Each Spring Fans go Into Panic Mode
Like the traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations, the NFL New Year’s Day started with a bang on Tuesday.
We expected breaking stories with regard to free agency but the trade winds really took the sporting world by storm.
First there was the trade of Jimmy Graham and the Saints 4th round pick to the Seahawks for C Max Unger and a first round pick. My immediate thought was, “What’s wrong with Jimmy Graham?”
Later there was the trade that involved a rare swap of quarterbacks with Sam Bradford and a fifth-round pick going to the Eagles. In return, the Rams received Nick Foles, a fourth round pick in 2015 and a second round pick in 2016.
My immediate thought following that deal (On the heels of Philadelphia passing on re-signing WR Jeremy Maclin and fumbling the Frank Gore signing) was, “What is Chip Kelly thinking?”
I’m sure the Philly sports talk phone lines will light up like Christmas trees as fans ponder why Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie handed the keys to the kingdom to Kelly. So far he’s been like a bull in a china shop.
The St. Louis #Rams paid Sam Bradford $63,015,000 for his 18 career wins. That’s $3.5M per win. Kyle Boller won 18 games w/ the #Ravens.
— Russell St. Report (@RussellStReport) March 10, 2015
For Ravens fans the big trade news of the day involved Haloti Ngata and a 7th round pick going to Detroit in exchange for the Lions 4th and 5th round picks this season. It’s a fair trade that benefits both clubs. The Lions get a poor man’s Ndamukong Suh to replace the departed former Cornhusker in the Motor City while the Ravens get a pair of valuable picks. For Ozzie Newsome and the Ravens the trade represents a win because:
- The Ravens free up $8.5 M in cap space to invest in other roster improvements
- The team deals from a position of strength (defensive tackle)
- The picks can be used to move up during the 2015 NFL Draft to select a coveted player
It’s sad to see an iconic player depart (Haloti nearly became a Colt) but Ngata leaves us with a somewhat sour taste. The Ravens tried to get a fair extension done with Ngata but he wouldn’t budge — not this year, not last. The Suh deal apparently rendered the concept of compromise obsolete and in the end, the Ravens couldn’t live with the existing contract given their needs. Ozzie Newsome doesn’t like to head into the NFL Draft with glaring needs so he’ll put the freed up cap money to use to sufficiently augment the roster.
It’s interesting to see some fans, despite his well-documented track record, rip Ozzie’s decision-making.
@RussellStReport Ozzie continues to keep the team mediocar for another 2-3 years This is discussing. Time to move him out of the organizatio — henry (@hanktioga) March 11, 2015
If criticisms of Ozzie could fly Twitter would be an airport!
Had the Ravens signed Pernell McPhee to 5-year, $40M deal with $16M in guarantees, I’m not so sure I’d be too pleased. Would you be?
Without hesitation I can unequivocally declare that I would be ticked if the Ravens gave Torrey Smith a 5-year, $40M deal with $22M in guarantees. Mark my words, the receiver the Ravens draft this year will outperform Torrey and do it for significantly less.
If #Ravens pk WR @ 26 he’ll be more productive than Torrey Smith. Pk 26 last year rec’d 4 years, $7.80M; $3.99M bonus. Much better ROI.
— Russell St. Report (@RussellStReport) March 10, 2015
An offseason can’t be judged until it’s complete.
And that won’t happen until the Ravens take the field in September.
For all of you ready to send Ozzie to the gallows pole, let’s wait for Opening Day.
Until then the jury is in recess.
