The Baltimore Ravens have a number of players that are logically in linefor long-term extensions…. Players such as Suggs, Ngata, Gaither, and Clayton.

You could also make arguments for trying to sign McClain, Williams, andWashington now to deals, tilted towards the benefit of the organization.

I had been lukewarm on resigning Suggs, but my opinion was changed during the AFC Championship Game.

Suggs earned a lot of respect fordealing with his injuries, and coming ready to play.

You have to have pressure to be successful, and while Suggs might notthe elite of the elite – he is only a half-notch below, and has many productive years ahead of him.

The number one priority has to be getting Ngata locked-up long term. For whatever reason, Ngata has yet to receive the recognition nationally he deserves, for being the dominating DT that he is. The Redskins absurdly rich Free-Agent contract to Albert Haynesworth is only going to drive-up the price of DT’s across the league. Having Ngata in the middle of the line, eating up the run game, with his ability to collapse the pocket is not a luxury, it is required.

Gaither played nearly all of 2008 with one healthy arm, and established himself as one of the best Left Tackles in football. His arms are not aslong as Ogden’s, and experts say he plays more ‘stiff’, but Gaither is extremely athletic in his own right. This of course has been known fo ryears, as he was offered a scholarship to South Carolina for basketball out of high-school.

The drafting of Michael Oher might change the equation slightly for Gaither. I think the Ravens are excited about the prospect of havingboth long-term… but the dollars will have to work for all parties.After 2009, the Ravens might decide that investing 1st-round dollars in a RT, is not the investment they want to make. Since Oher is able to play both sides of the line, maybe they consider moving him to LT if the dollars for Gaither becomes too expensive.

Clayton upped his yards per reception from 11 to 17 during the 2008season. By the end of last year, he was regularly making plays down the field in coverage. I do not believe he would ever be a 1… but he can be a solid 2nd WR. Seeing as how the team will be relying on him a lot during 2009, I think it would be good for all parties if a long-term deal was completed prior to the start of the year. You do not want his contract status hanging over him, and impacting his play. You do not want him to have a very productive 2009, where he builds a further relationship with Flacco… and then leaves for Free Agency.

McClain was a Pro-Bowl Alternate last year… while you could quibble with some of his fumbling, his bruising style allowed the team to control the clock. With Lorenzo Neal apparently not returning, there is talk of McClain moving back to a more traditional Full-back roll in 2009. Maybe the team feels he will come cheaper, if he spends 2009 getting less overall carries, and doing more blocking for Rice, McGahee, and Peerman.

Williams has only played in 16 total games during the last two seasons combined. When he is healthy, he has the size and speed to be a game changing talent. As the Ravens have not brought in another option at WR,the organization is clearly counting on him to produce. If you believe he can produce for you, maybe you should sign him now when he is coming off two injury filled years, and his value is at a low. Williams would not exactly be in position to turn down nearly any contract presented.

Washington was a 1st round pick for the Raiders that had the best 40yard dash at the combine that year. He is not going to help in the running game, but it appears the off-field issues he faced in Oakland are behind him. At the WNST Pre-Draft Party, Ravens Director of Player Personnel Eric DeCosta stated that obtaining starting NFL Corners, almost entirely had to be accomplished with 1st round draft choices. With that in-mind, a long-term deal for Washington makes sense. Washington and Foxworth are not big physical corners, but both are able to run and cover, with youth still on their side. If Washington starts all of 2009 for you, without an extension, he is only to be more expensive at season end. The only reasons you could argue for not signing him now, is if you still question his overall character, and you are comfortable with starting either Carr, or Webb in 2010 if Washington were to leave.

Chris Stoner
Chris Stoner

Owner

Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.

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