:rofl: That would put 13 million a year just into outside linebackers following the BT extension...sounds like a tuna move...is that really a smart move.
The Ravens are not expected to use the franchise tag on All-Pro linebacker Adalius Thomas, although the team will wait until today before making a final decision. The Ravens are trying to restructure Jamal Lewis' contract before he is due a $5 million roster bonus. If a deal can't be reached, Lewis will be released. -- Baltimore Sun The Jets will be keeping a close eye on Adalius Thomas' negotiations with the Ravens. -- New York Daily News \
I'm sure if there's one guy in free agency that Mangini would be willing to open up the wallet for, it's Thomas. A big time playmaker that's versatile, and has a lot of experience in the 3-4. The only slight concern is his age, but he doesn't have the mileage on him that most 30 year old players have, and if Mangini is anything like Parcells and Belichick, he won't discriminate when it comes to age. He'll want the best players, he won't get younger just for the sake of getting younger.
We really should go after him even if we do break the bank.....FA's are not going to get any cheaper, and we have a shitload of room this year.....we might as well take advantage of it, and one player will not really hinder any of our other plans we had....
yeah seriously this is the year to pick up a big namer for our defense... Thomas in many ways makes more sense than Clements, especially with Mangini's ability to coach up weak secondaries anyway.. Hell the guy taught Troy Brown to be a capable CB.. Scoop up Thomas... look to draft a decent DE to bounce out Kimo. Then focus on offense. As far as his age goes... since when is 30 old? especially a guy who started later. Sign him to a 4 Year deal and he's only 34 when his contract runs out.
Thomas was a very dominant player this year and would do extremely well in Mangini's system. Plus, he has experience in the 3-4.
Yep, these are the types of players that we are going to go after. I just think he's going to be asking for too much.
Ravens will not tag Thomas! Ravens won't use franchise tag on Thomas All-Pro will become free agent; team hopes to sign him to long-term deal By Jamison Hensley and Mike Preston Originally published February 22, 2007, 12:59 PM EST The Ravens have decided not to use the franchise tag on Adalius Thomas and will allow the All-Pro linebacker to become an unrestricted free agent on March 2, general manager Ozzie Newsome said today. http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-adthomas022207,0,3759784.story?track=rss Woohoo, get him! :grin:
They said on ESPN last night that Lewis had already been released, and Baltimore, while not saying they would never look at him again, did not appear to be making an effort to resign him. This move just might happen. Keep in mind, Mangini had a plan coming in. It was supposed to take up to 3 years. Usually, when you get to a point where your team is a "player away" from contention, you go after a guy with some wear on the tires to fill that last gap. While I still think we need a solid CB or a true 3-4 NT more than a LB, this is a good move if we can get it done. I really think we are just a couple players from the February game next year. RB, CB, NT. If we can add those, plus Thomas, WoW. I don't think even duck arm could screw that up. :wink:
Just reading some Ravens boards, they all talk about what a great team guy he is, a very hard worker who has great character. If that's true, that will only improve the chances of Mangini going after him.
I remember reading a few days ago that Ozzie Newsome said he wasn't going to tag Thomas. But it's good to know that it's official.
