2013 Free Agent Tracker & Discussion

[dead_poet]

Paul Kruger - LB - Ravens

Impending free agent OLB Paul Kruger wants to return to the Ravens, but says "it's not up to me."

It's a pretty generic answer. "I just have to let it happen and let my agent do his job. I would love to be here, but it's not up to me," said Kruger. "I've never been through the process before." Kruger is wrapping up his rookie deal that saw him earn $615,000 in 2012. He's fully expected to command a long-term deal in the $35-$40 million range as he comes off a 13.5-sack season, including the playoffs. The Ravens may not have money for him as they attempt to lock up Joe Flacco.
Source: Baltimore Sun

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Dannell Ellerbe - LB - Ravens

Impending free agent ILB Dannell Ellerbe would prefer to re-sign with the Ravens, but he acknowledges that "it's a business."

It's the same stock answer Ellerbe gave after the regular season. "I would love to be here," Ellerbe said. "Baltimore is where I got my start, but it's not up to me. It's out of my control. The Ravens know how I feel. I hope we can work something out." Baltimore is expected to make Ellerbe a priority this offseason, as he's the heir apparent to Ray Lewis at inside 'backer.
Source: Baltimore Sun

[Pepper2Moss]

Titus Young was released by the Lions. I know he's got quite a bit of baggage, but he's young, can stretch the field, could probably come pretty cheap, & has a ton of potential. I think he'd be a nice player if put in the right situation.

[S197]

Titus Young was released by the Lions. I know he's got quite a bit of baggage, but he's young, can stretch the field, could probably come pretty cheap, & has a ton of potential. I think he'd be a nice player if put in the right situation.

Young strikes me as the type of person who will probably play well next year because he knows if he doesn't he'll be out of a job. He'll return to his old ways down the road.

[NextQuestion]

Young also looked great in 2011 because of how awesome Stafford was. Don't bother with him.

[dead_poet]

Titus Young was released by the Lions. I know he's got quite a bit of baggage, but he's young, can stretch the field, could probably come pretty cheap, & has a ton of potential. I think he'd be a nice player if put in the right situation.

Rams just claimed him.

[mansquatch]

Young had a lot of negatives IMO. The only positive I saw in taking him was that he comes from the Lions who, IMO, have dysfunction at the coaching level. I could see a case being made that you put the guy in a better situation and he'll be a better player. However, my thought on young was that he would be a complete dice roll at absolute best. Fisher decided to take that chance. I'm not dissappointed that the Vikings didn't take it. Definitely more bad on that young man's resume than good at this point.

[Eli]

I hadn't realized that Michael Jenkins has a $2 million roster bonus coming up in March. There's no way that the Vikings will pay that. He's going to be joining the ranks of free agents very soon.

[Demi]

I hadn't realized that Michael Jenkins has a $2 million roster bonus coming up in March. There's no way that the Vikings will pay that. He's going to be joining the ranks of free agents very soon.

Thank god.

[MamaGoThatManAP]

I second that. Thank God

[ViciousBritishVike]

I'd agree with Ponder. One full season with the same team and he could make strides to being a legit starter in a 3 WR set.

Definitely, I would hate for us to cut Jerome, a previously legitimate threat at WR, only to fail in signing anyone in free agency. Obviously the draft is a possibility but receiver is one of the most complex positions to master, as well as it being pot luck.

Rookie's can't be expected to achieve much early on, we need a proven vet.

[Mothman]

I've been bringing this up when people suggest we keep him for depth. Jenkins is as good as gone. It's a matter of when, not if.

He's as good as as cut and I hope they just replace him with a better receiver but it's possible that they could cut him to avoid paying the roster bonus and then choose to re-sign him. I doubt there will be a significant market for his services.

[mansquatch]

The problem with Jenkins is he is a verteran and thus entitled to heftier contract on that basis alone. My guess is that if he is kept it will be on a short term deal and will be becuase Musgrave is comfortable with him. Aside from that, I'm not really sure what value he adds as he isn't getting any younger and his skill set is obviously weak to begin with.

At some point you have to ask why the roster spot isn't being used to develop a guy with potential. I'd give the team a pass given the lack of talent at this position going into 2012, but having a guy like this much longer would be an indication of failure to address the issue/ failure to evaluate talent. (ie they haven't found anyone better)

the positive here is they brought in 4 new players to catch passes in 2012, regarldless o the success of these 4 acquisistions, the team is at least attempting to upgrade this position. Now they just need to find some success.

[Mothman]

The problem with Jenkins is he is a verteran and thus entitled to heftier contract on that basis alone. My guess is that if he is kept it will be on a short term deal and will be becuase Musgrave is comfortable with him. Aside from that, I'm not really sure what value he adds as he isn't getting any younger and his skill set is obviously weak to begin with.

At some point you have to ask why the roster spot isn't being used to develop a guy with potential. I'd give the team a pass given the lack of talent at this position going into 2012, but having a guy like this much longer would be an indication of failure to address the issue/ failure to evaluate talent. (ie they haven't found anyone better)

the positive here is they brought in 4 new players to catch passes in 2012, regarldless o the success of these 4 acquisistions, the team is at least attempting to upgrade this position. Now they just need to find some success.

Exactly. I'm still hoping the only two receivers from this year's roster that will be back next season are Harvin and Wright. I'd rather see the team move on from Jenkins, Simpson Aromashodu and Burton. I think they can do better.

[mansquatch]

I agree on all other than Simpson. I honestly think he can add something to the team and that we haven’t seen his full value on the field due to the injuries he had in 2012. Given that he’ll come cheap, I do not see resigning him as a big mistake. It is obvious that Ponder has developed a bit of a relationship with the guy, which can’t hurt either. It would be different if they had to pay him a huge sum of money, but they don’t.
This is my forecast for the WR Roster in 2013:
Harvin
Simpson (resigned to cheap deal)
Wright
1st Day Draft pick
FA signing
Mid to Late Draft Pick or Childs

Childs is the X-Factor IMO. If he shows a ton of promise that could alter their course on either the FA or higher draft pick. We will never know until August. I’ve been leaning away from an FA siging, basically saying PH would be the signing. However, in considering Spielman’s track record of willingness to spend $$$ on this position (Berrian, Rice, Garcon) I think it is quite likely they’ll make a bid for one of the big WR names hitting the market.

Also and you look at that list and if you take Simpson off, then who fills that slot? They are not going to sing more than one FA and they are unlikely to use 2 first day picks here. Simpson makes a lot of sense. I would say that if he doesn’t produce this year then he will be gone when they are (in theory) more well rounded at the position.)

[Texas Vike]

I agree on all other than Simpson. I honestly think he can add something to the team and that we haven’t seen his full value on the field due to the injuries he had in 2012. Given that he’ll come cheap, I do not see resigning him as a big mistake. It is obvious that Ponder has developed a bit of a relationship with the guy, which can’t hurt either. It would be different if they had to pay him a huge sum of money, but they don’t.
This is my forecast for the WR Roster in 2013:
Harvin
Simpson (resigned to cheap deal)
Wright
1st Day Draft pick
FA signing
Mid to Late Draft Pick or Childs

Childs is the X-Factor IMO. If he shows a ton of promise that could alter their course on either the FA or higher draft pick. We will never know until August. I’ve been leaning away from an FA siging, basically saying PH would be the signing. However, in considering Spielman’s track record of willingness to spend $$$ on this position (Berrian, Rice, Garcon) I think it is quite likely they’ll make a bid for one of the big WR names hitting the market.

Also and you look at that list and if you take Simpson off, then who fills that slot? They are not going to sing more than one FA and they are unlikely to use 2 first day picks here. Simpson makes a lot of sense. I would say that if he doesn’t produce this year then he will be gone when they are (in theory) more well rounded at the position.)

Solid take. I'd be willing to give Simpson another season too, depending on his physical status. If, however, his injury issues are lingering to the point that you anticipate that they'll cause him trouble again, you have to move on. Childs is in a similar situation. I'd rather that they pursue too many WRs than the reverse, given our extreme dearth of talent.