Ravens close to trading for McGahee

[F Angelos]

According to WNST the Ravens have cut E Mulitalo to free up cap space to sign McGahee to an extension and complete the trade. Says it should happen by the end of today. And the Ravens can save 2 mil on Mulitalo if they use their Cap exemption not the $300,000 that's being reported.

[bassgtrst]

Day off, snow going to fall, Ravens upgrading at RB.

And I think to my self, what a wonderful world!

[Raveninwoodlawn]

somehow...I have my doubts.

The trade may happen eventually...but I seriously doubt it will be today

BTW...cutting him doesn't create that much room.

[bassgtrst]

I dunno Woodlawn, from the Bills persepective the want to get this thing done soon.

The RB market is drying up, and the Bills are starting to lose trade partners. They want this done now rather than later. We can use that to swing a trade in our favor, IMO.

[Raveninwoodlawn]

Well that's your opinion.

I'm not getting all worked up expecting this to happen today...especially when if the move was a pure cap thing, they would have cut Vincent, not Mule.

[Losac]

Any links to show Mulitalo has been cut other than WNST reports?

[Ravenswarrior19]

If Edwin is cut, I wonder if it will have any effect on Ogden's retirement decision.

[ExiledRaven]

I am in agreement with many people, including Tony Lombardi, that this move makes sense.

Cutting Edwin gives us the cap space to accomodate McGahee and resign him.

Also, Ravens third round picks? As of now, none of them have amounted to anything substantial on the team and only Rabach seems a halfway decent continuing player.

McGahee is a great all around back with no line help and weak QB play in buffalo...with this offense there is real potential he could explode if he can be a healthy.

Don't discount the Miami connection and if you listen to the Gametime link provided in the forum note DeCosta saying that they liked him a lot coming out of Miami.

Given that there is no medium term solution in free agency, no top flight prospect likely to be available in the draft. Next year's draft is rich, but if we go 11-5 or something along those lines, we could potentially miss every one of those backs.

We'll see what happens, but right now, the move makes sense.

JO retires? Well, we'll have to figure out a way to get a big time tackle early in the draft (which we might do either way). Note Decosta also said there were many offensive lineman that the team liked in the draft so look for something to happen there.

[PurpleRulz]

Any links to show Mulitalo has been cut other than WNST reports?

It was reported on the radio. Hint: turn your radio knob switch to "On".

[F Angelos]

It was reported on the radio. Hint: turn your radio knob switch to "On".

He's a Clowns fan cut him some slack! They don't have that darn radio technology out there.

[PurpleRulz]

He's a Clowns fan cut him some slack! They don't have that darn radio technology out there.

That explains a lot of things about him! Thanks. :rolling:

[ClericBlackDave]

1) We still dont know if Ogden was coming back or not, anyway. And this still doesn't preclude a re-signing of Mulitalo later.


2) I guess I'm the only one that want us to move onto the younger core. I would like Mulitalo for depth, but we looked better and younger last year. Likewise, with Ogden, I dont want this to become a Brett Favre situation. We need to know where he stands, and know what to draft and what not to draft, NOW.


So I welcome the move if it happens.

[TL24x7]

POINTS OF CLARIFICATION:For the right price I do support the move to get Willis McGahee. It would seem that the right price is in the $12-14 million in guaranteed money. Of course I don't think the Ravens should sacrifice anything more than a No. 3 but that's a matter of opinion.

As for the cap hit, here's how it works....

If the Ravens use their exemption, they can spread Mulitalo's cap hit over 2 years. That cap hit is the unamortized bonus money which equates to $2.551M or $1.276M per year for the next two seasons.

If Mulitalo remained on the roster, his cap figure would have been $2.85M.

Therefore if the Ravens use the exemption, the cap savings in '07 will be $1.575M by our estimation. If the Ravens don't use the exemption, the figure is $299K.

[ExiledRaven]

...definitely. Some of this money getting thrown around at has been or mediocre at best backs is making me more than a little sick.

[Ravensman]

sign McGahee to an extension and complete the trade. Says it should happen by the end of today.

Man I'm listening to WNST and they have said nothing about an imminent trade, can anyone verify that what the man said is true? I'm not doubting your credibility man but I just havent heard it.

[festivus]

sign McGahee to an extension and complete the trade. Says it should happen by the end of today.

Man I'm listening to WNST and they have said nothing about an imminent trade, can anyone verify that what the man said is true? I'm not doubting your credibility man but I just havent heard it.

As far as it being today, Drew F. was expressing that as his opinion this morning but it was 'just' speculation on his part.

That said, I *do* think the timing is right for something to happen today, and I'd be amazed now that we made the roster move with Mulitalo if it's not tomorrow at the latest.

[Fanman]

Trading for McGahee is a good move. I hope they don't dilly dally around and lose out on this chance. How many other quality backs will become available?
If he stays healthy is a def upgrade over JL.

FM

[Ravensman]

thanks festivus thats wghat it seemed liek to me, however the author of the thread was implying that this was a done deal, and it was kind of a downer to find out it's not

[Losac]

He's a Clowns fan cut him some slack! They don't have that darn radio technology out there.
What the hell are you talking about? Do you even know me? When have I ever given any indication I was a Browns fan? Tell that to the handful of board members who have met me at tailgates.

Sorry PurpleRacist - I was hoping to hear about it from another credible source other than just a message board and radio rumor. You know, because hearing something from multiple sources sort of increases its believability. Why don't you go back to celebrating Tony Dungy's Super Bowl victory?

[ClericBlackDave]

I'm not getting all worked up expecting this to happen today...especially when if the move was a pure cap thing, they would have cut Vincent, not Mule.


Perhaps its a message to Ogden. Get ready to play with whoever we decide to start, or get ready to retire.


Ogden retiring would free up even more cap space, if I recall correctly.

[jonboy79]

Ogden retiring would free up even more cap space, if I recall correctly.


As well as put a 3-4 win sized hole at RT... with Pashos gone we need Ogden more then ever.

[ExiledRaven]

I'm not totally sold on it being a 3-4 win hole.

A 1st round tackle, probably Arron Sears could work out wonderfully....but I am in no way suggesting that JO retiring is a good thing this year.

[B-more Ravor]

As for the cap hit, here's how it works....

If the Ravens use their exemption, they can spread Mulitalo's cap hit over 2 years. That cap hit is the unamortized bonus money which equates to $2.551M or $1.276M per year for the next two seasons.

If Mulitalo remained on the roster, his cap figure would have been $2.85M.

Therefore if the Ravens use the exemption, the cap savings in '07 will be $1.575M by our estimation. If the Ravens don't use the exemption, the figure is $299K.

Tony - that's not exactly how it works. If they use the exemption, this year's pro-rata share of bonus money still counts - $850K - and they are relieved of his base salary of $2M. The remaining two unaccounted-for shares of his bonus (since his contract is through 2009) would accelerate and count next year as $1.7M in "dead money". It's not split in 1/2 between the years (unless there are only 2 years remaining on a contract).

The catch that many seem to not be realizing - and apparently Drew didn't either - is that by using the exemption, they will be getting June 1 treatment, but Edwin's present cap number stays on the books as it is until June 1, when the Ravens would be the $2M rebate.

So, while there still may be something to the McGahee rumors, Mulitalo's release is not a precursor to that since it's not going to be creating any major currrent cap savings.

[purplepoe]

Perhaps its a message to Ogden. Get ready to play with whoever we decide to start, or get ready to retire.


Ogden retiring would free up even more cap space, if I recall correctly.

Would you stop with this crap already?

You act like JO gave some ultimatum that Mule and Flynn have to be on the roster or he's out.

It's all speculation at best. And Im sure he'd like to spend what might be his last season with guys that he's busted ass with for 7 or 8 years. Who wouldn't? It doesn't mean he told the FO who not to cut.

Stop acting like JO is some huge distraction. He's never held anything over this organizations head and vice versa. Ozzie and Co. have way too much respect for him to send some stupid "message" through cutting a guy like Mulitalo. If that move enables the Ravens to aquire a guy like Magahee, do you honestly think Ogden says..."Screw them, they got a young quality RB but cut Edwin, Im done with them."?


Ogden wants to win. Period. That's all he's said for years now. Win, win, win.

And he played 85% of last season with Brown next to him. He sure didn't seem down when he was wired for sound for the NO game.

You love to think the worst of many on this team. Some I can see. But give it a rest with the best player ever to wear a Ravens uniform.

PP

[Luker218]

Has there been any further updates on WNST the last hour or two?

[purplepoe]

It was reported on the radio. Hint: turn your radio knob switch to "On".

Weren't you the one who questioned the Jarrett Johnson signing when I posted Clayton's columnn when he clearly wrote we re-signed him? Not to mention Brent Harris was reporting it.


I wouldn't say "good" yet. This is not being reported anywhere else. I'd wait for some legit confirmation before celebrating.


Again, this is NOT reported anywhere (internet or TV), so don't count this as news until it is made official. Clayton has been wrong about signings before.

Yea, you were.


Yet NST reports that Mulitalo will be cut. Not that he's been cut. But that he will be cut. Someone asks if there is any other outlet reporting it and you jump all over them? Gimme a break.

PP

[TL24x7]

Tony - that's not exactly how it works. If they use the exemption, this year's pro-rata share of bonus money still counts - $850K - and they are relieved of his base salary of $2M. The remaining two unaccounted-for shares of his bonus (since his contract is through 2009) would accelerate and count next year as $1.7M in "dead money". It's not split in 1/2 between the years (unless there are only 2 years remaining on a contract).

Speaking of being wrong....B-More, I did think that there were only 2 years remaining on Edwin's contract and assumed the mechanics were similar to a post June 1 cut...thanks for clearing that up.

The leather doesn't taste as bad with snow!

[GreenWave52]

THis thread is heading off track.

I would rather cut Vincnet over Mule, but perhaps there isn't any cap benefit of cutting Vincent. Or maybe they want to keep Brown on the left side instead of switching over to RG?

The reason Flynn, the worst player on the line, isn't a cap cut target is because he can suck at 2 positions and is the only back-up center. (I guess in emergency they could put Brown in the position and move someone else to guard.

Since we got Rimpf back we aren't perilously thin inside (still thin though) but with no back-ups at the tackle positions look for us to go o-line early and often in the draft.

[Gwaihir]

Since we got Rimpf back we aren't perilously thin inside (still thin though) but with no back-ups at the tackle positions look for us to go o-line early and often in the draft.

:iagree: I'm thinking at least 1 guard and two tackles. Hopefully Sears or Staley at # 1.

[Gabrosin]

I'm just not sold on this whole idea. I don't think we should be trading a draft pick for a RB and giving him a big contract extension. I like that the runner in question is coming into the prime of his career, but this is going to hurt our ability to keep together the rest of our talent. I haven't been flattered with McGahee so far, but then again, he's had a shitty line to work with and not much consistency in the rest of the offense.

[purplepoe]

Mulitalo cannot stay healthy.

Is he a better player than Flynn? Eh, it's almost debateable now.

Ed is extremely one dimensional and has never been very quick.

We don't even know for sure if he's been cut, but I think if it didn't happen now, it most likely would've happened a little further down the line.

I thought when he was IR'd last season that we had seen his last play in a Ravens uniform.

PP

[GreenWave52]

Aaron Wilson is saying the Ravens have officially cut Edwin Mulitalo now on YBR. A story should follow.

[Gwaihir]

Since no one else seems to be interested in McGahee, I'm not so sure we shouldn't be holding out for a fourth round pick given up, like we did with McNair. I'm not really sure how I feel about picking this guy up, yet, but for a fourth, it seems reasonable, even if we don't sign him long term. I know he's buddies with Ray and Ed Reed, but there has to be some reason no one else wants him.

[HDDream]

The Ravens official site is also reporting it.

[purplepoe]

Since no one else seems to be interested in McGahee, I'm not so sure we shouldn't be holding out for a fourth round pick given up, like we did with McNair. I'm not really sure how I feel about picking this guy up, yet, but for a fourth, it seems reasonable, even if we don't sign him long term. I know he's buddies with Ray and Ed Reed, but there has to be some reason no one else wants him.

1. He's only signed for this season.

2. Most teams have either filled their RB needs or are going to draft a player very high with the hopes of starting him this season.

What teams right now need a starting RB?

Ravens, Packers (many believe they want Marshawn Lynch), Browns (Peterson seems like a no brainer), and maybe the Giants. Rumor has it they offered a 4th rounder for Magahee but no more. They also have Brandon Jacobs who they might go with as a #1 and bring in a lesser guy via F/A or a later round pick.

PP

[HDDream]

The Ravens don't have a fourth round pick. I don't think McGahee's worth the cost, when you factor in the contract it will cost to extend him.

[Gwaihir]

I thought we were supposed to get some Fourth Round compensatory picks? When will we find out about them and what picks do we actually have as of right now?

[purplepoe]

The Ravens don't have a fourth round pick. I don't think McGahee's worth the cost, when you factor in the contract it will cost to extend him.

Really?

I guess it depends on what the dollar numbers are.

However, I certainly think he's worth a 3rd round pick. Especially where we are picking this year.

PP

[ClericBlackDave]

Stop acting like JO is some huge distraction


Never said that, dont' put words in my mouth. I'm saying that he's on the books for a contract that could be limiting our free agency. If he's in, he should be in. if he's out, clear the cap space while it still has value.


Terry is going to be a decent LT. RT? Not so much. In general, it'd be fine to have Ogden retire, terry at LT, and a draftpick/FA at RT. AND clear up some cap space.


Thats my opinion. The teams needs to get younger on the o-line, and has basically had it messed up by 1) staying old and 2) having too much money invested in one player, Ogden.


Draft some young guys, we got rimpf going for us . . . we have plenty of interior depth.


Out with the old, in with the new. Teams like the Patriots do that all the time.


P.S. I would give as high as a 2nd round pick for Magahee, for how low we're picking. And I'd cut mulitalo to do it, if thats what the Ravens are doing.

[HDDream]

Poe, it's the contract that he's going to get (as well as some red flags about his attitude). I just can't buy into the idea of giving him an eight figure signing bonus, given his production in the league so far.

They probably will get one or two comp picks in the fourth (as well as two others later)- but those can't be traded. As for the picks they have as of now:

1st Round- 29th overall
2nd Round- 61th overall
3rd Round- 92nd overall
5th Round- 156th overall
6th Round- 188th overall
7th Round- 220th overall

[Gwaihir]

Thanks a lot, I didn't realize you couldn't trade comp picks.

[purplepoe]

Never said that, dont' put words in my mouth. I'm saying that he's on the books for a contract that could be limiting our free agency. If he's in, he should be in. if he's out, clear the cap space while it still has value.


Terry is going to be a decent LT. RT? Not so much. In general, it'd be fine to have Ogden retire, terry at LT, and a draftpick/FA at RT. AND clear up some cap space.


Thats my opinion. The teams needs to get younger on the o-line, and has basically had it messed up by 1) staying old and 2) having too much money invested in one player, Ogden.


Draft some young guys, we got rimpf going for us . . . we have plenty of interior depth.


Out with the old, in with the new. Teams like the Patriots do that all the time.

Stop.

Just stop.

Ogden was a stud last season. Losing him would be a major loss.

You're damn right his contract is limiting what we can do in F/A. That's what happens when you have a guy like Ogden. You pay him because he's top notch.

Rimph? WTF has he proven?

You're talkin about cutting a pro bowl LT who played at an extremely high level just so we can get some cap space.

Ozzie has clearly said he's comfortable with Ogden's situatin as it is. JO has all the right to take some time to decide if he wants to put his body through another season.

You've bought into all the speculation and rumor.

I didn't put words into your mouth. Your comments show that you think Ogden is a huge distraction. By saying you think the FO is sending messages by cutting players absolutely shows that you think he's a distraction.

I'd love to ask what McNair and Boller think about JO retire. I guarantee they aren't so ho hum about it.

PP

[purplepoe]

Poe, it's the contract that he's going to get (as well as some red flags about his attitude). I just can't buy into the idea of giving him an eight figure signing bonus, given his production in the league so far.

They probably will get one or two comp picks in the fourth (as well as two others later)- but those can't be traded. As for the picks they have as of now:

1st Round- 29th overall
2nd Round- 61th overall
3rd Round- 92nd overall
5th Round- 156th overall
6th Round- 188th overall
7th Round- 220th overall

I hear ya. Im just curious as to what his price is.

With the contracts that have been given out so far this offseason, it's a scary thought.

PP

[Gwaihir]

I wouldn't give up our third for him.

[purplepoe]

I wouldn't give up our third for him.

Magahee for the 92nd overall pick in the draft?

I would.

The real question is the new contract.

PP

[Gwaihir]

I think we have enough at RB for next year if we improve the OL with some good tackles in the draft. And with all the running backs coming out next year, I'd look for one of them instead of committing to a question mark. I'm just not convinced about his durability or attitude, and with Rosenhaus as his agent :ralph: I just can't stand that guy!

[bassgtrst]

I dont know why everyone is so damn terrified by Rosenhaus. TO trashed that guy's rep.

To my knowledge, he tries to get the best for his clients, and his clients are top notch players, so naturally he is going to get the big contracts.

The Ravens have dealt with Drew before with no problems, I wouldnt sacrifice a top-notch RB just b/c of his agent.

Also it looks like this is really getting serious:


Bills | Team working on sending McGahee to Baltimore
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 12:56:54 -0800

ESPNews reports the Baltimore Ravens are working with the Buffalo Bills on a trade to acquire Bills RB Willis McGahee.


Ravens | Team working on trade for McGahee
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 12:53:33 -0800

ESPNews reports the Baltimore Ravens are working with the Buffalo Bills on a trade to acquire Bills RB Willis McGahee.

[RavensNTerps]

what player in teh draft would have as much an impact at #92 that McGahee would have over the next 4 years (length of a rookie's contract, give or take)?

None.

And whoever is wishing that Ogden would retire...you are stupid.

[section553]

what player in teh draft would have as much an impact at #92 that McGahee would have over the next 4 years (length of a rookie's contract, give or take)?

None.

And whoever is wishing that Ogden would retire...you are stupid.

Well said.

[HDDream]

what player in teh draft would have as much an impact at #92 that McGahee would have over the next 4 years (length of a rookie's contract, give or take)?

None.

I'm far from convinced of that. Maybe in the first year, but in the second-fourth years, there's little doubt in my mind the Ravens could find someone that could play better than McGahee. But, that's really beside the point. It's the contract that he's going to sign that's the issue, not the draft pick.

[Gwaihir]

I'm far from convinced of that. Maybe in the first year, but in the second-fourth years, there's little doubt in my mind the Ravens could find someone that could play better than McGahee. But, that's really beside the point. It's the contract that he's going to sign that's the issue, not the draft pick.

:iagree: To tie up a ton of money on a used running back with questionable durability and locker room issues would be silly with the wealth of running backs coming out next year. I'll still take the 92nd pick and hope for a tackle.

[Sports Steve]

They better get an OL to block for him or it won't matter who we get.


:jester: :jester:

[GreenWave52]

I don't think McGahee is the end all and be all, but I think he is the best running back we could acquire this year. He does have some question marks in injury and attitude. But he is only 25 (played 3 years), played in a crappy offense, and a change of scenery often helps guys.

Would I give McGahee the bank? No; and hopefully his struggles in Buffalo will keep his price reasonable-ish.

I think if we want to have a good running game for the next couple of years trading a 3rd rounder for him is a good deal. Especially since historically Ozzie does not perform that well in the 3rd.

[RavensNTerps]

our front office isn't stupid.

Remember, we invested a lot of first day picks in to our OL recently...Chester and Terry were 2nd rounders, and Brown was actually a 2nd day guy 4th round, but played damn well last year...players of the future.

And we can find another decent fill in in the draft, i'd imagine.

[highwater]

I'm far from sold on McGahee, but today at lunch I talked to a Bills fan and asked him about McGahee, and he actually thought he would be a good pickup for the Ravens. I was a little surprised because my impression is that he didn't really play well last year.

I don't know, maybe he might benefit from a change, but I'm not at all sure he's worth our third round pick.

[ExiledRaven]

reports all over the place about a 2nd round pick. Ouch....not a fan of that even if we do sign him to an extension...

[purplepoe]

reports all over the place about a 2nd round pick. Ouch....not a fan of that even if we do sign him to an extension...

Top of the 2nd round? No.

Bottom? Not so bad.

I mean, Patrick Johnson was a 2nd round pick.

It's far from a sure thing.

Time to wait and see if this is really the case.

PP

[TTRaven]

Reports on Sirius are that the Ravens have landed McGahee for two draft picks. Our 2nd and our 2008 6th round pick.

[ExiledRaven]

Interesting, but not too bad.

6th round we'll have comp picks better than that next year.

2nd seems high to me, but if McGahee runs for 1400 yards for 3 years in a row, then yes, I'll give up a second certainly.

[bassgtrst]

A 2nd seems a bit much for me, but we could trade down and pick up a new 2nd and possibly a 3rd or 4th.

[PurpleRulz]

I hear ya, ER, but considering our 2nd pick is near the end of the round, it is almost like trading away a 3rd round pick.

I like this deal!

1. It gives us a RB for beyond the 2008 purge.

2. We will have four decent comp picks for 2008.

3. I like none of the RBs in this draft. We could consider Booker or Wolfe as KR/PR, but I like none of these RBs save for Peterson and Lynch.

[ExiledRaven]

I agree about the whole prospectus.

Yeah, lots of great backs next year, but if things go right, we'll be sitting around at 25+ and not able to really take that impressive back

McGahee makes sense, I just hoped if we got him it would be for less in terms of draft picks.

Even so, I generally trust our FO, especially compared with other teams. We'll see how this works, but I like filling the hole. We can still fix lots of things with the 1st, 3rd, and 4th (comp?) ~ ie a new tackle.

[purplepoe]

I still haven't heard it on Sirius.

PP