Free Agency 2017 (Players from Other Teams We Should Consider)

[usmccharles]

6 minutes ago, PurpleCity5 said:

I talked about Britt as an option but that's a toss up, who's to say they really pay for a WR. He isn't a #1, but he could be a very high end #2 and solve a lot of our problems. Not getting one via FA is the problem though, how are they going to plug in the holes at WR? Even #2 WRs come at a pretty good price now, Muhammad Sanu got 7M per year, that's not something the Ravens would even think about for a player like that, unless he's a difference maker for the offense. Draft I think is nearly out of the question. I think Breshad competes for the starting job, I don't think he's given it but I don't know if the Ravens pay up for someone worthy of a starting spot. I think the best they'll do with is Robert Woods/Kendall Wright, however those are not guys who I think are going to lock down the #2 spot, they aren't starting material and probably are best served as 3s/slots. Those guys are a good fit for a WCO and are effective in slant/crossing patterns so under that circumstance Wallace is a near lock to stay.  Do you think the Ravens pay up for a #2 WR at a high price? After seeing what these young guys are making I wouldn't be so inclined. 

They're likely not paying for a WR and are not drafting one either so regardless they might have to rely upon him to step up as a default. They can keep Wallace but is he really a guy you want as your #1? I would much rather go for someone better and let go of Mike, I don't think he's a guy on the rise and I feel like he's got one foot on the door in terms of what he has left in the tank, that would sound surprising given that he had a 1000 Yard season here, but looking closely, you could see that Mike sometimes struggled to win against tight man, you could see that he couldn't get a good release on those slant/shallow routes and that really limited the WCO. I think this really explain his decline this season, because he didn't burn out and we didn't hear about any injuries that he dealt with during the year.

Everything you just said goes back to two words that is pretty hard for most to understand it seems: Market Value.  I couldnt believe Sanu got 7, Torrey at 8, isnt Crabtree getting 10 now?  This is when we have a real problem, the fact the Ravens dont like to pay top dollar might get extremely tough to bring in any competent WR.  Didnt we have SSr at 3 mill a year?

[PurpleCity5]

1 minute ago, usmccharles said:

Everything you just said goes back to two words that is pretty hard for most to understand it seems: Market Value.  I couldnt believe Sanu got 7, Torrey at 8, isnt Crabtree getting 10 now?  This is when we have a real problem, the fact the Ravens dont like to pay top dollar might get extremely tough to bring in any competent WR.  Didnt we have SSr at 3 mill a year?

I can't believe it either, WR is a position that's going to continue to get paid because I think the truth is that teams are finding a lot value in #2 WRs, especially if you have a well established #1. 

We did get Steve Smith Sr. at 3M a year, but that was towards the tail end of his career, he really wasn't expected to finish that contract, had he bit a few years younger, then we would have paid a lot more for a guy like him. 

[usmccharles]

Just now, PurpleCity5 said:

I can't believe it either, WR is a position that's going to continue to get paid because I think the truth is that teams are finding a lot value in #2 WRs, especially if you have a well established #1. 

We did get Steve Smith Sr. at 3M a year, but that was towards the tail end of his career, he really wasn't expected to finish that contract, had he bit a few years younger, then we would have paid a lot more for a guy like him. 

Yea, with the cap increasing about 8mill, players are just going to continue to get paid.  I would love for someone to do research on the amount percent WRs pay have increased over the offseasons. 

[rmw10]

8 hours ago, PurpleCity5 said:

I talked about Britt as an option but that's a toss up, who's to say they really pay for a WR. He isn't a #1, but he could be a very high end #2 and solve a lot of our problems. Not getting one via FA is the problem though, how are they going to plug in the holes at WR? Even #2 WRs come at a pretty good price now, Muhammad Sanu got 7M per year, that's not something the Ravens would even think about for a player like that, unless he's a difference maker for the offense. Draft I think is nearly out of the question. I think Breshad competes for the starting job, I don't think he's given it but I don't know if the Ravens pay up for someone worthy of a starting spot. I think the best they'll do with is Robert Woods/Kendall Wright, however those are not guys who I think are going to lock down the #2 spot, they aren't starting material and probably are best served as 3s/slots. Those guys are a good fit for a WCO and are effective in slant/crossing patterns so under that circumstance Wallace is a near lock to stay.  Do you think the Ravens pay up for a #2 WR at a high price? After seeing what these young guys are making I wouldn't be so inclined. 

They're likely not paying for a WR and are not drafting one either so regardless they might have to rely upon him to step up as a default. They can keep Wallace but is he really a guy you want as your #1? I would much rather go for someone better and let go of Mike, I don't think he's a guy on the rise and I feel like he's got one foot on the door in terms of what he has left in the tank, that would sound surprising given that he had a 1000 Yard season here, but looking closely, you could see that Mike sometimes struggled to win against tight man, you could see that he couldn't get a good release on those slant/shallow routes and that really limited the WCO. I think this really explain his decline this season, because he didn't burn out and we didn't hear about any injuries that he dealt with during the year.

I get what you're saying, but they're either going to have to pay or get creative to find another starting option.  I won't even continue to use the term #1 because that's most likely just not going to happen.  I don't doubt that they're going to have to rely on Perriman to step up in some capacity, but it'd be foolish to enter the offseason  program with him as a bonafide starter.  If he develops a bit and earns it over the off/preseason, that's great.  You just can't count on that right now with how much work he has to do.

In regards to Mike Wallace, it's easy to say that you can just drop him and pick up someone better, but it's not that simple.  How many better, realistic options are actually out there?

The point is that whether or not they like it, they're going to have to do something to the WR group.  The cost might not be what we want to pay, but after watching Perriman play, I'd be highly surprised if they just roll with him and hope for the best.  He has way too many issues for that to happen.

[ravensnj]

Enough with the Bush, Woods, Britt and even the old man Jackson adds. Let's be serious! None of these guys would be solid contributors, someone to move forward with. We need to get younger and not look every single year for a new Wr tandem.....geezzzzz!

[Drew P]

16 minutes ago, ravensnj said:

Enough with the Bush, Woods, Britt and even the old man Jackson adds. Let's be serious! None of these guys would be solid contributors, someone to move forward with. We need to get younger and not look every single year for a new Wr tandem.....geezzzzz!

Woods isnt old and they have some holes to fill. The FA class is pretty thin this year and besides its not like the Ravens have high standards at the position

[JO_75]

A new report suggests Eagles may move on from starting Center Jason Kelce. That's a move I like to see done to improve the OL. Huge upgrade over Zuttah and he's only 29. 

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

If we're looking to FA to get a WR imo Garcon, Alshon and Pryor may be the only worthwhile adds... and we're going to have to pay for any chance.

Woods and Britt - ok - but id rather keep Wallace and let Perriman step into those snaps, bring Camp back (hes a tease, but still when healthy hes a dynamic playmaker) and hope Moore steps up.

Maybe we give up a pick for an RFA - Dontrelle Inman - being the only legit one I can think of. 6'3" big bodied guy, on the uptick, and had a pretty darn good season. 

I'll probably get negged for this, but Josh Gordon's still out there. Dude was still a baller in pre-season. If he decides he wants to play, someone is going to take a chance on him and get rewarded. He's not going to get paid, and the Browns want picks... id throw a conditional 6th their way for Gordon. Why the heck not? 

I think trade is what ends up happening though, a la Boldin. 

 

I could see New Orleans being willing to talk about a receiver. I dont know if theyre going to want to throw big money at Brandin Cooks when Michael Thomas looks a stud and is younger, with Willie Snead looking the part of a more than capable #2. 

I'd explore something like that - try to pry away Cooks for two mid-round picks.

 

Jets are another option with Marshall, Decker and Enunwa. Deckers probably in the long term plans and with Enunwa breaking on the scene, Marshall could probably be had for the right offer.

 

Edited January 17 by BOLDnPurPnBlacK

[berad]

11 minutes ago, JO_75 said:

A new report suggests Eagles may move on from starting Center Jason Kelce. That's a move I like to see done to improve the OL. Huge upgrade over Zuttah and he's only 29. 

He has some of the same issues as Zuttah, according to an article I read from a Philly site - smaller (struggles with bigger DL) and racked up a lot of penalties.

How much is the system, how much is him, how much is coaching? Jason Peters also has a ton of flags. Kelce probably also will need to be paid a decent amount.

Still, we DO need an upgrade over Zuttah, everyone in the organization has alluded to that. Question is, will we sign one or draft one?

[berad]

4 minutes ago, BOLDnPurPnBlacK said:

If we're looking to FA to get a WR imo Garcon, Alshon and Pryor may be the only worthwhile adds... and we're going to have to pay for any chance.

Woods and Britt - ok - but id rather keep Wallace and let Perriman step into those snaps, bring Camp back (hes a tease, but still when healthy hes a dynamic playmaker) and hope Moore steps up.

Maybe we give up a pick for an RFA - Dontrelle Inman - being the only legit one I can think of. 6'3" big bodied guy, on the uptick, and had a pretty darn good season. 

I'll probably get negged for this, but Josh Gordon's still out there. Dude was still a baller in pre-season. If he decides he wants to play, someone is going to take a chance on him and get rewarded. He's not going to get paid, and the Browns want picks... id throw a conditional 6th their way for Gordon. Why the heck not? 

I think trade is what ends up happening though, a la Boldin. 

I want Garcon, personally. He will be expensive, though... If we can't get him, or any other top WR, our draft needs become too severe and we lose flexibility, imo.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

16 minutes ago, JO_75 said:

A new report suggests Eagles may move on from starting Center Jason Kelce. That's a move I like to see done to improve the OL. Huge upgrade over Zuttah and he's only 29. 

He's the same issue we have with Zuttah. Dude is TINY. If we want a bigger, more powerful line signing him would be the OPPOSITE of what the FO said they want to do.

Kelce has been a liability for the Eagles the past few years.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

6 minutes ago, berad said:

I want Garcon, personally. He will be expensive, though... If we can't get him, or any other top WR, our draft needs become too severe and we lose flexibility, imo.

Im adding to my post with trade possibilities...

Saints have Michael Thomas who looks the part of legit #1, and they probably dont want to pay Cooks #1 money when Thomas will need in a couple years... and they have Snead who's a top end #2. Cooks/Snead might be good trade targets.

Jets with Decker, Marshall, and Enunwa... not in win now mode anymore, so Marshall would be a great pick up by trade.

 

If we're looking for more of a slot guy than maybe the Giants would deal. Victor Cruz came back and looked good, and with two younger options there maybe they'd be open to a trade. Target Cruz with Perriman and Wallace on the outside.

 

Those are the teams that stick out to me as having 3 quality targets where you might be able to get one with contracts looming on the horizon.

Gordon and Floyd are the other 2 players in the NFL that i see as immediate upgrades that we might be able to grab cheap, depending on what Floyds suspension looks like and if NE keeps him. idk if we'd touch either even if they are available.

Edited January 17 by BOLDnPurPnBlacK

[berad]

3 minutes ago, BOLDnPurPnBlacK said:

Im adding to my post with trade possibilities...

Saints have Michael Thomas who looks the part of legit #1, and they probably dont want to pay Cooks #1 money when Thomas will need in a couple years... and they have Snead who's a top end #2. Cooks/Snead might be good trade targets.

Jets with Decker, Marshall, and Enunwa... not in win now mode anymore, so Marshall would be a great pick up by trade.

I'm not sure about Marshall. Is he the guy that's going to put it all out there for your new team? That's been the personality of the WRs the Ravens are most successful in getting from FA/trade - Mason, Boldin, SSS.

I know he's matured over the years but the Jets had a toxic locker room this year and he aired some laundry on Inside the NFL. It seems a lot of the locker rooms he's in unravel - http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18367351/new-york-jets-teammates-irked-wr-brandon-marshall-half-rant.

That said, I know he's got connections here and he has a brief, funny history with Harbaugh - http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000469150/article/brandon-marshall-jokes-about-playing-for-ravens.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

10 minutes ago, berad said:

I'm not sure about Marshall. Is he the guy that's going to put it all out there for your new team? That's been the personality of the WRs the Ravens are most successful in getting from FA/trade - Mason, Boldin, SSS.

I know he's matured over the years but the Jets had a toxic locker room this year and he aired some laundry on Inside the NFL. It seems a lot of the locker rooms he's in unravel - http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18367351/new-york-jets-teammates-irked-wr-brandon-marshall-half-rant.

That said, I know he's got connections here and he has a brief, funny history with Harbaugh - http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000469150/article/brandon-marshall-jokes-about-playing-for-ravens.

Seems like he goes all out first year. And, to be fair, the situations in NY and CHI got toxic on their own... whether he pushed it further or not? I dont know. 

But, on a veteran team like ours, I like to think we could make it work. 

[berad]

3 minutes ago, BOLDnPurPnBlacK said:

Seems like he goes all out first year. And, to be fair, the situations in NY and CHI got toxic on their own... whether he pushed it further or not? I dont know. 

But, on a veteran team like ours, I like to think we could make it work. 

I hear that, and who knows? We will miss Steve Smith, though. He was all those things AND a good locker room guy.

[usmccharles]

32 minutes ago, BOLDnPurPnBlacK said:

Im adding to my post with trade possibilities...

Saints have Michael Thomas who looks the part of legit #1, and they probably dont want to pay Cooks #1 money when Thomas will need in a couple years... and they have Snead who's a top end #2. Cooks/Snead might be good trade targets.

This just may be me, I don't have much confidence that we would use Cooks correctly.  I love the kid and think he offers a lot, I feel like he is a better fit in an offense like KC/NE than whatever we are trying to do, which I actually haven't figured that out yet

[Club Sec. 217 Seat 2]

51 minutes ago, BOLDnPurPnBlacK said:

He's the same issue we have with Zuttah. Dude is TINY. If we want a bigger, more powerful line signing him would be the OPPOSITE of what the FO said they want to do.

Kelce has been a liability for the Eagles the past few years.

Saw this on Rotoworld and my first thought was that it might be an upgrade, then I started digging and you are completely right...he might be a better player than Zuttah but his weaknesses are the exact same...he is small and has trouble when he has to use strength against bigger DLman...this really would not be an upgrade for us.  He had some games where he graded out well this past season but then same games were down right awful

[PurpleCity5]

3 hours ago, rmw10 said:

I get what you're saying, but they're either going to have to pay or get creative to find another starting option.  I won't even continue to use the term #1 because that's most likely just not going to happen.  I don't doubt that they're going to have to rely on Perriman to step up in some capacity, but it'd be foolish to enter the offseason  program with him as a bonafide starter.  If he develops a bit and earns it over the off/preseason, that's great.  You just can't count on that right now with how much work he has to do.

In regards to Mike Wallace, it's easy to say that you can just drop him and pick up someone better, but it's not that simple.  How many better, realistic options are actually out there?

The point is that whether or not they like it, they're going to have to do something to the WR group.  The cost might not be what we want to pay, but after watching Perriman play, I'd be highly surprised if they just roll with him and hope for the best.  He has way too many issues for that to happen.

I think of him competing for that starting job, I don't think they hand it to him but I think he wins over his competition if we're talking about getting Robert Woods and Kendall Wright as a duo in this hypothetical.

I think Kenny Britt is a better option than Wallace, he's a better fit for this offense and I think would produce more here while solving plenty of issues for this offense. After that I would say Garcon. That's about it, so I agree with that, you're not going to really find someone better and if you do you're paying a price for it. 

As far as the money goes for a WR, the only guys I could see the Ravens pay is Kenny Britt and maybe Pierre Garcon. Outside of those two I don't think they'll really pay up, going back to the press conference, Ozzie said he's looking for a complementary receiver. He's looking for someone who isn't going to break the bank and would probably be best served as a #3. 

[PurpleCity5]

1 hour ago, berad said:

Still, we DO need an upgrade over Zuttah, everyone in the organization has alluded to that. Question is, will we sign one or draft one?

I think we'll be very aggressive with C position and it will probably be up there with CB/OLB in terms of a priority. They alluded to building a strong and physical front and they talked about it a lot. I think we either get one via trade or we trade up in the 2nd round for one. I think Oz and Eric will go after a center hard. 

Zuttah is done here. 

[berad]

1 minute ago, PurpleCity5 said:

I think we'll be very aggressive with C position and it will probably be up there with CB/OLB in terms of a priority. They alluded to building a strong and physical front and they talked about it a lot. I think we either get one via trade or we trade up in the 2nd round for one. I think Oz and Eric will go after a center hard. 

Zuttah is done here. 

I have it as a top priority, too, just because having a really good one lifts the whole line. A lot of impact and responsibility at that position. A bad one sinks the line, too.

[trevorsteadman]

2 hours ago, berad said:

I hear that, and who knows? We will miss Steve Smith, though. He was all those things AND a good locker room guy.

Yes but people need to remember why he left Carolina. The front office said he WAS toxic in the locker room. The Panthers did not embrace his personality. The same could possibly be said about Marshall or another player if put in the right situation.

[rmw10]

2 hours ago, PurpleCity5 said:

I think of him competing for that starting job, I don't think they hand it to him but I think he wins over his competition if we're talking about getting Robert Woods and Kendall Wright as a duo in this hypothetical.

I think Kenny Britt is a better option than Wallace, he's a better fit for this offense and I think would produce more here while solving plenty of issues for this offense. After that I would say Garcon. That's about it, so I agree with that, you're not going to really find someone better and if you do you're paying a price for it. 

As far as the money goes for a WR, the only guys I could see the Ravens pay is Kenny Britt and maybe Pierre Garcon. Outside of those two I don't think they'll really pay up, going back to the press conference, Ozzie said he's looking for a complementary receiver. He's looking for someone who isn't going to break the bank and would probably be best served as a #3. 

It feels weird to say this considering how the early part of the season went, but I think the expectations for Perriman are way too high at this point.  I get it, people want to see a 1st round pick out there playing.  He's certainly shown some flashes and that's a good thing, but I think that's what people feel he is with more opportunity.  You're likely going to get some good plays, but I feel like the bad is too often being ignored.  In all honesty, I'm not sure he'd beat out either Wright or Woods with his current skillset.  Maybe if he improves with a full offseason, which is a real possibility, but I don't know how anyone can think that now.

I think you're looking at complementary wrong.  Complementary is adding a different element than what we already have, which is speed.  That doesn't mean we're just looking for a depth type of option.  They very well could pony up the money for a legit WR.  I don't think it will happen, but I wouldn't discount the possibility either.

Furthermore, remember that even if you cut Wallace, you're still going to be paying someone.  You say above that you don't think we're going to pay up, but you can't have it both ways.  If you go with a guy like Britt over Wallace, you're committing to pay multiple years, and thus, more money.

I can agree that Wallace being cut is a possibility, but I just don't think your rationale is in the correct place.  It's easy to say that we'll just get someone better, but despite his flaws, we are still talking about a 1000 yard WR here.  I realize part of that is the offense but we've seen in many failed experiments at WR that productive guys just don't grow on trees for us.

[Ravenseconbeast]

Just now, rmw10 said:

I realize part of that is the offense but we've seen in many failed experiments at WR that productive guys just don't grow on trees for us.

 

Let me know when Joe Flacco is actually ready to build some rapport with our young receivers instead of hanging out with Pitta 24/7 this whole offseason.

[rmcjacket23]

16 minutes ago, Ravenseconbeast said:

Let me know when Joe Flacco is actually ready to build some rapport with our young receivers instead of hanging out with Pitta 24/7 this whole offseason.

Source of this information?

[ludy51]

Just now, rmcjacket23 said:

Source of this information?

He's been spying it seems

[rossihunter2]

9 minutes ago, ludy51 said:

He's been spying it seems

maybe we should let Rog know

[berad]

1 hour ago, trevorsteadman said:

Yes but people need to remember why he left Carolina. The front office said he WAS toxic in the locker room. The Panthers did not embrace his personality. The same could possibly be said about Marshall or another player if put in the right situation.

Also true and I was not sure Smith would work out here for those reasons. You'll find my posts hand-wringing somewhere. Glad I was wrong and OH was I wrong. Marshall doesn't ring the same to me but, again, what do I know?

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

57 minutes ago, berad said:

Also true and I was not sure Smith would work out here for those reasons. You'll find my posts hand-wringing somewhere. Glad I was wrong and OH was I wrong. Marshall doesn't ring the same to me but, again, what do I know?

See, I think Marshall is the kind of guy that's self motivated and just goes about his business. He plays to compete and wants to win, and is a professional about it. And as long as he's in a mature environment, with other self-motivated and accountable people he'll do fine.

I think its when he sees hypocrisy... high paid guys giving up in a losing season, people not taking responsibility or throwing others (him) under the bus, then he talks out... and i think hes a boundary tester. if hes got a weak QB or a weak HC, and he sees them as the reason for the teams troubles (Cutler, Trestman, etc..) he calls it like he sees it.

 

This is my opinion, and likewise I could be completely wrong... but with Ozzie and Harbs + staff, Joe, Suggs, Weddle, Yanda, Wallace, possibly Doom, and former Ravens like Ray and Steve Smith in the media who are big personalities that will have a voice --- i think he could be kept in line. 

I think most of his issues have come from his own self perception that the media and outside world are coming down on him or blaming him for his teams troubles, while he sees behind the scenes other guys not trying nearly as hard, giving up, etc...

Im making a couple leaps of assumption here, but thats my take. I think Brandon Marshall would fit right in and do well here. Especially on a 3 year deal structured in a way where the 3rd we can cut him with no real hit. He's only 1 year moved from a career year, and at his past 2 stops has put up 1,500 yds in his 1st year with the team, and hes a red zone, 1st down, clutch catch monster.

Thats exactly what we need alongside Wallace and Perriman.

Edited January 17 by BOLDnPurPnBlacK

[JO_75]

Steve Smith, Anquan Boldin, and Derrick Mason(sure I'm missing someone) have been veteran guys we have signed in FA in the past(or in Q's case, traded for) and to me I think much like Smith if this is true, we'll push hard for Brandon Marshall if the Jets release him. What do you guys think of the idea of Marshall being our next veteran?

http://www.rotoworld.com/headlines/nfl/353613/jets-to-cut-brandon-marshall-this-offseason?ls=roto:NYJ:topheadlines

[Deflated Football]

19 minutes ago, JO_75 said:

Steve Smith, Anquan Boldin, and Derrick Mason(sure I'm missing someone) have been veteran guys we have signed in FA in the past(or in Q's case, traded for) and to me I think much like Smith if this is true, we'll push hard for Brandon Marshall if the Jets release him. What do you guys think of the idea of Marshall being our next veteran?

http://www.rotoworld.com/headlines/nfl/353613/jets-to-cut-brandon-marshall-this-offseason?ls=roto:NYJ:topheadlines

I'd love it. Please make it happen Ozzie.