A.D.
If the Ravens really wanted to re-sign outside linebacker Adalius Thomas, they could have. All they had to do was restructure the contracts of several prominent players. The problem is that sooner or later it catches up with you, and eventually you have to purge your team because of cap problems. The Ravens said they have changed their cap strategy and don't want to go through a situation like they had in 2001. They made that announcement about a month ago and have stuck with it in passing the first test with Thomas.
It's unclear if the Ravens can pull this off like the Steelers and Patriots, but at least it's a plan. Thomas was an outstanding player here, and he'll be missed both on the field and in the locker room. But after talking with Thomas and general manager Ozzie Newsome Saturday, neither has any hard feelings. Actually, Newsome gave Thomas a chance when few other teams would coming out of the draft, and Thomas appreciates Newsome not putting the franchise tag on him so he can sign a lucrative, multi-year deal. Both sides won. - Mike Preston
Comments
will the ravens ever change there logo, that bird on the helmet stinks
Posted by: ty durant | February 26, 2007 1:42 PM
And I personally have no hard feelings against the Ravens for letting him go. A.D. needs to go to another team where he can be a new defensive leader. I will still root for him unless he plays against the Ravens.
So long as the Ravens kept Rex Ryan, I really don't see the defense missing a step from the loss of A.D. We have Johnson, Cody and Haley who can all play more minutes and knowing the Ravens they will probably sign two or three more LBs in the off season.
The thing that frustrates me about some Ravens fans is the sense that they don't know what kind of team we have. Ozzie is probably the best manager in the NFL. He makes decisions with wisdom and class. No body reserves the right to dump on him over the loss of A.D.
Posted by: Jan-Ryder | February 26, 2007 3:21 PM
Johnson, Cody, Haley, two or three more LBs from the draft, and don't forget Gary Stills, Pro Bowl gunner ... future Pro Bowl LB? They are deep at the position.
Posted by: Rob Macdonald | February 26, 2007 6:21 PM
Good post, Mike. It's a tough, emotional subject, but what you said is fair to both sides. It'll be interesting to see if AD does as well in another system; personally, I hope he does.
Posted by: skaybaltimore | February 26, 2007 7:23 PM
I'm definitly enjoying the exchange in here.
The loss of AD is a bitter pill to swallow and I don't think he's as replacable as other key players who departed in the past. Only time will tell if this decision by Ozzie was a smart one or not.
So lets move on shall we? Are the Ravens going to resign Jarret Johnson? I think he could serve as a viable replacement for AD maybe with Cody in the mix as well ( if he stays healthy). And what about this draft? Wasn't the combine last weekend?I haven't heard a murmur about the Ravens' needs. Who's in the mix at #27?
Posted by: Patrick | February 26, 2007 10:53 PM
AD has to be one of my favorite Ravens. I'll always remember big #96 hulking over the right side of the line of scrimmage.
But has anyone heard from Gary Baxter or Ed Hartwell lately? How about Will Demps or Anthony Weaver? We can even go all the way back to Duane Starks, Kim Herring and Jamie Sharper, none of whom did nearly as much for their new teams as they did for the Ravens. And they all left at pretty much the same stage in their careers as AD. At the same time our D has remained one of the best and most feared in the league.
I do believe that AD is more talented than the players I mentioned, but the Ravens have proven they can lose a part (or two) on defense, reload and come back strong.
Trust in Ozzie.
Posted by: Jason | February 27, 2007 9:56 AM
This team's defense is best served by a revolving door of young talent. I'm glad AD and the Ravens parted on good terms. Scenerios like these are always good for team morale and impresses upon rookies the class of the organization.
Posted by: SMatthew | February 28, 2007 8:25 AM