Are we really ready to let JJ go?

**JCroUSAF** · 01-26-2012, 07:47 PM

Im not gonna lie before this year I was ready to call Dan Cody on Paul Kruger and he made me eat my words. I will gladly say that I was wrong. He definitely helped improve the pass rush this season, and oh boy is that spin move killer. But the question is can he do what Jarret Johnson has done so well for so long? Can he set the edge like JJ? I agree that this will most likely happen, and if it better for the team than I am all for it. I just think that he has been primarily a pass rusher this season, if I am wrong then so be it.

**Raveninwoodlawn** · 01-26-2012, 07:51 PM

Originally Posted by JCroUSAF

Im not gonna lie before this year I was ready to call Dan Cody on Paul Kruger and he made me eat my words. I will gladly say that I was wrong. He definitely helped improve the pass rush this season, and oh boy is that spin move killer. But the question is can he do what Jarret Johnson has done so well for so long? Can he set the edge like JJ? I agree that this will most likely happen, and if it better for the team than I am all for it. I just think that he has been primarily a pass rusher this season, if I am wrong then so be it.

We all need to realize that with a salary cap, we can't keep everybody...and since we draft so well, we will lose good players almost every year. JJ is a really good player, but we likely will not be able to keep him...Grubbs too.

**Boulderraven** · 01-26-2012, 08:15 PM

Originally Posted by Raveninwoodlawn

We all need to realize that with a salary cap, we can't keep everybody...and since we draft so well, we will lose good players almost every year. JJ is a really good player, but we likely will not be able to keep him...Grubbs too.

JJ is the toughest decision, doubt he will garner a big contract at 31 being a run Lber. Grubbs will be signed no problem. Ravens after releasing Foxworth, Evans and their 6 million carry over from last year will be about 30 million under the cap. Plus, if they need to restructure a deal to squeeze someone in they will. Releasing 4th db Carr and Cundiff after June 1st opens another 5 million if they want to
Go in that direction. JJ, my guess stays.

**Bazooka Joe** · 01-26-2012, 08:17 PM

I doubt Evans is cut.

JJ will be missed but replaced.

**Raveninwoodlawn** · 01-26-2012, 08:18 PM

Originally Posted by Boulderraven

JJ is the toughest decision, doubt he will garner a big contract at 31 being a run Lber. Grubbs will be signed no problem. Ravens after releasing Foxworth, Evans and their 6 million carry over from last year will be about 30 million under the cap. Plus, if they need to restructure a deal to squeeze someone in they will. Releasing 4th db Carr and Cundiff after June 1st opens another 5 million if they want to
Go in that direction. JJ, my guess stays.

They will not be anywhere close to $30 million under the cap.

**Ravens27Girl** · 01-26-2012, 08:19 PM

I love JJ and would be sad to see him go. JJ has said he would like to remain on the Ravens but I think even he sees the writing on the wall. I don't see the Ravens putting out the $$ to retain him...hope I'm wrong.

**Yards** · 01-26-2012, 08:20 PM

Im with you I think we all are, we have no desire to see JJ leave, but it's
inevitable. Kruger will have to round out his game, just like Suggs was primarily a pash rusher at first and now is a
complete linebacker. I think Kruger can make some adjustments and be a more complete backer.
Im also hoping we get some help in the draft.

please Im not saying Kruger is the next Suggs

**UKRavenGordon** · 01-26-2012, 08:32 PM

My want of JJ to stay has nothing to do with Kruger, although I do feel Kruger's best position is as a situational pass rusher, I want us to resign JJ because he's one of the very best run defenders in the NFL.

**Boulderraven** · 01-26-2012, 08:34 PM

Originally Posted by Raveninwoodlawn

They will not be anywhere close to $30 million under the cap.

They are. Already 19 now including lasts years 6 million carryover. Then another 1.5 exemption then minus Foxworths and Evans release you are at 30. Then you decisions to make on Carr and Cundiff after June.

**Boulderraven** · 01-26-2012, 08:37 PM

Originally Posted by Bazooka Joe

I doubt Evans is cut.

JJ will be missed but replaced.

He will be cut before March due 1 million bonus and then another 3.5 million in Salary. He has been hurt 2 years in a row. That's way to much $ for a 3rd WR. He could be signed close to veteran minimum after he is released.

**Raveninwoodlawn** · 01-26-2012, 08:40 PM

Originally Posted by Boulderraven

They are. Already 19 now including lasts years 6 million carryover. Then another 1.5 exemption then minus Foxworths and Evans release you are at 30. Then you decisions to make on Carr and Cundiff after June.

The estimated cap is around the same it was last season...$125 million.

After tendering our RFA's and EFA's, guess what our cap number is? $125 million.

Even without tendering our FA's, we'd only have 35 guys under contract for $113 million.

I have no idea where you are getting your figures, but I'd suggest you read this and download the spreadsheet in there as well...

**Boulderraven** · 01-26-2012, 08:52 PM

Originally Posted by Raveninwoodlawn

The estimated cap is around the same it was last season...$125 million.

After tendering our RFA's and EFA's, guess what our cap number is? $125 million.

Even without tendering our FA's, we'd only have 35 guys under contract for $113
million.

That is correct. But what is not accounted for in the article is the

I have no idea where you are getting your figures, but I'd suggest you read

this and download the spreadsheet in there as well...

Yes, I read that. But those figures don't include the 2011 -6 million carryover, a 2012 1.5 exemption they may use. The obvious release of never used Foxworth and
Overpaid Evans, you get 30 million under the cap.

**camdenyard** · 01-26-2012, 08:56 PM

Let the man go 1 year early as opposed to 1 year late. Our LB corps needs an overhaul. More speed, more cover ability. And a true bookend rush LB to play opposite Suggs. I don't know if Kruger is that guy yet.

**52decleetzu** · 01-26-2012, 09:08 PM

Boulder with all due respect I don't know where you come up with some of this shit sometimes.

1. We will have 14.6 million to spend on free agents, I have no clue where you get $30 million and won't attempt to figure it out. I took Ravor's spread sheet and crunched the numbers down to the penny.

2. You are correct that JJ being 31 will not demand a big contract.

3. We will be able to keep him if we want. The question is "if we want".

He might get something like 4-5 years $15-17 million, putting his cap number this year around $2.5 million. There just isn't big money out there for linebackers of his age, even Ray Lewis found that out.

This is one thing people are overlooking in general, just like with Redding. Once you cross 30 years old you aren't breaking the bank. These guys will not be expensive to bring back if we want them.

**Raveninwoodlawn** · 01-26-2012, 09:09 PM

Originally Posted by Boulderraven

Yes, I read that. But those figures don't include the 2011 -6 million carryover, a 2012 1.5 exemption they may use. The obvious release of never used Foxworth and
Overpaid Evans, you get 30 million under the cap.

So you saw that we were right at the cap...added $7.5 million in credits to the $10 million when we cut Fox and the maybe cut of Evans, and you got $30 million?

I add 7.5 and 10 and get 17.5...not 30. You also have to assume about $2-3 million of that $17 million will go to the draft picks. So you'll have around $16-15 million.

And you also are 7 short of a 53 man roster so we would need some money for depth...AND you'd assume we keep re-sign Rice...he will take up a big chunk of that cap space. And you also have to think about Joe's extension.

We aren't going to be in dire straights or anything, but we aren't awash in cap space either...

**landspeed** · 01-26-2012, 09:22 PM

Originally Posted by 52decleetzu

Boulder with all due respect I don't know where you come up with some of this shit sometimes.

1. We will have 14.6 million to spend on free agents, I have no clue where you get $30 million and won't attempt to figure it out. I took Ravor's spread sheet and crunched the numbers down to the penny.

2. You are correct that JJ being 31 will not demand a big contract.

3. We will be able to keep him if we want. The question is "if we want".

He might get something like 4-5 years $15-17 million, putting his cap number this year around $2.5 million. There just isn't big money out there for linebackers of his age, even Ray Lewis found that out.

This is one thing people are overlooking in general, just like with Redding. Once you cross 30 years old you aren't breaking the bank. These guys will not be expensive to bring back if we want them.

Ray got a +7mil/year contract 2 years ago. Dont try and call him out for spewing shit if you are doing the same

**landspeed** · 01-26-2012, 09:23 PM

Joe will not be getting an extension this year. Period.

**JCroUSAF** · 01-26-2012, 09:25 PM

I agree that if JJ does indeed get released it will be solely because of cap issues. With that said, if he indeed is released I do not feel confident enough in Kruger to take on more responsibilities than being a pass rusher. I hope that JJ is back because his numbers may not be gaudy but he does way more for this defense than his stats show. I agree that we can keep him if we truly want to, but with the purge of offensive veterans last off season I wouldnt at all be surprised. I also would not just so fast as to say that Evans is cut, he has proven in the past that he can be a reliable receiver, injury hindered his entire season; I think that one more year is needed.

**Raveninwoodlawn** · 01-26-2012, 09:30 PM

Originally Posted by landspeed

Joe will not be getting an extension this year. Period.

He might not.

But you have to think of the future and not just this year...if you extend Joe this year or next, he will eventually be taking up a huge portion of the cap.

And JJ is a UFA...can't be released if you don't have a contract.

**Boulderraven** · 01-26-2012, 09:31 PM

I see your point. We have only about 15 million to spend on UFA's. But looking at the roster, I doubt Lawrence, David Reed(injury), a few EFA's make it, Harewood are locks to take spots. In looking at those figures again Gorrer takes Carr's spot and releasing Cundiff after June makes more room. Can't see paying a 4th corner that much. I got that figure without factoring in the RFa's and EFA's- that's the gap difference.