Ravens signing Donte Stallworth

[Flipping Birdie]

http://twitter.com/SI_PeterKing/status/9240994465

[BArellano]

I don't necessarily hate this, but I hope it's not used as an excuse to not make bigger and better moves that seriously upgrade the position. :eyes:

[deuce]

per Adam Schefter Twitter:


WR Donte Stallworth will sign a one-year, $900,000 deal with the Ravens, with another $300,000 to be made in incentives.

[4G63]

He can't be any worse than Mark Clayton IMO, especially at that cost.

[James R(aven)]

Interesting move, he better dust that rust off in the off season!

[Sua Sponte]

This is not a bad move at all for the price.
Right player right price. At that price it really doesn't effect the cap much and is probably not the only move the FO will make at that position. That is probably D-Will's replacement. I can see Stallworth and Washington battling for the 3 if Mason resigns and we trade for a true 1 or Mason resigns and we draft a potential #1 that will play the #2 the first year

[Tspot-D-Ravenator]

I still want Brandon Marshall here:D

Imagine Mason, Marshall, Stallworth all lined up with Rice and Heap!

[sdeclue]

Can't say that I'm thrilled with this move, but I'm fine with it so long as the organization isn't looking at this as a fix at the wide receiver position. This needs to be looked at as a low-risk, potential high reward where anything he gives us is a bonus and unexpected.

http://www.examiner.com/x-1089-Baltimore-Sports-Examiner~y2010m2d17-Ravens-sign-Stallworth

[HoustonRaven]

This pretty much means Clayton will be fighting for his job and I, for one, will be pulling for Stallworth.

Of all the troubled athletes, Stallworth was the exception to the rule. He was remorseful from day one, cooperated fully with every investigation and court order and now has a legit second shot at the NFL.

Hope he works out!

[HoustonRaven]

That is probably D-Will's replacement. I can see Stallworth and Washington battling for the 3 if Mason resigns and we trade for a true 1 or Mason resigns and we draft a potential #1 that will play the #2 the first year

Disagree.

If anyone is going to be fighting for a job it's Clayton.

[Carey]

Not a horrible move for the price. He still has a long way to go to make the team but could be a deep threat. As long as 2 WR's this offseason im fine with that. Mason, Demaryius Thomas, Carlton Mitchell, Donte Stallworth, Justin Harper or Marcus Smith.....not bad at all

[Carey]

This pretty much means Clayton will be fighting for his job and I, for one, will be pulling for Stallworth.

Of all the troubled athletes, Stallworth was the exception to the rule. He was remorseful from day one, cooperated fully with every investigation and court order and now has a legit second shot at the NFL.

Hope he works out!

Your absolutely right, this looks like a set up to part ways with Clayton.

[TL24x7]

THE OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE FROM THE TEAM:

RAVENS SIGN STALLWORTH

The Baltimore Ravens signed veteran WR Donte’ Stallworth to a one-year contract Wednesday morning, executive vice president and general manager Ozzie Newsome announced.

The Cleveland Browns recently released Stallworth after he served a season-long suspension by the NFL in 2009.

The Ravens have decided that Stallworth will not be made available to the media at this time, however, he will be available when the team’s offseason workout program begins next month.

“We want Donte’ to spend some time with our coaches and his new teammates before he meets with the media,” Newsome said.

Below are statements from Stallworth, Newsome, head coach John Harbaugh and wide receivers coach Jim Hostler:

WR Donte’ Stallworth

“There was a time I felt the mistake I made was the end of the world for me. I’ve had trouble putting it into words. So, when teams started inviting me for workouts, and the Ravens called, I was excited. It means a lot that they would be willing to take a chance with me. I have a lot of people I am thankful for, and that now includes the Ravens. I can’t let any of these people down, including my family, Commissioner [Roger] Goodell and the Ravens.


“I will never get that morning back. It weighs on me every day and will for the rest of my life. What I can do is move forward, try to be a better person, try to convince others not to do what I did and warn others about the dangers of drinking and driving. I have to show otherwise that what happened doesn’t reflect who I am. I have to prove that, and, hopefully, I’m on my way to doing that.

“I know my apology will never be strong enough for some, but I’ve made changes, and I’m trying to be a positive influence. It’s an honor and privilege to play in the NFL, and I’m so thankful for this opportunity. I will make the best of it, and some people may listen to me because I will be playing. I hope I can do some good in delivering a message that could help someone or prevent someone from doing what I did.

“I know a number of the Ravens’ coaches – Coach Harbaugh, ‘Hoss’ [Jim Hostler], Coach [Dean] Pees from my time in New England… even Coach [Cam] Cameron, who recruited me during my last free agency. They know me. They stood up for me. They’ve shown faith. I can’t let them down.

“I’ve spent the last six months working hard with a trainer in case I got an opportunity to come back. I felt I had to work extra hard since I wasn’t with a team. I’m ready to try and help the Ravens.”

Executive Vice President and General Manager Ozzie Newsome

“We’ve given a lot of thought to this, and we’ve done extensive research into Donte’ beyond football. He made a huge mistake. There’s no doubt about that. He has paid a significant price for that and, as he has said, he carries a heavy weight. As [Ravens owner] Steve [Bisciotti] said, we believe in second chances, and Donte’ does deserve that. But, we’ve signed him because we want to get better, and we think he has a chance to help us. We worked him out, and it’s obvious he is working hard to be effective. We thought it was important to sign him now, because other teams were pursuing him, and we want him in our offseason program, which starts next month.”

Head Coach John Harbaugh

“Our goal is to become a better team, and we work on that every day. Adding Donte’ gives us the opportunity to improve. I observed him and interacted with him for a year when we were both in Philadelphia. He’s the kind of person and player who can help us. It’s clear that he is determined to play, that he has been working hard and that he wants to have a positive impact off the field, too. We’re looking forward to working with him.”

Wide Receivers Coach Jim Hostler

(Hostler coached Stallworth as a rookie in 2002 for the Saints when Stallworth caught 42 passes for 594 yards and a career-high eight touchdowns.)

“Donte’ has talent and ability. That’s why he was a high first-round choice. He’s a player with the type of potential to make defenses pay attention to him. He was very productive as a rookie when he played 13 games. I know what kind of person he is, and I respect him. We all know the tragic mistake he made, but I believe he has grown from that, and we’re looking forward to seeing him grow more. His second chance can be good for the Ravens. We plan to get the best out of him, and I’m confident he will give us his best.”

Additionally, here are past statements from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Stallworth:

Roger Goodell at the Super Bowl Press Conference (Feb. 5, 2010)

“I met with [Stallworth] when I was down here in South Florida approximately a month ago for the last regular season game with the Dolphins. Donte’ and I spent about 45 minutes to an hour together. I wanted to see how he was doing, what he had been focused on during his time away from the game, and I think he’s in a better place than he was. I think he recognizes what he did and the horrific nature and the unfortunate outcome, and I think he’s prepared himself to get back in and play. So, he will be reinstated after the Super Bowl on Sunday.”

Donte’ Stallworth Statement (June 16, 2009)

"I accept full responsibility for this horrible tragedy. I will bear this burden for the rest of my life."

Stallworth Career Recap

A seven-year NFL veteran, Stallworth has played in 95 career games (59 starts), recording 296 receptions for 4,383 yards (14.8 avg.) and 32 touchdowns.

Originally selected out of Tennessee by the Saints in the first round (13th overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft, the 6-foot, 200-pounder spent four seasons with New Orleans. He then played for Philadelphia in 2006, New England in 2007 and Cleveland in 2008.

Stallworth’s most productive season came with the Saints in 2005 when he recorded career highs in catches (70) and receiving yards (945).

[RavenScallywag]

Got to think this is a low-risk, high-reward move, not the big one we need still. Think of this like the Kelley Washington move last year. I've got to hope Ozzie doesn't use this as an out to stop getting WRs.

[HoustonRaven]

I updated Wiki accordingly ....

:D

[baltimore_hokie]

Got to think this is a low-risk, high-reward move, not the big one we need still. Think of this like the Kelley Washington move last year. I've got to hope Ozzie doesn't use this as an out to stop getting WRs.

Yeah, that's my worry. I like the signing, and I hope we resign Mason. But just because we have those two for this year, we still need to get two more guys for the future. Whether this be through the draft or through trades, we need at least two young guys to build around.

[HoustonRaven]

Your absolutely right, this looks like a set up to part ways with Clayton.

I wont go that far yet, but certainly possible.

Like I said, Clayton is now going to have to work for his job in a way he never has before.

[RichmondRaven]

Great pick-up. The deal couldn't be better. He has to prove to everyone in the NFL what he is worth and for the first time we actually have someone that has legit speed and can catch. Now all we need to do (like I am not asking for a miracle) is get Marshall and some depth.

[baltimore_hokie]

Great pick-up. The deal couldn't be better. He has to prove to everyone in the NFL what he is worth and for the first time we actually have someone that has legit speed and can catch. Now all we need to do (like I am not asking for a miracle) is get Marshall and some depth.

Being out of football for a whole year can't be overlooked. We can't really expect much out of him this season, so any production we get will be gravy.

[trailhiker85]

Disagree.

If anyone is going to be fighting for a job it's Clayton.


Clayton may be fighting for a job, but I think it's more likely he returns than D-Will. So you have Mason (if he doesn't retire), Clayton, Stallworth, Washington, maybe one of the PS guys, and at least one 2010 draft choice vying for the roster. Personally, I'd like to see another FA move/trade but it may be a case of staying within what can realistically be done.

Stallworth is obviously a project. He may work out well and give us depth. On the other hand, he could be a bust from Day 1 of training camp. In either case, he is clearly not the answer to our front line WR need.

[BArellano]

Does this signing effect our ability to sign other FAs based on the 'Final 8' rules?

[HoustonRaven]

Clayton may be fighting for a job, but I think it's more likely he returns than D-Will

IMO, DWill is gone and does not even factor in this. Thus leaving Clayton to duke it out with Donte.

[RavenScallywag]

Does this signing effect our ability to sign other FAs based on the 'Final 8' rules?

I don't think so, because he was cut, not a UFA. So I believe the Final 8 rules only apply to trades and signingUFA/letting go of UFA through natural loss...If we cut someone, we can't count their salary for signing a UFA from another team. Likewise, if we sign a cut player, it doesn't take down our amount to spend when we do lose a UFA.

[Dave Lap]

This looks like a good move to me at the price. Stallworth has good hands, size, experience and speed.

I think he'll be able to knock the rust off fast enough to get back his game for next season. I also think he'll do better than Kelly Washington ( who had a decent year) did for us last year.

[Raveninwoodlawn]

I don't think so, because he was cut, not a UFA. So I believe the Final 8 rules only apply to trades and signingUFA/letting go of UFA through natural loss...If we cut someone, we can't count their salary for signing a UFA from another team. Likewise, if we sign a cut player, it doesn't take down our amount to spend when we do lose a UFA.

That is true.

Also, we can sign as many UFA's as we want that don't have a first year salary of more than $3.3 million...which this transaction would be if Stallworth was a UFA and not a street FA.

As for the signing...I'm pretty "meh" about it. I mean I guess it can be a solid signing as the guy has solid wheels, but I wouldn't be counting on him being more than a #3 ideally on a good team. I pray that this team does not think this means thier work is done in the quest of finding a #1 WR...and no, resigning Mason is that solution either.

[Carey]

I look at this as a camp signing, almost like with the Jeff Webb signing but obviously this guy is more talented. They are trying to create competition. Im not a huge fan of Stallworth but we know one thing...he can get deep....obviously he's been out a year but he has plenty of time to get in shape. This in no way shape or form change our strategy going forward, low risk high reward, if he makes it as the 4th WR, deep threat then i'd be happy with it

[Losac]

Wasn't Stallworth a bit injury prone all throughout his career?

[HoustonRaven]

Wasn't Stallworth a bit injury prone all throughout his career?

Yep. Hammy has gotten to him a few times.

[Gabrosin]

This move just made too much sense not to happen. We need a deep threat and we're willing to take a chance on a low-priced option. Stallworth needs a team willing to take a chance on him. He's got a lot of experience and a sizable amount of talent. Hopefully he'll be able to avoid injury and applies himself hard to our offseason program. And hopefully we continue to pursue another top receiver through a trade or the draft.

[Rxdoxx]

Interesting. See it as a good move, low risk high reward possible.
If nothing else, it takes us off another team seeing us over a barrel when we talk trades, so we are in a stronger negotiating stance.
This also lowers NEED as we enter the draft, a hole is plugged, maybe not great, but so typical of our FO to keep as many options open as they possibly can, so they are free to maneuver for opportunities that arise.
Sure I'd like to see us get at least another WR, but that urgency is now down to level with other positions, DE, TE..... we are back to BrPA

There is also a name I haven't seen mentioned here in a while that I still have hopes for.
A speedy WR 6'3" 205 who we have on the PS, Eron Riley.
I hear others mentioning Harper and Smith, but I am very curious as to what the year of PS has done for Eron and us. I really think Dwill is going to be history, Eron has got to be at least equal and possibly better now, so put him into the mix also. That is 3 current wild card eggs in the basket to watch and hope one emerges.

[RavenScallywag]

Look, we'll give Eron a chance during camp, but the kid has done nothing other than has good size and had some highlight reel catches at Duke.

Maybe he turns into a nice underestimate at WR, but the chances are more likely that he's just on the same level as Harper.

[FHRaven]

It's a good move only because our current crop of WRs is so poor. :grbac:

[TTRaven]

It's a decent move IMO. Stallworth could be a dangerous weapon in the slot.

[Stanley02]

First off Mark Clayton is a free agent so he may not even be on the team come training camp. Also I don't think this is such a great move, the obvious issue is his manslaughter charge, and his stats are just about the same compared to Clayton. His TD's per season a little better, but He had one good year in 2005, but Clayton did the just about the same in 2006. He is know for his speed which could help, but let's not get too excited over the signing.

Stallworth Average per season 42 catches 626 yards TD 5
Clayton Average per season 46 cathces 623 yards TD 2

[Dave Lap]

First off Mark Clayton is a free agent so he may not even be on the team come training camp. Also I don't think this is such a great move, the obvious issue is his manslaughter charge, and his stats are just about the same compared to Clayton. His TD's per season a little better, but He had one good year in 2005, but Clayton did the just about the same in 2006. He is know for his speed which could help, but let's not get too excited over the signing.

Stallworth Average per season 42 catches 626 yards TD 5
Clayton Average per season 46 cathces 623 yards TD 2

Let's also not forget about lies, damn lies, and statistics.

[Dave Lap]

Interesting. See it as a good move, low risk high reward possible.
If nothing else, it takes us off another team seeing us over a barrel when we talk trades, so we are in a stronger negotiating stance.
This also lowers NEED as we enter the draft, a hole is plugged, maybe not great, but so typical of our FO to keep as many options open as they possibly can, so they are free to maneuver for opportunities that arise.
Sure I'd like to see us get at least another WR, but that urgency is now down to level with other positions, DE, TE..... we are back to BrPA

There is also a name I haven't seen mentioned here in a while that I still have hopes for.
A speedy WR 6'3" 205 who we have on the PS, Eron Riley.
I hear others mentioning Harper and Smith, but I am very curious as to what the year of PS has done for Eron and us. I really think Dwill is going to be history, Eron has got to be at least equal and possibly better now, so put him into the mix also. That is 3 current wild card eggs in the basket to watch and hope one emerges.

I have hopes for Riley too. He made a few really nice catches in camp and preseason. I liked what I saw of the kid.

[HoustonRaven]

Stallworth Average per season 42 catches 626 yards TD 5
Clayton Average per season 46 cathces 623 yards TD 2

Those stats are an indictment of Clayton more then one for Stallworth.

[Mwjergs]

Classic low risk move.

He should be motivated and Harbaugh is familiar with him from his time in Philly.

Competition is always a good thing.

[NCRAVEN]

Those stats are an indictment of Clayton more then one for Stallworth.

Not sure I see how. Could you explain a little please?

[808 Raven]

I like it. Low risk, high reward. Seems like he has shown genuine remorse and hopefully he really is thankful to get signed and will work his arse off to show everybody the Ravens were right to take a chance on him. Still hoping the Ravens draft Thomas plus another WR in rounds 3 or 4.

[HoustonRaven]

Not sure I see how. Could you explain a little please?

Stallworth averages take into account his off year last year for his suspension as well as his on again, off again hammy injury.

So by those numbers, Clayton as of today, only averages slightly worse than a guy who was away from the game a year and has an oft injured hamstring.

Hardly worth the 1st round money he is getting paid.

Stallworth has the upside of being given a second chance, slightly larger frame, better hands and, most importantly, cheap.

[Beerracuda]

I have to echo what others have already said: This is a good cheap signing, with no real downside. Also, as others have said, as long as we continue to pursue further at this position, I think this will turn out to be a good deal.

Who knows? With Stallworth getting a second chance, maybe that will motivate him to become a very good player. If that's the case, this is a steal.

[B-more Ravor]

I have to echo what others have already said: This is a good cheap signing, with no real downside. Also, as others have said, as long as we continue to pursue further at this position, I think this will turn out to be a good deal.



Agreed. Seems like a low risk, potentially medium- to high-reward scenario, as long as this is - as I believe it to be - just a piece of the puzzle and not meant to be the answer.

[RavensDomination]

I have to echo what others have already said: This is a good cheap signing, with no real downside. Also, as others have said, as long as we continue to pursue further at this position, I think this will turn out to be a good deal.

I agree. It's not a bad move so long as we look for more help via the draft or free agency. I hope it doesn't turn into a Frank Sanders/Marcus Robinson offseason though.

[The Fanatic]

I got no problem with this signing at all as long as he isn't viewed by the front office as the upgrade we need.

Very low risk/potential high reward.

We're talking about a team here that has virtually nobody under contract at the wide receiver position.

To be able to grab a guy with solid experience at a bargain price to fill a roster spot desperately needed to be filled is a good thing.
The guy is also a pretty good Y.A.C. receiver which we desperately have needed forever.

Demetrius Williams is definitely not going to be back.
I'm certainly no insider with legit info., but I'd be shocked to see him brought back after what we witnessed this past year regarding him.

I'm not gonna call Clayton a bust, but certainly didn't give us what was needed and expected when he was drafted.

You can throw out the stuff about him having to play with Boller and a rookie QB diminshing his ability to produce, but Mason played with the same guys and was able to produce.

Don't know if it's fact or fiction, but they said on the radio toiday that Mike Duffy from the Ravens has said that Kelly Washington would prefer to go elsewhere for a fresh start.
Only posting what was said, but if that's the case, somebody needed to be brought in due to our current situation which could potentially get worse if Mason decides to hang up the cleats.

I'm not worried about any potential rust at all.
I think any of that will easily be shedded off in off season workouts, training camp and pre-season.
He is being brought in here at the perfect time.

If I have any concerns it would be the hamstring deal that HR mentioned.
We've seen enough of that already out of Clayton.
Dude is of no good to us if he can't get on the field due to that.

If he's alright in that regard, then this was a no brainer in my opinion.

It''s a nice little start to the off season.

[RavensDomination]

You can throw out the stuff about him having to play with Boller and a rookie QB diminshing his ability to produce, but Mason played with the same guys and was able to produce.

Clayton produced when McNair was here. But overall I agree, he hasn't been what we expected.

Anyone read the comments at PFT about this? It's like middle school. The Ray Lewis thing was TEN YEARS ago you would think it happened yesterday. Oh and of course the fact that he didn't murder anyone, but Browns fans have no come backs or anything for years of being pathetic so they have to keep harping on a decade old obstruction of justice conviction.

[Rxdoxx]

The ironic humor I find in all of this is that after all the grabbing the Clowns did for our players and personell across the years, we now take in their latest cast-off.
Definitely a reversal of the way things would happen.
Maybe we get to see Cleveland howl bloody murder if/when Donte puts up probowl numbers :rolling:

[jonboy79]

I hope this move means our back of the roster at the WR position looks something like
Clayton
Stallworth
Washington

with two legitimate starters. Actually, with two legitimate starters I'm ok with Washington Stallworth and Clayton fighting for two spots and throwing a guy liek Marcus Smith or a similar ST and potentially useable WR. Kellye Washington is about as good as it gets in "that" role, but might be out of reach after a move like this. It's hard to pay your 5th WR $2m.

Adding Boldin while retaining Mason would make this all look great. But I'm nto sure how fat the team will go after a move like this.

Dwil is a goner, I doubt he gets tendered. I'd be VERY surprised if Clayton was not in TC.

[Jeremiah W]

The ironic humor I find in all of this is that after all the grabbing the Clowns did for our players and personell across the years, we now take in their latest cast-off.
Definitely a reversal of the way things would happen.
Maybe we get to see Cleveland howl bloody murder if/when Donte puts up probowl numbers :rolling:

That is almost exactly what I was thinking.

Peter King said Stallworth was running 4.3s in the workouts. He did have some serious highlights but has been about as consistant as Clayton. This is almost a no risk move that would be so sweet if he starts to play like he is capable.

I think he will have his best effort and focus, not having much extra money and no ability to drive or get drunk, maybe he puts some of his spare time into film study and running extra routes and maxing out his talent which is probowl potential. If Mason can do it, why not him with Flacco, the O line and RBs improved?

[RavensFan02]

I feel that getting Stallwoth for 900K was a steal. He will be working hard this season to prove himself and to get a bigger contract. We still need a big time WR and CB to fill the holes.

Check out my Ravens blog I just started.

www.baltimoreravens-schuler.blogspot.com

[baltimore_hokie]

So the front office proved they are willing to take a risk, soooooo now do it again with BRANDON MARSHALL!!

[Dragz]

I feel that getting Stallwoth for 900K was a steal. He will be working hard this season to prove himself and to get a bigger contract. We still need a big time WR and CB to fill the holes.


I agree WHOLE HEARTEDLY! I think that if he produces, the Ravens will lock him up for 3 more years at the end of the season. By the way, to any and all of you who believe that we're going WR in the first round: uh uh. Its gonna be a D-lineman. I don't know who but they're building both sides of the ball from the lines, on out. Watch and see.

[Tspot-D-Ravenator]

So the front office proved they are willing to take a risk, soooooo now do it again with BRANDON MARSHALL!!

:iagree::ww:

[NC Raven]

There is no upside here. The guy's a retread coming off a lost season. He's a clone of what we already have in Clayton. I don't see where he fits, unless they dump Clayton, which makes no sense, since Clayton at least has the virtue of knowing the plays, the defenses in the division, and has had two years of practice with Flacco. With Stallworth, we have the same guy, but without any of those features. And the year out of football. And all the negative publicity. Ugh.

Somebody above had it right: this is Frank Sanders / Marcus Robinson all over again. Don't bet on seeing a quality WR from the draft. This signing basically cements it -- as if we didn't know already -- that this front office couldn't find a quality WR if their lives depended on it.

All this signing does is eat up money that they won't now want to spend elsewhere, and suck up a roster slot. Bad, bad move. Terrible move.

[purplepoe]

There is no upside here. The guy's a retread coming off a lost season. He's a clone of what we already have in Clayton. I don't see where he fits, unless they dump Clayton, which makes no sense, since Clayton at least has the virtue of knowing the plays, the defenses in the division, and has had two years of practice with Flacco. With Stallworth, we have the same guy, but without any of those features. And the year out of football. And all the negative publicity. Ugh.

Somebody above had it right: this is Frank Sanders / Marcus Robinson all over again. Don't bet on seeing a quality WR from the draft. This signing basically cements it -- as if we didn't know already -- that this front office couldn't find a quality WR if their lives depended on it.

All this signing does is eat up money that they won't now want to spend elsewhere, and suck up a roster slot. Bad, bad move. Terrible move.

I think many people are forgetting that the Ravens need some WRs under contract and right now they don't have much.

Mason and Washington will be UFAs while Clayton and Williams will be RFAs with all signs pointing to a parting of ways with Williams.

The money is basically a non issue. 900 K with 300 K in incentives?

If this is their answer to the WR issue then we can revisit this down the road when the roster is set. But I don't believe that Stallworth will be the only veteran WR this team brings in nor do I think he will be the best.

But to me this is a move to get a guy that has some talent and who is about as cheap as you can get.

How can it be terrible? If he doesn't pan out it's a cheap one year deal. If he does they get a lot of bang for their buck.

And to equate this signing into a blanket statement that the team cannot find a WR is a bit drastic don't you think?

I gotta say that I have the exact opposite opinion in that I don't see much downside.

PP

[RavenScallywag]

Not sure I see how. Could you explain a little please?

Comparing him to Clayton only proves that Clayton has sucked for us and Stallworth COULD be an upgrade or at least someone to push Clayton, provided he can shake off the rust of not playing football for a year.

Clayton's numbers for us have been pretty bad even for a #2 WR. And with his 1st round draft status, he should've been an above average #2 guy or a somewhat okay #1 guy.

[Carey]

I hope this move means our back of the roster at the WR position looks something like
Clayton
Stallworth
Washington

with two legitimate starters. Actually, with two legitimate starters I'm ok with Washington Stallworth and Clayton fighting for two spots and throwing a guy liek Marcus Smith or a similar ST and potentially useable WR. Kellye Washington is about as good as it gets in "that" role, but might be out of reach after a move like this. It's hard to pay your 5th WR $2m.

Adding Boldin while retaining Mason would make this all look great. But I'm nto sure how fat the team will go after a move like this.

Dwil is a goner, I doubt he gets tendered. I'd be VERY surprised if Clayton was not in TC.

I agree with all of this....maybe those two legitimate starters are Mason and Demaryius Thomas....I'd like to replace Clayton with another rookie WR somewhere in the 3rd round but i agree Clayton is gonna be in camp

[jonboy79]

I agree with all of this....maybe those two legitimate starters are Mason and Demaryius Thomas....I'd like to replace Clayton with another rookie WR somewhere in the 3rd round but i agree Clayton is gonna be in camp

I'd be happy with thomas in the 2nd, and since we'd have a couple to three legitimate options available, Bay Bay could even be given a bit of time to heal and learn the offense.

It may feel a little too similar at the beginning of the year with Stallworth feelign the game out, if he and Bay Bay both came on later in the year it could be scary.

[jonboy79]

There is no upside here. The guy's a retread coming off a lost season. He's a clone of what we already have in Clayton. I don't see where he fits, unless they dump Clayton, which makes no sense, since Clayton at least has the virtue of knowing the plays, the defenses in the division, and has had two years of practice with Flacco. With Stallworth, we have the same guy, but without any of those features. And the year out of football. And all the negative publicity. Ugh.

Somebody above had it right: this is Frank Sanders / Marcus Robinson all over again. Don't bet on seeing a quality WR from the draft. This signing basically cements it -- as if we didn't know already -- that this front office couldn't find a quality WR if their lives depended on it.

All this signing does is eat up money that they won't now want to spend elsewhere, and suck up a roster slot. Bad, bad move. Terrible move.

I don;t get your point at all.
If he doesn't make the team he costs nothing, so there is no downside.
There is only upside. Any upgrade over DWil is a plus, he has essentially replaced him at the moment.
He is nothing lick Clayton. They have reasonably similar stats, but Clayton is a small possession receiver and Donte is a big deep threat.

[baltimore_hokie]

He is nothing li(ke) Clayton. .

That's all I ever ask for in a WR. That's what I ask for for Christmas. It's what I ask God for at night before I go to bed. ANY WR that is not like Mark Clayton i.e. good.

[trailhiker85]

I think he will have his best effort and focus, not having much extra money and no ability to drive or get drunk,

I guess in the world of the NFL, $900k isn't considered to allow a guy "much extra money". But if a guy has character/alcohol issues, the amount of his salary won't alter his behavior. $900k is more than I've made in my lifetime, but if I so chose I could afford to get drunk and drive on a weekly basis.

Assuming Stallworth is physically healthy, it all comes down to how much he wants to be successful for the Ravens. We won't know for a while, of course, but as many others are saying: it's a low-risk, high-reward move for the club.

[ExiledRaven]

1) Low risk high reward. 900k isn't anything to complain about.
2) Charges and holier than tho character analysis aside, it's very clear Donte has learned from his experience.
3) His numbers are comparable to Clayton - not sure if that's good or bad.
4) He's not even close to the same type of WR as Clayton and Mason. Stallworth gets downfield in a hurry. In short, he's exactly what the Ravens are looking for opposite Mason/Clayton in the passing game - a player that gets downfield and opens up the 5-15 yard routes.

I really don't see any downside here outside having to deal with more heckling from Steelers fans. Not that it bothers me that much.

[StingerNLG]

I don't yet know if I like this signing. I'll be ok if this isn't the "top guy" we were looking for.

Putting aside anything else, he's been out of the league for an entire year. We don't know what shape he'll be in at camp, and what he currently is going to produce for us on the field.

If we're still looking at that true #1 receiver, and Stallworth's going to complement that guy, then I'm fine.

[trailhiker85]

In short, he's exactly what the Ravens are looking for opposite Mason/Clayton in the passing game - a player that gets downfield and opens up the 5-15 yard routes.



If you're saying that Stallworth is the answer to our No. 1 WR need, I disagree. I see this as a cost effective move that could pay dividends and give us quality WR depth, but by no means do I consider him "THE ANSWER". He'll have something to prove come training camp. Can he do so and help us? Sure. Can we count on it, especially given his year off? Let's not celebrate just yet. We need at least one more quality WR acquisition, either through draft, trade, or FA.

[HoustonRaven]

For you folks who use twitter, his name is @D_Stallworth18

[Mista T]

If you're saying that Stallworth is the answer to our No. 1 WR need, I disagree. I see this as a cost effective move that could pay dividends and give us quality WR depth, but by no means do I consider him "THE ANSWER".

No offense, but those of you hoping for "the answer" are smoking dope. The Ravens came to Baltimore with a quality duo of WRs: Alexander and Jackson. Since then -- going on 15 seasons -- how many WRs have been acquired since the Ravens arrived who could be called "the Answer"? Exactly zero.

Justin Armour
Patrick Johnson
Q
Frank Sanders
Clarence Moore
Devard Darling
etc.
etc.
etc.

[RavensDomination]

I don't yet know if I like this signing. I'll be ok if this isn't the "top guy" we were looking for.

Putting aside anything else, he's been out of the league for an entire year. We don't know what shape he'll be in at camp

Peter King said he was in great shape and ran in the 4.3's...I doubt the Ravens would have picked him up if there were concerns about what kind of shape he is in.

[RavensDomination]

No offense, but those of you hoping for "the answer" are smoking dope. The Ravens came to Baltimore with a quality duo of WRs: Alexander and Jackson. Since then -- going on 15 seasons -- how many WRs have been acquired since the Ravens arrived who could be called "the Answer"? Exactly zero.

Justin Armour
Patrick Johnson
Q
Frank Sanders
Clarence Moore
Devard Darling
etc.
etc.
etc.

Derrick Mason has been a great free agent pick up, one of Ozzie's best. Look at his production since he has been here. If McNair didn't shit the bed against the Colts in the playoffs we are probably talking about another Lombardi with Mason as our #1 WR.

[StingerNLG]

Peter King said he was in great shape and ran in the 4.3's...I doubt the Ravens would have picked him up if there were concerns about what kind of shape he is in.

That's not the same as football shape. He's been out of the game for an entire year.

[RavensDomination]

That's not the same as football shape. He's been out of the game for an entire year.

Fair enough, but keep in mind it's February. He has plenty of time to work on condition over the next several months at OTA's and training camp.

[Ravenswarrior19]

Concerning the shape that Stallworth is in, here's a little something from Peter King.


Factoid of the Week That May Interest Only Me

The Baltimore Ravens have a soft real-and-fake grass mix at their training facility in Owings Mills, Md., called SportGrass. No player likes to be timed on SportGrass, preferring the faster track of a tartan track or artificial turf. But the Ravens have used the surface to time players for the 40-yard dash for several years, and it usually results in a time about two-tenths of a second slower than the time a player would run on a track or pure artificial turf.

When 29-year-old Donte' Stallworth worked out for the team early last week, he stepped foot on the SportGrass and ran a 4.40-second 40. It's the fastest time recorded on the turf by the club.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/peter_king/02/21/observations/2.html

By all accounts, the Ravens were blown away by Stallworth's workout. That's why we worked out a contract instantly rather than allowing him to continue his workout tour.