Derrick Mason Unhappy

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' post='166371' date='Mar 9 2009, 02:29 PM'][url="http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-ravens0309,0,5396997.story"]http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/footbal...0,5396997.story[/url]

I still don't understand these guys.... they've made millions upon millions and are under contract. I know one year isn't "security" so to speak, but it's not like they don't have enough money for 10 lifetimes as it is. Stop crying about your contract and continue to be the stand-up player and person that you are, Derrick. This isn't like you, and it's disappointing. We are salary cap-strapped as it is and we want to get YOUNGER and better, in case you missed the memo.[/quote]

It's funny u posted a link to the Sun's article. I just read it earlier this morning and it seems really negative to me. I don't know if it is just me but they made it seem like Mason was ready to be released next week of a contract extentsion. I actually watched the interview Derrick had on NFLTA live, and he did not once mention being released. He said if he didn't have a extentsion by seasons end then he would have to explore other option(hints he would be a FA not released).

Mason mentioned how he just wanted to play and he would like to remain in Baltimore. I'm sure he would like to be compensated but i don't thik Mason will be lookin to break the bank with the Ravens. He just wants to play another 3 seasons and wants to do it in a Ravens uniform. Can u be mad at this guy for that.

It is easy to misinterpet an guys words when u are reading a article, but when u watch him talk live and listen to his words i think the message is a lot clearer. I don't think Mason is unhappy and i don't think he is out of line for wanting an extenstion.

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' post='166374' date='Mar 9 2009, 02:44 PM']It's funny u posted a link to the Sun's article. I just read it earlier this morning and it seems really negative to me. I don't know if it is just me but they made it seem like Mason was ready to be released next week of a contract extentsion. I actually watched the interview Derrick had on NFLTA live, and he did not once mention being released. He said if he didn't have a extentsion by seasons end then he would have to explore other option(hints he would be a FA not released).

Mason mentioned how he just wanted to play and he would like to remain in Baltimore. I'm sure he would like to be compensated but i don't thik Mason will be lookin to break the bank with the Ravens. He just wants to play another 3 seasons and wants to do it in a Ravens uniform. Can u be mad at this guy for that.

It is easy to misinterpet an guys words when u are reading a article, but when u watch him talk live and listen to his words i think the message is a lot clearer. I don't think Mason is unhappy and i don't think he is out of line for wanting an extenstion.[/quote]

As Ozzie would say: "Right player, right price"

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' post='166376' date='Mar 9 2009, 02:48 PM']As Ozzie would say: "Right player, right price"[/quote]

Correct and i think Mason is that player. Mason won't commend a lot of money and i don't think he will be lookin for such. He just wants a commitment from that team that he will be here. Much like Matt Birk, he didn't wanna leave Minn for only 1 season, and if the Ravens couldn't show him the commitment to him for more then one year then he wouldn' have come. So we signed him for 3 year and cheap. Mason will be the same. It isn't about the money, just the opportunity to say and retire with one of the best orginizations in the NFL.

Thats just my opinion.

[darklight1216]

Aww man, and I thought Stover was the only big name we were worried about. Please don't release Mason.

[theFRANCHISE]

I think the source of a lot of this alleged "unhappiness" is possible tension between Mason and the team over his age. Mason seems like he understands that his career will be done within the next three years, but I think the team is convinced his career might be done sooner than that. I think the team doesn't want to commit to someone who isn't guaranteed to stay for the duration of a contract extension, and Mason doesn't want to play with the specter of retirement on his mind. The "security" of a contract extension that Mason is referring to may be less financial and more of an assurance that he'll be on a team if he's still able/willing to play, period.

[Ranger275]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' post='166570' date='Mar 10 2009, 04:06 PM']I think the source of a lot of this alleged "unhappiness" is possible tension between Mason and the team over his age. Mason seems like he understands that his career will be done within the next three years, but I think the team is convinced his career might be done sooner than that. I think the team doesn't want to commit to someone who isn't guaranteed to stay for the duration of a contract extension, and Mason doesn't want to play with the specter of retirement on his mind. The "security" of a contract extension that Mason is referring to may be less financial and more of an assurance that he'll be on a team if he's still able/willing to play, period.[/quote]


You know, I have something to say about this guy.

When I was watching the playoffs last year (I forget the specific game), Mason pulled down a rocket from Flacco with a jacked up shoulder. I remember thinking that he was probably the most underrated receiver of his generation. He just produces and makes things happen, and has done so for a long, long time. Most receivers, I would imagine them being washed up really soon when his age. Mason strikes me as having that Tim Brown, Jerry Rice longevity that will let him produce for the three years he talks about. I honestly believe that he will.

[RAY THE GOAT]

if we get anquan boldin then hes goin to draw a double team and then that leaves the other recievers 1 on 1 and opens the run game up as well

[T-Sizzle55]

[quote name='ravensfan160' post='163516' date='Mar 4 2009, 01:58 PM']Seeing as how many current and former players are really ticked off at us it concerning. Just look at the names Jason Brown, Chris McAlister, Samari Rolle, Suggs (for being franchised again), Ray Lewis (although thats all Rays fault), and now Mason is frustrated. Add to that the other two big free agents we lost in Scott and Leonard and this off season is a disaster. The only bright spot, if you can call it that, is the signing of Foxsworth. But in reality all that is is we overpaid for a career backup corner.

The key to this offseason was retaining our own and not only hasn't that happened but we've managed to make them all angry with us. Its not looking good at this point although its a long time before the season starts.[/quote]

They aren't ticked off they just want to get paid. Brown, Scott, and Leonhard didn't come back because they were looking for more money and they received that big paycheck elsewhere. Loosing them is not a disaster, it's apart of life in an organization. We are pretty lucky our franchise values our players as much as they do and belives in promoting the players we already have (ie: instead of signing a LB a few yrs ago, we promoted Bart Scott from special team duties). Suggs should be angry with his agent who still won't play ball with us (we had to tag him or he'd be gone too). Rolle doesn't want to restructure his contract or be the #3 CB. I don't think Rolle is frustrated with us, but the fact that he is realizing his time in the league is closing in. He has played in 16 games in the past 2 seasons. Why should we pay for the services of a guy who shows up every other day for work. He thinks he can earn his current full salary somewhere else and be the starting CB at the age of 33. Mason will be 36. He has one more season with us right on his contract and after that no one else is probably going to pick him up. This league values youth over the chance that a veteran might still have it. If Mason get's hurt and goes on IR this season, then that might be how he spends his last year in the NFL, rehabbing and watching games at home. He simply wants to protect himself and provide some financial security for himslef and his family (I can't fault him for that).

"I have one more year left on my deal, and I want to play more than one year. For a player, one year is no security. No security whatsoever. I think I've earned the right to go to management and let them know that I want to play more than just one year." - Derrick Mason

Not many at his age live up to their contract and perform as well (even with a severe injury) as Derrick Mason has for the Ravens. He has my vote for the Ed Brock Courage Award this year. As for Domonique Foxworth, he WAS a back-up, now he IS a young upcomming star in this league. Unless Denver prefered to start him over Champ Bailey or Dre' Bly who earned twice his salary, he was merely waiting to get the opportunity to start.

Everyone is overreacting about the off-season right now. After what we all went through last season as fans, this one is pretty enjoyable. I don't know about the rest of you, but I feel optimistic right now and very excited for the daft and the moves we are about to make.

[bauer77]

I think he deserves the money. As of right now he is our only proven WR and he is led this team 3 out of the 4 years he has been here in catches. He may be old but jus re-sign him to a contract so he can retire a raven

[T-Sizzle55]

[quote name='RAY THE GOAT' post='166576' date='Mar 10 2009, 09:47 AM']if we get anquan boldin then hes goin to draw a double team and then that leaves the other recievers 1 on 1 and opens the run game up as well[/quote]

Anquan Boldin is an excellent blocker as well. Maybe it's not a big deal, just a coincidence I'm sure, but Marcus Smith recently changed his jersey from #81 to #13. So the #81 is open and Boldin (as well as Torry Holt) just so happens to wear the #81.