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

[Ulawun]

Really hoping something happens with Claiborne. We can focus a lot of picks on edge rushers and linebackers. Really light a fire under Correa's butt. Hopefully grab a wide receiver in an early round and a bargain RT

[JoeyFlex5]

2 hours ago, allblackraven said:

I think Flex meant 2nd coming Ravens way 

I think he may have been referring to the pats refusing to give up a 2nd for a guy on a one year tender that they very well might not resign. If so, he has a point

[RavensFanMania]

2 hours ago, allblackraven said:

Yes, from the injury perspctive

He'll be fine.  We will put a glass bubble around him to keep him healthy.

[PurpleCity5]

4 hours ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

They would need to trade their second as well for that to be even close to feasible

I would be pissed if we traded our 1st for Butler. 

[Deflated Football]

6 hours ago, Martin Maryland said:

We need clear starter next to Jimmy Smith. I don't know if Claiborne is the answer. I think we have plenty of depth CB's, but not a clear Solid Shutdown Corner. And even if we draft talented one, how long before he could make an impact? What we need is someone like Malcolm Butler.

Not going to happen. Draft class is deep with Corner's anyways. We need to get to the QB for starters. Can't cover WR's for too long if there's no pressure. 

[Deflated Football]

Just now, PurpleCity5 said:

I would be pissed if we traded our 1st for Butler. 

I'd trade a second and address either LOLB or WR in the first depending if we sign Dunlap to take over RT. A second for Butler would be good value but I'm sure the Pats can get more. 

[PurpleCity5]

11 minutes ago, Deflated Football said:

I'd trade a second and address either LOLB or WR in the first depending if we sign Dunlap to take over RT. A second for Butler would be good value but I'm sure the Pats can get more. 

He reportedly wants out, and I don't blame him. New England did him so dirty. He pretty made the game-winning play in the Super Bowl against Seattle, played like a Pro-Bowler and then the team not only wants to trade him but gives Stephon Gilmore a pay-day (A CB who I consider to be overrated). Coming here would motivate him so much to get back at his old team, with that said, for a 2nd round pick? Maybe, but a 1st? No, I would be upset at the move. 

I don't know if they can get more. Guys like that who don't give much assurance to teams might not get the deal done. I think New England tried to trade Butler for Cooks straight up and New Orleans wouldn't budge on it. I think that shows that the value of Butler doesn't match a 1st but rather a 2nd, we're tight against the cap and we can't afford to miss on a 2nd round pick that can play for years to come. 

Edited March 14 by PurpleCity5

[sflegend89]

Even if we get Claiborne I would still love to see us take one of these talented CB's in round 1 or 2. Our biggest competition in the AFC is NE/PIT and they both like to spread you out and sling the ball around. Building this defense to beat that style of play is our best bet. 

[mc_red23]

6 hours ago, Ulawun said:

Really hoping something happens with Claiborne. We can focus a lot of picks on edge rushers and linebackers. Really light a fire under Correa's butt. Hopefully grab a wide receiver in an early round and a bargain RT

If we get Claiborne then it's still vitally important that we draft a CB at the top end of the draft. It doesn't have to be in the first round but definitely with one of our first 3 picks. 

[reed20]

We're not trading for Butler! We will have the opportunity to sign him.

[JoeyFlex5]

6 hours ago, PurpleCity5 said:

I would be pissed if we traded our 1st for Butler. 

Absolutely lol, that would be time for Ozzie to retire

[hen826957]

1 hour ago, reed20 said:

We're not trading for Butler! We will have the opportunity to sign him.

Are the Patriots really gonna release him? If that's the case l'll just not sign Claiborne and wait for Butler to release. But if we just waited all out, we don't know if it's the case. What if they never release Butler then we miss out on Claiborne, so l will just stay on the safe side and sign Claiborne while we still can. 

Edited March 14 by hen826957

[trevorsteadman]

1 hour ago, hen826957 said:

Are the Patriots really gonna release him? If that's the case l'll just not sign Claiborne and wait for Butler to release. But if we just waited all out, we don't know if it's the case. What if they never release Butler then we miss out on Claiborne, so l will just stay on the safe side and sign Claiborne while we still can. 

Plus Claiborne has been shut down on a crappy defense compared to Butler who could easily just be a product of that great secondary in New England. If they forked out $13 million for Gilmore but said they wouldn't pay Butler over $9 million that is when you know that there is something wrong with the guy.

[BmoreBird22]

7 hours ago, PurpleCity5 said:

I think New England tried to trade Butler for Cooks straight up and New Orleans wouldn't budge on it. I think that shows that the value of Butler doesn't match a 1st but rather a 2nd

It was actually that Butler hadn't signed his tender yet, so he couldn't be traded. NO reportedly wanted to revisit trading for Butler at some point.

[pep_meister]

Sign Claiborne.

Draft OLB RD 1

slide back in the 2nd get extra pick, draft Sidney Jones late Round 2.

[Jaydoog]

Our WR depth chart is atrocious and probably the worst position on the team. We need to get Mike Williams with the 1st pick if possible. 

[mc_red23]

20 minutes ago, Jaydoog said:

Our WR depth chart is atrocious and probably the worst position on the team. We need to get Mike Williams with the 1st pick if possible. 

If Williams is there when we pick then go get him but if not then there are other options in the following rounds. 

[ravensdan]

2 hours ago, Jaydoog said:

Our WR depth chart is atrocious and probably the worst position on the team. We need to get Mike Williams with the 1st pick if possible. 

The offensive line is the biggest issue on the team. By far. 

[PurpleCity5]

3 hours ago, BmoreBird22 said:

It was actually that Butler hadn't signed his tender yet, so he couldn't be traded. NO reportedly wanted to revisit trading for Butler at some point.

I see, I thought that NO just put more value on Cooks than they imagined. At the same time a player on a rookie deal's value is shot up significantly compared to other, Butler is on the tender and wants to be paid like an Unrestricted FA so I don't think a 1st round pick lands Butler. 

[purpletide]

15 minutes ago, ravensdan said:

The offensive line is the biggest issue on the team. By far. 

Exactly why our offense struggles, and that'll be furthered by those we lost in FA. It's fun to look at guys that make big plays and are fun to watch, but we have to remember why our run game isn't near peak performance. Sad too, I feel like Dixon showed big playmaking potential.

[Martin Maryland]

Well, Saints are courting Butler for visit and are willing to trade their 1st rounder(#11).

Contrary to the popular and based on Ravens history of 1st round picks in the past few years, trading our #16 for Butler would help the team with revolving door at cornerback position. It would solidify the weakest spot on this defense now, not few years later, when Sizzle be retiring. I certainly believe we should draft CB in this draft, but we don't have to use the 1st rounder. 

Remember Elam, Cody, Kindle, all of those were drafted by Ravens in 1st round. The fact is, our 2nd, 3rd & 4th rounders made more impact and some turned into Pro Bowlers. Remember, we drafted CB.Webb in 3rd and Seahawks drafted Sherman in 5th?

 

[Martin Maryland]

3 hours ago, ravensdan said:

The offensive line is the biggest issue on the team. By far. 

Offensive Line would be issue, so as WR's group, but the biggest and weakest link is Cornerback. Folks, opposite side of Jimmy Smith was always open. Yes, that side of Wright, Young or whoever we plugged in - that's where the TD's got scored on us. And when Smith got hurt it got worse. We started over compensating for him using safety help and our run defense suffered. Sure, we need more effective pass rush, but we still need Cornerback who doesn't give the 10 yard cushion on every play.

[The Mom Gene]

26 minutes ago, Martin Maryland said:

Offensive Line would be issue, so as WR's group, but the biggest and weakest link is Cornerback. Folks, opposite side of Jimmy Smith was always open. Yes, that side of Wright, Young or whoever we plugged in - that's where the TD's got scored on us. And when Smith got hurt it got worse. We started over compensating for him using safety help and our run defense suffered. Sure, we need more effective pass rush, but we still need Cornerback who doesn't give the 10 yard cushion on every play.

I think we're discounting Tavon Young way too fast.  That guy played pretty damned well for a rookie this year.  Come on, give the kid a break.  And moving Webby to Safety was the right move.  Gave us two very talented guys in the "outfield".

 

[trevorsteadman]

47 minutes ago, Martin Maryland said:

Well, Saints are courting Butler for visit and are willing to trade their 1st rounder(#11).

Contrary to the popular and based on Ravens history of 1st round picks in the past few years, trading our #16 for Butler would help the team with revolving door at cornerback position. It would solidify the weakest spot on this defense now, not few years later, when Sizzle be retiring. I certainly believe we should draft CB in this draft, but we don't have to use the 1st rounder. 

Remember Elam, Cody, Kindle, all of those were drafted by Ravens in 1st round. The fact is, our 2nd, 3rd & 4th rounders made more impact and some turned into Pro Bowlers. Remember, we drafted CB.Webb in 3rd and Seahawks drafted Sherman in 5th?

 

If the Patriots are willing to pay Gilmore, and unknown from Buffalo $13 million a year and not willing to pay Butler an inhouse guy you know what you are gettin gfor $9 million a year you know that is when the team knows that Butler is a product of the other secondary pieces around him.

Our 2nd round picks have actually probably been worse than the 1st round picks recently.... You can't also cut out Mosley who is one of the best ILB in the NFL that was drafted in 2014 and Perriman who had a solid rookie campaign last season. Stanley was the best tackle when healthy last year in the league.

Sounds like the past 3 years we have nailed the first round so far. 

[hn68wb4]

59 minutes ago, Martin Maryland said:

Well, Saints are courting Butler for visit and are willing to trade their 1st rounder(#11).

Contrary to the popular and based on Ravens history of 1st round picks in the past few years, trading our #16 for Butler would help the team with revolving door at cornerback position. It would solidify the weakest spot on this defense now, not few years later, when Sizzle be retiring. I certainly believe we should draft CB in this draft, but we don't have to use the 1st rounder. 

Remember Elam, Cody, Kindle, all of those were drafted by Ravens in 1st round. The fact is, our 2nd, 3rd & 4th rounders made more impact and some turned into Pro Bowlers. Remember, we drafted CB.Webb in 3rd and Seahawks drafted Sherman in 5th?

 

CB is not the weakest part of our defense, that designation falls squarely at OLB, we have 2 starting quality CBs on the roster already, at OLB we've got 34 year old Suggs and nobody else. Our pass rush was one of the worst in the league this past year. Trading our first for Butler would be an idiotic move, putting aside the fact that #16 is just way too high for him as a player, he doesn't want to play without a new contract, one you can bet we're not going to pay him since we just paid Jimmy last year. Our first round picks in recent years have been fine, especially when we've picked in the top half of the first round, Elam has been the only first round whiff we've had in at least the past decade.

Also, btw, neither Cody nor Kindle were first round picks, both were second rounders, and Elam was 32nd overall, so it's not like we were picking the cream of the crop there.

Edited March 14 by hn68wb4

[Ulawun]

We need help at the skill positions first and foremost, I agree. Even with the Claiborne deal going through, the Ravens need to heavily invest a draft into stockpiling the CB and WR positions with young talent. Pittsburgh needed cornerbacks, bam went out and made it happen. And it's probably gonna pay off for them in another year or two when those guys mature. Im really hoping we get Dumervil back cheap as well. We cant fix all our problems in one off season and, as long as he's healthy, he can really put the bandaid on the lack of pass rush.

[purpletide]

1 hour ago, Martin Maryland said:

Well, Saints are courting Butler for visit and are willing to trade their 1st rounder(#11).

Contrary to the popular and based on Ravens history of 1st round picks in the past few years, trading our #16 for Butler would help the team with revolving door at cornerback position. It would solidify the weakest spot on this defense now, not few years later, when Sizzle be retiring. I certainly believe we should draft CB in this draft, but we don't have to use the 1st rounder. 

Remember Elam, Cody, Kindle, all of those were drafted by Ravens in 1st round. The fact is, our 2nd, 3rd & 4th rounders made more impact and some turned into Pro Bowlers. Remember, we drafted CB.Webb in 3rd and Seahawks drafted Sherman in 5th?

 

Like @hn68wb4 said, OLB is the biggest problem as of now. I really hope Judon steps up, I like what I see in terms of potential. But back on topic, we have zero reason to trade for Butler, let alone give NE a first rounder. Claiborne makes Butler obsolete given the current situation, and with the CBs in this draft I think we can hit gold in the first round, corner or not. Also consider that we don't have to talk about first round CB vs. Butler in terms of who improves us the most, BPA could be someone incredible.

[Martin Maryland]

57 minutes ago, hn68wb4 said:

CB is not the weakest part of our defense, that designation falls squarely at OLB, we have 2 starting quality CBs on the roster already, at OLB we've got 34 year old Suggs and nobody else. Our pass rush was one of the worst in the league this past year. Trading our first for Butler would be an idiotic move, putting aside the fact that #16 is just way too high for him as a player, he doesn't want to play without a new contract, one you can bet we're not going to pay him since we just paid Jimmy last year. Our first round picks in recent years have been fine, especially when we've picked in the top half of the first round, Elam has been the only first round whiff we've had in at least the past decade.

Also, btw, neither Cody nor Kindle were first round picks, both were second rounders, and Elam was 32nd overall, so it's not like we were picking the cream of the crop there.

We have 2 starting corners, really? Smith and who, Young? Don't get me wrong, I like Young, but I like him much better as Nickelback covering slot receiver, than being on outside trying to cover OBJ or some 6'5 WR in the red zone. Sorry, but we dont't have solid CB2 on the roster,  f Smith gets hurt, then we have Arrington & Canady.

Folks, this season we play games against Packers, Lions, their QB's  would pick us apart without strong cornerbacks. 

[RobertLRenfroJR@Gmail.com]

Besides Boldin there's another big physical WR Vincent Jackson who played in San Diego before Tampa.   The FA Tenders are wasted on average players.  Pull them all get a Morris Cliaborne to pair with Jimmy Smith,   Brandon Carr, Brandon Flowers, all kinds of bridge corners are available.  Morris isn't a bridge.   He is a ling term solution.  Want another safety I would love to have Webb back because of his cover skills.   But a nice bridge option is Jairus Byrd.   Talk to Flacco about redoing his deal for salary cap relief this year.  I'm  sure he would if it meant bringing in these guys and maybe a Revis and a Victor Cruz,possibly an AP?   To win this year?    You can get a Boykin cheap as a slot or chase corner.    But with Morris and one more the team would be set.   Boldin and/ or Vincent Jackson as a big target.   Put the word out people.

Morris Claiborne

Vincent Jackson

Ryan Clady

Anquan Boldin

Revis, Carr, Flowers etc.

Jairus Byrd and or Webb

Victor Cruz

Cut loose all the tenders.  Aiken etc will never be better than average, cut them, loose.  Use the money on quality youth and bridge players like above.  please repeat them by name.

[Adreme]

5 hours ago, ravensdan said:

The offensive line is the biggest issue on the team. By far. 

Not having a single RT on the roster is sort of a big deal since as the Ravens have said numerous times they do not view Alex Lewis as a T they view him as a guard.