2018 Free Agency

[Jacquouille]

The more I think about it the more I think Jensen walks.

Yes, but at the same time, so what? He's helped the OL stay afloat so he's a legit fan favourite, but he's a good, not great center. We can let him walk and get overpaid, then take a comp pick for him. Draft a Frank Ragnow this year and automatically upgrade the position. Jensen is cool and nice to have, but easier to replace than it would seem.

 

[Sledge Hammer]

P

Yes, but at the same time, so what? He's helped the OL stay afloat so he's a legit fan favourite, but he's a good, not great center. We can let him walk and get overpaid, then take a comp pick for him. Draft a Frank Ragnow this year and automatically upgrade the position. Jensen is cool and nice to have, but easier to replace than it would seem.

Ragnow isn’t an automatic upgrade. And Jensen is a top 3 center his first year. It is reasonable to think he is only getting better. His power and edge is something no center in the nfl can bring to the table. That has to be accounted for. He is the anchor of the oline. The athleticism he brings for a 330lb lineman is spectacular. Jensen is easily one of ravens best draft picks over last several years. Since 2012 our best draft picks were Osemele and Jensen. Maybe Stanley but he was a top6 pick. Ravens can’t keep letting their young players/building blocks walk to use the money on a box of bandaids of players well over 30 yrs old to patch a couple of holes and try and sneak into the playoffs. And give the illusion of a team on the upswing.

I’m not saying pay Jensen ridiculous money. But if he averages $8-9mil per, then nobody can say the team is better off letting him walk. All cuz the salary wall is strapped with bad contracts and older players with diminishing skills. If the ravens best picks happen to be oline then the team should be cool with the teams identity being a nasty athletic mauling oline. It makes a stud runner and QB and receivers that much better. Most high scoring offenses are finesse. There isn’t a juggernaut offense that was nasty and dominant along the oline.

 

[rossihunter2]

Jets to try and sign Jensen via ESPN Rich Cimini. Yea Ginger is gone

this is predicated on us letting jensen hit free agency - if we offer a competitive deal is he necessarily gonna be worried about being the highest paid centre in the league or anything...

all this report is, is confirmation that the rest of the league still knows that baltimore exists

 

[Adreme]

this is predicated on us letting jensen hit free agency - if we offer a competitive deal is he necessarily gonna be worried about being the highest paid centre in the league or anything...

all this report is, is confirmation that the rest of the league still knows that baltimore exists

If he knows he is going to get paid far more, why sign a competitive deal?

The Jets will overpay and they just let everyone know that and Baltimore won't overpay so he is probably gone.

 

[Jacquouille]

P


Ragnow isn’t an automatic upgrade. And Jensen is a top 3 center his first year. It is reasonable to think he is only getting better. His power and edge is something no center in the nfl can bring to the table. That has to be accounted for. He is the anchor of the oline. The athleticism he brings for a 330lb lineman is spectacular. Jensen is easily one of ravens best draft picks over last several years. Since 2012 our best draft picks were Osemele and Jensen. Maybe Stanley but he was a top6 pick. Ravens can’t keep letting their young players/building blocks walk to use the money on a box of bandaids of players well over 30 yrs old to patch a couple of holes and try and sneak into the playoffs. And give the illusion of a team on the upswing.

I’m not saying pay Jensen ridiculous money. But if he averages $8-9mil per, then nobody can say the team is better off letting him walk. All cuz the salary wall is strapped with bad contracts and older players with diminishing skills. If the ravens best picks happen to be oline then the team should be cool with the teams identity being a nasty athletic mauling oline. It makes a stud runner and QB and receivers that much better. Most high scoring offenses are finesse. There isn’t a juggernaut offense that was nasty and dominant along the oline.

Yes, our offense should be based on physicality and nastiness. It should be about being a «juggernaut» as you said, ideally at least. And if Jensen gets 8M we should keep him. But he is going to get more elsewhere and we shouldn't overpay him. He isn't a mauler. He is mean and can get some decent push but he isn't a 10+M player. Meanwhile there is a very good C class in 2018 and the majority of our cap should serve to get us skill players.

 

[Adreme]

P


Ragnow isn’t an automatic upgrade. And Jensen is a top 3 center his first year. It is reasonable to think he is only getting better. His power and edge is something no center in the nfl can bring to the table. That has to be accounted for. He is the anchor of the oline. The athleticism he brings for a 330lb lineman is spectacular. Jensen is easily one of ravens best draft picks over last several years. Since 2012 our best draft picks were Osemele and Jensen. Maybe Stanley but he was a top6 pick. Ravens can’t keep letting their young players/building blocks walk to use the money on a box of bandaids of players well over 30 yrs old to patch a couple of holes and try and sneak into the playoffs. And give the illusion of a team on the upswing.

I’m not saying pay Jensen ridiculous money. But if he averages $8-9mil per, then nobody can say the team is better off letting him walk. All cuz the salary wall is strapped with bad contracts and older players with diminishing skills. If the ravens best picks happen to be oline then the team should be cool with the teams identity being a nasty athletic mauling oline. It makes a stud runner and QB and receivers that much better. Most high scoring offenses are finesse. There isn’t a juggernaut offense that was nasty and dominant along the oline.

I think he is going to get 12m per year wherever he goes. Everyone wants a dominant OLine so when a piece for it hits FA it will get overpaid

 

[allblackraven]

Yes, our offense should be based on physicality and nastiness. It should be about being a «juggernaut» as you said, ideally at least. And if Jensen gets 8M we should keep him. But he is going to get more elsewhere and we shouldn't overpay him. He isn't a mauler. He is mean and can get some decent push but he isn't a 10+M player. Meanwhile there is a very good C class in 2018 and the majority of our cap should serve to get us skill players.

With a few exceptions, there hasn't been too many college players able to start and play well at center in pros in their first year.

 

[Inqui]

With a few exceptions, there hasn't been too many college players able to start and play well at center in pros in their first year.

This is why I'm in favour of overpaying Jensen. The quality of C play around the league is so bad that it's becoming like QB in that once you've found a guy you need to throw lots of money at him just to keep him around. If we let him walk and take a rookie, one of two things happens:
1) He busts, and it takes at least two or three seasons to realise it. And we have a vacuum at C for those years.
2) He pans out, and it takes at least two or three seasons to realise it. And we have to decide whether we overpay that guy or let him walk and try the process again. All while having a vacuum at C for those two or three years while they find their feet in the league and get into NFL game shape.

 

[Jacquouille]

With a few exceptions, there hasn't been too many college players able to start and play well at center in pros in their first year.

More like there hasn't been a lot of good prospects before. Elflein and Kelly were as advertised and I believe Price, Ragnow and Daniels are all in that tier.

 

[Sledge Hammer]

Yes, our offense should be based on physicality and nastiness. It should be about being a «juggernaut» as you said, ideally at least. And if Jensen gets 8M we should keep him. But he is going to get more elsewhere and we shouldn't overpay him. He isn't a mauler. He is mean and can get some decent push but he isn't a 10+M player. Meanwhile there is a very good C class in 2018 and the majority of our cap should serve to get us skill players.

For the center position jensen is a mauler. Not many centers can get push. Most are very finesse and adequate. Elfein is adequate. Nowhere near the physicality and strength of Jensen. If it can be paid to Williams then u can justify paying it to Jensen. The same people that say Jensen isn’t worth $10mil per will applaud Mosley getting a $60million contract over 5 years. Jensen anchored the line. I’m not sure I would pay Jensen $60 over 5 yrs. But u can’t applaud Mosley getting that as well.

 

[Adreme]

For the center position jensen is a mauler. Not many centers can get push. Most are very finesse and adequate. Elfein is adequate. Nowhere near the physicality and strength of Jensen. If it can be paid to Williams then u can justify paying it to Jensen. The same people that say Jensen isn’t worth $10mil per will applaud Mosley getting a $60million contract over 5 years. Jensen anchored the line. I’m not sure I would pay Jensen $60 over 5 yrs. But u can’t applaud Mosley getting that as well.

Are you trying to argue 2 entirely seperate positions should get paid the same? What's next? Does Tucker hold out for 10m per year on his new deal? Maybe teams should offer Cousins 10-12m per year and see how that works out...

 

[Sledge Hammer]

Are you trying to argue 2 entirely seperate positions should get paid the same? What's next? Does Tucker hold out for 10m per year on his new deal? Maybe teams should offer Cousins 10-12m per year and see how that works out...

Are u already justifying a barely better than average player if that getting $12mil per. Cuz elite oline players r getting what inside linebackers are getting. It’s not like the top ilb’s r getting $15mil per and center/guards are getting $8mil. It’s a very comparable pay scale. I have no idea how u figured QB into the comparison. Which is a $20mil per standard. Mosley isn’t worth elite linebacker money if that’s where you are going with this dude

 

[balfan23]

I think he is going to get 12m per year wherever he goes. Everyone wants a dominant OLine so when a piece for it hits FA it will get overpaid

So, you think 20% over the current largest contract for a center? If so, then yes, we'll probably let him walk. If KO is an indicator, then that is what will happen and I think you could argue that KO was more proven, since he started at his position for more than one year.

I do think we'll value him highly ... but we'll be reluctant to go up over $10M per. I mean $12 ... you're starting to come close to franchise tag money for O linemen and we know where the money is there and it is for LT.

 

[balfan23]

I'm also wondering how much of our view of Jensen is skewed, seeing as we've had some pretty spotty play from that position and Jensen was solid, if not spectacular. Of course, internet analysts aren't NFL front office material, but I thought I'd poke around to see what people were considering the top FA Centers in 2018. There isn't a lot written about available centers, but when I've seen write ups, he hasn't been high on the list.

SBN-Cincy said they should target him, because it would be a win-win (gain for them. loss for us) but also "He probably wouldn’t be that expensive"
Walter Football ranked him 7th among available FAs, stating only that he did "a decent job"

Yes, scoff at these novices and I do think Jensen will be better valued than what these guys are saying, but sometimes we need a little perspective too. I like him, want to keep him, but I'm not sure he's worth making the highest paid center in the league when he was solid and started 1 year.

 

[balfan23]

For the center position jensen is a mauler. Not many centers can get push. Most are very finesse and adequate. Elfein is adequate. Nowhere near the physicality and strength of Jensen. If it can be paid to Williams then u can justify paying it to Jensen. The same people that say Jensen isn’t worth $10mil per will applaud Mosley getting a $60million contract over 5 years. Jensen anchored the line. I’m not sure I would pay Jensen $60 over 5 yrs. But u can’t applaud Mosley getting that as well.

I would be shocked if we offered him $10 per over 5 and guaranteed $20 of it that that wouldn't keep him.

I hope it works out. This team lacks attitude and Jensen has it. Other playershate him you can see that on the field and that's a good thing. Honestly, I think his defense of Flacco on that head-shot shows that nasty streak. He did just go over there and give the guy a shove, he whacked him. He's like a wildling from Game of Thrones. I really hope we can keep him a Raven.

I know loyalty only goes so far, but I do think if things are generally close to even from a market standpoint, he'll stay.

 

[Sledge Hammer]

I'm also wondering how much of our view of Jensen is skewed, seeing as we've had some pretty spotty play from that position and Jensen was solid, if not spectacular. Of course, internet analysts aren't NFL front office material, but I thought I'd poke around to see what people were considering the top FA Centers in 2018. There isn't a lot written about available centers, but when I've seen write ups, he hasn't been high on the list.

SBN-Cincy said they should target him, because it would be a win-win (gain for them. loss for us) but also "He probably wouldn’t be that expensive"
Walter Football ranked him 7th among available FAs, stating only that he did "a decent job"

Yes, scoff at these novices and I do think Jensen will be better valued than what these guys are saying, but sometimes we need a little perspective too. I like him, want to keep him, but I'm not sure he's worth making the highest paid center in the league when he was solid and started 1 year.

I would be shocked if we offered him $10 per over 5 and guaranteed $20 of it that that wouldn't keep him.

I hope it works out. This team lacks attitude and Jensen has it. Other playershate him you can see that on the field and that's a good thing. Honestly, I think his defense of Flacco on that head-shot shows that nasty streak. He did just go over there and give the guy a shove, he whacked him. He's like a wildling from Game of Thrones. I really hope we can keep him a Raven.

I know loyalty only goes so far, but I do think if things are generally close to even from a market standpoint, he'll stay.

I agree I would be reluctant to pay Jensen $10mil per or higher. Osemele shoulda been locked up for 5 yrs $50mil b4 hitting the market. In my opinion he is the most dominant and feared guard in the league. It would be cool if Jensen’s market is maxed at 5yrs $40mil and we get a little discount and he signs for 5yrs $35mil cuz like u said he brings attitude and anchors the line. I’m not sure what Hurst will get but I would cut Howard and prefer Hurst whom could be the most underrated raven.

But yes at $10mil per I would prefer to try and replace Jensen with a young player on the team or draft. And use that money for offensive skill players. If that skill player is in his prime. I wouldn’t wanna see a young stud walk to sign several players with diminishing skills to patch up holes. The typical ravens red tag bargain specials of old players cut for diminishing skills and not playing to their contract.

If we use the money on young ambitious skilled receivers looking for opportunity to start and maybe even be the No.1 WR. As in Marqise Lee Paul Richardson, Jeff Janis and my personal favorite bargain Brice Butler. This dude is sooooo underrated and ready to ERUPT. Over 6’3 with 4.3 speed and a sudden silky smooth route runner with highpoint athleticism. He eats cushion almost like Randy Moss. To be honest he looks better than many of the receivers in ravens reach in the draft. Jeff Janis is very impressive as well and hungry looking for opportunity. To be honest when he gets opportunity he looks better than Adams and aged Jordy Nelson combined.it’s not like management makes any attempt to find young talents looking for opportunity. It only knows how to sign aged cap cuts that played well 3 yrs ago.

Anyways I would probably prefer Jensen walk for $10mil per and higher. Unless that money is used on aged cap cuts. And same goes for Mosley. Can’t justify paying him $60mil.He is what he is.Never got better in coverage. I’m all for cleaning house to make cap space for young players that will be part of the rebuild. And washing out players like Howard,Carr,Webb,Mcclellin,Maclin,Perriman,Correa,Bronk,Weddle,Woodhead. Only player I could consider bringing back of that bunch is Carr. If ravens should move on from the often injured Jimmy Smith. Who failed a PED test as well. If Jimmy is part of the team and restructures then Carr has to go.

 

[purplepittabread88]

Yes. Jensen will totally go to the New York Jets. A team with no success lined up within their future and one of the most incompetent organizations in the NFL that will undoubtedly treat him like dogshit.

All seriousness, if they want to overpay the man let him walk but if it turns out he's offered a fair deal and we don't match then I hope we fire Ozzie before we can pay for an undoubtedly expensive retirement party.

Eh honestly if I was 26 and playing the position where you are a lock to get CTE I would choose 45 million in New York over 35 million in Baltimore. I am not concerned if he leaves I think Skura is pretty good and will only get better, not to mention he would be switching back to his natural spot. The drop off of what we will get from Jensen to Skura doesn't come close to the drop off of Lee/ Gaberial / Pyror to Perriman.

 

[rossihunter2]

I'm also wondering how much of our view of Jensen is skewed, seeing as we've had some pretty spotty play from that position and Jensen was solid, if not spectacular. Of course, internet analysts aren't NFL front office material, but I thought I'd poke around to see what people were considering the top FA Centers in 2018. There isn't a lot written about available centers, but when I've seen write ups, he hasn't been high on the list.

SBN-Cincy said they should target him, because it would be a win-win (gain for them. loss for us) but also "He probably wouldn’t be that expensive"
Walter Football ranked him 7th among available FAs, stating only that he did "a decent job"

Yes, scoff at these novices and I do think Jensen will be better valued than what these guys are saying, but sometimes we need a little perspective too. I like him, want to keep him, but I'm not sure he's worth making the highest paid center in the league when he was solid and started 1 year.

As some context- the reason this conversation started was because of jets interest in acquiring a new centre - ESPN said that he was one of the 2 top free agent centres (if that means anything) along with Weston richburg

As it is though I agree with you - I really don’t think he’s worth as much as some people on here are touting and if he gets a deal in that realm well then we just have to wave to him and wish him good luck...

 

[JoeyFlex5]

Br.com fueling the Landry fire. If we signed him I'd be excited and all but I can't help but feel like he's far from the answer, now if we sign him and get a ant Miller/Cedric Wilson/James Washington/Michael Gallup in the draft, then I'd be lit.

 

[JoeyFlex5]

I would be shocked if we offered him $10 per over 5 and guaranteed $20 of it that that wouldn't keep him.

I hope it works out. This team lacks attitude and Jensen has it. Other playershate him you can see that on the field and that's a good thing. Honestly, I think his defense of Flacco on that head-shot shows that nasty streak. He did just go over there and give the guy a shove, he whacked him. He's like a wildling from Game of Thrones. I really hope we can keep him a Raven.

I know loyalty only goes so far, but I do think if things are generally close to even from a market standpoint, he'll stay.

Tormund Alonsobane!