys like Carter, Peirce, Price, Hurst and some others with a pretty good idea of them passing through waivers and simply to bring them back a day or two later once the IR moves go through. Risky yes, but just like Boldin and Ngata don't you kinda risk souring the relationship with one of your vets by even approaching Forsett with this? If they re-sign Forsett for the same type money and it's guaranteed, then i'd buy the whole, we just needed a roster spot and Forsett was nice enough to oblige. However if he's signed for less money and the Ravens aren't taking much risk with his contract, i gotta believe it's because they feel confident in moving away from him. 

If the 3rd preseason game was any indication and I know it's just preseason, but Forsett and Dixon was basically that 1-2 punch I spoke about before, with West serving as the short yardage back while Allen was more of a receiving guy with the first unit. They look like they were really prepping Dixon for a large role on offense and he looked like he was answering the call. So I have no doubt once he returns the plan will remain the same. So now, if West continues to play well and is more than just a shortage yardage back over the first 3-4 weeks of the season, Dixon returns and the team continues to make him a big part of the offense, what do you do? Do you keep Forsett around as a 3rd RB? He's not of the same caliber as Buck in terms of the passing game so do you use him in that 3rd down role over Allen? You certainly won't have him on the inactive list and are you really gonna carry 4 RBs on the active roster when none of those guys really provide much in the ST area? Or do you take carries away from Dixon and West who could be a dynamic 1-2 punch just to give Forsett touches?

Also Forsett isn't exactly a stud in pass pro. I'd refer to Forsett as a willing blocker. Go back and look at the first play vs the Lions last week, Flacco couldn't step into a deep throw that could have potentially been a TD to Wallace because Forsett was pushed back into Flacco's face. Both Dixon and West have improved throughout the preseason and even though it's just preseason it's encouraging. But more importantly in this department, Trestman has used a package that I really like on 3rd downs. It's basically Juice replacing the RBs as the only one in the backfield and it creates huge mismatches for the defense. He's the best pass pro option of all those guys and as I said both Dixon and West have improved in that area so I don't see that as a big enough reason to keep Forsett around. 

So we'll see. 

Derrick Mason was released because he was physically spent and finished as an NFL player. Todd Heap requested the trade to Arizona so he could finish his career close to home and his family. Haloti Ngata got stupid money as a free agent that the Ravens were not willing to match. None of those analogies really fit the Forsett situation of releasing a valued locker room presence. I think they like Justin there as a mentor to the young group of RBs.

It would seem that RMW's  hypothesis is the most logical explaination. There was no indication that the Ravens were anything but pleased with Forsett's return from injury and it looked pretty obvious that the RB1 job was his to lose. And there's been zero talk of him visiting other teams since being released. If it were about $ he would at least be testing the waters. I think the plan remains as it has been all along....... Use a rotation of backs, keep them fresh and ease Dixon in when he returns. 

I also think if Forsett performs as planned, and with Houston signed to the PS, it may be that Allen is the odd man out.  And if Justin performs poorly there are multiple options there to replace him, but it doesn't seem to me that replacing him this year is the Plan A. 

 

Edited September 5, 2016 by Tank 92

[jbwnbf]

About Johnson who we cut it seems either him or Mallett was the other QB in the disicussion being traded. Don't think there was much Ozzie could do based on the MMQB report and an earlier tweet.

"I had one other thing going with another team on Friday, but we liked Sam a lot."

[redlobster]

Man , Devin Hester 1 year potentially 4 million dollar deal?!? For a washed up injury prone returner?

Edited September 5, 2016 by redlobster

[Tank 92]

27 minutes ago, redlobster said:

Man , Devin Hester 1 year potentially 4 million dollar deal?!? For a washed up injury prone returner?

I'm sure he needs to hit a butt load of incentive targets to get to that #. I'd wait for the details before freaking out.

[rmw10]

10 hours ago, Ravensfan23 said:

Derrick Mason, Todd Heap and Ngata were also respected in the lockerroom as well. I agree that it would be nice to have him around but again, if his role is nothing more than a committee guy who probably isn't getting many reps, where's his value? The Ravens have more than enough veteran leadership in the lockerroom, I don't see that as a must to keep Forsett around. 

In terms of cutting him to create an extra roster spot, I really don't buy it. Simply because the Ravens could have chosen anyone else as you pointed out, but they picked Forsett. They could have cut Powers or Lewis who are both vested veterans and probably wouldn't have had a lot of suitors early. They could cut Guy or McClellan. Also just like they did with other rookies, they could have cut guys like Carter, Peirce, Price, Hurst and some others with a pretty good idea of them passing through waivers and simply to bring them back a day or two later once the IR moves go through. Risky yes, but just like Boldin and Ngata don't you kinda risk souring the relationship with one of your vets by even approaching Forsett with this? If they re-sign Forsett for the same type money and it's guaranteed, then i'd buy the whole, we just needed a roster spot and Forsett was nice enough to oblige. However if he's signed for less money and the Ravens aren't taking much risk with his contract, i gotta believe it's because they feel confident in moving away from him. 

If the 3rd preseason game was any indication and I know it's just preseason, but Forsett and Dixon was basically that 1-2 punch I spoke about before, with West serving as the short yardage back while Allen was more of a receiving guy with the first unit. They look like they were really prepping Dixon for a large role on offense and he looked like he was answering the call. So I have no doubt once he returns the plan will remain the same. So now, if West continues to play well and is more than just a shortage yardage back over the first 3-4 weeks of the season, Dixon returns and the team continues to make him a big part of the offense, what do you do? Do you keep Forsett around as a 3rd RB? He's not of the same caliber as Buck in terms of the passing game so do you use him in that 3rd down role over Allen? You certainly won't have him on the inactive list and are you really gonna carry 4 RBs on the active roster when none of those guys really provide much in the ST area? Or do you take carries away from Dixon and West who could be a dynamic 1-2 punch just to give Forsett touches?

Also Forsett isn't exactly a stud in pass pro. I'd refer to Forsett as a willing blocker. Go back and look at the first play vs the Lions last week, Flacco couldn't step into a deep throw that could have potentially been a TD to Wallace because Forsett was pushed back into Flacco's face. Both Dixon and West have improved throughout the preseason and even though it's just preseason it's encouraging. But more importantly in this department, Trestman has used a package that I really like on 3rd downs. It's basically Juice replacing the RBs as the only one in the backfield and it creates huge mismatches for the defense. He's the best pass pro option of all those guys and as I said both Dixon and West have improved in that area so I don't see that as a big enough reason to keep Forsett around. 

So we'll see. 

I think you're reading a little too much into it.  Whatever the case may be, it's clear that Forsett and the Ravens had some sort of agreement/understanding of this move.  I don't think they're risking damaging any reputation or relationship because it's a move that both sides signed off on, it seems.  Why Forsett exactly?  I have no idea, and that seems to be the mystery floating around for the most part.  Regardless, it sounds like Forsett will be back tomorrow on a new contract that will be guaranteed for the year since he's signing before week 1.  That would lead me to believe that they have every intention of holding onto him for the entirety of the season, but nothing is a given.

[Ravensfan23]

43 minutes ago, Tank 92 said:

Derrick Mason was released because he was physically spent and finished as an NFL player. Todd Heap requested the trade to Arizona so he could finish his career close to home and his family. Haloti Ngata got stupid money as a free agent that the Ravens were not willing to match. None of those analogies really fit the Forsett situation of releasing a valued locker room presence. I think they like Justin there as a mentor to the young group of RBs.

It would seem that RMW's  hypothesis is the most logical explaination. There was no indication that the Ravens were anything but pleased with Forsett's return from injury and it looked pretty obvious that the RB1 job was his to lose. And there's been zero talk of him visiting other teams since being released. If it were about $ he would at least be testing the waters. I think the plan remains as it has been all along....... Use a rotation of backs, keep them fresh and ease Dixon in when he returns. 

I also think if Forsett performs as planned, and with Houston signed to the PS, it may be that Allen is the odd man out.  And if Justin performs poorly there are multiple options there to replace him, but it doesn't seem to me that replacing him this year is the Plan A. 

 

This is the whole point right here. The idea is to use a rotation of backs and whoever is having the most success will get the most touches. You don't pay a guy 3Mil to be in a rotation. There is a real possibility that both West and Dixon will outperform Forsett at some point this season and you're not gonna pay a guy 3Mil to be your 3rd or 4th RB and bring a veteran presence. So you release Forsett before the start of the League Year(which is Tuesday I think) so you don't have to guarantee his contract. So as you say if Forsett does perform poorly or gets outplayed by those multiple other options you mention, they can cut him without much risk of dead money. Also if the plan is to use a rotation, I think it's safe to say that's a indication that Forsett's role has diminished, because he was the clear #1 last year but he'll be apart of a rotation this year. You don't cut your RB1 just because you need a roster spot. It's definitely about the money. 

Forsett isn't testing the market because there first has to be a market out there for him. He's a 30 year old system RB, so there are not a ton of teams he fits. Again I don't wanna seem anti Forsett here because I'd love to see him return and I think it's the best move with Dixon being hurt, West still needing to prove himself and Buck less than impressive as a runner. But lets not act as if Forsett is a guy teams would be beating down the door for. Ronnie Hillman is a guy who fits the same style system and is 6 years younger, he hasn't gotta interest yet either. So there is no surprise that Forsett isn't being rumored to other team, i'm pretty sure that's one of the reason the Ravens didn't mind the risk of cutting him because he'd be there to re-sign just as long as it's at their price. At this point for Forsett the Ravens are probably the best and only option he has to remain in the NFL. 

[rmw10]

Good for Josh.  He played well enough for a spot somewhere.

 

[Tank 92]

10 minutes ago, Ravensfan23 said:

This is the whole point right here. The idea is to use a rotation of backs and whoever is having the most success will get the most touches. You don't pay a guy 3Mil to be in a rotation. There is a real possibility that both West and Dixon will outperform Forsett at some point this season and you're not gonna pay a guy 3Mil to be your 3rd or 4th RB and bring a veteran presence. So you release Forsett before the start of the League Year(which is Tuesday I think) so you don't have to guarantee his contract. So as you say if Forsett does perform poorly or gets outplayed by those multiple other options you mention, they can cut him without much risk of dead money. Also if the plan is to use a rotation, I think it's safe to say that's a indication that Forsett's role has diminished, because he was the clear #1 last year but he'll be apart of a rotation this year. You don't cut your RB1 just because you need a roster spot. It's definitely about the money. 

Forsett isn't testing the market because there first has to be a market out there for him. He's a 30 year old system RB, so there are not a ton of teams he fits. Again I don't wanna seem anti Forsett here because I'd love to see him return and I think it's the best move with Dixon being hurt, West still needing to prove himself and Buck less than impressive as a runner. But lets not act as if Forsett is a guy teams would be beating down the door for. Ronnie Hillman is a guy who fits the same style system and is 6 years younger, he hasn't gotta interest yet either. So there is no surprise that Forsett isn't being rumored to other team, i'm pretty sure that's one of the reason the Ravens didn't mind the risk of cutting him because he'd be there to re-sign just as long as it's at their price. At this point for Forsett the Ravens are probably the best and only option he has to remain in the NFL. 

lol.    I'm not sure why you think the Ravens would be his last option. He may not be a "marquis" level back, but he's far from the bottom of the barrel. It seems you are drastically undervaluing his worth. He's 30, but has extremely low mileage. 

Reading this it seems others agree with RMWs hypothesis;

http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/Late-For-Work-95-Trying-To-Make-Sense-Of-Justin-Forsett-Situation/15af0b6c-4ad1-4491-ad9e-90a12700ac1b

We'll find out soon enough. I believe if they sign him before 9/12 his money is guaranteed.