Broncos May Look to the Ravens for Help This Off-Season
by phantom818 on Jan 17, 2009 11:22 PM MST
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PrintThe 2009 off-season could prove a potentially kind one for teams in need of linebackers. Karlos Dansby, Jonathan Vilma, Mike Peterson and Eric Barton are just a few high-profile names who might don new uniforms next season.
With the Denver Broncos’ defensive system currently a mystery, each of these players presents intriguing characteristics tailored to a style of play ‘Orange Crush V2’ may adopt. The crop of backers potentially on the market makes for an exciting off-season indeed.
One team that the Broncos may want to give a look happens to be a team currently in the AFC Championship, with its sights set on Super Bowl glory. This team has two versatile players in particular who have the capability to play in both the 3-4 and 4-3 systems. Exactly which of the two will be on the market remains a question mark, but nevertheless, the Baltimore Ravens could very well be a source the Broncos draw from this off-season.
The Rex Ryan led Baltimore Raven defense has been a fearsome one to say the least. A tenacious, blitzing front of tacklers has often carried the team to victory when the quarterback play was sub-par at best.
This season the Ravens ranked second against the pass, third against the run, and second overall in yards allowed per game. Baltimore also finished second against the run in the previous two seasons.
While the Ravens still have the Super Bowl in their sights, the team will have to face a very familiar situation this off-season. Player departure through free agency has become commonplace in the current National Football League world and Baltimore has dealt with it before.
In 2007 the Ravens were forced to part ways with linebacker Adalius Thomas after the Southern Mississippi product had logged an 11-sack, 106-tackle season. Thomas penned a deal with the New England Patriots and a defense that had surrendered an NFL-low 12.6 points per game would have to recover.
Jarrett Johnson stepped in and filled the departed star’s shoes nicely. Baltimore’s development of in-house talent, as evidenced by Johnson and others, has been key to the consistent defensive production. The team will most likely have to rely on that development and defensive depth again this off-season.
This may be the last NFL fans see of the current Raven defensive core. Three Baltimore linebackers will hit the market starting the moment their team concludes its season. Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs and Bart Scott will all become free agents. Chances are, the Ravens do not re-sign all three.
Players like promising rookie Tavares Gooden out of Miami can step into the system and do well, and with the depth Baltimore has on defense, it can once again afford to let another great linebacker go.
That ‘great linebacker’ probably also won’t be Ray Lewis. Lewis has been the face of the Baltimore franchise during his 13-year career and has turned in a hall of fame caliber performance. Rumors point to the Ravens keeping him in Baltimore for the duration of his time in the league.
Most likely that puts one of two skilled Raven linebackers up for grabs this off-season.
Terrell Suggs presents the intriguing OLB/DE hybrid combination as a pass-rusher. In six seasons, he has amassed 368 tackles and 53 sacks. Suggs played defensive end in college and has certainly shown the propensity to get a good, quick rush off the edge as a professional.
As far as salary goes, however, Suggs’ versatility could dictate his dollar figure depending on whether a team wants to utilize him as a 3-4 pass rushing outside linebacker or a 4-3 end. He may not get as much money as guys like Julius Peppers or Albert Haynesworth, and could prove a nice deal to a team in free agency. Since Baltimore can afford to replace its players with quality defenders, they may not match a large offer should one arise.
Bart Scott could be available if the Ravens decide they’d rather secure Lewis and Suggs. Scott, an undrafted free agent out of Southern Illinois, only recorded 1.5 sacks this season and 1 sack the season before. However, he can still put up 100-plus tackle numbers, evidenced by his 2006 campaign.
The 28-year-old (29 in August) and seven-year vet can also adapt and has the ability to play inside and outside in both a 3-4 and 4-3 defensive scheme.
Scott took a $12.5 million "pay cut" to return to the Ravens in 2006, passing up an enticing offer from the Browns. However, the chips may fall differently this off-season.
"I thought that’s what I was coming back for," the Ravens linebacker said of his decision three years ago. "We were going to keep the core of the defense together and win a championship. We’ll see what happens this time around. And after whatever happens [in the playoffs], we’ll see where things go." …
…It’s believed [Scott] will draw a package north of the reported five-year, $25 million deal signed by Washington’s London Fletcher in 2007, but south of the reported bloated six-year, $42 million deal the New York Jets gave Calvin Pace last off-season.
Back on January 5, ESPN’s Jeffri Chadiha mentioned a possible Scott-Broncos connection in his 2009 free agent/trade projections:
Why he could be gone: Scott couldn't have asked for worse timing. He's becoming an unrestricted free agent at the same time that the Ravens have to negotiate new deals for fellow linebackers Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs. As talented as Scott is -- he nearly accepted a free-agent offer from Cleveland in 2006 before making his first Pro Bowl later that year -- it's hard to see the Ravens dropping big money on all three of those players this offseason.
Where he will end up: Even though his numbers have dropped since that Pro Bowl season -- mostly because he has been asked to drop into pass coverage more often --- Scott is a playmaker who should be attractive to several defense-challenged teams. That's why the Denver Broncos make sense here. They're about as bad as it gets on that side of the football.
Whoever emerges from this picture as a free agent certainly deserves a look from the Broncos. Of course, the player available will depend on who the Ravens decide to keep and may also hinge on whether or not the team wins the Super Bowl. Other linebackers could perform just as well in Orange and Blue next season, but it couldn’t hurt to at least take a look at a member of the Purple and Black.
This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR
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I got Scott in madden 7 FF
In his second year with me.but now Zappa will say how he got 10FF and returned 4 for TD
I'm from MD
And everyone here agrees that Scott is a LB that fits the Ravens system but isn’t going to have anywhere near the numbers he has if he left Baltimore. Terrell Suggs is the real deal though. Won’t matter because Suggs will AT LEAST be franchised. Scott will most likely be resigned too. All we really have to look at is Dewan Landry—Which I’d be in favor of
"...The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming.."
--Teddy Roosevelt, The Man in the Arena
by Loveland310 on Jan 17, 2009 11:52 PM MST up reply actions
Agreed....
Landry would ssolve some our safety issues.
I would like to get Suggs or Peppers in the off seasonthough!
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
Landry is limited athletically..
and not really any better than out current group of Safeties.
"I am not one of those who think that coming in second or third is winning." -- Robert F. Kennedy
by Ted Bartlett on Jan 18, 2009 8:03 AM MST up reply actions
Disagree...
He had a great first 2 years, and you think he has less upside than Manuel and McCree??? I would give the Ravens both of them for Landry!
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
In what sense is he limited Ted?
From there, I'd like to say that the wheels came off, but that wouldn't feel like an accurate description. The wheels didn't just magically come off, the Raiders all got out of the car, shot the wheels off the own car, busted out the taillights, smashed the windshield and poured Splenda in the gas tank. Then they all piled back inside and started screaming, "CAR WON'T MOVE, ME SAD NOW!" - MJD Yahoo Sports
Bok,
What do you think of shaun cody at Nt for us? Did he not play there for USC?
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
Boydy...
I thought Cody was a great product of the SC football machine, he had great strength, quickness and used his hands well. Even the Lions wont argue those facts, but for some reason he has trouble packaging all that talent together at the same time, on the field. Work ethic and consistency are words you will hear a lot when NFL types talk about Cody.
Personally, I feel he has a lot of natural talent, has already shown willingness to play the NT, and is at the end of a contract. May be a perfect time to pick up a career underachiever who has unarguable physical talent, for a incentive laden contract, and coach him up and see if he can produce.
From there, I'd like to say that the wheels came off, but that wouldn't feel like an accurate description. The wheels didn't just magically come off, the Raiders all got out of the car, shot the wheels off the own car, busted out the taillights, smashed the windshield and poured Splenda in the gas tank. Then they all piled back inside and started screaming, "CAR WON'T MOVE, ME SAD NOW!" - MJD Yahoo Sports
by donbok1 on Jan 18, 2009 10:11 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Perfectly summed up mate...
There were rumors of him coming to Denver last year.
I would be for taking a flyer on him. He could be an answer at NT>
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
They can't franchise Suggs...
They already franchised him last season and there’s a contract stipulation that won’t allow him to be franchised for two straight seasons. That’s what I was able to come up with in my research at least.
Great Post
I agree, the Ravens definitely have serious cap issue this year. Much as I love Scott and think he could really help the Broncos, the Raven I really covet is safety Dewan Landry. With the other higher profile FAs I think Landry could be a real steal and we desperately need help at safety.
Landry is a great cover safety...
but I think he’s a RFA. Might cost us a draft pick to get him. But if we are going after a safety anway…?
From there, I'd like to say that the wheels came off, but that wouldn't feel like an accurate description. The wheels didn't just magically come off, the Raiders all got out of the car, shot the wheels off the own car, busted out the taillights, smashed the windshield and poured Splenda in the gas tank. Then they all piled back inside and started screaming, "CAR WON'T MOVE, ME SAD NOW!" - MJD Yahoo Sports
RFAs don't cost picks...
With RFAs their team has a right of first refusal. If we wanted Landry we would arrange a contract, called giving him an offer sheet. The Ravens would then have an opportunity to match the offer. If the do they keep him; if not we get him. Givne the number of FAs they have, the cap issues, and the fact that they have a capable backup for Landry, I think we have a reasonable chance of landing him.
by SlowWhiteGuy on Jan 18, 2009 9:19 AM MST up reply actions
You are right in the fact that his original team has the right of first refusal...
but when they tender the contract, depending on the value, and the percentage increase it is over his previous year’s contract, the team which signs him must award the former team with compensation in picks. This compensation was put into the collective bargaining agreement so that a team couldn’t be fleeced of it’s players without compensation. It’s also the reason that compensatory picks are awarded to teams that lose unrestricted free agents. I could be totally wrong, but this is the way I understand the CBA. Please correct me if I am totally off base.
From there, I'd like to say that the wheels came off, but that wouldn't feel like an accurate description. The wheels didn't just magically come off, the Raiders all got out of the car, shot the wheels off the own car, busted out the taillights, smashed the windshield and poured Splenda in the gas tank. Then they all piled back inside and started screaming, "CAR WON'T MOVE, ME SAD NOW!" - MJD Yahoo Sports
Compensatory picks...
You are correct about the team being awarded comp picks, but I don’t think the come from the awarding team. Here’s what Wikipedia says:
Compensatory Picks
In addition to the 32 picks in each round, there are a total of 32 picks awarded at the ends of Rounds 3 through 7. These picks, known as “compensatory picks,” are awarded to teams that have lost more qualifying free agents than they gained the previous year in free agency. Teams that gain and lose the same number of players but lose higher-valued players than they gain also can be awarded a pick, but only in the seventh round, after the other compensatory picks. Compensatory picks cannot be traded, and the placement of the picks is determined by a proprietary formula based on the player’s salary, playing time, and postseason honors with his new team, with salary being the primary factor. So, for example, a team that lost a linebacker who signed for $2.5 million per year in free agency might get a sixth-round compensatory pick, while a team that lost a wide receiver who signed for $5 million per year might receive a fourth-round pick.
If fewer than 32 such picks are awarded, the remaining picks are awarded in the order in which teams would pick in a hypothetical eighth round of the draft (These are known as “supplemental compensatory selections”).
Compensatory picks are awarded each year at the NFL annual meeting which is held at the end of March; typically, about three or four weeks before the draft.
by SlowWhiteGuy on Jan 18, 2009 9:54 AM MST up reply actions
there is a difference between...
compensatory picks, which are awarded by the NFL to teams who lose unrestricted FA’s, and picks given up between teams for restricted FA signings.
At the expiration of his last Player Contract during such period… [the player] shall be completely free to negotiate and sign a Player Contract with any club, and any club shall be completely free to negotiate and sign a Player Contract with any such player, subject to… certain restrictions." The restrictions are the fun part.
The player’s original team maintains the First Refusal Right if the team tenders a contract offer of one year at $1.01 M.
The player’s original team maintains the Right of First Refusal and Draft Selection at the Player’s Original Draft Round (from the team with which he signs) if the team tenders an offer of one year at the same amount(s) listed above OR at least 110% of the player’s prior year’s salary — whichever is greater.
The player’s original team maintains the Right of First Refusal and Second Round Draft Selection (from the team with which he signs) if the team tenders an offer of one year at $$1.545 million OR at least 110% of the player’s prior year’s salary — whichever is greater.
The player’s original team maintains the Right of First Refusal and First Round Draft Selection (from the team with which he signs) if the team tenders an offer of one year at $2.198 million OR at least 110% of the player’s prior year’s salary — whichever is greater.
The player’s original team maintains the Right of First Refusal and First Round Draft Selection and Third Round Draft Selection (both from the team with which he signs) if the team tenders an offer of one year at $2.792 million OR at least 110% of the player’s prior year’s salary — whichever is greater.
From there, I'd like to say that the wheels came off, but that wouldn't feel like an accurate description. The wheels didn't just magically come off, the Raiders all got out of the car, shot the wheels off the own car, busted out the taillights, smashed the windshield and poured Splenda in the gas tank. Then they all piled back inside and started screaming, "CAR WON'T MOVE, ME SAD NOW!" - MJD Yahoo Sports
that's why teams have attornies for this stuff
Landry currently makes ~$500K per year. In order for the Ravens to get any picks the Ravens would have to double his salary; even then it only costs a 5th round pick. Tough for them to start down that path when they have a serviceable backup. At the same time, he seems a whole lot better than McCree who is costing us $2mill per year.
by SlowWhiteGuy on Jan 18, 2009 10:27 AM MST up reply actions
It all depends on what type of qualifying offer the Ravens make...
they could triple his salary, making the new team give up a second round pick. Until they make their initial qualifying offer, we don’t know what we would have to give up. My original point, however, was if we are spending a pick on safety anyway, why not spend it on Landry? We know what we would be getting, and the draft pick compensation (due to his being a RFA) may be less than we are planning on spending anyway.
From there, I'd like to say that the wheels came off, but that wouldn't feel like an accurate description. The wheels didn't just magically come off, the Raiders all got out of the car, shot the wheels off the own car, busted out the taillights, smashed the windshield and poured Splenda in the gas tank. Then they all piled back inside and started screaming, "CAR WON'T MOVE, ME SAD NOW!" - MJD Yahoo Sports
But I do agree with you that we have a decent chance of signing Landry, if we want him
From there, I'd like to say that the wheels came off, but that wouldn't feel like an accurate description. The wheels didn't just magically come off, the Raiders all got out of the car, shot the wheels off the own car, busted out the taillights, smashed the windshield and poured Splenda in the gas tank. Then they all piled back inside and started screaming, "CAR WON'T MOVE, ME SAD NOW!" - MJD Yahoo Sports
There is also a possibility that fading cornerback Chris McAlister will be a cap casualty if he doesn’t renegotiate his deal this offseason. And complicating the situation is the fact that game-changing nose tackle Haloti Ngata is entering Year 4 of a five-year deal next season – which means the Ravens will be looking to talk contract extension by the end of 2009.
They’ve got a lot of potential problems on that defense in Baltimore. Guess they better hope this is the year. With money a little less plentiful these days, it’ll be hard to bring back EVERYONE. Which is probably why a linebacker is almost certainly gone.
Although, I will say Jim Leonhard has been playing extremely well in Landry’s place since the spinal cord concussion in week 3. Although Landry’s not quite as good as his brother LaRon (gotta love the Da-WAN La-RON connection), you are right and he still has some talent. Plus, it’s hard to stand out when you’ve got probably the best safety (or at least one of the tops) in the business in Ed Reed playing alongside. I’m more a fan of going the draft route on a safety. I think there are actually some decent second to mid round guys out there who may be able to fill in. Depending on draft position next season (I’d think it’d have to be pretty high, and I don’t think this is too likely at all, but) Rolle and/or Mays could be available. If I had to pick and choose, I’d probably sink my teeth into a DT, DE, or LB free agent acquisition (multiple high profile signings if possible, of course).
I think if the front seven gets better, it’ll put less pressure on the back guys to make plays. Good call on Landry though as a ‘sleeper’ guy to look at. And yes, donbok, Landry IS restricted…second round tender is what it looks like.
Don't forget about Eric Berry...
if he comes out early next year, he may push Mays down to our range. Alot of things would have to happen for that to happen, worst of all, not fulfilling our need at safety this year.
From there, I'd like to say that the wheels came off, but that wouldn't feel like an accurate description. The wheels didn't just magically come off, the Raiders all got out of the car, shot the wheels off the own car, busted out the taillights, smashed the windshield and poured Splenda in the gas tank. Then they all piled back inside and started screaming, "CAR WON'T MOVE, ME SAD NOW!" - MJD Yahoo Sports
safeties next year..
There are potentially 4 top-notch S’s next year: Taylor Mays, Eric Berry, Morgan Burnette, Reshad Jones
by Hobnail_Boot on Jan 18, 2009 2:24 AM MST up reply actions
Dawan alongside Barret would be a killer backfield
Dawan brings some experience to help in the matchups, Barrett brings the fire near the line, they both bring some great hitting, and it becomes a slightly staggered young position.
If the Broncos love us, they will get Dawan.
Concision in style, precision in thought, decision in life.
by Jeremy Bolander on Jan 17, 2009 11:43 PM MST up reply actions
The most likely LB acquisition is Scott
But I prefer Suggs
Tactics without Strategy is the noise you hear before Defeat!
$$$?
I like these talks of getting Suggs, Scott, or Peppers this off-season…how exactly is that going to be done? Aren’t we very close to the salary cap, or am I wrong there? I thought we didn’t have the space to make a big FA signing.
That's pretty close
That’s the main reason I am for signing one of these impact free agents. I don’t want the Broncos to grossly overpay, but I wouldn’t be upset if they gave Peppers or Suggs or Haynesworth a couple million more than their real market value.
Thanks to Mike Shanahan, a great coach who will be dearly missed. But...
Let's all get on the Mac Daddy Express!
Hillis for starter next year. He wears special thigh pads so his solid brass balls don't give him repeated thigh contusions.
If Suggs is the one "let go"
Denver may be able to get him for less than Peppers and Haynesworth at a decent price. I say “may” because I’ll admit I’m not a GM and don’t have the true knowledge of how money talks these days. I will say again that the defense we play may help dictate exactly how much Suggs gets, but I think all in all, if we’re talking about those three, he may be the better ‘deal’ acquisition. Again, that of course all rides on whether or not the Ravens bring him back. If not, I’m with you for paying Peppers or Haynesworth just a bit more. It’s gotta be worth it right? I mean…there’s certainly nowhere to go but up for the defense.
Before we start to go the way of the big FA singing again...
lets not forget about our own homegrowns, who will be coming up on FA themselves in the future. If I had a vote, I’d say no more big contracts until we can clean our roster of the current huge contracts we have. (Champ & Bly) If we could pick up some second tier type free agents, who wouldn’t cost more than the equivalent of a 2nd or 3rd round pick, then that would be fine. But if we’re in the process of starting over on D, why not stay young and build from the draft? A big name FA with a big time contract just doesn’t make sense to me.
From there, I'd like to say that the wheels came off, but that wouldn't feel like an accurate description. The wheels didn't just magically come off, the Raiders all got out of the car, shot the wheels off the own car, busted out the taillights, smashed the windshield and poured Splenda in the gas tank. Then they all piled back inside and started screaming, "CAR WON'T MOVE, ME SAD NOW!" - MJD Yahoo Sports
I agree
Cutler, Scheffler, Marshall, Dumerville, and Kuper will all be RFA’s after next season. Ryan Harris, Marcus Thomas and Crowder and Moss a year after that. Cutler and Marshall will take some big money to retain.
Fear is the mind killer. Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. When the fear has gone past, I will turn to see fear’s path. Where the fear has gone, there will be nothing. Only I will remain.
Bene Gesserit saying. (From Dune, by Frank Herbert)
Dbok...you opened the door (aplogize up front for the long reply)
There must be something genetic with fans, because we all love to grab the old Free Agency shopping cart each season and start dreaming of players we can buy with our allowance money. I’d be lying to you if I didn’t admit to dreams of Brandon Jacobs and Peppers on our team. However, I still have to force the rational part of my brain (I think it’s in there somewhere) to acknowledge certain facts (as they stand today) about what our new coach brings from New England. We think it’s offense, we know it’s youth, but I can tell you one thing it isn’t—“Synder-economics”. I may be proven wrong, but I think one of the first things we incorporate from Josh, is the notion that super-stars aren’t the end all be all, super teams are. Take a gander at the Patriots 2001-2008 FA acquisitions and tell me they love to spend big bucks on stud players. I’ve highlighted the few I think warrant that distinction, but even those can be questioned. Again, I may be wrong. Josh may get all giddy like us and ask Pat et al to pony up the money for Peppers, Haysworth, etc… I just don’t see that happening. If anything, I think you’re on to something Dbok, evaluate the talent on the team as it stands and figure out who’s a keeper and wrap them up. And by the looks of names bradley posted, the only ones who I think are sure things are Cutler, Marshall and Harris.
2008 FA
Sam Aiken WR Buffalo Bills
Fernando Bryant CB Detroit Lions
Victor Hobson LB New York Jets
LaMont Jordan RB Oakland Raiders
Oliver Ross G Arizona Cardinals
Jason Webster CB Buffalo Bills
Tank Williams S Minnesota Vikings
2007 FA
Kyle Brady TE Jacksonville Jaguars
Eddie Jackson CB Miami Dolphins
Tory James CB Cincinnati Bengals
Rashad Moore DL New York Jets
Sammy Morris RB Miami Dolphins
Kenny Smith DL Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Donte’ Stallworth WR Philadelphia Eagles
Adalius Thomas LB Baltimore Ravens
Kelley Washington WR Cincinnati Bengals
2006 FA
Reche Caldwell WR San Diego Chargers
Jabar Gaffney WR Houston Texans
Martin Gramatica K Indianapolis Colts
Tebucky Jones S Miami Dolphins
Mel Mitchell III S New Orleans Saints
Todd Sauerbrun P Denver Broncos
Chad Scott CB New England Patriots
Junior Seau LB Miami Dolphins
2005 FA
Monty Beisel LB Kansas City Chiefs
Chad Brown LB Seattle Seahawks
Tim Dwight WR San Diego Chargers
Antuan Edwards S St. Louis Rams
Doug Flutie QB San Diego Chargers
Artrell Hawkins S Carolina Panthers
Victor Leyva OT Cincinnati Bengals
Wesly Mallard LB New York Giants
Chad Morton RB Washington Redskins
Chad Scott CB Pittsburgh Steelers
David Terrell WR Chicago Bears
2004 FA
Keith Traylor RT Chicago Bears
2003 FA
Chris Akins S Cleveland Browns
Larry Centers FB Buffalo Bills
Michael Cloud RB Kansas City Chiefs
Rosevelt Colvin LB Chicago Bears
Don Davis SLB St. Louis Rams
Brandon Gorin T San Diego Chargers
Rodney Harrison S San Diego Chargers
Russ Hochstein G/C Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sean McDermott LS Miami Dolphins
Tyrone Poole CB Denver Broncos
Dedric Ward WR Baltimore Raven
2002 FA
Cameron Cleeland TE New Orleans Saints
Scott Dragos FB Chicago Bears
Christian Fauria TE Seattle Seahawks
Chris Hayes S New York Jets
Donald Hayes WR Carolina Panthers
Rob Kelly S New Orleans Saints
Tom Knight CB Arizona Cardinals
Rick Lyle DL New York Jets
Steve Martin DT New York Jets
Ryan Phillips LB Indianapolis Colts
Daryl Porter S Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ratcliff Thomas LB Indianapolis Colts
Rich Tylski G Pittsburgh Steelers
2001 FA
Je’Rod Cherry SS Philadelphia Eagles
Mike Compton G/C Detroit Lions
Marc Edwards FB Cleveland Browns
Damon Huard QB Miami Dolphins
Larry Izzo LB Miami Dolphins
Marty Moore WLB Cleveland Browns
David Patten WR Cleveland Browns
Roman Phifer LB New York Jets
Anthony Pleasant DE San Francisco 49ers
Antowain Smith RB Buffalo Bills
Chris Sullivan DL Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike Vrabel LB Pittsburgh Steelers
Ken Walter P Carolina Panthers
I wish Woody Paige was our coach!
Good point
but I also think at some point, a big free agent signing is going to be important, especially with the defense in its current position. The whole ‘Patriots can do it with lesser name players so we can too’ idea also isn’t necessarily a given. Trust me, I’ve seen it with the Eagles who, aside from the year with T.O., have had that mentality. The Patriots did it with lesser name receivers, so we don’t need a number one! Truthfully, a number one guy could still make that team light years better than it even is now. So, while I agree that the big name guys aren’t always a given, neither is the ‘lesser player philosophy.’ Keary Colbert and/or Darrell Jackson didn’t necessarily play big time roles (albeit Colbert was shipped off).
You’ve got to have someone on staff who’s good at evaluating talent, obviously. However, if you’re going to acquire a ‘big name’ you better make darn sure that name is one guaranteed to produce. I’m no fan of the ‘shopping cart’ strategy either, but I think with the current state of the Denver defense, simply moving players around isn’t going to cut it. Although, I’m interested to hear your feelings on some of the other linebackers out there. Would you consider a guy like Vilma one of the ‘dream players?’ For example, I actually think he could work out well, especially when reunited with DJ. I do think that going for a guy like that might actually be able to save some money AND help the team. That might be the kind of guy for this ‘Patriots’ approach, unless you consider him more of a ‘shopping cart, dream type’ acquisition.
Don’t get me wrong, you make a valid point, but assembling a cast of lesser name players doesn’t ALWAYS work. You have to have guys who can do it right.
I'm not saying what I would do...
I’m just saying we should be prepared for a NE-approach to personnel. I think, in an ideal world, you build your studs via the draft and your depth/role players via FA.
I wish Woody Paige was our coach!
That ‘ideal’ world hasn’t quite panned out with Shanny at the helm of a few drafts, but here’s to McDaniels doing much better at building and KEEPING a solid nucleus of players through the draft. I agree as well, ONE player isn’t instantly going to transform the defense (unless maybe it’s Ed Reed or somebody) and I like the idea of picking up some solid, consistent players via free agency. Also, I think we have to realize that one year in the draft may not be the answer, we may need two or more years to really start truly building. Let’s just hope the draft standpoint goes better than in years past, at least defensively.
wow...
nice research bc, and great point. Even when the Pats did bring in big names like Moss, they were low risk (4th round pick), high reward (23 td’s in ‘07) type deals. These are the deals I’d be more interested in, if I were the GM. Players who have great potential, but won’t put me in salary cap hell, and jeopardize the ability to resign the players I drafted. Boydy and Slowwhiteguy brought a couple good names in Shaun Cody, and Dawan Landry. Not huge names with huge contracts, but guys with talent that could be difference makers, and the future of your franchise isn’t hinged on them panning out. Signings like Haynesworth, and Peppers, in my opinion, puts us well behind the eight ball when it comes to the future of this team.
From there, I'd like to say that the wheels came off, but that wouldn't feel like an accurate description. The wheels didn't just magically come off, the Raiders all got out of the car, shot the wheels off the own car, busted out the taillights, smashed the windshield and poured Splenda in the gas tank. Then they all piled back inside and started screaming, "CAR WON'T MOVE, ME SAD NOW!" - MJD Yahoo Sports
Don't get me wrong...
have a Haynesworth/Peppers caliber of a player would sure go a long way toward making our defense better. However, I really want us to focus on building through the draft and look at our D-Line as something we need to develop through the draft. One stud DL doesn’t put us in the SB.
I wish Woody Paige was our coach!
exactly...
if we were 1 or 2 players away from having a great defense, then by all means go after a big time player. But when we are rebuilding our entire defense, do it through the draft, and look for value in FA.
From there, I'd like to say that the wheels came off, but that wouldn't feel like an accurate description. The wheels didn't just magically come off, the Raiders all got out of the car, shot the wheels off the own car, busted out the taillights, smashed the windshield and poured Splenda in the gas tank. Then they all piled back inside and started screaming, "CAR WON'T MOVE, ME SAD NOW!" - MJD Yahoo Sports
With the way Jim Leonhard is playing for the Ravens
they probably can afford to lose Dawan. That may be an intriguing possibility out there. Man, it never ceases to amaze me how the Ravens can afford to lose players like these and STILL have quality back-ups, most of the time through the draft (although not with Leonhard). I’d like to see the Ravens start evaluating and constantly bringing in defensive talent that well.
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