Handwriting was there for Vincent
The warning signs for guard Keydrick Vincent's departure started in April when the Ravens made Auburn guard Ben Grubbs the top draft pick. Then shortly before training camp began, the Ravens told Vincent that second-year player Chris Chester would replace him as the starting right guard, and that Grubbs would be his backup. The team then moved Vincent to backup left guard, which was pretty much the end.
I respect Vincent because he reported to training camp in great shape after working hard during the offseason because he expected to challenge for the starting position. But the Ravens had other plans. Ravens general manage Ozzie Newsome never liked Vincent after his first season here in 2005. He thought Vincent was soft, and Vincent didn't help himself by missing substantial playing time during his two seasons here because of injuries. Vincent also never seemed to fit in with this team. There were some who thought he joked around too much, and didn't take the game seriously. I never saw that. I just saw a guy who had limited ability, but played as hard as he could.
But he was unhappy here, and he needed a new start. It would have been easier for him if the Ravens had cut him before training camp so he had time to catch on with another team. According to Newsome, he tried to make a trade for Vincent but could not get a deal in place. Vincent will catch on with another team. He's too young and too talented to be left on the streets. He'll also leave a hole as far as depth because he was just as good as Grubbs at this time in Grubbs' career, but the Ravens saved about $1.2 million in salary by cutting Vincent.
Comments
Welcome to the Redskins Mr Vincent....
Posted by: Brian | August 28, 2007 3:57 PM
Off-topic, but Preston, do you think you could give us some update on the Suggs contract situation if there is any? Schoebel's 7 year, $50 million extension that was announced the other day should be somewhat of a benchmark for Suggs.
Posted by: Ryan K. | August 28, 2007 4:38 PM
It was nice to see a guy work hard but still accept his fate without whining. I wish him luck.
The Jets seem like a more likely spot than the Skins. Remember, the Jets traded Pete Kendall (who was the opposite of Vincent in terms of whining) to the Skins. And The Jets line didn't look very good against the Giants -- looked like they could some some depth on the interior to play between their two rookies from last season -- Ferguson and Mangold.
Posted by: Steve | August 28, 2007 4:54 PM
Do the Clowns need a guard? Somebody wake up Phil.
Posted by: double B | August 28, 2007 6:29 PM
While he was better this past year than the year before, Vincent was basically lousy regardless. I remember thinking at the time we signed him (I believe as a free agent) that this guy must not be too good if the Steelers were letting him go to a division rival.
I agree with Ozzie. No hard feelings towards the guy and I hope he signs on somewhere, but no great loss.
Posted by: Fang Guy | August 28, 2007 7:55 PM
Whats the point in saving cap room now?
Posted by: Andrew | August 29, 2007 9:24 AM
Vincent always seemed to be overly agressive in his blocking technique for an offensive lineman. It's probably too late in his career but I think he'd make a better defensive lineman. He'd fare as good or better as a Justin Bannan or Dwan Edwards.
Posted by: Bacon | August 29, 2007 9:53 AM