Baltimore Ravens Free Agency: Pricing each free agent
Dec 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns lineman Joe Thomas (73) blocks Baltimore Ravens linebacker Pernell McPhee (90) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
When Ozzie Newsome and his staff approach the Baltimore Ravens free agency period, the wise words “right player, right price,” are never far from his mind. So what is the right price for each expiring contract on the Ravens? Let’s break it down.
For simplicity’s sake, I will provide a yearly income figure that they deserve (not necessarily what they’ll actually get) and whether or not the deal should be long or short-term. If guaranteed money is especially relevant, I will mention it specially.
Also keep in mind that if the Ravens re-sign everyone to the terms I propose, they would go way over the cap. They will need to pick and choose.
Darian Stewart: No more than $2 million per year, short-term
Even by the kindest accounts, Darian Stewart is nothing more than a replacement level safety. He can start in a pinch, but misses too many tackles and gives up too many big plays to be a desirable option. Pay him like a good backup and special teamer, rather than a starter.
Torrey Smith: No more than $5 million per year, long-term
After four years in the league, Torrey Smith has established exactly what he is: a speed receiver with marginal ball skills and mediocre lateral quickness. That’s an extremely harsh characterization, obviously, but it’s also important to keep in mind when the Ravens look to re-sign him. Good feelings about Torrey shouldn’t blind anyone to the fact that he is unreliable and should be paid as such.
Owen Daniels: No more than $3 million per year, short-term
Owen Daniels was crucial in keeping the Ravens’ offense functioning this year when Dennis Pitta went down. With Pitta against a question mark, Daniels is a worth re-sign. He is probably worth more to the Ravens than he will actually end up making, but whatever the salary, the deal shouldn’t be long-term considering Daniels is on the wrong side of 30.
Morgan Cox: No more than $1.5 million per year, short-term
A reliable long snapper is surprisingly important. When Cox went down with an injury, the Ravens were forced to bring in two new long snappers. Both performed OK, but there was a clear downgrade. Re-signing Cox to a bigger deal than average for a long snapper isn’t a terrible idea, but it should be short-term considering Cox is coming off a bad injury.
Pernell McPhee: $7.5 million per year, long-term
Pernell McPhee was a critical piece of the Ravens’ pass rush, pushing the pocket, shedding blocks and generating more consistent pressure than anyone on the team. His efforts blitzing up the middle helped Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil generate double-digit sacks. It’s hard to imagine Suggs and Doom combining for 29 sacks without him. That said, McPhee has yet to be an every-down player or double-digit sack artist in his career, so any more than $8 million per year is a reach.
Jeromy Miles: $1.5 million per year, short-term
Jeromy Miles did some surprisingly good work on the Ravens defense this year. That doesn’t change the fact that he is mostly a career special teamer, albeit a very good one. He should be paid accordingly.
Justin Tucker: Second-round tender, RFA
No team is going to give up a second-round pick for a kicker, so the Ravens would be safe signing Justin Tucker to the second-round tender, which should be in the $2-3 million range.
Justin Forsett: $3 million per year, short-term
Justin Forsett is one of the most unique cases I can remember, so his number could be just about anything. Some team could overpay him, or he could go for next to nothing. My proposed price: pay him like a top-tier third-down and complementary back. Forsett won’t be able to carry the load for years to come, yet he’s a good player worthy of a short multi-year deal.
Will Hill: First-round tender, RFA
Recent arrest warrant aside, Will Hill has been a big hit in Baltimore. Don’t give him a long-term deal, since he can’t stay out of trouble, but make sure to keep him. Hill is the Ravens’ best safety since Ed Reed in his prime, and they can’t afford to lose a good secondary player.
Anyone not mentioned should be re-signed only for a minimum contract.