State of the Ravens going into 2017

[Ravensfan23]

13 minutes ago, Militant X 1 said:

 

 

I could only find this info guys....

http://overthecap.com/player/dennis-pitta/1373/

Thanks so it seems i was definitely wrong with the 2M roster bonuses. I think that gives the Ravens a little wiggle room then. They can monitor the progression and health of the other 4 TEs and if they are pleased cut Pitta post June 1st. Or they could just restructure his deal again and keep him around 1 more season. 

[Rav'n Maniac]

15 minutes ago, Ravensfan23 said:

Thanks so it seems i was definitely wrong with the 2M roster bonuses. I think that gives the Ravens a little wiggle room then. They can monitor the progression and health of the other 4 TEs and if they are pleased cut Pitta post June 1st. Or they could just restructure his deal again and keep him around 1 more season. 

Sorry but I'm just not seeing the wiggle room. My understanding was that he took the 4.5m paycut in 2016 and converted it to incentives, which Zrebiec reported that he earned all those incentives back some time ago. Meaning they have to pay him that money in 2017. Now they can pay it in a lump sum and spread it over the remaining two years on his contract, if they choose but, that would put his cap charge over 9m for each season in that case. I just don't see any scenario where they could restructure and keep him.

[rmcjacket23]

25 minutes ago, Ravensfan23 said:

Thanks so it seems i was definitely wrong with the 2M roster bonuses. I think that gives the Ravens a little wiggle room then. They can monitor the progression and health of the other 4 TEs and if they are pleased cut Pitta post June 1st. Or they could just restructure his deal again and keep him around 1 more season. 

Everything is on the table for Pitta. I think the least likeliest outcome is his contract stays as is, with us paying him $5.5M next season.

A paycut is a possibility, though Dennis performed reasonably well this year, so its not as easy to ask him for one now as it was last season, when his value was about as low as it gets.

I also don't think a straight cut pre-June 1st is off the table either. You still get $3.3M in cap savings, and that could prove valuable during the earliest stages of FA. In general I'm not a huge fan of the post-June 1st cuts. There is some value in them, but you don't get to spend the cap space until June, so its not going to help you much in FA, especially if you've already locked up your draft picks.

A "wildcard" option would be to give him a short-term extension that would lower his current cap hit, but that seems highly unlikely.

My best guess is they approach him to take a paycut (maybe about half, paying him like $3M next season) and if he refuses, they outright cut him before June 1st. I think if you can bring his cap number down to the $5-5.5M range, I think he has value there.

[rmcjacket23]

4 minutes ago, Rav'n Maniac said:

Sorry but I'm just not seeing the wiggle room. My understanding was that he took the 4.5m paycut in 2016 and converted it to incentives, which Zrebiec reported that he earned all those incentives back some time ago. Meaning they have to pay him that money in 2017. Now they can pay it in a lump sum and spread it over the remaining two years on his contract, if they choose but, that would put his cap charge over 9m for each season in that case. I just don't see any scenario where they could restructure and keep him.

If so, and I'll preface this by saying I don't know what the exact amount of increase to the cap his incentives will bring, it will likely crush their ability to outright cut him.

Would it COULD do, in theory, is open themselves up to possibly negotiate a short term extension. Pay him more in the short term, add another year or two to the deal, and spread that out.

 

[Rav'n Maniac]

2 minutes ago, rmcjacket23 said:

If so, and I'll preface this by saying I don't know what the exact amount of increase to the cap his incentives will bring, it will likely crush their ability to outright cut him.

Would it COULD do, in theory, is open themselves up to possibly negotiate a short term extension. Pay him more in the short term, add another year or two to the deal, and spread that out.

 

They could do that, sure but, any way you look at it, it's not a pretty situation and would only get uglier if he was to get injured again. 

[Ravensfan23]

So today is both the last game of the season and the first few hours of the offseason for the Ravens. Going into 2017 I think there are a lot of positives but also so major changes that will be made. I'll focus on some of the really good positives I think the Ravens have moving forward. 

1. The Rookie class of 2016. I think the Ravens had a great draft in 2016 and could be even better next year if a couple other guys develop. Stanley is a stud. I think we can put to bed the notion that the Ravens missed on Tunsil. Whether the video led to passing on him, Stanley was the right pick. Dixon will have a Ray Rice impact to this offense moving forward imo. That guy is a beast and should be a exciting piece for whoever is the OC. Young gave me a Lardarius Webb feel in his rookie year. Not the biggest guy but could have lockdown potential with a little better technique. Lewis played really well at LG and I think he and Stanley will make a really strong pair.

2. The RBs. I know the running game has been in question all year, but I think we got a really good impression of what these young guys can do. Dixon, West and Juice should have any OC smiling ear to ear at the possibilities of this offense. I think we saw in preseason how dominant this run game could be and most of us envisioned a offense that would feature it much more. The Steelers were a good defense and they ran over them at will.

3. I think the oline is a positive moving forward. Stanley, Lewis, Yanda and Wagner should all return to starting roles and if they can upgrade the center position I think the oline will be a strength moving forward.

4. I think the Ravens might have one of the best ILB tandems in the NFL. Outside of Weddle, Orr was the biggest Pro Bowl snub for the Ravens imo. I really like CJ and Orr. It'll also be interesting to see how the Ravens plan to use KC next year but unless Orr just rest on his great season and doesn't work hard to get better during the offseason, I think this tandem will be great in 2017.

5. I think the defense is in good hands with Weddle as the leader. But more speed has to be added to that side of the ball. A month ago I would have included the run defense as a strength moving forward but the better rushing teams like Mia, NE, Dal and Pit were able to run at will on this defense. I still view the defense as a strength just needs some tweaking and a overall view of how good they actually are. They focused on getting more sacks a couple years ago and the sack total increased. They focused on getting more turnovers this year and they did. I guess next year they should focus on closing out games better. 

  

[Ravensfan23]

35 minutes ago, rmcjacket23 said:

Everything is on the table for Pitta. I think the least likeliest outcome is his contract stays as is, with us paying him $5.5M next season.

A paycut is a possibility, though Dennis performed reasonably well this year, so its not as easy to ask him for one now as it was last season, when his value was about as low as it gets.

I also don't think a straight cut pre-June 1st is off the table either. You still get $3.3M in cap savings, and that could prove valuable during the earliest stages of FA. In general I'm not a huge fan of the post-June 1st cuts. There is some value in them, but you don't get to spend the cap space until June, so its not going to help you much in FA, especially if you've already locked up your draft picks.

A "wildcard" option would be to give him a short-term extension that would lower his current cap hit, but that seems highly unlikely.

My best guess is they approach him to take a paycut (maybe about half, paying him like $3M next season) and if he refuses, they outright cut him before June 1st. I think if you can bring his cap number down to the $5-5.5M range, I think he has value there.

I think it's highly unlikely Pitta takes another pay cut. I personally don't think he had a great year but his numbers suggest he did so I doubt he and his people would take too kind to a pay cut. This is probably the biggest reason I see him no longer with the team in 2017. I think the Ravens will be more than willing to take their chances that this group of young TEs. 

28 minutes ago, Rav'n Maniac said:

They could do that, sure but, any way you look at it, it's not a pretty situation and would only get uglier if he was to get injured again. 

I think this is a huge factor as well. Pitta played a full season and that's great, but that doesn't mean he's out of the water injury wise. His hip is a ticking time bomb and while it sucks to treat him like a throw away players, his contract situation makes things tough like you said. I'd be very surprised to see Pitta a member of the 2017 Baltimore Ravens no matter the route that is taken to reach that conclusion. 

[Militant X 1]

1 hour ago, Ravensfan23 said:

Thanks so it seems i was definitely wrong with the 2M roster bonuses. I think that gives the Ravens a little wiggle room then. They can monitor the progression and health of the other 4 TEs and if they are pleased cut Pitta post June 1st. Or they could just restructure his deal again and keep him around 1 more season. 

I'm thinking that the Ravens may cut Pitta as well.  I mean, he played pretty well this season but they really can't count on him going forward in my view.  Why not roll with the likes of Williams, Boyle and Gillmore?

51 minutes ago, rmcjacket23 said:

Everything is on the table for Pitta. I think the least likeliest outcome is his contract stays as is, with us paying him $5.5M next season.

A paycut is a possibility, though Dennis performed reasonably well this year, so its not as easy to ask him for one now as it was last season, when his value was about as low as it gets.

I also don't think a straight cut pre-June 1st is off the table either. You still get $3.3M in cap savings, and that could prove valuable during the earliest stages of FA. In general I'm not a huge fan of the post-June 1st cuts. There is some value in them, but you don't get to spend the cap space until June, so its not going to help you much in FA, especially if you've already locked up your draft picks.

A "wildcard" option would be to give him a short-term extension that would lower his current cap hit, but that seems highly unlikely.

My best guess is they approach him to take a paycut (maybe about half, paying him like $3M next season) and if he refuses, they outright cut him before June 1st. I think if you can bring his cap number down to the $5-5.5M range, I think he has value there.

I don't know if Pitta would take a paycut Jacket.  But then again, he loves it there in Baltimore and being w/Joe so he just might.

7 minutes ago, Ravensfan23 said:

I think it's highly unlikely Pitta takes another pay cut. I personally don't think he had a great year but his numbers suggest he did so I doubt he and his people would take too kind to a pay cut. This is probably the biggest reason I see him no longer with the team in 2017. I think the Ravens will be more than willing to take their chances that this group of young TEs. 

I think this is a huge factor as well. Pitta played a full season and that's great, but that doesn't mean he's out of the water injury wise. His hip is a ticking time bomb and while it sucks to treat him like a throw away players, his contract situation makes things tough like you said. I'd be very surprised to see Pitta a member of the 2017 Baltimore Ravens no matter the route that is taken to reach that conclusion. 

I'm thinking the same thing.

[arnie_uk]

Can't believe after the year our offense just had I will be mad if our top 2 picks this year aren't pass rush and corner back. 

Seems we can never just commit to flacco and a high powered offense. The biggest holes are always defense and have been for years. 

[Cville-Raven]

Need to get more talent in the interior of the o-line. The James hurst disaster needs to come to an end. Just sign some cheap FA if you have to. I think we also need a possession or slot receiver. For the defense they could use draft picks pretty much anywhere that isn't ILB. I would prefer the first rounder to be a OLB or CB. In rounds 2-3 I would be looking at CB(if we didn't use our first on one), OG, C, DT, or WR.

[Ravenslifer]

On 12/25/2016 at 10:41 PM, ravens rule said:

Going into flacco's 10th season why is WR still a huge question mark ? 

 

Because we've only spent 2 top 100 picks in 9 seasons on wideouts, and instead have tried signing/trading for veteran "bargains".  The good in that approach is that Flacco seems to develop a quick rapport with those vets - Mason, Kelley Washington, Boldin, Lee Evans for the 2 games he played, Heap, SSS, Owen Daniels, and now Mike Wallace.  The bad is those guys get hurt and/or don't last longer than 3 seasons with us, it seems. 

[January J]

On 12/31/2016 at 8:57 PM, PurpleCity5 said:

I could say nearly the same thing for many of the other guys who we have relied to step up on in the past and will be relying on to step up on in the near future in regards to Perriman. To be fair to the guy we know the factors that contributed largely and a bright spot to it is that we feel that it won't be an issue for him. What I mean by that is more reps and most importantly establishing Chemistry between him and Joe which absolutely was not there this year. Let me ask you this, do you trust Michael Pierce, Maxx Williams, Crockett Gilmore or Matt Judon more? Those guys faced a significantly less cliff and didn't do much at all even when healthy. I mean these are guys who we're going to ask to step up and become an integral part of the team next year, why not expect our 1st round pick who has shown much more than these guys. I mean, if I can recall we asked Shareece Wright and Chykie Brown to step up. Reguardless, someone is going to have to step up for this team because we won't be able to do all the work on this team via FA/Draft.

Now I think we can upgrade Wallace and add another cheaper WR next year, what we really need is some one at the slot position because we haven't been effective there for a long time now, that's where I really want us to go at because it's a position that can really rip teams apart. 

We could've had that slot receiver last year in the draft to replace Steve and once again we passed. Sterling Sheppard was there for the taking-  and has produced right away. He has a football oriented family which Ozzie tends to love- and he's a fiesty guy with great hands. seemed to have been the perfect replacement... But too late now. Passed on Diggs the year before in the fourth round. I know what's done is done but its  just really frustrating to see all these teams getting Immediate production from their receivers and we can't seem to hit on one to save our life . I AM excited about BP and I think he can become that number one with a full training camp with Joe- as long as he stays healthy. But theres still that void with Steve gone. Camps a good slot receiver- but we all know that story. Aiken is a question mark- did he have a down year due to lack of targets and being pushed down in the pecking order or was he struggling to get open? Wallace started off the year on fire but tapered off pretty heavily, and didn't finish the season strongly at all. He didn't seem very happy either. I was excited about Chris Moore and his big play potential- but so far he's been an absolute dud. Maybe he'll surprise some people and make huge strides next year- but we can't count on it. Garcon has been the name thrown around the most- but I'm sure other names will arise as things start to become a little more clear. Even Desean Jacksons name has been thrown around and boy would he look good in purple- but do we really need 3 burners? Or would we move on from Wallace if we did that?  Just really anxious to see what happens here. One things for sure: Joe Flacco CANNOT have that many damn pass attempts next year- and we HAVE to get back to the run first mentality. Then  the deep ball will become a part of our game again. Fortunately we seem to have a strong Oline intact for next year ( resigning Wagner is a must) and a young running back in Dixon who looks ready to take the league by storm. West also provides a strong number 2 to compliment Dixon for a change of pace or to be our short yardage bruiser. Keep Joe under 30 attempts a game!! 

22 hours ago, Ravensfan23 said:

I think it's highly unlikely Pitta takes another pay cut. I personally don't think he had a great year but his numbers suggest he did so I doubt he and his people would take too kind to a pay cut. This is probably the biggest reason I see him no longer with the team in 2017. I think the Ravens will be more than willing to take their chances that this group of young TEs. 

I think this is a huge factor as well. Pitta played a full season and that's great, but that doesn't mean he's out of the water injury wise. His hip is a ticking time bomb and while it sucks to treat him like a throw away players, his contract situation makes things tough like you said. I'd be very surprised to see Pitta a member of the 2017 Baltimore Ravens no matter the route that is taken to reach that conclusion. 

A lot of people are forgetting about Watson as well- I'm guessing they're just assuming he's a definite cut ( which is 85% likely true) but I'm not so sure about pitta. He led the team in receptions for christ sakes- and he had to take it real easy during camp with the hip and then the finger injury. He's definitely the comeback player of the year. I don't think he returns at the current number- and I think pitta sees the writing on the wall and will be willing to either restructure or take a straight up paycut. First off he knows he's at higher risk for injury- he's noit gonna wanna uproot his family from bmore- and his bromance with Joe and juice and the guys is like no other. He will take a paycut to stay. I'm also excited about Waller and I think he will be a real weapon next year. Disappointed in Gillmore and Maxx- Along with Boyles suspension. But I think we go into the year with 1) Pitta 2) Waller 3) Maxx 4) Gillmore . Boyle will battle it out for that last spot with crock- and if crock can't stay healthy Boyle might get the nod. If pitta doesn't take a paycut then I think all 4 will make it- but that will leave us pretty vulnerable with no real proven talent at an important position. Had such high hopes for crock but he seems to have hit a wall and has just been stagnant. Hasn't improved- been hurt- and just doesn't show that fierceness that he once did. And maxx is kinda the same- hasn't improved and has just been hurt. The jump to the NFL just seems to have been too much for him. Now I know it takes some time to develop tight ends- but obviously we all expected more. We thought we beat Pittsburgh to the punch and they've gotten far more from Jesse James. Hunter Henry is another guy who came in right away and produced immediately- even behind a HOF'r in Gates. Could it be coaching? I don't know...but its a problem . the group looked so stacked and claimed to be the best in the NFL ...well that was a joke.

 

I know many people are going to speculate about kubiak returning as an OC after stepping down from the broncos HC gig- and I do think he will stay involved in the game in some capacity in a position that's less stressful since health was his main concern and he's not announcing his retirement.. But its just not gonna happen guys. Man it would be great and it's an awesome thought- but its just too much of a long shot and he's bound to stay within the Denver organization. So keep dreaming. Let's just hope we can find somebody who knows how to truly have a balanced offense.

Edited January 2 by January J

[RavenManiac#7]

Unfortunately, I don't think that the state of the Ravens going into 2017 is very promising. There are just too many areas that we need to strengthen or make changes to. It all starts with the coaching staff and, perhaps, the FO. That we need a new OC and DC, I think is undeniable. I hate for Joe to have to go through yet another change at OC, but it's vitally necessary. And our defense isn't Nearly as good as one would think considering it's lofty rating before the last 4 weeks or so. As for our HC, yes, I do think it's time for a change. I believe Harbaugh will find another job quickly, but I don't think he will have success here any longer, or again. I see all the signs that he has lost the team. Now, to the players. Our pass rush needs help big time, as does our secondary. Losing SSS means that, as usual, we need to add GOOD, productive receivers. By that, I mean they must posses the ability to gain separation and catch, and hold onto, the ball. The Ravens, almost unbelievably, Still have never had a true #1 receiver on the roster. That's truly sad. Our OL still needs some attention both with starters and better quality of depth. We need an upgrade at Center and will/can we re-sign Wagner? Of course, there are more needs, but I think those are the most critical. And as for that wr need; I think it's been showed that drafting and developing a #1 wr is, for some reason, beyond Ozzie and our coaching staff's abilities. So, hopefully, we can find a Serious upgrade in FA. Unfortunately, Ozzie has shown that his tendency is to sign older, past their prime, other teams' cast-offs. And I'm not sure what our cap situation is but usually it's not very good so that will probably be a hindrance in our search, and hope, for a truly effective #1 receiver. Don't even know who, if anybody, is going to be available. I think these are just the obvious needs. Seems like much too much to accomplish with only one off season. So, that being the case I, again, don't consider the state of the Ravens going into 2017 to be a very favorable one. But, I am a RavenManiac, so I will be there with them no matter how long it takes. I just hope Steve Bisciotti does, indeed, start with coaching changes and gives some serious thought to the FO as well.

[steelcityraven]

On ‎12‎/‎25‎/‎2016 at 10:33 PM, Gruntled Ravens Fan said:

A couple of things we need to do in order to make a Super Bowl run next year.

1. Aquire interior offensive lineman either through the draft or FA

2. Draft a pass rusher with the our first pick and let him start and have Suggs play on passing downs only

3. Get our Safety position figured out. Either draft a Safety or get someone younger to replace Webb 

4. Add more playmakers for Joe to throw to

I think all we need is a C to replace Zuttah... or at least push Jensen.  Both G's positions are set and both T positions are set (even if we don't re-sign Wags)

Would love to draft a pass rusher with speed and bring in a FA pass rusher (probably to relapse Doom)

Bring in a FA S.... we don't seem to have the success drafting that position that we do in the proven FA market (Weddle)

I would add a CB (hopefully via the draft)

We need two WRs (we are probably going to lose Kamar and possibly Mike Wallace in addition to SSS).  Perriman will improve but he is not enough.  Not sure what to think about CMoore yet but certainly agree that we need a lot of help at WR...  I expect to add help there both through the draft and through FA

(We will add a speed back- and I suspect that we will wait until after the draft to see who may fall to us or if we can trade up) but if not...  I am expecting to see an upgrade there for sure

CB- OLB - WR-RB -S- OL  (and that depends on BWilliams situation)

we may be going into 2017 with more holes to fill then in a long time.   (On my wish list is also a DC)

[Cillmatic]

Steve B. just said that Wright OUTPLAYED Jimmy Smith for 6 weeks before he broke down. What the hell?!?!?!?!?!?!? Looks like we can x out CB in the first round.

[Cillmatic]

Harbaugh said they're gonna build the best O-line in the league...

[DomMcRaven]

7 minutes ago, Cillmatic said:

Steve B. just said that Wright OUTPLAYED Jimmy Smith for 6 weeks before he broke down. What the hell?!?!?!?!?!?!? Looks like we can x out CB in the first round.

He must be on that good stuff....I mean REAL GOOD STUFF. 

[Cillmatic]

Dang, Steve went kind of hard there.

[PurpleCity5]

6 minutes ago, Cillmatic said:

Harbaugh said they're gonna build the best O-line in the league...

I hope so. I don't think Wagner is gone. I think they're going to go after keeping Williams and Wagner. In terms of priority, I think Williams is A1 and Wagner is A2. 

I think we aggressively go after improving Center position. It wouldn't surprise me if we made a trade. 

Edited January 10 by PurpleCity5

[Deflated Football]

6 minutes ago, Cillmatic said:

Harbaugh said they're gonna build the best O-line in the league...

Not if you lose Wagner

[Deflated Football]

9 minutes ago, Cillmatic said:

Steve B. just said that Wright OUTPLAYED Jimmy Smith for 6 weeks before he broke down. What the hell?!?!?!?!?!?!? Looks like we can x out CB in the first round.

I want what Steve is on

[JO_75]

8 minutes ago, Cillmatic said:

Harbaugh said they're gonna build the best O-line in the league...

It starts with keeping Wagner but also finding a permanent LG(Alex Lewis or a Draftee) and a franchise Center. 

[DomMcRaven]

Reading Zrebiec's tweets, I like that the FO addressed looking at players with red flags. We'll see what happens come draft time. 

[Edug27]

Harbs looks uneasy with this press conference.

[trevorsteadman]

21 minutes ago, DomMcRaven said:

He must be on that good stuff....I mean REAL GOOD STUFF. 

Yeah considering Wright was inactive for most games Jimmy Smith was playing in unless another corner was injured. He was used primarily as only a Jimmy Smith band aid.

[TurkishRaven]

4 minutes ago, trevorsteadman said:

Yeah considering Wright was inactive for most games Jimmy Smith was playing in unless another corner was injured. He was used primarily as only a Jimmy Smith band aid.

I mean Wright was not that bad early in the season. Especially against the bills. Overall our cbs exceeded my expectations.

[rossihunter2]

41 minutes ago, Cillmatic said:

Steve B. just said that Wright OUTPLAYED Jimmy Smith for 6 weeks before he broke down. What the hell?!?!?!?!?!?!? Looks like we can x out CB in the first round.

 

11 minutes ago, trevorsteadman said:

Yeah considering Wright was inactive for most games Jimmy Smith was playing in unless another corner was injured. He was used primarily as only a Jimmy Smith band aid.

 

34 minutes ago, DomMcRaven said:

He must be on that good stuff....I mean REAL GOOD STUFF. 

i think you guys missed it - he was referring to the end of 2015 when jimmy wasnt playing well and the defense improved dramatically down the stretch when shareece wright did play well - his whole point was they they projected him to play at least as good as he did then for this season but he didnt which they also acknowledged

[DomMcRaven]

13 minutes ago, trevorsteadman said:

Yeah considering Wright was inactive for most games Jimmy Smith was playing in unless another corner was injured. He was used primarily as only a Jimmy Smith band aid.

Don't get me wrong, I like Biscotti says that he doesn't fire people for the sake of it, but I totally didn't understand how he could say Wright > Jimmy. Not saying we would've beaten DAL, but clearly we missed Jimmy in that game. Wright got abused by Dez plain and simple.

[trevorsteadman]

1 minute ago, rossihunter2 said:

 

 

i think you guys missed it - he was referring to the end of 2015 when jimmy wasnt playing well and the defense improved dramatically down the stretch when shareece wright did play well - his whole point was they they projected him to play at least as good as he did then for this season but he didnt which they also acknowledged

I didn't read the article I only read what was on here. That would make more sense.

[Club Sec. 217 Seat 2]

Yeah SB was definitely referring to last 6 games of LAST YEAR, when we actually graded out near the top in terms of the secondary, and Wright was playing fairly well