Now that the Baltimore Ravens’ season is over, it’s time to focus on free agency. Doing this, we have to go in under the assumption that 2010 is going to be an uncapped year and therefore, there are certain rules and regulations that each team and player must follow.
Since the Ravens were one of the final eight teams left in the playoffs, they can’t sign a free agent unless they lose one. Right away this makes it tough for the Ravens to make any improvements or changes to their squad.
As for the players, with no Collective Bargaining Agreement in place, players that are four year veterans that would be unrestricted free agents are restricted free agents. For the Ravens, that means they have a decision to make on Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams.
Clayton is at the end of his rookie contract, but only has five years of service time in the NFL. I wouldn’t mind seeing Clayton come back for another season. He’s a solid possession receiver that could definitely be a pretty good third receiver.
Then there’s Williams. Williams is a frustrating case. He certainly has the ability to be a deep threat, but he’s never shown it. Whether it’s been injuries or just plain poor practice habits, Williams hasn’t seen the field much in his four years. I’m not sure if the Ravens coaching staff is going to want him back, but some team will take a shot on trying to unlock his ability.
The biggest free agent wide receiver on the Ravens is Derrick Mason. Mason’s situation differs from the other two as he is pondering retirement and the CBA doesn’t impact him at all. John Harbaugh expects Mason back, I’m not too sure though. Mason already retired in the summer this past year and knows about life after football.
Kelley Washington and David Tyree are the other two receivers on the Ravens and I don’t envision them being around next year. Washington, understandably wants to start and Tyree is an excellent special teams player. I’d be surprised if either of these two are back in Ravens uniforms next season.
These changes appear to stack up as the Ravens losing at least two free agents. One of these free agents would be a wide receiver obviously. There’s going to be talk about trading for Brandon Marshall or Anquan Boldin. I’m not sure if this would be the right way to go, but it would give Joe Flacco someone to throw to downfield. Whatever the Ravens decide, it will be fun to write about.
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