[News] Late For Work 3/8: What's Next For Ravens In Free Agency? More Moves Likely On The Way

[budman]

38 minutes ago, rmcjacket23 said:

Assuming he wanted to come here, of course.

Requires two parties to agree to a deal, not just one.

Agreed. It happened quick as though there was no other place he wanted to be. With the Giants he still keeps his media gigs (especially Showtime)

[fusuymada]

  58 minutes ago, stuckonaboat13 said:

hahaha ummmm so If Im reading this correctly and I'd like to think I am It sounds as if the Ravens will not be retaining any of their top soon to be free agents while also cutting some of their better players in order to create cap space and void bad deals. Soooooooo the good news is coming in the afternoon right ???

Depends what you call better plays. Webb got tore up bad last year, I'm sick of hearing about how great Pitta was for catching 80 balls last year - we threw it like 600 times and he has become a safety blanket for joe in a bad way. Instead of reading his progressions downfield he's way to quick to dump it to dennis for 5 yards. Doom's salary cap number is too high and he needs to go to a contender, this team needs a lot of work. The fact Zuttah went to the pro bowl as however much of an alternate is a joke. The only player on that list that needs to come back is Wallace

Agreed. And the Ravens need to realize they are not a competitor, they are not a player or two away from the playoffs, they need a complete refit. Keep Wallace to balance Perriman and go young every where else.

[stuckonaboat13]

11 minutes ago, zing21042 said:

The Mistake: The front office is trying to provide Flacco with "weapons" but fails to realize that "You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear". Next year, Flacco will again be Flacco, so why not try and win with a stellar defense and hope Flacco does not turn the ball over as much.
 

absolutely spot on ! I could not agree more.  Joe is not comparable to the Qbs capable of  carrying their teams.... he simply isn't  talented enough. We need to focus on a strong defense and a solid run game. Couple those two with the fact Tucker can kick it from midfield and we will be in a position to compete and win  every week.

[Raven in ATL]

basically, no one wants to play for an 8-8 team that cant pay them.

[TheRavengers]

20 minutes ago, stuckonaboat13 said:

absolutely spot on ! I could not agree more.  Joe is not comparable to the Qbs capable of  carrying their teams.... he simply isn't  talented enough. We need to focus on a strong defense and a solid run game. Couple those two with the fact Tucker can kick it from midfield and we will be in a position to compete and win  every week.

Or we could get better WRs in addition to a strong defense, solid run game and such and move forward.

[rmcjacket23]

The Obvious: The problem could have been solved rather easily. I have touted that Aiken should have been offered a deal...I think we just let him walk which was a mistake. We could have kept him for a decent price and not gone overboard on the FA market; he was a perfect replacement for Smith. This would have left us with basically filling the offensive line position vacated by Wagner and then focusing what moneys we had left on the holes in our defense.

Squeeze the Juice out: The Juice's prowess as a receiver could be replaced by a TE and Juice is not the blocker that this position commands. Most teams don't even use the FB so maybe it is time the Ravens save the money, save the position, move to the 21st century and look for a blocking running back rather than a universal back who was rarely used to run the ball.

The Problem: I do not know how one evaluates the totality of our offensive capabilities in the absence of a quarterback capable of using the weapons provided him. The only thing that needed correcting on our offense was the mindset of the QB. Asked another way, do you really think our record would have been 8-8 (or worse) had Rothlesberger, Brady, Prescott, Dalton, Ryan, Luck, Rodgers, Wilson, Carr, Cousins or a fistful of other QBs been with the Ravens last year and all else remained exactly the same...including the merry-go-round on the offensive line? The weapons were in place to get us to the playoffs; the mindset of the QB was not.

The Mistake: The front office is trying to provide Flacco with "weapons" but fails to realize that "You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear". Next year, Flacco will again be Flacco, so why not try and win with a stellar defense and hope Flacco does not turn the ball over as much.

Haven't really seen any indication that the FO is committed to providing Flacco with "weapons". They're looking to find a possession receiver, and that's about all anybody has heard in terms of "weapons".

They've said they want to beef up the Oline, which would allow us to run the ball better (which they've said time and time again we want to do) and pass protect better.

They've also said they want to add youth and depth in the secondary, and upgrade the pass rush, the two biggest weaknesses on the defense.

So to me, if you've listened to what the FO has told you over the last few months, they're doing exactly what you want them to do.

Not really sure what the point of the "Flacco turn the ball over as much" comment is, since that wasn't an issue last season. Fans (again) just go to the boxscore and look at the INT totals and say "that's too high", but lack the effort to take it into context.

Obviously, QBs who throw the ball a lot, for the most part, throw more INTs. Why do you think Drew Brees averages 15 INTs per year? Because he throws the ball 600+ times a year.

Try looking at INTs on a per attempt basis. If you did, you'd see that, in 2016, Joe was throwing INTs at a rate similar to what he was in some of his better years of his career.

Again, context people. Box scores only give you the minimum.

[BiggMack91]

I'm just praying for a miracle in the draft because if not we are going to have a overhaul in the coaching department and the FO

[GeeWallee]

Marshall is a Giant now and not sure about Garcon's wants. Played for both of the new Rams and 49ers HCs. Garcon would be a solid addition, no doubt and he has been a consistent performer.
Of course, Kamar Aiken has shown he is more than capable of being a #1 Possession WR. He took a back seat to Steve Smith Sr. and Wallace and a healthy Pitta. He may want to go some where that he sees more passes thrown in his direction.
Just have to see what happens. I would think we are going to lose Wagner, Williams and Juszczyk . I'd like to see them restructure Mike Wallace on a 3 or 4 Year Deal. His problematic times in Minnesota and Miami were from weak armed QBs and underachieving teams. I thought he played his part very well, last Season.
With only about $10M in Cap Space ? We will probably see a half dozen or so older Defensive players with hefty contracts , either restructure or be allowed to move on.
Not a heckuva lot of Big Fish for us to reel in, with little bait on board. The Browns have just over $100M to spend........and a couple of handful of other teams have nice coffers to empty.

[rmcjacket23]

I'm just praying for a miracle in the draft because if not we are going to have a overhaul in the coaching department and the FO

Well, mostly on the coaching side (maybe).

Even if Ozzie were to leave (which he would do voluntarily, because he's not getting fired), he'd be replaced by DeCosta, who's been running the draft and is already a big player in the FO anyway.

So realistically, very little change in the FO structure, and maybe a new coaching staff with a bad year.

None of which is guaranteed, of course.

[OUravensfan]

48 minutes ago, zing21042 said:

The Obvious: The problem could have been solved rather easily. I have touted that Aiken should have been offered a deal...I think we just let him walk which was a mistake. We could have kept him for a decent price and not gone overboard on the FA market; he was a perfect replacement for Smith. This would have left us with basically filling the offensive line position vacated by Wagner and then focusing what moneys we had left on the holes in our defense.

Squeeze the Juice out: The Juice's prowess as a receiver could be replaced by a TE and Juice is not the blocker that this position commands. Most teams don't even use the FB so maybe it is time the Ravens save the money, save the position, move to the 21st century and look for a blocking running back rather than a universal back who was rarely used to run the ball.

The Problem: I do not know how one evaluates the totality of our offensive capabilities in the absence of a quarterback capable of using the weapons provided him. The only thing that needed correcting on our offense was the mindset of the QB. Asked another way, do you really think our record would have been 8-8 (or worse) had Rothlesberger, Brady, Prescott, Dalton, Ryan, Luck, Rodgers, Wilson, Carr, Cousins or a fistful of other QBs been with the Ravens last year and all else remained exactly the same...including the merry-go-round on the offensive line? The weapons were in place to get us to the playoffs; the mindset of the QB was not.

The Mistake: The front office is trying to provide Flacco with "weapons" but fails to realize that "You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear". Next year, Flacco will again be Flacco, so why not try and win with a stellar defense and hope Flacco does not turn the ball over as much.
 

I'd love to see Dalton with our weapons the last 4 years, it would be comical. I'd like to see Carr and Dak without godly lines, you realize AJ Green, Bryant, etc, etc don't come with them right?

Forget it, who cares anyway this forum is going away 

Edited March 8 by OUravensfan

[TheRavengers]

34 minutes ago, BiggMack91 said:

I'm just praying for a miracle in the draft because if not we are going to have a overhaul in the coaching department and the FO

All entirely dependent on who we pick and how well they transition into the pros. 

[The Negotiator]

Two things are for sure are going to happen unless a miracle happens. One we will be picking in the top 5 next year. Ozzie and Harbs will e gone as well. Ozzie has lost his mojo giving west a tender of 2 million. We need to rebuild and cut as much as we can. This team needs an over haul starting at the top!!!!

[The Negotiator]

For the love of god don't bring Torrey no effort Smith back!!!!!!!

[b93333]

"In Ozzie we trust"... I'm old enough to remember when people said that with a straight face.

[robbie29]

This price was out of our range for Brandon Marshall.

Unfortunately, the price range for most above-average players will be too high for the Ravens.

[rmcjacket23]

  2 hours ago, bioLarzen said:

This price was out of our range for Brandon Marshall.

Unfortunately, the price range for most above-average players will be too high for the Ravens.

Every year they sign above average players in FA. This isn't anything new.

[robbie29]

For the love of god don't bring Torrey no effort Smith back!!!!!!!

Are you saying he gave no effort when he was in Baltimore? If so, you're absolutely wrong. I clearly remember he gave 100% on the same day that he found out his brother died. He's one of only two Ravens' receivers who have hauled in over 10 TDs in a season. I could go on and on about what he did for the community when he was here. Forget about his stats in SF. I honestly believe that being back with this team would be good for both the Ravens and Baltimore.

[Tdot.to.Bmore]

Drop Wallace and sign Smith and Aiken. Smith, Perriman, Aiken and camp would be an above avg receiving corp. Throw in our TE group and Flacco has some weapons. Are main concern is getting a solid offensive line to block for Flacco and i guarantee that these guys can get it done.

[The Negotiator]

  1 hour ago, The Negotiator said:

Two things are for sure are going to happen unless a miracle happens. One we will be picking in the top 5 next year. Ozzie and Harbs will e gone as well. Ozzie has lost his mojo giving west a tender of 2 million. We need to rebuild and cut as much as we can. This team needs an over haul starting at the top!!!!

I wonder how many years fans will say that we will be picking in the top 5 until it actually comes true. Its like watching a blind squirrel. Whiff on it every single year.

Heck, two years ago we had half our team on IR including our franchise QB, and we STILL didn't even pick in the top 5.

You guys gotta start trying harder...

4-12 next year!!!

[The Negotiator]

Drop Wallace and sign Smith and Aiken. Smith, Perriman, Aiken and camp would be an above avg receiving corp. Throw in our TE group and Flacco has some weapons. Are main concern is getting a solid offensive line to block for Flacco and i guarantee that these guys can get it done.

Smith couldn't get it done when we played New England, what makes you think he can do it now!

[The Negotiator]

  1 hour ago, The Negotiator said:

For the love of god don't bring Torrey no effort Smith back!!!!!!!

Are you saying he gave no effort when he was in Baltimore? If so, you're absolutely wrong. I clearly remember he gave 100% on the same day that he found out his brother died. He's one of only two Ravens' receivers who have hauled in over 10 TDs in a season. I could go on and on about what he did for the community when he was here. Forget about his stats in SF. I honestly believe that being back with this team would be good for both the Ravens and Baltimore.

He's average at best, we need to up grade not go backwards.

[Tdot.to.Bmore]

  1 hour ago, rmcjacket23 said:

  1 hour ago, The Negotiator said:

Two things are for sure are going to happen unless a miracle happens. One we will be picking in the top 5 next year. Ozzie and Harbs will e gone as well. Ozzie has lost his mojo giving west a tender of 2 million. We need to rebuild and cut as much as we can. This team needs an over haul starting at the top!!!!

I wonder how many years fans will say that we will be picking in the top 5 until it actually comes true. Its like watching a blind squirrel. Whiff on it every single year.

Heck, two years ago we had half our team on IR including our franchise QB, and we STILL didn't even pick in the top 5.

You guys gotta start trying harder...

4-12 next year!!!

you are crazy my friend

[Raven1995]

Call me crazy but I wouldn't be too mad if Hurst played RT next year... he had some decent games at LT when Monroe was out and would benefit from having Yanda next to him.

This feels like another down year but we should have plenty of comp picks and a top half selection next year.

Crazy, but maybe like a fox.

[The Negotiator]

"In Ozzie we trust"... I'm old enough to remember when people said that with a straight face.

Ozzie's time has past time for some new blood, drafts have been horrific and over paying for some of our guys. Flacco is robbing this organization. I hope next year some how we can get out of his contract. Time for an over haul. 4-12 next year and possibly picking top 5 next year

[Tdot.to.Bmore]

  6 minutes ago, Tdot.to.Bmore said:

Drop Wallace and sign Smith and Aiken. Smith, Perriman, Aiken and camp would be an above avg receiving corp. Throw in our TE group and Flacco has some weapons. Are main concern is getting a solid offensive line to block for Flacco and i guarantee that these guys can get it done.

Smith couldn't get it done when we played New England, what makes you think he can do it now!

That was one bad play and i put more fault on Flacco for throwing that ball in that situation. Smith was productive for us it is the reason why 49ers wanted to pay him 40M. I guarantee if hes back with us he will be close to a 1000 yard receiver next year.

[OUravensfan]

1 hour ago, rmcjacket23 said:

I wonder how many years fans will say that we will be picking in the top 5 until it actually comes true. Its like watching a blind squirrel. Whiff on it every single year.

Heck, two years ago we had half our team on IR including our franchise QB, and we STILL didn't even pick in the top 5.

You guys gotta start trying harder...

Will you be posting on Ravens Reddit from here on out? They could use a level headed poster or two. For real, 2007, 2013 and 2015 are as bad as I can remember and we still didn't draft top 5.

Edited March 8 by OUravensfan

[rossihunter2]

4 minutes ago, OUravensfan said:

Will you be posting on Ravens Reddit from here on out? They could use a level headed poster or two. For real, 2007, 2013 and 2015 are as bad as I can remember and we still didn't draft top 5.

I don't think that's how you recruit level-headed guys lol...

[zing21042]

"Report: 49ers expected to sign former Redskins WR Pierre Garcon"
"The San Francisco 49ers have the second-most cap space in the NFL, and they’ve not going to be shy about using it. According to ESPN and multiple reports, they’re working toward signing wide receiver Pierre Garcon to a deal that would pay him $16 million in his first year with the team."

Case closed. Even if they don't sign him, we can't come anywhere close to that number so someone else will.

Like I said...look to Aiken if he is even willing to stick around. He will be a lot cheaper than Marshall and Garcon and more than capable of doing the job.

[TheRavengers]

28 minutes ago, The Negotiator said:

Smith couldn't get it done when we played New England, what makes you think he can do it now!

For one, in the 2 years he's been at San Fran he only put 7 TDs and had career lows in receptions, when he had that exact output with more catches in just his rookie season. Also, Flacco was throwing to him all the time, whereas in San Fran it was Kaepernick but also Blaine Gabbert and Christian Ponder.

[rmcjacket23]

  1 hour ago, rmcjacket23 said:

  1 hour ago, The Negotiator said:

Two things are for sure are going to happen unless a miracle happens. One we will be picking in the top 5 next year. Ozzie and Harbs will e gone as well. Ozzie has lost his mojo giving west a tender of 2 million. We need to rebuild and cut as much as we can. This team needs an over haul starting at the top!!!!

I wonder how many years fans will say that we will be picking in the top 5 until it actually comes true. Its like watching a blind squirrel. Whiff on it every single year.

Heck, two years ago we had half our team on IR including our franchise QB, and we STILL didn't even pick in the top 5.

You guys gotta start trying harder...

4-12 next year!!!

Sure they will kid. Sure they will.