Steelers Trade Holmes

[effo5231]

Jets gave up a 5th! (http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/36406115/ns/sports-player_news/)

Wow... what a low price for a guy of Holmes' talent. That guy kills us everytime... Nice to not have to worry about him twice a year.

[Gabrosin]

Amazing news. While all the Steelers fans will spin this as getting rid of a headcase who was tarnishing the Steelers' good name, the reality is that the Steelers lose one of their most valuable offensive weapons, and have very little chance to recoup that value with the fifth-rounder they got in return. Mike Wallace and Limas Sweed might both be able to step up to fill the void, but this is a net loss for Pittsburgh. And given this development, it seems unlikely that they'd pursue Dez Bryant as a replacement; it still looks like an offensive lineman is their most likely choice in the first round.

This offseason just gets better and better for the Ravens. Expect the fallout from this to be discussed all week and beyond.

[Neelson88]

we get anquan and they lose holmes... YESSSSSSS!

[Lee Van Cleef]

I wonder if this reflects on either:

A) Mike Wallace's ability.
B) Potential for the Steelers to go after a Bryant or Thomas in the draft.

Cause it sure as hell doesn't reflect on Randle-El.

[RavenScallywag]

I think Wallace has the potential to be a great WR. He came on pretty big at the end of the season. I'm glad Holmes is gone, but we need to start worrying about Wallace now. Wallace is a capable replacement for Holmes. Also consider that there's a good chance they go WR in Rounds 1 or 2 to draft an eventual replacement for Hines Ward. To back that up, they had private meetings with Golden Tate, Arrelious Benn, and one other WR, maybe Dez Bryant?

[purplepoe]

I saw this pop up on the late SportCenter last night and thought it might be a late April Fool's joke.

A 5th round pick?

Wow.

The Jets, assuming Sanchez will improve, have the potential to be an extremely good football team.

Of course, they also could crash and burn in epic style.

PP

[Stealthbirds80]

I think Wallace has the potential to be a great WR. He came on pretty big at the end of the season. I'm glad Holmes is gone, but we need to start worrying about Wallace now. Wallace is a capable replacement for Holmes. Also consider that there's a good chance they go WR in Rounds 1 or 2 to draft an eventual replacement for Hines Ward. To back that up, they had private meetings with Golden Tate, Arrelious Benn, and one other WR, maybe Dez Bryant?

If your statements on the private meetings are true then I think they may be after the Wr that wasnt listed in D Thomas. I think the Ravens do the samething by drafting players they didn't meet with. Either way a 5th rounder is a steal and by him staying in the conference could come back to bite those guys possibly in the playoffs. Holmes or not he was a thorn in our side like Plaxico used to be.

[AirFlacco]

The Rooney's don't mess around but let's see what they do with
Jen.

[Sephy]

For now, the Steelers are a much worse football team. And the Jets are a lot better. Full credit to the Rooney's - if they see a problem child that might get in trouble again, they won't hesitate to dump them, no matter what the impact.

Holmes killed us, so you gotta like a Ravens/Bengals dogfight for the AFCN this year at this point. Another year on Hines Ward, and Mike Wallace as more than the 3rd WR will be a test. He didn't really have to do much but run uncovered deep routes up until now. It will be an interesting draft, and year in the AFC for sure.

[TL24x7]

For anyone interested, I blogged about this early this morning HERE (http://ravens24x7.blogspot.com/2010/04/steelers-make-holmes-fall-guy-for.html)

[CoverD]

There's a rumor going around that Leon Washington may be part of the deal once he signs his tender.

[HoustonRaven]

I am in the camp that Holmes tested positive under the substance abuse policy.

First, they go out and make the curious move of re-aquiring Randle El from the Skins. Now, they trade Holmes away weeks after he Tweets about doing a "wake and bake". Lastly, they give him up for a 5th round pick?!?!?!

There is something more going than the drink throwing stuff. IMO, he popped hot on a piss test and they had every intention on moving him post haste.


Full credit to the Rooney's - if they see a problem child that might get in trouble again, they won't hesitate to dump them, no matter what the impact

Unless your last name is Roethlisberger.

[NC Raven]

Interesting angle about Holmes being a "sacrificial lamb" or a setup for the Steelers to cop out on Roethlisberger.

I wonder if Holmes has any friends on the team? If so, I wonder how they'll react to what will be a clear and unmistakable double standard.

That's going to create a huge credibility problem for the organization, and that may run even deeper than the perception of racial bias - a perception that has probably surfaced already and if not, it's only a matter of time.

[NC Raven]

I am in the camp that Holmes tested positive under the substance abuse policy.



Peter King pretty much came out and said as much in his column. Well, he said that PFT said it. I haven't looked at PFT yet, but I'll take his word for it.

[Dave Lap]

The Jets don't seem to shy away from the guys considered character risks. Wondering what effect that could have in future.

[Everything_Ravens]

just another reason why staying ahead of the bingals could land us inside the 1st-4th playoff seed

[Lee Van Cleef]

I am in the camp that Holmes tested positive under the substance abuse policy.

As someone above posted. It's been released recently that he has suspended for four games for a violation of the substance abuse policy.

From the link posted by the OP:


A steal for the Jets, a strong statement by the Steelers, and an insane weekend for Holmes. PFT reported Saturday that Holmes is headed for a four-game suspension, an item that may have led directly to the Steelers giving up on him.

[Ravenswarrior19]

It is reported that Santonio will be suspended 4 games for substance abuse violations. He also is only signed through this year (2010).

In exchange for a 5th round pick, the Jets essentially rent Santonio for 12 games. Then they will have to decide to re-sign him with a large signing bonus or let him hit the market.

While a think Mike Wallace is a good player, I'd rather cover him every week then see Holmes twice a year.

[Jeremiah W]

We may still have to deal with him in the playoffs, but I am gald he is out of the division. He made every big play it seemed against us when they really needed one.

He must be facing a 4 game suspension but even still I would think they could at least get a 3rd or a 4th.

[Raveninwoodlawn]

Holmes...more than any player on the Steelers offense kicked our ass almost every time we played them.

Good to see him out of the division...although I'm really getting annoyed that he is going to the Jets. They are going to be a handful...the defense is going to be very good...we all know that, and if Sanchez takes some more steps...he has weapons everywhere now to go with that offensive line and running game.

[czechm8]

Holmes is the sacrificial lamb the Steelers are giving in repentance for the player they won't discipline or get rid of - Big Ben. "The Franchise" will skate off free again.

[baltimore_hokie]

As a Ravens fan, you have to love this move. We still have to play Holmes this year, but only once and not against a division opponent.

[Raveninwoodlawn]

One thing that does annoy me is that the 2 young WR "studs" that have been traded for "peanuts" since last year both came out of our division...meaning that both were not real possiblities of coming here...when we had a glaring need at that very spot.

[Flipping Birdie]

As a Ravens fan, you have to love this move. We still have to play Holmes this year, but only once and not against a division opponent.

Maybe not, if we're scheduled to play the Jets in the first 4 weeks. I'm guessing the Ravens/Jets (Ryan/Ravens) game this year will be treated as a marquee event. I'm not sure if that'll help or hurt our chances of facing them in the first month.

[TL24x7]

More info...

I've been told by a respected member of the media close to the Steelers that Roethlisberger still could be suspended by Roger Goodell even if the D.A. in Georgia doesn't announce charges today.

Couple that with Holmes who will be suspended by the NFL for 4 games for substance abuse and the Steelers didn't want to be sitting there at the start of the season with two guys on suspension.

Holmes I'm told is a good locker room guy. But his off-the-field incidents including idiotic Twitter posts referencing marijuana, combined with other inappropriate remarks, has the Rooneys furious. So much so that Holmes would have been cut had they not made the trade.

It also sends a message that the days of tolerating such behavior are over and if Roethlisberger is out of line again, drastic measures will be taken with him as well.

[psuasskicker]

The Jets, assuming Sanchez will improve, have the potential to be an extremely good football team.

Of course, they also could crash and burn in epic style.

Barring injuries I see almost no chance of this. I think they're the run-away favorite for the division right now. Realize Sanchez is likely to improve as much as Flacco did last year, especially with better WR weapons.

The Steelers could be in serious trouble. The ridiculously low amount of compensation they get for Holmes indicates to me that there's something else we just don't know about yet. Doesn't matter if he's a FA or not after this year, getting only a 5th round pick in return for the guy is laughable.

- C -

[trailhiker85]

Say what you will about Rex Ryan and the Jets. They've clearly demonstrated their willingness -- even eagerness -- to go out and upgrade their team with big, yet controversial, names. It's almost as if the Jets are intent on becoming football's version of the Yankees. Well, I guess that approach will gain big fan favor in a place like New York ...provided they show results.

With big name talent comes increased expectations, particularly in light of last year's strong showing by the Jets. Anything less than an AFC championship this year might cause the NY fans to revolt (and some might say they're pretty darn revolting already...)

As to the Steelers, I have to agree with those who perceive Holmes as being made the sacrificial lamb in light of the Roethlisberger issue. If it's a choice between the two of them, there's no surprise that Holmes gets the hook, even for a measly 5th rounder. No doubt this trade may console some Steeler fans, but they're fooling themselves if they think it's going to be business as usual. Mike Wallace is good, without doubt, but their offense will miss Holmes. And that's good news for the Ravens.

[baltimore_hokie]

Say what you will about Rex Ryan and the Jets. They've clearly demonstrated their willingness -- even eagerness -- to go out and upgrade their team with big, yet controversial, names. It's almost as if the Jets are intent on becoming football's version of the Yankees. Well, I guess that approach will gain big fan favor in a place like New York ...provided they show results.

With big name talent comes increased expectations, particularly in light of last year's strong showing by the Jets. Anything less than an AFC championship this year might cause the NY fans to revolt (and some might say they're pretty darn revolting already...)

As to the Steelers, I have to agree with those who perceive Holmes as being made the sacrificial lamb in light of the Roethlisberger issue. If it's a choice between the two of them, there's no surprise that Holmes gets the hook, even for a measly 5th rounder. No doubt this trade may console some Steeler fans, but they're fooling themselves if they think it's going to be business as usual. Mike Wallace is good, without doubt, but their offense will miss Holmes. And that's good news for the Ravens.

One way to look at the Jets is to say that they are willing to go get talent. The other perspective is to see that they have shelled out a TON of draft picks recently, and are more closely following the Redskins plan than they are the Colts plan.

You can't give out draft picks and expect to be a solid, deep team across the board for a sustained period of time. They have gone out and got quality players (except Lito Sheppard), but have given up 5+ draft picks to get Sanchez, Edwards, Holmes, Sheppard, etc.

It is very difficult to win in the NFL these days without drafting often and drafting well. Sustained success is something to look at, and something that may get Sexy Rexy the boot three years from now.

As for the Steelers situation, you have to like where the Ravens are right now. We are a team on our way up with tons of recent draft success and players that will only get better. Ozzie and company are sticking to their plan for success and may finally have the pieces to make it work. The Steelers are abandoning their plan to try and get a few more years of success right now. They are bringing back 30+ year olds with big contracts, instead of letting them walk in FA and getting draft pick compensation. In the coming years, they will be hurting when they are still paying Harrison, Ward, Hampton, etc big bucks on the downside of their careers.

[trailhiker85]

One way to look at the Jets is to say that they are willing to go get talent. The other perspective is to see that they have shelled out a TON of draft picks recently, and are more closely following the Redskins plan than they are the Colts plan.

You can't give out draft picks and expect to be a solid, deep team across the board for a sustained period of time.



No argument there. It's not the way I'd try to build a franchise. I prefer the philosophy that gives you solid drafts year after year. Nor am I an admirer of the Rex Ryan persona. Far from it.

Still, the Jets probably feel ...with some justification ... that they'll do a better job with big-name veterans than the Redskins. I wouldn't exactly call them an aging team. Some of their big-name guys are just youngsters, such as Sanchez and Revis. I'm glad that at least they're in another division.

In any case, their strategy still strikes me as being very Yankee-like.

[Carey]

One way to look at the Jets is to say that they are willing to go get talent. The other perspective is to see that they have shelled out a TON of draft picks recently, and are more closely following the Redskins plan than they are the Colts plan.

You can't give out draft picks and expect to be a solid, deep team across the board for a sustained period of time. They have gone out and got quality players (except Lito Sheppard), but have given up 5+ draft picks to get Sanchez, Edwards, Holmes, Sheppard, etc.

It is very difficult to win in the NFL these days without drafting often and drafting well. Sustained success is something to look at, and something that may get Sexy Rexy the boot three years from now.

As for the Steelers situation, you have to like where the Ravens are right now. We are a team on our way up with tons of recent draft success and players that will only get better. Ozzie and company are sticking to their plan for success and may finally have the pieces to make it work. The Steelers are abandoning their plan to try and get a few more years of success right now. They are bringing back 30+ year olds with big contracts, instead of letting them walk in FA and getting draft pick compensation. In the coming years, they will be hurting when they are still paying Harrison, Ward, Hampton, etc big bucks on the downside of their careers.

Your absolutely right, shelling out picks come back to haunt you in time if you arent careful. As far as we go i do think we are in prime position to do well for a long time. Look at this offseason for instance we really just need to have a good draft. We dont really have alot of glaring needs and none that cant be fixed going forward. Look at CB we have Foxworth and Webb, add a solid corner in this draft and that position is in great shape going forward. Add depth at TE and that position is ok for another couple seasons, we could even grab a guy in 2011 to pair with a later round guy like Peek if they wanted a more vertical guy at TE. On the D-Line i think we need to get one top 2 round guy this year and that postion will round into shape. At WR we could really make a power move next year. Guys like Michael Floyd, Julio Jones, AJ Green and Jonathan Baldwin would be likely to declare and either of those guys would be great #1 WR's down the road to pair with Boldin. You cant replace Ray and Ed but i think we have guys that can get the job done at those spots, if not we have the room to draft at those spots because of no other very dire needs

[Everything_Ravens]

Your absolutely right, shelling out picks come back to haunt you in time if you arent careful. As far as we go i do think we are in prime position to do well for a long time. Look at this offseason for instance we really just need to have a good draft. We dont really have alot of glaring needs and none that cant be fixed going forward. Look at CB we have Foxworth and Webb, add a solid corner in this draft and that position is in great shape going forward. Add depth at TE and that position is ok for another couple seasons, we could even grab a guy in 2011 to pair with a later round guy like Peek if they wanted a more vertical guy at TE. On the D-Line i think we need to get one top 2 round guy this year and that postion will round into shape. At WR we could really make a power move next year. Guys like Michael Floyd, Julio Jones, AJ Green and Jonathan Baldwin would be likely to declare and either of those guys would be great #1 WR's down the road to pair with Boldin. You cant replace Ray and Ed but i think we have guys that can get the job done at those spots, if not we have the room to draft at those spots because of no other very dire needs


Ive always been some what impressed with how well some of you seem to understand the math and the money of the game. but i think that too often you fail to see what matters most ! i.e "A Championships". Trust me the Jets organization has guys on the payroll that know the math and the money as well. Maybe even better than us, go figure! But they see a team that was a few more pieces from a championship and they went out and got em. Who cares about tomorrow right now, we'll worry about it when it gets here, the jets are saying.

[baltimore_hokie]

Who cares about tomorrow right now, we'll worry about it when it gets here, the jets are saying.

Dan Snyder didn't...where has that gotten the Skins???

The issue is that you simply can't think like that in today's game. By the time you do that, three years are gone and you're an old bottom-feeding team again. The Ravens do it right with relying on the draft and supplementing with free agency.

Draft picks are gold in the NFL, and you can't just throw them out and pay every high-priced free agent. One championship and five years thereafter in the shitter is not how Ozzie defines "success".

[Everything_Ravens]

Dan Snyder didn't...where has that gotten the Skins???

The issue is that you simply can't think like that in today's game. By the time you do that, three years are gone and you're an old bottom-feeding team again. The Ravens do it right with relying on the draft and supplementing with free agency.

Draft picks are gold in the NFL, and you can't just throw them out and pay every high-priced free agent. One championship and five years thereafter in the shitter is not how Ozzie defines "success".

you sir, would definitely be correct when talking about the skins but the difference with the jets is that they are knocking on that door right now. Unlike the skins they have a hell of a coach that has proven that he can make things happen if you give him the talent.

[Ravenswarrior19]

Dan Snyder didn't...where has that gotten the Skins???

The issue is that you simply can't think like that in today's game. By the time you do that, three years are gone and you're an old bottom-feeding team again. The Ravens do it right with relying on the draft and supplementing with free agency.

Draft picks are gold in the NFL, and you can't just throw them out and pay every high-priced free agent. One championship and five years thereafter in the shitter is not how Ozzie defines "success".

Another big problem with the "We wanna win now" theory -

You load up your team with free agents, structure contracts that will kill your cap in the future, trade away all your picks so you have no young talent in the pipeline, get everything in place to win your Superbowl, and ...

in week 2 your QB goes down with an ACL.
No championship, no ring, and 3 years of sub .500 football in your future.

Injuries, amongst other things, make the NFL too unpredictable to say we are 1 or 2 players away with any real certainty.

[baltimore_hokie]

Another big problem with the "We wanna win now" theory -

You load up your team with free agents, structure contracts that will kill your cap in the future, trade away all your picks so you have no young talent in the pipeline, get everything in place to win your Superbowl, and ...

in week 2 your QB goes down with an ACL.
No championship, no ring, and 3 years of sub .500 football in your future.

Injuries, amongst other things, make the NFL too unpredictable to say we are 1 or 2 players away with any real certainty.

Exactly. Depth is more important than star-power these days in the NFL. Injuries happen way too often to load up on starters and ignore the guys waiting in the wings.

The way the Ravens get these cheap backups, let the expensive veterans walk, and get cheap years out of developing players is how you win.

It doesn't matter who has the best starting 22 in Week 1, it matters who can put the best 22 on the field after Week 17. In order to do that, you have to either be incredibly lucky OR build depth in every unit of your football team.

[NC Raven]

Ive always been some what impressed with how well some of you seem to understand the math and the money of the game. but i think that too often you fail to see what matters most ! i.e "A Championships". Trust me the Jets organization has guys on the payroll that know the math and the money as well. Maybe even better than us, go figure! But they see a team that was a few more pieces from a championship and they went out and got em. Who cares about tomorrow right now, we'll worry about it when it gets here, the jets are saying.

I agree with this to an extent, since the picks they gave up weren't all that great a cost (except the extra 2d they gave to move up for Sanchez last year) but the specific players the Jets have picked up recently (Cromartie, Holmes) aren't exactly risk-free, which is why their overall market value was what it was. I don't see these moves as parallel to what the Patriots, for example, have done with getting veteran "pieces" at a good price.

The Jets are taking chances on good players who, for various reasons, aren't exactly hot properties in the trade market, in hopes of restoring those players to their former level, rather than getting bankable players at a discount. There's a difference. I don't think they're bad moves -- the picks they gave up for Holmes and Cromartie were basically disposable, considering the potential return they could get.

But I don't think they're bold moves that make them a lot more likely to win a title -- I see them more as tentative moves for rent-a-players who may or may not help them -- kind of like our move with Stallworth.

[festivus]

Ive always been some what impressed with how well some of you seem to understand the math and the money of the game. but i think that too often you fail to see what matters most ! i.e "A Championships". Trust me the Jets organization has guys on the payroll that know the math and the money as well. Maybe even better than us, go figure! But they see a team that was a few more pieces from a championship and they went out and got em. Who cares about tomorrow right now, we'll worry about it when it gets here, the jets are saying.

Tomlinson is a strong veteran who can help them. Holmes is a decent WR but they only get him for 12 weeks, provided he can stay clean between now and week 5 of the regular season.

I have no great desire to rent an a-hole, and definitely have no desire to shell out a draft pick for one.

[HoustonRaven]

Ive always been some what impressed with how well some of you seem to understand the math and the money of the game. but i think that too often you fail to see what matters most ! i.e "A Championships". Trust me the Jets organization has guys on the payroll that know the math and the money as well. Maybe even better than us, go figure! But they see a team that was a few more pieces from a championship and they went out and got em. Who cares about tomorrow right now, we'll worry about it when it gets here, the jets are saying.

There is a team south on I-95 that has lived and breathed that philosophy.

Conversely, there are teams like the Pats, Steelers, Ravens, etc that grow a strong team via draft.

You tell me which has done better year after year.

[Sephy]

I mean, its one thing to talk about building through the draft, and this and that, and that's often the right strategy. Where the Redskins have gone south is they were trading picks for overpriced, old past their prime guys.

Santonio Holmes just turned 26. He is in the prime of his career, has a SB ring, and shows no sign of slowing down. They got him for a 5th round pick. Is that one player gonna really help them as much this year or 4 years down the road than he will? Maybe, but I'd take that risk any day of the week.

They got Cromartie too, but that's a solid risk for a 2011 pick. Braylon was a bit of a bigger trade, but it filled a need, and it was definitely the right move for them.

Are they trading picks for players? Sure. But to say this is the equivalent of a Redskins-esque situation due to that fact alone just isn't accurate.

[HoustonRaven]

Are they trading picks for players? Sure. But to say this is the equivalent of a Redskins-esque situation due to that fact alone just isn't accurate.

I dont see how you can say that. Granted, the Jets are not dealing out the truck loads of Snyder-esque money. But they are most certainly dealing out draft picks with ease.

The Redskins have been "winning the off season" for decades via free agency signings at the sake of draft picks.

Edwards was traded from the Browns for two draft picks and had a very pedestrian season after his signing.

Cromartie was picked up for two draft picks.

Kerry Rhodes was picked up for one pick this season and another next season.

LT, some would argue, has hit a wall. They let go of a 1400 yard rusher in Thomas Jones to sign an aging vet for over $5 Million a year.

Now the Jets want to go after Jason Taylor?

Holmes is the only one this off season that doesnt fit the mold. He is basically being rented, as Festivus pointed out.

[baltimore_hokie]

I mean, its one thing to talk about building through the draft, and this and that, and that's often the right strategy. Where the Redskins have gone south is they were trading picks for overpriced, old past their prime guys.

Santonio Holmes just turned 26. He is in the prime of his career, has a SB ring, and shows no sign of slowing down. They got him for a 5th round pick. Is that one player gonna really help them as much this year or 4 years down the road than he will? Maybe, but I'd take that risk any day of the week.

They got Cromartie too, but that's a solid risk for a 2011 pick. Braylon was a bit of a bigger trade, but it filled a need, and it was definitely the right move for them.

Are they trading picks for players? Sure. But to say this is the equivalent of a Redskins-esque situation due to that fact alone just isn't accurate.

They are never getting the 4 cheap years out of all these draft picks that make it possible to be great in the NFL these days. If they keep trading all their picks for players in the last year or two of their deals, they will eventually either lose the players to free agency or have to pay them top dollar for the duration of their stays with the Jets.

That's the same problem the Skins ran into, and the reason that you just can't build teams by trading picks. You need to get those value years out of your draft picks, where you have your starting RT and CB for a total of $1M.

Especially when the salary cap was in place, but even without it, no owner's pockets are deep enough to field a team entirely made up of second contracts. Even if you can trade all your picks and get 22 starters that you can manage to pay top dollar, there will be nobody behind them.

[HoustonRaven]

They are never getting the 4 cheap years out of all these draft picks that make it possible to be great in the NFL these days. If they keep trading all their picks for players in the last year or two of their deals, they will eventually either lose the players to free agency or have to pay them top dollar for the duration of their stays with the Jets.

That's the same problem the Skins ran into, and the reason that you just can't build teams by trading picks. You need to get those value years out of your draft picks, where you have your starting RT and CB for a total of $1M.

Especially when the salary cap was in place, but even without it, no owner's pockets are deep enough to field a team entirely made up of second contracts. Even if you can trade all your picks and get 22 starters that you can manage to pay top dollar, there will be nobody behind them.

:word

You said it much better than I.

[baltimore_hokie]

I just read an article that talked about the contracts the Jets have to give out in the next year:

- Revis extension - HUGE money, maybe bigger than Asomugha
- Nick Mangold - big money for the position, likely Jason Brown-ish contract
- David Harris - likely will want Patrick Willis money
- Santonio Holmes - likely will want Brandon Marshall money
- Mark Sanchez - likely will want big-time NY elite QB money
- Breylon Edwards - will want a big contract
- D'Brickashaw Ferguson - not under contract for much longer, will want elite LT money


That is a huge part of their team that will want new contracts SOON. That's what happens when you have success, but I don't see how signing more guys near the end of their contracts is a good idea.

[Stealthbirds80]

I just read an article that talked about the contracts the Jets have to give out in the next year:

- Revis extension - HUGE money, maybe bigger than Asomugha
- Nick Mangold - big money for the position, likely Jason Brown-ish contract
- David Harris - likely will want Patrick Willis money
- Santonio Holmes - likely will want Brandon Marshall money
- Mark Sanchez - likely will want big-time NY elite QB money
- Breylon Edwards - will want a big contract
- D'Brickashaw Ferguson - not under contract for much longer, will want elite LT money


That is a huge part of their team that will want new contracts SOON. That's what happens when you have success, but I don't see how signing more guys near the end of their contracts is a good idea.

I got that feeling that they will be having a Ravenesq dump when that cap returns on at least half of those players. Revis and Sanchez being two of the first and biggest.

[HoustonRaven]

I got that feeling that they will be having a Ravenesq dump when that cap returns on at least half of those players

:229031_confused2:

Huh? Don't you mean Redskin-esque?

[RavenScallywag]

I find it hard to believe Sanchez could demand a new contract after two years. His season last year was comparable to Joe's rookie year. And unless he suddenly becomes a top 5 QB, I can't see him having the footing to demand a huge contract yet.

Maybe after his 3rd or 4th year, but after 2 just seems ridiculous.

[baltimore_hokie]

I find it hard to believe Sanchez could demand a new contract after two years. His season last year was comparable to Joe's rookie year. And unless he suddenly becomes a top 5 QB, I can't see him having the footing to demand a huge contract yet.

Maybe after his 3rd or 4th year, but after 2 just seems ridiculous.

I wasn't implying this year, but that will most likely be a huge contract that they will need to plan for when giving out contracts to all the other guys.

I listed a few contracts that won't kick in immediately, but Sanchez and Ferguson will be two HUGE deals. They have to keep those in mind as they splurge on two WR's, C, and ILB.

They can't pay all those guys, in addition to the big contracts they already have. Giving out massive contracts to half the players I listed will kill their overall depth.

[Corey]

The other problem is that Edwards, Cromartie, and Holmes will all be free agents after the season. Assuming the cap returns next year and Sanchez starts to unlock his bonus money, they are going to lose one or two of them possibly all 3 because Revis, Mangold, and Fergusan are all still on their rookie contracts and will need to be extended soon.

Those are boom or bust moves and either way the Jets are screwed. If they all pan out and they make a run, than they you run the risk of losing them in FA to teams willing to shell out top dollar. If they dont all pan out, than you gave away 3 chances to find a good player when you traded for Edwards, a 2nd rounder for Cromartie (Ray Rice was a second rounder), and another pick for Holmes.

[trailhiker85]

In a way I admired the no-holds-barred approach NY took this offseason to upgrade their roster ...and I don't even like the Jets or Rex Ryan. But it's a very high-risk approach. It's almost as if they're staking everything on making the Super Bowl this year. If they don't, things may well start coming apart at the seams for them. The contract issues already mentioned loom very large, plus I can see potential problems with dissension on that squad if they disappoint in the playoffs (particularly given that Ryan is the HC). Add in the sky-high expectations their fans will have ...and keep in mind these are NY fans ...and things could start getting ugly up there.

Goes without saying, I guess ...but I'll say it anyway: much better to be a Ravens fan!