(Left) - Patrick Smith/Getty Images, (Center-left) - NFL.com, (Center-right) - Kevin Richardson/Baltimore Sun, (Right) - AP Photo/Nick Wass

Russell Street Report Salary Cap A Comprehensive Free Agency Preview

There have been a lot of recent articles about the Ravens’ 11 Unrestricted Free Agents (UFA) and 4 Restricted Free Agents (RFA) and the prospects of returning. At Russell Street Report, we’ve decided to pool our resources and our different areas of expertise to provide a comprehensive free agency preview, with detailed player analysis and a thorough look at the Salary Cap implications.

Free Agents

WR Kamar Aiken (RFA)

2015 Stats: 16 games, 14 starts; 75 receptions, 127 targets, 944 yards, 5 TDs; 82.6% Off Snaps

Analysis

(Dev Panchwagh): Aiken ended the season as the Ravens’ most productive receiver. Default production or not, you can’t ignore the numbers Aiken posted, especially at the end of the year. He averaged 6.2 catches per game over the last nine starts. Once offensive coordinator Marc Trestman stopped using him as a vertical separation target, and used him more as a boundary target on back-shoulders and stop routes, and on sit down routes to expose soft spots in the zone, Aiken gobbled up whatever coverage he faced. Obviously absorbing Steve Smith’s targets helped his cause, but with Smith back, hopefully Trestman learned how to best utilize Aiken’s route tree so the two can co-exist. Going forward, the question with Aiken is whether he’s worth locking up long-term as a respectable slot receiver or even fringe No.2 (at least money wise).

(Ken McKusick): Beginning with the game Steve Smith was lost for the season, Aiken was targeted 89 times in the final nine games with 56 catches for 673 yards. Projected to 16 games, that is 100 catches and 1,196 yards. The fact his catch rate did not drop with Schaub, Clausen, and Mallett delivering most of those footballs is exceptional, but his season catch rate dropped from 75% in 2014 to 62.3% in 2015. His hands are adequate, he has some back shoulder ability, and crosses without fear.

Cap Implications/Costs (Brian McFarland): Aiken is set to be a RFA, which means the Ravens must tender him before March 9th at 4:00 p.m. It seems obvious that Aiken will receive a RFA tender and that he won’t receive the 1st round tender (approx. $3.586M), but after that, what the Ravens will decide is a mystery. The team’s remaining options are the 2nd round tender (approx. $2.52M) or the low tender ($1.65M), but the complicating factor is that the low tender comes with no compensation if the Ravens decide against matching a RFA offer sheet from another team. Aiken’s value is probably the low tender, but with the Ravens having limited Cap space, it’s not hard to envision a team that is flush with Cap space being able to craft an offer that the Ravens could not match.

Tony’s Take (Tony Lombardi):

Kamar Aiken is tough, plays smart and he’s a contributor on special teams plus he’s a team-first player. A poor man’s Anquan Boldin, Aiken is the kind of player that John Harbaugh embraces and he’s a great guy in the locker room. A low tender offer to Aiken that carries no compensation exposes him. A salary cap flush team will be willing to pay Aiken more than the low tender, leaving the Ravens with nothing and lost productivity. The Ravens have said that they want to add receivers, not lose them. They’ll have to tighten the belt but look for Ozzie Newsome to happily extend the 2nd round tender to Aiken.

What tender should the Ravens offer Kamar Aiken?

WR Marlon Brown (RFA)

2015 Stats: 10 games; 2 starts; 14 receptions, 30 targets, 112 yards, 0 TDs;

Analysis

(Dev): The Marlon Brown experiment should be over. The once promising young receiver, who caught seven TD catches as a rookie, managed barely over seven total catches in 2015. For a guy who has the height that Brown has, he doesn’t use his length to his advantage. He never gets separation downfield and isn’t a jump-ball presence. He had his moments operating from the slot in 2014, but that shimmer of light quickly dimmed when he couldn’t get on the field due to injury, and other slot targets (like Campanaro and Butler) were simply better.

(Ken): Time is up for Marlon whose receiving yardage has been halved in each of the last two seasons. In addition to the drops (14 catches on 30 targets), he averaged just 8.0 YPC in 2015. Based on the preference for Butler in the final weeks, I think it’s pretty clear the coaches are fine if he walks. I really didn’t figure him to end up like Clarence Moore after his rookie season, but that’s what happened.

Cap Implications/Costs: Entering his 4th year with the Ravens, Brown is also a RFA and the Ravens will need to decide whether he is worth the low RFA tender. It’s also possible that the Ravens decide to non-tender Brown and, as they have done with other pending RFAs in the past, re-sign him to a minimum salaried deal ($675K is the 2016 minimum salary for a 3-year veteran) with perhaps a small signing bonus.

Tony’s Take:

Brown has become a huge disappointment after a promising rookie season. He has regressed as a receiver, plays tentatively, doesn’t use his size to make contested catches and he will never be accused of being a cerebral player. He plays like a dear in headlights and his hands, once an asset, are now just a tad harder than the skillets used at your local stir fry. This one is a no-brainer. Good luck in Cleveland.

Should the Ravens tender Marlon Brown?

LB Chris Carter (UFA)

2015 Stats: 2 games, 0 starts

Analysis

(Dev): Interesting player who didn’t make a dent last season, but his late season roster addition looks like a sneaky move to have a cheap camp body for 2016. Carter has yet to record a sack in his entire career, and to this point, his value really only applies to backup and special teams duties.

(Ken): Occasionally, the Ravens will pick up a player they believe will help them the following season, as I think was the case with Steven Means in 2014. Carter has bounced around the NFL with Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Baltimore. He’s a possible special teams candidate for 2016, but played just 3 snaps at OLB in 2015 with the Ravens in their most dire need.

Cap Implications/Costs: Carter was signed to a minimum salary benefit deal by the Ravens in late December to fill out the roster. Carter, a 5-year veteran, is again eligible for a Minimum Salary Benefit (MSB) deal which would pay him $760K, but due to the MSB rules, he would only count $600K against the 2016 Cap (plus the amount of any small bonus, if any).

Tony’s Take:

The Ravens have nothing to lose by bringing Carter back to The Castle during OTA’s and training camp. Edge rusher is arguably the team’s biggest need, and the former 5th round pick of the Steelers from Fresno State could at least elevate the level of competition during camp. Carter has bounced around from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati to Baltimore. A bit like another edge rusher who took awhile to find traction in the NFL — namely James Harrison. No one expects Carter to approach Harrison’s level but if he can impress Special Teams Coordinator Jerry Rosburg and become a situational player for Dean Pees, he could stick. He’s essentially a risk free investment.

Should the Ravens offer LB Chris Carter a MSB deal?

QB Jimmy Clausen (UFA)

2015 Stats: 3 games, 2 starts; 57.6% cmp, 555 yds, 2 TDs, 3 INTs; 70.5 passer rating

Analysis

(Dev): Clausen was surprisingly solid in his two starts last season. The final numbers against Seattle and Kansas City (two of the best defenses in the league a year ago) show plenty of mistakes, but bear in mind that he was also faced with bringing the offense back in both games. Against two outstanding secondaries, Clausen operated Trestman’s quick-rhythm passing game well, and was able to keep a decimated offense on the move. He just couldn’t lead them to touchdowns. Clausen proved his worth as a solid no.3 QB that can continue to add value with his knowledge of Trestman’s offense for backup Ryan Mallett and starter Joe Flacco.

(Ken): He could return with an injury, but I don’t see him coming to camp as the #3.

Cap Implications/Costs: Claimed off waivers in November, the Ravens were only responsible for 6 weeks of Clausen’s $745K salary. In that time, Clausen started two games and then was benched so the Ravens could get a look at Ryan Mallett. If re-signed, Clausen would probably have to compete with Mallett and a rookie for the 2nd and/or, most likely, the 3rd QB spot. As such, he would only likely be offered a minimal deal (perhaps, a MSB deal).

Tony’s Take:

Clausen’s play was admirable during 2015 but with the Ravens commitment to Ryan Mallett suggests that the former Fighting Irishman isn’t necessary. If the Ravens need a player like Clausen in 2016, we’ll probably be talking about the future of of John Harbaugh as the team’s head coach. Clausens are a dime a dozen and therefore it’s pointless to extend an offer now. If the Ravens do re-sign Clausen it probably suggests that Joe Flacco’s rehabilitation has fallen behind schedule.

Should the Ravens offer Jimmy Clausen a minimum deal?

LS Morgan Cox (UFA)

2015 Stats: 16 games; 0 memorable bad snaps; Pro Bowl

Analysis

(Dev): There’s not much to say here, Cox is obviously one of the best snappers in the game. Has been for years now.

(Ken): He’s been a reliable snapper with whom Koch and Tucker are comfortable. I think he’ll be back, since there isn’t ever a seller’s market for long snappers.

Cap Implications/Costs: In 2013, Cox was non-tendered as a RFA and re-signed to a 2-year minimum deal. Last offseason, Cox – coming off of a knee injury – was re-signed to a MSB deal. Coming off of a healthy year and a Pro-Bowl selection, it will be interesting to see what kind of offers Cox may receive on the open market and how far the Ravens are willing to go to retain the most anonymous (which is a good thing for a long snapper) of the tight-knitted special teams “Wolfpack”. Long Snappers don’t get big offers, one way or another, but for more than a decade now, the Ravens have a history of moving on from their Long Snappers once they get “too” expensive (Maase -> Katula -> Cox).

Tony’s Take:

Cox earned his job because he proved to be as efficient as his predecessor (Matt Katula) for less money. Katula did the same with Joe Maase. Cox will return unless a more economical camp invitee matches his summer performances. If that happens, Cox will meet the fate of his predecessors. If not, the Wolfpack survives another season.

Should the Ravens re-sign Morgan Cox?

TE Chase Ford (RFA)

2015 Stats: 7 weeks; 1 game inactive; 6 weeks on IR

Analysis

(Dev): Given the combination of injuries and suspension (Boyle) at the TE position, Ford was nothing more than another body the team had to bring in to field a team at the end of the season. There’s nothing to see here.

(Ken): Some NFL team will take a chance on Chase, who has 23 career receptions, but the Ravens have three solid options at TE in addition to Kyle Juszczyk.

Cap Implications/Costs: Ford spent 7 weeks with the Ravens in 2015, 6 of which were on Injured Reserve (IR). Ford is a RFA, and it seems certain that the Ravens will non-tender him. Whether they re-sign him to a minimum deal instead, remains to be seen.

Tony’s Take:

A minimum deal is a possibility but the guess here is that the Ravens will Chase Ford right out of town when all is said and done. Reserve “tight ends” are more prevalent in the NFL than they are at a Sports Illustrated swimsuit photo session.

Should the Ravens re-sign Chase Ford?

WR Chris Givens (UFA)

2015 Stats: 12 games, 6 starts; 19 receptions, 53 targets, 346 yds, 1 TD

Analysis

(Dev): Givens looked like he would be in the discussion to come back to the team in 2016. The problem is, he just didn’t make the most of his opportunities. Givens had a few big plays downfield, but for the most part, he disappeared in the offense and wasn’t able to get open consistently. He can get separation deep, and his statline would look a little bit better if the QBs didn’t miss him with errant over and under throws on 9 routes. But Givens was outplayed at the end of the year by Jeremy Butler, and even lost snaps to Chris Matthews and Daniel Brown. That should tell you all you need to know about what the coaches think of him.

(Ken): The Ravens surrendered a 7th-round selection to get him and now that the Sunk Cost Fallacy has been explained on Better Call Saul, we need only consider what he can give the Ravens moving forward. He’s a legitimate field stretcher and the Ravens would do well to have two of those and not just one, especially with Perriman’s injury history.

Cap Implications/Costs: Givens was acquired by the Ravens from St. Louis for a conditional 2017 or 2018 7th round pick. If re-signed, it seems likely that Givens would only receive a minimum deal and would be the 6th or 7th (at best) Wide Receiver on the team’s depth chart.

Tony’s Take:

Givens was a 4th round pick by the Rams in 2012 and had an impressive rookie campaign (42/698/3). But he’s regressed since and that explains why the Rams accepted a 7th round pick for him. He’s a one-trick pony and even that trick isn’t all that special. Time to move on. I’ve “Given” up.

Should the Ravens re-sign Chris Givens?

LB Albert McClellan (UFA)

2015 Stats: 13 games, 0 starts; 1 pass defended, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery, 17 total tackles

Analysis

(Dev): McClellan’s value remains as the team’s leading special teams player. He is a dynamo on coverage units and one of Jerry Rosburg’s trusted enforcers. Last season, McClellan got the chance to log snaps in Dean Pees’ rotating 4-man ILB nickel packages, mostly flashing as a right defensive end rushing the passer. McClellan still struggled as an open field tackler and was taken advantage of as a run defender in certain situations when he was on the field. Overall, McClellan’s true role remains on ST as one of the best cover and crash players in the league.

(Ken): He’s what Joe Orsulak was to the Orioles of the late ’80s and early ’90s: a player who comes to camp without a job each year and provides value through versatility. In 2015, he started camp as the 5th ILB whose primary competition was Arthur Brown. He had another good year on special teams and played 152 snaps at OLB with the injury to Suggs and after the failed Jason Babin signing. The most similar Raven was Gary Stills, a Pro Bowl special teams player and OLB who played here in 2006-07 at ages 32-33. Albert will be 30, so the precedent says they could go two more years.

Cap Implications/Costs: McClellan is a pending Free Agent after the completion of the 2-year, $2.2M deal he signed in 2014. The Ravens certainly value their best Special Team’s performers, so if McClellan is re-signed, it would be expected that his new deal would probably be similar to his 2014 deal.

Tony’s Take:

If the price point is the same as in 2014 the Ravens should bring back a valuable utility guy. But if the price swells too far beyond the annual $1.1M number, the Ravens may want to give his job away to a more economical player, particularly if they look to a linebacker early on day 3 of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Should the Ravens re-sign Albert McClellan

G Kelechi Osemele (UFA)

2015 Stats: 14 starts

Analysis

(Dev): KO’s season is defined by his superb play at both LG and LT. In both cases, he was pretty damn good. As a guard, he had some inconsistencies early in the season, especially in pass pro situations, but eventually he settled in and got better and better as the season progressed. But KO’s strength remains as a road-grader in the running game. He was effective on iso pulls and traps (when the coaches dialed those plays) and he remains arguably the most physically imposing blocker on the line, at least when his technique is right. You could make the argument that he was outplaying Yanda before the team switched him to LT out of necessity. As a LT, KO had surprisingly nimble footwork, and he was tested in his last four starts against Michael Bennett/Cliff Avril, Tamba Hali, Bud Dupree/Jarvis Jones, and Michael Johnson. He was outstanding as a pass blocker, especially if you consider that Trestman used a lot of spread looks and KO often had to handle his man on an island.

(Ken): His play at LT was better than expected (.78 raw score over the last four games, a low B), but not so great that the team that signs him knows they have the position settled for the duration of his contract. Ravens QBs had 187 drop backs in the final four games, and I scored Kelechi with responsibility for just 5.5 pressures, 1.5 QHs, and 1/3 of a sack on those plays. That’s terrific pass-blocking efficiency. At the same time, his run blocking suffered some and he picked up three penalties (two false starts, one illegal formation). Both of those deficiencies are correctable and won’t be significant if his pass blocking remains at a high level. His last three games at guard were his best three of the season (all A’s).

Cap Implications/Costs: Osemele is set to receive a top of the market deal as a Guard. Some teams may also see him as a Tackle as well, and that versatility will certainly only help enhance his value. Osemele is certainly a player the Ravens will want to retain, but much like so many past free agents, Osemele has likely priced himself out of Baltimore. Conceivably, the team could use the Franchise Tag as a way to hold onto Osemele, but at a cost of over $13M, that seems to be an unlikely proposition for a team expected to have a very tight Salary Cap.

Tony’s Take:

Some will argue that the Ravens have to sign KO to protect the blind side of their franchise quarterback who is coming off an ACL tear. And while it’s true that they must protect Joe, to commit big dollars to Osemele when they aren’t even sure if he is a long-term answer at tackle, is a risk. And let’s not forget that KO hasn’t exactly been a model of health. O-linemen with back issues are as enticing pitchers with a history of arm problems. When the Ravens committed dollars to Eugene Monroe (who needs to step up) and to Marshal Yanda, indirectly they knew that KO would leave. The handwriting is on the wall. Next man up.

What should the Ravens do with Kelechi Osmele?

TE Allen Reisner (UFA)

2015 Stats: Spent entire 2015 season on Injured Reserve after breaking his ankle during the Presesason.

Analysis

(Dev): Another TE body that may be a camp body at most next season.

(Ken): I hope, out of respect, I’ve spelled his name correctly, but I don’t expect to have to type it again.

Cap Implications/Costs: Reisner is a player who could certainly return to compete for a roster spot, but would likely be no more than a “camp body” on a minimum deal.

Tony’s Take:

Isn’t he one of those injury lawyers?

Should the Ravens re-sign Allen Reisner?

QB Matt Schaub (UFA)

2015 Stats: 2 games, 2 starts; 65.0% cmp, 540 yds, 3 TDs, 4 INTs; 76.0 passer rating

Analysis

(Dev): To quote Denny Green, Schaub was “Who we thought he was.” The former starter for Houston and Oakland looked washed up in his two starts against the Browns and the Dolphins. Schaub had the timing down with his footwork, and there were times when he was very effective getting the offense in and out of the huddle (hopefully Flacco was taking notes). But his lack of arm strength was exposed and he continued his pick-six streak. He can mentally operate Trestman’s hybrid WCO but there’s nothing left physically.

(Ken): Matt was denied an opportunity to match his own career record with a pick-6 allowed in four straight games when he was replaced by Clausen/Mallett for the final four games. I don’t expect another team will pick him up at age 35.

Cap Implications/Costs: Schaub made $3M in 2015 for his 2 starts. To return, he’d likely have to take a minimum deal and, even then, he’d likely only be competing with Clausen or a rookie for the #3 spot.

Tony’s Take:

Being horrible doesn’t need to be so expensive. Ravens reserve defensive backs looking to impress the coaching staff will miss him dearly.

Should the Ravens re-sign Matt Schaub?

S Brynden Trawick (RFA)

2015 Stats: 16 games, 1 start; 1 PD, 5 tackles

Analysis

(Dev): Trawick factored in more than one would have expected at the beginning of the season, logging some snaps in nickel and dime packages behind Kendrick Lewis and Will Hill. Trawick is a big safety who is at his best when he moves downhill. But his real worth is as a special teamer. He remained a solid contributor for the coverage units.

(Ken): He played 80 snaps defensively, primarily on the ill-fated west coast trip to SF and Arizona and in the Ravens’ three-safety goal-line formation. He’s still a core special teams player, but he was flagged three times in that capacity during 2015. Anthony Levine was in a similar situation last season and received a modest signing bonus with his two-year deal, but he had demonstrated much more both on special teams and in terms of flexibility to play in the secondary at corner or safety.

Cap Implications/Costs: Trawick represents an interesting decision for the Ravens. The Ravens staff clearly sees more in Trawick than the fan base does, so it is conceivably that they could use the low tender ($1.65M) in order to retain him. More likely though, the Ravens will do as they did last year with fellow Safety, Anthony Levine, and non-tender Trawick with the aim of re-signing him to a modest 1- or 2-year deal (Levine received a 2-year, $2.4M deal).

Tony’s Take:

Dev, Ken and Brian have this one covered. Nice teams player who I’d like to see stay at a Levine-like deal, but if he moves on, the silver lining is that I won’t have to listen to Gerry Sandusky’s awkwardly pronounce Traahhhhh-wick’s last name. I wonder if he and Jacoby are Facebook friends?

What should the Ravens do with Brynden Trawick?

PK Justin Tucker (UFA)

2015 Stats: 33/40 FGs, 10/11 from 40-49yds, 4/10 from 50+, 82.5%; 29/29 XPs

Analysis

(Dev): Tucker is still one of the three placekickers in the game, but he showed his mortality last season. He missed seven kicks, most of which were 50 yards or more. On the plus side, Tucker was perfect on extra point tries – which, as we saw in the AFC Championship with Stephen Gostkowski, is no longer a kick you can take for granted. There may not be a better clutch kicker in the game, and Tucker continued to prove his stones with three game-winning FGS.

(Ken): The dialog has changed from distance to accuracy for the Ravens’ kicker. This is easiest done by table:

So Tucker was approximately eight points better on his kicks under 50 yards, but gave it back on kicks of 50+. Much of that is usage and Harbaugh needed Tucker’s distance more than ever in 2015. The highest FG lifetime percentage among kickers who retired prior to 2000 was 79.96% (Nick Lowery). However, that figure now ranks 45th on the all-time list. Despite the long-range inconsistency last season, Justin is still #2 at 87.8%, and he has an extraordinary touchback rate (85.14% in 2015).

Cap Implications/Costs: This one seems pretty clear, Tucker will be a Raven in 2016, be it via a long-term contract or the franchise tag. At this time, the Franchise Tag for PKs for 2016 is expected to be around $4.5M. If Tucker and the Ravens can agree to terms on a long-term deal, Tucker is likely to become one of the highest paid kickers in NFL history, averaging over $4M per year. On a long-term deal, Tucker’s 2016 Cap number would likely be in the $2-$2.5M range.

Tony’s Take:

Last year when facing a similar situation with Stephen Gostkowski, the Patriots tagged their kicker then later signed him to a long-term deal. This negotiation process will travel an identical journey.

What should the Ravens do with Justin Tucker?

LB Courtney Upshaw (UFA)

2015 Stats: 16 games, 15 starts; 2 PDs, 2 FFs, 2 FRs, 2 sacks, 29 tackles

Analysis

(Dev): At this point, Upshaw is who he is as a player: an edge setter that can only play on early downs. Now, Upshaw’s opportunities did expand to third-down rush duties last year, but that was because the Ravens had little alternatives. Upshaw was able to make his presence felt when he had his hands in the dirt (notching 2.0 sacks), but he wasn’t consistent. He is still a stiff rusher with not much in his arsenal of moves other than the bull rush. As a run defender, Upshaw remains one of the best in the game at taking on blocks and funneling ball carriers inside.

(Ken): He played 746 snaps in his contract year, but it would be difficult to say he improved significantly as a pass rusher. He’s amassed 5.0 regular season sacks and eight personal fouls. He still sets the edge effectively, but not at the level he did as a rookie. The Ravens acquired the selections used for Upshaw and Gino Gradkowski from Minnesota in exchange for the pick used to select FS Harrison Smith.

Cap Implications/Costs: Unlike recent Outside Linebackers (Paul Kruger, Pernell McPhee) to leave the Ravens, Upshaw is not expected to be in high demand. As such, there is a good possibility that Upshaw may return, but this definitely would fall into the “right player, right price” category. There could be a team out there that sees more in Upshaw, so you never know, but he’s likely looking at a 2- to 3-year deal for around $6-10M.

Tony’s Take:

I used to think that Upshaw would develop into a slightly better version of former Raven and another Crimson Tide alum, Jarret Johnson. I now wish that he was nearly as good as JJ, a player the Ravens eventually lost to free agency. Upshaw is limited and his production given the level of snaps extended to him in 2015, was rather pedestrian. Upshaw is well-liked within the organization and the feeling appears to be mutual. The Ravens probably have an understanding with their edge-setter to check back in as he explores free agency, but the feeling here is that a team with ample cap space looking to improve their run defense will stroke a check that the Ravens will not match. The no. 91 jersey will be up for grabs next season in Baltimore.

What will the Ravens do with Courtney Upshaw?

CB Shareece Wright (UFA)

2015 Stats: 11 games, 6 starts; 5 PDs, 34 tackles

Analysis

(Dev): You could argue that Wright was the best defensive back for the team in the second half of the season. It wouldn’t be much of a stretch at least. After being roasted against San Francisco, Wright was rock-solid in his duties as an outside corner and didn’t give up the big play downfield. When Wright struggles in coverage, he plays with inconsistent technique, but down the stretch, his timing and footwork was where it needed to be. Wright was also solid as a run defender when plays bounced to his side.

(Ken): After a miserable debut at San Francisco, he played well and was promoted from outside play in the nickel to every down once Webb was playing some safety (457 total snaps). He uses the sideline well, but was badly exposed against Seattle when he was beaten consistently on crossing routes by Baldwin. This may seem like a curse, but his play reminds me of Melvin in terms of sticking with a receiver outside the numbers. He did not do a good job of finding the football until the final PD against the Steelers. He provides valuable outside corner depth, but I think the Ravens will need to hand one outside corner role to a rookie. That may make it difficult to work out a deal.

Cap Implications/Costs: Who would have guessed that by the end of the season, Shareece Wright would be a player that the Ravens would have competition for to re-sign? With many teams having a ton of Cap space to burn, it’s easy to see the Ravens getting outbid for Wright’s services. Wright’s solid play has likely propelled him from a 1-year, minimum salary guy in 2016, into a player who get a multi-year deal averaging at least $2-3M per year. Again, Wright is a player that they Ravens would probably like to retain, but if the cost goes too high, the Ravens will likely move on to a more reasonably priced player with hopes of finding their next Shareece Wright (or Corey Graham in 2012).

Tony’s Take:

Ozzie Newsome mentioned Shareece Wright by name during the State of the Ravens presser, expressing interest in bringing the former 49er back in 2016. He also said that he’d like to bring back KO. Neither will happen. In an NFL that regularly spreads the field, not only do teams need two starting corners, they need three with ample reserves. After the debacle in San Francisco during his Ravens debut, Wright was the best cover corner Dean Pees had in 2015. Let that sink in. Wright is the right player for the Ravens but the price will be all wrong. He may be back in the Bay Area, this time the east bay with the Raiders who have a ship load of money to spend.