Baltimore Ravens - Offseason

So, ich mach hier mal nen neuen thread auf. Das wars ja was die meisten wollten...

OK, dann fang ich mal an. Gesprächsstoff gäbe es genug. Z.B. die Drafts nächstes Jahr. Unseren 1st round pick haben wir ja nicht mehr, weil wir letztes Jahr mit den Pats nen Deal gemacht haben. Jetzt müssen wir also schauen wer 2004 in der 2nd round gedrafted wird. Wenn Billick verrückt ist, wird er noch einen Spieler für die Defense draften, ich denke (oder hoffe) aber eher das ein WR gedrafted wird. Frank Sanders ist nicht mehr der jüngste. Vielleicht ein 1:1 Tausch? Frank Sanders gegen Anquan Boldin? Außerdem braucht Boller mehr Anspielstationen. Travis Taylor ist ein klasse WR. Der soll auch bleiben. Marcus Robinson hätte ich bis vor ein paar Monaten gerne woanders gesehen, bloß nicht mehr bei den Ravens. Aber nachdem Wright starten durfte, hat Robinson ne klasse Leistung gezeigt. Bei den TE's haben wir keine Probleme. Todd Heap ist ein harter Hund und nie verletzt. Bei unsererem 3-4 System müssen wir auch keinen DT draften (zumindest keinen 2nd oder 3rd round pick). Unser NT Kelly Gregg macht das ja ganz gut. Ach ja, er hat erst vor ein paar Tagen einen 5-Jahres-Vertrag unterschrieben. Auf dieser Position wird sich also nix ändern.

Ein weiteres Kapitel wäre Chris McAlister. Sein Vertrag läuft diese Saison leider aus. Aber Billick hat ja schon gesagt das die Ravens alles tun werden um McAlister zu halten. Weiter sagte er, das kein Spieler den Verein verlassen wird, weil es dazu keinen Grund gibt. McAlister muss aber auf jeden Fall gehalten werden, egal wie viel Geld er haben will.

Nächstes Kapitel: QB
Wer wird nächste Saison starten? Wright hat in den 7 Spielen in denen er gespielt hat, eigentlich immer ne halbwegs gute Leistung gezeigt. Kyle Boller sollte meiner Meinung nach aber nächste Saison starten. Er hat nen großartigen Arm und ist verdammt schnell für einen QB. Was ich noch an ihm gut finde ist, das er Todd Heap oft anspielt. Er ist ne Todsichere Anspielstation und das muss man auch ausnutzen. Travis Taylor muss ebenfalls noch öfter angespielt werden.

Bei unseren Safetys gibbet auch keine Probleme. Über Ed Reed müssen wir ja nicht diskutieren, einfach unglaublich wie er beinahe jede Woche INTS fängt oder Punts blockt. Dann wäre da noch Will Demps, der andere S. Hat ne ordentliche Saison gespielt, muss meiner Meinung nach nicht ersetzt werden.

Puhhh, das wäre dann geschafft. Gäb noch viel mehr zu besprechen, aber ich weiß leider nicht mehr welcher Spieler nächste Saison keinen Vertrag mehr hat. Weiß eigentlich jemand wo ich ne Liste finde um zu sehen, welcher Spieler wie lange noch Vertrag hat? Bin da nicht mehr aufm aktuellsten Stand...

So, klar ist nun auch das McAlister in Baltimore bleiben will!
Sein Vertrag läuft ja aus, aber er will unbedingt bleiben:
“I’ll be back. Don’t worry about it, trust me. If I’m not back, it’s a conspiracy,” said McAlister, who made an acrobatic interception late in Saturday’s game. “I’ve already told them, they have no choice but to bring me back. It makes it easier; we can get the deal done.”

Außerdem läuft noch der Vertrag von Adalius Thomas (und 12 anderen Spielern) aus. Mit Thomas muss unbedingt verlängert werden.

Kyle Boller möchte nächstes Jahr auch wieder angreifen und istziemlich motiviert: "I’m going to be the starting quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens,” said Boller, who started the season’s first nine games before a torn quadriceps derailed his rookie campaign. “It’s going to be a night and day difference – just the experience. I was thinking back last night of me coming in for minicamp, I didn’t know anything. I’m going to know so much more this year. I’m very excited.”

Und Peter Boulware wird nicht beim Pro Bowl dabei sein. Er ist verletzt und kann definitiv nicht spielen. Find ich auch gut so, hab keine Lust das er sich in diesem Spiel noch mal verletzt...
Die sollen erstmal alle gesund in die neue Saison kommen.

Zitat von JGpack

Dat isn Scherz, oder?

Ja!
Ich hoffe aber trotzdem auf nen guten WR. Einen first round pick haben wir dieses Jahr ja leider nicht. In der zweiten Runde müssen wir uns aber nen WR angeln. Die "Experten" rechnen ebenfalls damit das die Ravens nen WR draften werden. Aber gut, das muss man noch abwarten...

Außerdem wurde das hier gestern bekanntgegeben:
"The Ravens are planning to add two members to their coaching staff by the end of this week, coach Brian Billick said yesterday..."

Nur einen Tag später dann diese Meldung:
"Former Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Jerry Sullivan opted to join his hometown Miami Dolphins as receivers coach instead of the Baltimore Ravens."
Schade

KJ nach Baltimore? Das Gerücht gabs doch schon anno 2000, aber daraus wurd ja nix. Das KJ ein guter WR ist weiß jeder, aber er sollte aufhören so egoistisch zu sein.

Ach ja, Suggs und co. kriegen nen neuen OLB Coach!

January 22, 2004
RAVENS ADD OLBs COACH FITZGERALD

Although Jeff FitzGerald’s first practice is four months off, the Ravens’ newly-hired outside linebackers coach sounded like he couldn’t wait four minutes for his work to begin.

The Ravens announced FitzGerald’s hiring Thursday. In a teleconference interview with Baltimore reporters, his excitement was palpable, though he was hundreds of miles away.

“It’s been the first time in four years that anything’s attainable,” said FitzGerald, who spent the last four years on the Cardinals’ coaching staff. “I can’t tell you what a feeling that is when you want to believe it every year, but it’s hard to sometimes. You always have the positive attitude. But when you get some guys that have the control, do the things they do and do them so well, I’m really excited to be a part of that and to be able to contribute to it. It jacks me up.”

FitzGerald, who joined his new team at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., this week, was available because the Cardinals changed coaching staffs in the offseason. He goes from a team that won 19 games in his four years to a franchise that is set up for playoff runs the next few seasons.

FitzGerald was recommended to head coach Brian Billick by Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, who held the same position when both men coached the Washington Redskins in 1998 and 1999.

“The guy’s a veteran coach that’s going to bring a certain perspective, familiarity to what we do,” Billick said. “Our scouts are very familiar with him. They’re excited about that perspective that he’ll bring in. He’s a tireless worker and I think he’ll be a real asset to the defense. “

FitzGerald will work with Mike Singletary, the Hall of Fame defender, in coaching the heralded group of linebackers.

Peter Boulware was named to his fourth Pro Bowl this season, while newcomer Terrell Suggs earned AP Defensive Rookie of the Year honors after recording a Ravens rookie-record 12 sacks this season.

“If I can see those guys be successful, that’s all I want out of this thing,” FitzGerald said. “I’m not an ego-driven person. My drive falls with the guys that I coach and their reaching success.”

The 43-year-old California native, who was also described by Billick as “detail-oriented” and “high-energy,” was an assistant for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1990-’93. He has also coach at the collegiate level at Cincinnati, Alabama and San Diego State.

FitzGerald was a linebacker for Oregon State in the late 1970s, but suffered a career-ending knee injury. He transferred to Cal State-Northridge, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education.

Phil Zacharias, who was the Ravens’ outside linebackers coach in 2003, will be reassigned.

Außerdem hat Brian Billick beim Q&A gesagt, das man noch auf der Suche nach einem weiteren QB ist. Anthony Wright soll seinen Vertrag aber verlängern. Dann wars das wohl für Chris Redman...

"Are the Ravens giving any serious thought about obtaining an experienced quarterback while the young QBs gain experience? – George Pritchard; Baltimore

“Billick: We will keep a careful eye on the quarterback market to see if there is any potential for adding a veteran QB. However, our primary focus is on re-signing Anthony Wright. We think we have one of the best young quarterbacking corps in Kyle and Anthony.”

Und unser Pro-Bowler A. Thomas hofft immernoch auf nen Pro-Bowl start obwohl er verletzt ist. "I don’t know how strong it has to be,” Thomas said. “I feel like I can play, but they may say differently, and I trust whatever they say.” So ists brav

Außerdem möchte auch er in Baltimore bleiben und seinen Vertrag verlängern:
“We’ve talked, and that’s something that’s just a process that you have to go through,” Thomas said. “We have some things on the table, and we’re just waiting to hear back. I love the organization, the players, the atmosphere, the fans are great, all the things about this city,” Thomas added. "I would love to end my career here.”

Jup, das mit Jim Fassel find ich klasse. Kann unserem Team weiter helfen. Besonders Boller wird daraus profitieren.

Außerdem hab ich grad noch diesen Bericht gefunden. Da gehts um Spieler wie Sapp, Walker und T.O. Mal sehen wer kommen wird. Sapp kann man aber wohl vergessen, der ist einfach zu teuer. Wenn er nicht auf etwas Geld verzichtet (hat ja in den letzten Jahren nicht gerade Bäume ausgerissen), dann muss er sich woanders umsehen. Die Bucs können ihn aber auf keinen Fall mehr halten.

>>Ravens' top focus probably not Sapp<<

Defensive tackle likely to draw interest, but price would have to be right
By Jamison Hensley
Originally published February 14, 2004
Although published reports have named the Ravens as the front-runners to sign Warren Sapp, the team apparently has not targeted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle as a priority when free agency begins next month.

The Ravens likely would show an interest in the seven-time Pro Bowl selection since the pairing would be a natural fit for both sides. Sapp probably would want to join a Super Bowl contender, and the Ravens' defense could use a penetrating force in the middle.

But Ravens officials, who repeatedly have said they would be prudent with their spending this offseason, probably would not be willing to give Sapp a contract on par with the league's elite defensive tackles. In fact, a league source said the Ravens may be equally intrigued with defensive lineman Gary Walker, who is expected to be released by the Houston Texans for salary cap reasons.

That's why no deal with the Ravens is expected to occur early in the free-agency period unless Sapp opts to take a less-than-premier contract.

Since Sapp is under contract with the Buccaneers until free agency begins March 3, league rules prohibit Ravens officials from commenting on him.

Speaking generally on the Ravens' plans in free agency, coach Brian Billick said, "We will evaluate everybody that has the potential to be out on the market and we'll adjust accordingly. We plan to be a player in the free-agency market, but how much in the high-priced free-agency market remains to be seen."

Sapp's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, declined to comment.

One of the most outspoken and high-priced players last season, Sapp earned $6.6 million in the final year of his contract, which was second only to the San Francisco 49ers' Bryant Young among defensive tackles.

At 31, Sapp is still considered a disruptive interior lineman who commands double teams, but he also appears to be on the downside of his career.

In his past eight seasons, he has averaged 47 tackles (including five for losses) and nine sacks. Last season, he managed just five sacks, the lowest total since his rookie season in 1995.

He was fined $50,000 for repeated antics directed at officials, including bumping one during a pregame warmup. Sapp responded by labeling NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue and the league office as "slave masters."

If the Ravens sign Sapp, they likely won't reconfigure from a 3-4 defense (three linemen and four linebackers) despite Sapp's playing all his NFL career in a 4-3 formation. He would be plugged into right end, where Marques Douglas started last season.

The Buccaneers are not optimistic about keeping Sapp, according to yesterday's St. Petersburg Times. Tampa Bay has the worst salary cap figure in the NFC and has glaring needs on offense and defense.

Meanwhile, the Ravens are expected to be constantly linked to free-agent rumors involving Sapp and 49ers receiver Terrell Owens because they are a league-best $24 million under the cap and have the most money to spend.

According to the St. Petersburg Times, it is believed the Ravens are the front-runners for Sapp considering his ties with former University of Miami teammate and Ravens All-Pro linebacker Ray Lewis.

"I think Ray was doing a lot of recruiting at the Pro Bowl," Buccaneers general manager Bruce Allen said.
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Außerdem noch was neues zu Chris McAlister. Der streubt sich noch, einen neuen Vertrag bei den Ravens zu unterschreiben...
Hier ein Bericht:

>>McAlister contract may miss deadline<<
Ravens likely will give cornerback franchise tag if talks run past Feb. 24

A long-term contract between the Ravens and Chris McAlister is not expected to be completed before the NFL's Feb. 24 deadline to name franchise players, the agent for the Pro Bowl cornerback said yesterday.

"We both have laid out our positions and I think we're pretty far apart at this point," said Mitch Frankel, McAlister's California-based agent. "I'm sure we'll either talk or meet one more time before the franchise date. But I don't have any great optimistic expectations that something will get done by then."

If the sides are unable to reach a multi-year agreement in two weeks, the Ravens likely will assign the franchise tag to McAlister, which basically keeps him off the free-agent market. Once a player is designated a franchise player, it shortens the window on negotiating but doesn't eliminate the possibility of a new deal.

When asked if the Ravens expected to sign McAlister to a new contract before the franchise deadline, general manager Ozzie Newsome said, "I don't have a crystal ball."

It is believed that McAlister is seeking a signing bonus worth between $16 million and $19 million on a long-term deal. In comparison, the New England Patriots' Ty Law, who is considered the league's most complete cornerback, signed a seven-year, $50 million extension before the 1999 season that included a $14.2 million signing bonus.

McAlister, 26, who appeared in his first Pro Bowl on Sunday, played under the franchise tag last season and earned $5.9 million. If he is named the Ravens' franchise player again, he would receive a one-year deal worth $7.1 million (a 20 percent raise from last year's contract).

The tag virtually locks him into returning since teams would have to match the contract and give the Ravens two first-round draft picks as compensation to sign him away. No team is expected to do so.

Frankel said the Ravens have not informed him in this round of talks if they plan to give McAlister the franchise tag again.

"They told me that in the past," Frankel said. "They have not told me that recently."

All indications point to the Ravens giving McAlister the tag if no deal is reached.

"We're confident that Chris is going to be a Raven [next season]," Newsome said.

If the Ravens put the tag on McAlister, they would have until March 17 to reach a long-term deal without penalty. Under league rules, if the Ravens miss that deadline, they would lose the right to use a franchise tag over the length of McAlister's new contract on any deal struck before July 14.

Unlike many players around the league, McAlister did not hold out of training camp to protest the tag last season. Frankel said he has yet to discuss with McAlister how he would handle the tag this time.

"I think Chris will do what makes the most sense for his career and, if he's going to be a Raven, for the Ravens' organization," Frankel said.

A Ravens' first-round pick in 1999, McAlister had a breakthrough season last year.

Rebounding from early-season troubles, which included getting benched in Week 3 after missing curfew, he shut down such elite receivers as Denver's Rod Smith, Jacksonville's Jimmy Smith, St. Louis' Torry Holt, Miami's Chris Chambers and San Francisco's Terrell Owens.

Quarterbacks shied away from throwing to his side, and McAlister finished second on the Ravens with 16 passes broken up and three interceptions, returning one for a touchdown.

At this point, Frankel said he doesn't see a quick turnaround happening in negotiations.

"Looking through mine and Chris' eyes right now, if what we've been talking about is where they wind up or are close [to that], there is no basis for us to believe anything is going to get accomplished," he said.

NOTE: Wearing an ESPN microphone at Sunday's Pro Bowl, linebacker Ray Lewis was heard recruiting Owens to sign with the Ravens. Standing beside the potential free-agent receiver before the game, Lewis stared at the camera and said, "I'm putting it out on national television: He's coming to Baltimore." Free agency begins March 3.
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Wenn McAlister gehen sollte, könnten sich die Ravens dafür Champ Bailey angeln. Der will die Skins ja anscheinend verlassen. Bailey hat bereits ein Angebot der Skins, das über 9 Jahre gehen soll und ihm insgesamt 55mio. $ garantieren soll, abgelehnt.

Au mann, der Tag fängt ja gut an...

"J. Lewis indicted in cocaine deal"
"R. Lewis surgery is expected"

Ich kann nur hoffen das Jamal nix mit nem Deal zu tun hatte.

Naja wie gesagt, dieser Deal soll im Jahr 2000 stattgefunden haben. Ich kann mir aber nicht vorstellen das ein first round pick, der vor einer großen NFL Karriere steht, das er dann plötzlich noch anfängt mit drogen zu dealen. Kann ich mir einfach nicht vorstellen.
Hoffen wir das diese absurde Geschichte nicht wahr ist

Jetzt schau sich einer das Bild an...

So, nachdem nun wohl klar ist das TO KEIN FA wird, kann man einen Wechsel nach Baltimore wohl ausschließen. Ein Tauschgeschäft (Topspieler gg Topspieler) wird es so nicht geben. Die Ravens werden niemanden aus der defense (starter) für TO hergeben.

Aber wenn die 49ers damit zufrieden sind, können sie für TO den 2nd round pick (51st overall) der Ravens haben. An so einem Deal hätten auch die Ravens Interesse...