You have questions, we have answers. Whether or not they are right, well that remains to be seen.
During this uncertain time of year, front offices around the league are trying to fit under the league-mandated salary cap and setting up free agency strategies to improve their football teams.
Meanwhile, a sense of uneasiness is common among fans who are preparing to say goodbye to some of their favorite players and wondering what their favorite teams will look like next season. Given that, our fans have many questions about the future of the team.
Without further ado, here is the first edition of our Ravens Offseason Q&A which we will call “Fanimail.”
Q: Will Webb be released this off-season if he is unwilling to restructure his deal?
A: The Webb scenario is a tricky one. Both the Ravens and Webby have leverage. Webb has already restructured his contract once before and could call the Ravens bluff on releasing him if he refuses. After all there isn’t a player waiting in the wings to take over for him.
On the flip side, it’s highly doubtful another team would be willing to pay Lardarius more than the Ravens would offer him if he restructured given his injury history and his recent production.
The Ravens would probably opt for the post June 1 release and take the $8 million in cap savings and split the $10 million in dead money over 2015 ($4 million) and 2016 ($6 million) if he fails to comply with the front office’s wishes.
Q: Do the Ravens feel they have a replacement for Torrey Smith on the team, should a deal not be made? Or will they be shopping around?
A: The Ravens have made it known that they would like to retain unrestricted free agent Torrey Smith, but they won’t overpay for the former Maryland Terp. What hasn’t been made public is the price that they are willing to spend to keep the Ravens franchise record holder in yards-per-catch average.
If the Ravens deem Smith’s asking price too expensive, they will likely look for another team’s cap casualty and also the NFL draft. Given the Ravens’ current salary cap space, don’t expect a major splash in the free agent pool to replace Smith.
Q: I understand this is a business and I would not be mad if Torrey Smith left for the money, but if he does leave, what are the odds of this being an offensive draft, versus a defensive one like always?
A: Gauging the Ravens draft board is never an easy thing to do, given their “best player available” mentality. Despite having holes to fill in the secondary and perhaps a need for another pass rusher, the Ravens do need help on offense. The status of Dennis Pitta is uncertain and Owen Daniels is a free agent, which leaves just Crockett Gillmore (for now) as their top option. The team also has a need for a running back as well as a wideout.
My heart tells me at the very least it will be a split draft between offense and defense, however if there is one thing I’ve learned it’s whenever you think you know what the Ravens are going to do on draft day, expect them to do the opposite. With running back, wide receiver and to a certain degree the cornerback position all being deep, don’t rule out the Ravens trading out of the first round. The Oz covets draft picks.
Q: Do you see Arthur Brown earning more playing time beside Mosley since Smith is getting up there in age?
A: Arthur Brown is truly an enigma.
After appearing in 14 games during his rookie year in 2013 (11 solo tackles, 0.5 sacks), Brown barely sniffed the playing field in 2014, appearing in just four games on special teams.
Brown saw himself slipping further and further down the depth chart throughout training camp and eventually was running with the third team defense by camp’s end. Harbaugh’s motto of “If you don’t practice well, you won’t see the field” rings true. There isn’t anything I’ve seen that makes me believe Brown will see an increase of playing time in 2015 unless he has a tremendous offseason and training camp, regardless of Daryl Smith’s age.
Q: If we lose Forsett what do you think about us signing Spiller or Bush to compliment Lorenzo ?
A: With just two current running backs under contract, the Ravens will not sit on their hands when it comes to bringing a running back to town this offseason. Whether that move is made in free agency or on draft day remains to be seen. After seeing Dianna Marie Russini of NBC Washington report that Spiller turned down $4.5 million a year with the Buffalo it’s highly unlikely he fits the Ravens mantra of right player right price.
Concerning Reggie, given his injury history it’s highly unlikely the Ravens even take a look. The former Saint, Dolphin and Lion has played a full season just twice since making his NFL debut in 2006. Bush appeared in 11 games in 2014, rushing for 297 yards on 76 attempts averaging 3.9 YPC. No thanks!
One name that I will be keeping an eye on is that of another former New Orleans Saints running back, Pierre Thomas. While Thomas has never had a 1000 yard rushing season (split carries with two other backs), he does have a career 4.6 ypc average and fits into the Ravens offensive scheme. In 2014, Thomas had just 45 rushing attempts for 222 yards however, Â Thomas’ strong suit is his ability to catch out of the backfield, which is a must considering the team is sticking with Gary Kubiak’s offense with a Marc Trestman twist.
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