Baltimore’s re-signing of Ed Reed to a six-year contract extension has a net effect on the negotiation process for two other players: Adalius Thomas and Troy Polamalu.
As was mentioned in this piece a week ago, Reed’s new contract will serve as the blue-print for Polamalu’s second deal. Polamalu still has two years remaining on his rookie agreement, but there is little doubt that Polamalu’s agent will push Pittsburgh to give his star client a raise within the next year or two.
Baltimore’s inflation of the market at the safety position will make negotiations harder for Pittsburgh. While history shows that the Steelers inevitably get their blue-chip players signed to contract extensions for below-market value deals, and the same type of accord could be struck with Polamalu, Pittsburgh will still end up paying more to their Pro-Bowl safety than they probably anticipated. Even if Polamalu accepts a home town discount, the Steelers are looking at forking over no less than $12-to-$13 million in guaranteed money.
Breaking the bank is something the Steelers do when they need to, especially when it comes to rewarding their franchise players. So in all likelihood, the former USC Trojan will not be let go by the black-and-gold despite any possible money squabbles that may arise between both sides. When Polamalu gets his new deal, and sees more green than a farmer sees when plowing a field, he should send Reed a thank you note and a complimentary basket of fruit.
Conversely, the extension of Reed’s contract should have a negative impact on Baltimore’s ability to retain Adalius Thomas. Thomas is also in the final year of his current agreement, and he will seek a pay raise, a raise that the Ravens likely will not be able to afford.
There is no question that Thomas deserves to be compensated as one of the elite players playing at the strong side position. In the last two years, A.D. has developed into one of the most versatile, cerebral and instinctive linebackers in the NFL. He has come a long way from being the one-dimensional tweener end/linebacker he was in 2001 and 2002.
Now Thomas can defend the run just as well as he drops into coverage, or rushes the passer on a blitz. In addition, Thomas remains capable of lining up in a three-point stance as either an end or a gap-shooting defensive tackle in obvious passing situations. To that end, Thomas has even lined up on the outside as a safety and a corner.
That said, the Ravens simply cannot afford to keep Thomas unless he is willing to come back to the team for less money. Baltimore has already made enough big dollar commitments to its front-line players like Reed, in addition to spending on free-agents like Steve McNair, Trevor Pryce, Samari Rolle and Derrick Mason in the last two off-seasons. It appears that the team’s cap allocations are maxed out.
If Thomas puts together another strong season, he will likely demand the same type of money that linebackers like Julian Peterson, Joey Porter and Marcus Washington currently earn; deservedly so. Thomas, arguably the most underrated defensive player in the game, will have a shot at that high-end pay day if he tests the open market…
Although it is early, all indications are that Jamal Lewis looks ready to take the first hand-off of the season. In OTA workouts, Lewis appeared lighter on his feet and in a better rhythm compared to last year’s sluggish training camp workouts.
Even though Lewis still appeared to be about five pounds or so overweight, there is little concern that he will be in football shape by the end of July. In fact, Lewis is traditionally out-of-shape, and needs training camp to round back into form, so it is a good sign that he is not going to use the upcoming camp to restore his physique.
Obviously this is a very crucial year for Lewis. With a roster bonus due next spring, Lewis is essentially playing on a one-year deal. He will have to show that he deserves to receive the second portion of his bonus by putting together a Jamal Lewis type season that fans are normally accustomed to seeing, as opposed to playing like an imposter wearing a No.31 jersey in 2004 and 2005…
One of the upcoming training camp battles worth watching involves the third position at the quarterback spot. Brian St. Pierre and former UCLA Bruin Drew Olson will vie for the right to back up Steve McNair and Kyle Boller.
Although St. Pierre is physically limited, he does possess the intangibles and instincts to function as a serviceable emergency quarterback. In addition, he has an understanding of Jim Fassel’s complex offensive scheme.
On the other hand, Olson is younger, and could be a potential long-term consideration as a starter in the event that McNair and Boller are not around in a year or two.
It was a surprise that Olson was not drafted. In fact, a number of draft publications had Olson being selected early on day two. Although he lacks ideal mobility and tends to stare down receivers, Olson is fairly accurate, is tough as nails, has a quick release and generally makes good decisions from the pocket.
If the Ravens do see Olson as their future at the quarterback position, and he plays well during training camp and the preseason, they cannot make the same mistake they made when they deported other rookies like Derrick Anderson and Josh Harris to the practice squad in the last two years, only to see both players claimed by the Cleveland Browns.
