Ravens to make Ellerbe an offer

**leachisabeast** · 03-08-2013, 03:16 PM

Rolando McClain is the guy I now want in FA. Maybe by not getting Ellerbe, we will have a better shot at keeping Reed, and McKinnie.

**Carey** · 03-08-2013, 03:18 PM

Originally Posted by esmd

Exactly. The Ravens will fill holes with value priced FA's and draft pics. I think most of the guys on the team aren't starter material. Guys like Bynes, McClellan etc are depth/ST players.

I think McClellan and Bynes are better than depth but not quite guys you would feel great about starting or playing heavy snaps next year, there somewhere in the middle. McClellan should be the primary edge setting backup to Suggs and Upshaw on run downs and can play inside. Depending on what happens at ILB Bynes could be the primary backup at ILB. I think we can all agree we'd rather see them on ST because it would mean more talented players are in front of them but im actually pretty comfortable with both. Bynes i think has some upside, if you look at that Washington game compared to the next game he played significant snaps it was like night and day almost, he showed some things.

**bmore finest** · 03-08-2013, 03:20 PM

Losing Ellerbe would be tough. Right price for Oz to keep him. He should and will test the market. Someone will overpay for sure for him. He was a Raven, everyone hates the Ravens but quick to puck ours players. Hope he comes back, but if not, thanks bro!
I'm thinking if he walks, if we beef up the front, McClellan can play middle with a rookie or cheaper wiser vet. I'm sure Ozzie has a better plan, sit back and embrace the grind(Yanda training camp message last year, Awesome) of march madness.
We will be fine, the Baltimore Ravens are a top flight Organization!! Purple Pride

**Thrall** · 03-08-2013, 03:35 PM

I thought McClellan looked pretty good the times he's filled in at ILB. I like the idea of Rolando McClain too, if he can keep his act together. Guy has talent for sure. I'm sure Oz has a plan, and a few back up plans as well.

**Bazooka Joe** · 03-08-2013, 03:40 PM

I just don't think none of those guys are worth paying market or overpaying to keep. I honestly view none of Ellerbe Kruger and Cary as big losses. I just don't.

**Bazooka Joe** · 03-08-2013, 03:41 PM

Id rather sign Rolando or draft guys to compete with Niigel Carr and Josh Bynes.

**ballhawk** · 03-08-2013, 04:26 PM

I'm just afraid Ellerbe will lose his motivation once he gets paid. His work ethic has been an issue in the past. I'd rather see them keep Reed and Mckinnie. Find a LB in the draft.

If we know anything about this FO, it is that they can evaluate the shit out of LB and RB.

**BcRaven** · 03-08-2013, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by Bazooka Joe

I just don't think none of those guys are worth paying market or overpaying to keep. I honestly view none of Ellerbe Kruger and Cary as big losses. I just don't.

I wouldn't overpay them either, but to say they're not big losses is naive. All three were pieces of our Super Bowl puzzle, and performed well in 2012... Bc

**Bigfish** · 03-08-2013, 04:35 PM

Originally Posted by BcRaven

I wouldn't overpay them either, but to say they're not big losses in naive. All three were pieces of our Super Bowl puzzle, and performed well in 2012... Bc

Agree. We don't have to kick everyone in the ass on their way out the door. Next man up.

**Doctor** · 03-08-2013, 04:40 PM

Let me say first that I really hope that Ozzie and Ellerbe's representation are able to come to a reasonable agreement. I like Ellerbe as a player...but with his injury history, I can't give him a top-tier contract.

Having said that, the guy that I would like to see Baltimore sign (whether Ellerbe is retained or not) is Brad Jones from Green Bay.

He started the season as a backup / special teams player, and was forced into the lineup by injury...then proceeded to play better than the two injured guys. Jones is a well-rounded player. He's a very good coverage LB, and also decent against the run. He has experience in the 34 Defense, and has also played OLB.

Jones is rated as the #2 Free Agent LB by ProFootballFocus (Ellerbe is 6th), and was rated during the season as the 3rd best "replacement" player in the entire league...meaning he stepped into the job when someone else went down.

The Packers are strong at ILB (even without Jones) so it is a distinct possibility that they don't make a significant push to re-sign him. The fact that he's only started 11 games will likely keep the money he can expect in check.

If we can come up with a strong, but fair, deal for Ellerbe, offer Jones an identical contract.

I like McClain, but we can save a little cash by cutting him, and there is simply no predicting neck / spinal injuries.

**arnie_uk** · 03-08-2013, 04:44 PM

Originally Posted by Doctor

Let me say first that I really hope that Ozzie and Ellerbe's representation are able to come to a reasonable agreement. I like Ellerbe as a player...but with his injury history, I can't give him a top-tier contract.

Having said that, the guy that I would like to see Baltimore sign (whether Ellerbe is retained or not) is Brad Jones from Green Bay.

He started the season as a backup / special teams player, and was forced into the lineup by injury...then proceeded to play better than the two injured guys. Jones is a well-rounded player. He's a very good coverage LB, and also decent against the run. He has experience in the 34 Defense, and has also played OLB.

Jones is rated as the #2 Free Agent LB by ProFootballFocus (Ellerbe is 6th), and was rated during the season as the 3rd best "replacement" player in the entire league...meaning he stepped into the job when someone else went down.

The Packers are strong at ILB (even without Jones) so it is a distinct possibility that they don't make a significant push to re-sign him. The fact that he's only started 11 games will likely keep the money he can expect in check.

If we can come up with a strong, but fair, deal for Ellerbe, offer Jones an identical contract.

I like McClain, but we can save a little cash by cutting him, and there is simply no predicting neck / spinal injuries.

He's a RFA and I'm sure he will be tendered, if its a second, question becomes is he worth a second

**Doctor** · 03-08-2013, 04:52 PM

Originally Posted by arnie_uk

He's a RFA and I'm sure he will be tendered, if its a second, question becomes is he worth a second

Jones is an Unrestricted Free Agent.

**Bigfish** · 03-08-2013, 04:54 PM

Originally Posted by arnie_uk

He's a RFA and I'm sure he will be tendered, if its a second, question becomes is he worth a second

He could be ready to play day 1. Not likely we find that in the draft.

**ballhawk** · 03-08-2013, 04:59 PM

Have the ravens ever gone after another teams RFA?

Don't forget you gotta pay the player plus lose a high draft pick, which is where we usually get a lot of bang for the buck. Only thing I'd be willing to give up draft picks for is a good LT.

**Doctor** · 03-08-2013, 05:04 PM

Jones is not Restricted.

**ballhawk** · 03-08-2013, 05:08 PM

Maybe he is a guy that Ozzie is looking at. Whichever direction they go, I'm cool with it. I have 100% faith in Oz and Eric when it comes to LB and RB. I wouldn't even mind McClellan and a rookie in the middle this year if they beef up the D-line.

**GOTA** · 03-08-2013, 05:09 PM

Originally Posted by ballhawk

Have the ravens ever gone after another teams RFA?

Don't forget you gotta pay the player plus lose a high draft pick, which is where we usually get a lot of bang for the buck. Only thing I'd be willing to give up draft picks for is a good LT.

I remember the Ravens matching a contract for Chester Taylor who the Browns signed as a RFA. I don't remember the Ravens ever going after another teams RFA.

**Bigfish** · 03-08-2013, 05:11 PM

If the Packers give Jones a starters contract, then they will probably have to release A.J. Hawk. There's going to be someone out there we can get.

**arnie_uk** · 03-08-2013, 05:12 PM

Originally Posted by Doctor

Jones is not Restricted.

you sure?, he's only in the league four years. Your not Ufa until five years under the old cba I thought

**ballhawk** · 03-08-2013, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by GOTA

I remember the Ravens matching a contract for Chester Taylor who the Browns signed as a RFA. I don't remember the Ravens ever going after another teams RFA.

Yea its definitely not in their bag of tricks. There is nothing more valuable to Oz than his draft picks. Especially the high ones. After Boller he has said he will never trade a first again. To trade a 2nd would be a rare Boldin type trade. Though I dont think they even gave a 2nd for him. I think it was a 3rd and 4th.