Ravens and AD Far Apart On Deal

[PurpleRulz]

http://blogs.baltimoresun.com/sports_football_ravens/2007/01/ad.html

[festivus]

I would like to take this time to thank AD for his time here and wish him good luck in his future endeavors. We will not overpay for him.

Usual Preston disclaimers apply, that said. . .

If they don't work something out, my guess is they'll franchise him. No need to wave goodbye just yet!

[jbecks307]

AD is the creation of the system in place here...Tweeners arent for everybody....depends if he is willing to take less money in order to continue to be a playmaker or take the money and be ok......in the end, its always, always, about the money......adios.....didnt too much against that Colts O-Line, when people were on here claiming he would have a field day.

[RavensNTerps]

time to trade Ray Ray and sign AD!

[TTRaven]

I could see Adalius Thomas possibly screwing himself in this situation. The Ravens will probably franchise him, he will not report to camp, and have a down year. He'll end up never getting his big payday.

[Sports Steve]

Just give AD his money. He waited for his turn. Now give him his money.


:jester: :jester:

[PurpleRulz]

1. Just stop with the trade Ray crap. It ain't happening so stop talking about it.

2. AD does deserve his money, but he won't get it here. The only way AD stays is if he takes at or below market rate. Anything above that and he will be a former Raven.

3. I think the Ravens should give thought to a tag and trade of AD. Even if all we gain is a 2nd round pick, that is much better than a 3rd round compensatory pick at the end of the round in the 2008 draft. If I were Ozzie, I would get very creative with this and not just let AD walk.

[Ravenflash]

I would like to take this time to thank AD for his time here and wish him good luck in his future endeavors. We will not overpay for him.

I like to see them franchise AD. Honestly, this past season and next were and probably will be the Ravens "window of opportunity". I hope they try to keep this past seasons team together for another year and make another run at it.

[festivus]

AD cannot have his payday here this year. If we franchise him, he gets a huge raise, and the FO may very well want to give him a payday next year, when hopefully we have some more breathing room.

[PurpleRulz]

AD cannot have his payday here this year. If we franchise him, he gets a huge raise, and the FO may very well want to give him a payday next year, when hopefully we have some more breathing room.

Then how do you pay Terrell Suggs next year?

Drew made some good points this morning on his show on WNST. In addition to thinking that the Ravens will NOT tag AD, he stated:

1. After flaming my tag and trade idea this morning, he stated that doing something like that to AD would be in poor taste. (After thinking about his point, he is probably right, but I am shrewd like that).

2. Drew still maintained that the Ravens probably view AD as a Ed Hartwell type player: very good, but not great. Drew said the team would never publicly say that, but they probably think it.

3. The Ravens won't pay 40-45M and a 18M bonus for AD, and if AD gets that on the open market, they will just let him go. If they give AD 18M bonus, Suggs would want at least a 20M bonus next year.

4. They'd only tag AD if they were close to a deal. We know that is not the case as Preston reported the Ravens and AD are far apart on a deal.

5. The Ravens will not overpay for AD. They will at best pay at market or even below market.

You do have to wonder if AD is a system player. Be that as it may, I would love for AD to stay, but I am back at thinking AD won't be back. I also do not think this defense will suffer that greatly by his loss.

[festivus]

You make a good case for why he won't be back. Ed Hartwell is no AD, though. That said, Jarret Johnson is perfectly capable of playing DL/LB, the only question mark is, can he cover receivers.

[RavensNTerps]

Give me 1 good reason why Ray Lewis in 2007 is more important to retain than AD in 2007, especially if he's complaining about his contract yet again?

It may not be as far fetched as you think.

[PurpleRulz]

Give me 1 good reason why Ray Lewis in 2007 is more important to retain than AD in 2007, especially if he's complaining about his contract yet again?

It may not be as far fetched as you think.


It is called the salary cap. Why don't you just read this thread. http://www.ravens24x7.com/column_view.php?cid=46&id=1090&view=archive

AD won't be back and, for the last time, we are not trading Ray Lewis, so stop talking about it.

[Fanman]

RN said:
Nice article...looks like we are hoping for JO to retire, cut Ray and Rolle, redo Suggs deal and maybe have enough to redo AD...and draft well...then no problems


Hmmmm...is that all we need to do to keep AD? AD will get the franchise tag before he leaves here. And don't feel sorry for him b/c it will be a MEGA raise.
in salary.
FM

[RavensNTerps]

i don't think you realize how close we came to doing it last off season. Furthermore, I don't think you realize how willing we'd be to do it THIS offseason if he is quibbling about his contract AND we have bigger fish to fry (AD).

It's one thing last year when really we didn't have any major FAs. Weaver and Kemo were OK players, nothing special. Everything we do on defense revolves around AD. Our window stays open with him here, much more than it does with Ray Lewis.

History is history. But if it comes down to it it's a no brainer.

[RavensNTerps]

Then how do you pay Terrell Suggs next year?

Drew made some good points this morning on his show on WNST. In addition to thinking that the Ravens will NOT tag AD, he stated:

1. After flaming my tag and trade idea this morning, he stated that doing something like that to AD would be in poor taste. (After thinking about his point, he is probably right, but I am shrewd like that).

2. Drew still maintained that the Ravens probably view AD as a Ed Hartwell type player: very good, but not great. Drew said the team would never publicly say that, but they probably think it.



Well...if Drew said that then it MUST be true. Basically you just said "some random guy thinks that this is probably what people who he doesn't work with are saying, but they might not be saying it, it's just what he thinks they're saying."

AD is a system player. And our defense is a system based around AD. They go hand in hand.

Yes, he'd be half as effective elsewhere, in my opinion. But our defense would see a huge drop off without him here.

I'd keep him over Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs.

[purplepoe]

Give me 1 good reason why Ray Lewis in 2007 is more important to retain than AD in 2007, especially if he's complaining about his contract yet again?

It may not be as far fetched as you think.

Ppphh.

Mike Preston writes a little blog and all of a sudden it's gospel?

Who said Ray is bitching about his contract? And Preston's tone shows an obvious agenda. Kinda like your's. Just because Ray isn't 1996-2003 Ray doesn't mean he's not valuable to this team.

Last interview I saw with him he was positive about last season and eager to get back on the field in 2007 as a Raven.

He's not getting dealt.

I don't think you realize that most of the shit last year was just that, shit. The ONLY place I read about Ray being traded was Preston's column. In fact, I'd say it was less likely to happen than alot of people think.

PP

[copenhaggard]

i don't think you realize how close we came to doing it last off season. Furthermore, I don't think you realize how willing we'd be to do it THIS offseason if he is quibbling about his contract AND we have bigger fish to fry (AD).

It's one thing last year when really we didn't have any major FAs. Weaver and Kemo were OK players, nothing special. Everything we do on defense revolves around AD. Our window stays open with him here, much more than it does with Ray Lewis.

History is history. But if it comes down to it it's a no brainer.


Exactly how do you know how close the Ravens came to trading/cutting/etc Ray Lewis last year? I am assuming this is your personal opinion.

You know, I wonder if you watch our defense. Our defense is built around the LBs in general, not just AD. You don't build a defense around your SAM LB. In fact, originally in offseason 2004 when Rex first started revealing our defense, he stated that Ray Lewis would be the focal point, and he still is. Our LBs as a unit, need to be playing in sync, and the MLB is the most important piece of any position, because they have responsiblities on gaps in-between the tackles, as well as scraping to the outside to clean up, or fill running lanes that open. I assume you watched the Indy game and this whole year, and frankly, I am surprised you are so quick to want to let Ray go, or trade him. Ray was all over the field, and he had a very good year.

I think some people believe replacing Ray Lewis is as easy as plugging in some other player. What happened when Ray was out for the Titans game? We had no one that could step up and play like he did, because not many players can just come into our defense and play it. Ray knows the system, and he's the unquestioned leader of it.

The other thing is, our window is based on Ray and JO, as they are our two best players in franchise history, and on the twilights of their careers, although both are still playing well. The window is about them. Ray Lewis is the face of this team, and he'll remain a Raven.

It seems everytime there is an article about Ray, people come out of the woodwork with the pitchforks ready to burn him at the stake. Really, not many people take shit from Preston seriously, unless is about Ray Lewis.

Oh, and I'm still waiting for Dave to show up for another addition of "bashing-key-players-101".



AD is a system player. And our defense is a system based around AD. They go hand in hand.

Yes, he'd be half as effective elsewhere, in my opinion. But our defense would see a huge drop off without him here.

I'd keep him over Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs.


What do you mean by a "huge-drop-off"? Where is our defensive line going? Isn't the defensive line the main culprit responsible for stopping the opposing team's running games, and eating up blockers, so players like Ray, AD, and Scott can succeed?

Again, this defense was not "built" around AD. It is a system made so tweeners like AD can thrive, but it's not built around AD. It's build around responsiblities, and each player doing their parts. It's not one star running the show like you believe.

After the keeping AD over Ray/Suggs comment, I'm taking you a little less seriously. AD is 30 okay. AD is going to get a large contract. Ray has his contract and wants to change it. Suggs is 27. You'd rather have a 30 year old player, over Ray and Suggs?

[RavensNTerps]

our defense THRIVES on versatility and disguises...this is all made much easier with AD in there...he's more than a sam LB, period.

Meanwhile, Ray Lewis, while a great player, IS only a mike LB.

[PurpleRulz]

Well...if Drew said that then it MUST be true. Basically you just said "some random guy thinks that this is probably what people who he doesn't work with are saying, but they might not be saying it, it's just what he thinks they're saying."

AD is a system player. And our defense is a system based around AD. They go hand in hand.

Yes, he'd be half as effective elsewhere, in my opinion. But our defense would see a huge drop off without him here.

I'd keep him over Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs.


You are entitled to your opinion, but the fact is that we are not going to keep AD at the expense of Ray and Suggs, so you can stop saying that over and over and over.

[copenhaggard]

our defense THRIVES on versatility and disguises...this is all made much easier with AD in there...he's more than a sam LB, period.

Meanwhile, Ray Lewis, while a great player, IS only a mike LB.

Again, you're makin our defense sound like AD is the running the show. All of our LBs and certain players on our DLINE are all versatile. They do a lot of the same things as AD.

He is one player. You're insulting the rest of our defense in saying that there is going to be a "huge drop-off" if AD leaves. You mean to tell me that if AD leaves, Rex Ryan is going to shit the bed, and make bad gameplans because AD isn't here anymore? He'll adjust as the rest of our defense. The point is, I'd hate to see AD leave, but with the FA market out there, it doesn't seem like affording him is going to be as easy as trading Ray and not signing Suggs next year.

[PurpleRulz]

This defense does not run around AD, nor is AD the defense. AD is great in this system. That does not mean he is not a great player, but we could lose AD and still be a dominating defense.

Basically, most folks that are crying to keep AD is because they have grown attached to his show and the personality he brings and that is fine. They are thinking with their hearts and not their brains. AD is a great personality and his show will be missed, but unless AD takes at or below market rate (and he'd be a fool to do that), AD will be a former Raven by April.

[festivus]

Meanwhile, Ray Lewis, while a great player, IS only a mike LB.

Does this mean he's always the blitzer? I thought the 'mike' was the additional pass rusher. Never heard it used this way before.

[copenhaggard]

Does this mean he's always the blitzer? I thought the 'mike' was the additional pass rusher. Never heard it used this way before.

No, MIKE is basically synonymous for middle linebacker. The other LB positions are usually called the SAM (strongside) and WILL (weakside). Now, those are names for a traditional 4-3 alignment. I don't know the terminology for our defense because of all the different changes in position and responsiblities though. I think it's accepted that AD is our SAM, Scott is the WILL, and Ray is the MIKE, in a base defense.

[festivus]

Interesting. I *know* I've heard football players use the term "mike" for pass rushing LB, in a game for instance before the snap the quarterback might call out "55 is the mike!"

I learn something new every day.

[copenhaggard]

Interesting. I *know* I've heard football players use the term "mike" for pass rushing LB, in a game for instance before the snap the quarterback might call out "55 is the mike!"

I learn something new every day.

Well, it's not that what you're saying is wrong, because every offense/defense has different terminology for certain situations/players.

It's just the SAM/WILL/MIKE terminology to describe at what LB position a player plays is a pretty widely accepted way to refer to them.

On my HS team, our calls were very odd. Our SS that played in the box was the "fruit" meaning whenever a defense was called that said a fruit name, he'd be blitzing in that gap (4-3 Base Strong Apple (SS would be blitzing strongside A gap). Our MLB used animal names, and our outside backers used ladies names.

So it's completely subjective what you call certain positions, but the it seems the standard on a 4-3 uses the SAM-WILL-MIKE naming scheme, at least from a fan's perspective.

[RavensNTerps]

This defense does not run around AD, nor is AD the defense. AD is great in this system. That does not mean he is not a great player, but we could lose AD and still be a dominating defense.

Basically, most folks that are crying to keep AD is because they have grown attached to his show and the personality he brings and that is fine. They are thinking with their hearts and not their brains. AD is a great personality and his show will be missed, but unless AD takes at or below market rate (and he'd be a fool to do that), AD will be a former Raven by April.

I could care less about AD on the radio, I doubt i've listened to more than 5 mins TOTAL of that show ever.

Yeah, we sitll have a lot of good players on our defense. Sure. But the absolute x-factor is AD. He can lineup at DE and end the play as a safety.

[PurpleRulz]

I could care less about AD on the radio, I doubt i've listened to more than 5 mins TOTAL of that show ever.

Yeah, we sitll have a lot of good players on our defense. Sure. But the absolute x-factor is AD. He can lineup at DE and end the play as a safety.


He won't be a factor on this team much longer.

[GreenWave52]

I'd keep him over Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs.
You do realize that Suggs is like 5 or 6 years younger than AD. AD is peaking now (I wouldn't be surprised if this past season was his peak). Suggs gets better all the time and still has a way to go before he hits his ceiling.

I love AD and he is an important cog but you just don't give 30+ year old players 18MM in bonuses and big contracts. That is how you end up in cap hell. We'll replace AD like we have replaced virtually every player in this D except Ray Ray and McAlister. It may take a couple of years (see Ngata for Goose) but it will get done and the D will still be top 5 like they are every year.

Ray is the general of the D. He elevates the play of everyone around him. He should get a short extension to lower his cap figure and allow him to retire a Raven. Not a payday like AD mind you, just a monetizing of his future salary as a signing bonus plus a year or two of an average salary (say 3-4 mil). It's fair for both parties.

[RavensNTerps]

suggs is much more replaceable than AD...yeah, he's better at dropping in to coverage and playing in space now, sure...but he's still a one-dimensional pass rusher, overall.

[PurpleRulz]

suggs is much more replaceable than AD...yeah, he's better at dropping in to coverage and playing in space now, sure...but he's still a one-dimensional pass rusher, overall.


You can always follow AD as he plays for the Pats, 49ers, Bengals, or Redskins. He won't be here next season. Get used to it.

[RavensNTerps]

You can always follow AD as he plays for the Pats, 49ers, Bengals, or Redskins. He won't be here next season. Get used to it.

Well...if you and Drew both said it, then I guess you're right.

Of course, you and Drew probably also said Jamal Lewis, Chris McAlister, etc wouldn't be back.

And stop with this "Ray elevates the play of everyone" crap. Maybe a few years ago in 2000, sure. Not anymore. These are professional athletes they don't need a player who performs less than they do to motivate them. I promise you, that is the most trite and overly used inaccurate statement.

Why do you think guys like Hartwell and Scott can step in for Ray with little to no drop off?

No one could step in for AD with little to no drop off.

[festivus]

Well...if you and Drew both said it, then I guess you're right.

Of course, you and Drew probably also said Jamal Lewis, Chris McAlister, etc wouldn't be back.
I don't recall Drew saying McAlister wouldn't be back, ever. If you are talking about when McAlister was franchised, I'm pretty sure the consensus on the NST morning show was that he would be franchised.

AD cannot be 'replaced' exactly by anyone. He can play any defensive position on the field.

But his absence would not be crippling. We had a great defense before he was a starter, if he leaves, it will still be great.

It is a question of the future of the team, $$$ and the cap, not a question of how important he is to the current scheme of the defense. The schemes on both sides of the ball will change to match to our new personnel next year, whoever they may be, and whatever position they will be playing.

[PurpleRulz]

Well...if you and Drew both said it, then I guess you're right.

Of course, you and Drew probably also said Jamal Lewis, Chris McAlister, etc wouldn't be back.

And stop with this "Ray elevates the play of everyone" crap. Maybe a few years ago in 2000, sure. Not anymore. These are professional athletes they don't need a player who performs less than they do to motivate them. I promise you, that is the most trite and overly used inaccurate statement.


1. I never said CMAC won't be back. This thread is about AD and not CMAC.

2. What I said is that AD won't be back.

3. You may think Ray is the lesser player than AD, and you are entitled to that point of view, but even if you are correct, AD, "the better player," will be playing for another team in 2007. Get used to it.

[RavensNTerps]

PurpleRulz you sound very certain on something that I wouldn't be very certain about.

[festivus]

PurpleRulz you sound very certain on something that I wouldn't be very certain about.

RavensNTerps, PR's argument is based on $$$.

AD wants it, the Ravens can't afford to give it to him. If they franchised him it would be burdensome on their efforts to sign everyone else they have to sign.

It's a persuasive argument, even if you don't agree, and it's based on facts and numbers.

[RavensNTerps]

if they want to do it, they can.

There's always ways to work around the cap.

We heard the same ole crap about Reed's extension.

We hear the crap with the Redskins every year.

If the Ravens want to re-sign him, they'll be able to.

[festivus]

if they want to do it, they can.

There's always ways to work around the cap.

We heard the same ole crap about Reed's extension.

We hear the crap with the Redskins every year.

If the Ravens want to re-sign him, they'll be able to.

RavensNTerps you sound very certain on something that I wouldn't be very certain about.

[ravenwoman]

1. Just stop with the trade Ray crap. It ain't happening so stop talking about it.

2. AD does deserve his money, but he won't get it here. The only way AD stays is if he takes at or below market rate. Anything above that and he will be a former Raven.

3. I think the Ravens should give thought to a tag and trade of AD. Even if all we gain is a 2nd round pick, that is much better than a 3rd round compensatory pick at the end of the round in the 2008 draft. If I were Ozzie, I would get very creative with this and not just let AD walk.

I totally agree with this post. It really hurts when you lose a good player, but the NFL is designed with parity, and no team can have 40 super star players. You have to pick and choose 3-5 high priced ones and the rest, you hope, are above average, no-name guys. How do you think New England stays competitive each year? They have Tom Brady and Willie McGinist and that's about it for the high priced guys.

I am glad that Ozzie Newsome is the type of personality that he is. He is going to approach this situation very logically, very methodically, as it pertains to the future welfare and financial stability of this team. That's why the draft is so important. You draft well, develop players, keep a few which you build a team around, and the rest, you let go. Then you begin the cycle again. Sad, but true. There are choices to be made. A classic example of this was Priest Holmes, Casey Robach, Ed Hartwell, etc.

At the same time, I don't begrudge A.D. He knows this better than anybody and this is his one and only chance to reach the top of the mountain financially. The problem with the franchise tag is that he could get hurt next year or have some nagging injury and then his market value would really sink.
The Ravens have too much class to stand in anybody's way.

I like A.D., too. However, I am a realist and know all teams go through this cycle.

[PurpleRulz]

Losing AD brings me no more joy than the next fan, but as stated already, reality is reality. AD should and will do what is best for AD and his family and go make his money. I wish him the best. Our defense will miss him, but our defense will still be dominant and who knows what the NEXT MAN UP will do.

1. Before AD became AD he was just a special teams ace. For all we know, Mike Smith, Jarrett Johnson, hell even Gary Stills could be the NEXT BIG THING. There always seem to be one sitting on our bench (i.e. Bart Scott). Also, who knows what the draft will bring. Our organization can seem to find a super gem in the craziest places. This is why, while I'll miss AD, I am not worried about our defense. Watch, there is someone on the bench and/or from the draft that will be the NEXT BIG THING. They may not be as uniqiue as AD (or they may be), but they will impact this defense in their own way.

2. Another thing is I would rather us put some focus on offense this offseason. You don't need as great a defense as ours (althought it is still great without AD) to win the SB, but you need alot more offense than we have to win the SB. (Hypo) If Ozzie called you and said make a choice: 7-8M in cap space on AD or Michael Turner, who would you take? My choice would be Michael Turner everyday of the week.

[52decleetzu]

I totally agree with this post. It really hurts when you lose a good player, but the NFL is designed with parity, and no team can have 40 super star players. You have to pick and choose 3-5 high priced ones and the rest, you hope, are above average, no-name guys. How do you think New England stays competitive each year? They have Tom Brady and Willie McGinist and that's about it for the high priced guys.

I am glad that Ozzie Newsome is the type of personality that he is. He is going to approach this situation very logically, very methodically, as it pertains to the future welfare and financial stability of this team. That's why the draft is so important. You draft well, develop players, keep a few which you build a team around, and the rest, you let go. Then you begin the cycle again. Sad, but true. There are choices to be made. A classic example of this was Priest Holmes, Casey Robach, Ed Hartwell, etc.

At the same time, I don't begrudge A.D. He knows this better than anybody and this is his one and only chance to reach the top of the mountain financially. The problem with the franchise tag is that he could get hurt next year or have some nagging injury and then his market value would really sink.
The Ravens have too much class to stand in anybody's way.

I like A.D., too. However, I am a realist and know all teams go through this cycle.


Wrong.Teams that dont know how to manage the cap go through this cycle.Everyone thinks that since we blew the team up in 02 that it somehow is just a given that every 4-5 years or so that we have to do so.We are not the Redskins,and we arent pressed every year to cut players and restructure contracts just to sign draft picks,much less one FA.

Aaron is on the radio right now,and just stated the Ravens are willing to give AD a 10-12 million bonus,and that AD isnt going for it.He then said AGAIN,that AD will be franchised.


I have a question for those who say "the numbers just dont add up,we dont have the money"

I want you to lay out the 53 man roster for 07',including all players we have drafted,their signing bonuses and cap numbers as well.I also would like you to look into your crystal ball and tell me who the Ravens are planning on releasing and how much money it is going to save us,and conversely which FA we are going to retain,their contract structure and cap numbers as well.

The point is unless you have the answers to all these questions,(which you dont) you have no basis in which to make these claims that "we dont have the money".There all probably only a handful of people who know the answers to these question,and Im pretty sure you arent one of them.

[RavensNTerps]

Losing AD brings me no more joy than the next fan, but as stated already, reality is reality. AD should and will do what is best for AD and his family and go make his money. I wish him the best. Our defense will miss him, but our defense will still be dominant and who knows what the NEXT MAN UP will do.

1. Before AD became AD he was just a special teams ace. For all we know, Mike Smith, Jarrett Johnson, hell even Gary Stills could be the NEXT BIG THING. There always seem to be one sitting on our bench (i.e. Bart Scott). Also, who knows what the draft will bring. Our organization can seem to find a super gem in the craziest places. This is why, while I'll miss AD, I am not worried about our defense. Watch, there is someone on the bench and/or from the draft that will be the NEXT BIG THING. They may not be as uniqiue as AD (or they may be), but they will impact this defense in their own way.

2. Another thing is I would rather us put some focus on offense this offseason. You don't need as great a defense as ours (althought it is still great without AD) to win the SB, but you need alot more offense than we have to win the SB. (Hypo) If Ozzie called you and said make a choice: 7-8M in cap space on AD or Michael Turner, who would you take? My choice would be Michael Turner everyday of the week.


Before AD became AD he was who cares?? Before Terrell Owens became TO he was some 4th round pick from bumbleton Tennessee who was at best 3rd on the depth chart behind Rice and JJ friggin Stokes.

Before Michael Strahan was Michael Strahan he was almost out of a job (until he switched sides on the DL).

I dont' care what AD did before he was a tremendous player. What he does NOW is unparrelleled in the NFL. The closest you can come is Julian Peterson.

AD will be back next season, bank on it. Whether it be by tag or other.

[purplepoe]

Before AD became AD he was who cares?? Before Terrell Owens became TO he was some 4th round pick from bumbleton Tennessee who was at best 3rd on the depth chart behind Rice and JJ friggin Stokes.

Before Michael Strahan was Michael Strahan he was almost out of a job (until he switched sides on the DL).

I dont' care what AD did before he was a tremendous player. What he does NOW is unparrelleled in the NFL. The closest you can come is Julian Peterson.

AD will be back next season, bank on it. Whether it be by tag or other.

I think there should be some kind of friendly wager on this.

Keep the offseason interesting.

PP

[PurpleRulz]

Before AD became AD he was who cares?? Before Terrell Owens became TO he was some 4th round pick from bumbleton Tennessee who was at best 3rd on the depth chart behind Rice and JJ friggin Stokes.

Before Michael Strahan was Michael Strahan he was almost out of a job (until he switched sides on the DL).

I dont' care what AD did before he was a tremendous player. What he does NOW is unparrelleled in the NFL. The closest you can come is Julian Peterson.

AD will be back next season, bank on it. Whether it be by tag or other.


Okay, the point went right over your head. First, there is no such word as "unparrelleled." Also, some argue that AD is a product of our great defensive system. Losing AD will hurt a little, but there is someone sitting on the bench waiting to step in and take his spot. That person may not have his impact (or maybe they will), but just as we developed AD's talent, we will develop another talent to step in and bring his unique talent to our defensive system.

You are just so in bed with AD that you are being shortsighted to any other possibilities.

[PurpleRulz]

I think there should be some kind of friendly wager on this.

Keep the offseason interesting.

PP

Hey, if by some small miracle AD returns, that will be fine.

I will say that if keeping AD comes at the expense of improving the running game and the OL, it will be a piss poor move. Again, if the choice is between (1) keeping AD and (2) improving the running back position and adding depth to the OL, then I will take choice 2.

[dbcw]

I think Mike Nolan and the 49ers will make a big push for AD.