It was just announced that Derrick Mason has agreed in principle with the Ravens on a two-year deal to return to the team.
Given the fact that his future immediately after the season seemed uncertain, with him openly discussing retirement and the recent acquisitions of Donte Stallworth and Anquan Boldin, getting Mason back in the fold did not seem to be a sure thing. Yet Ozzie Newsome made it clear in a statement that the Ravens valued the production Mason had given the Ravens in his time here and his chemistry with Joe Flacco made it necessary that he return. With Stallworth and Boldin, Mason’s return gives the Ravens the makings of a formidable corps of wide receivers.
I have to admit, I wasn’t one of those fans who couldn’t sleep at night worrying whether Mason would return. Not because the Ravens couldn’t use him, but there wasn’t any sense in worrying whether or not he would return. We saw that movie last offseason, after the death of Steve McNair. That said, I am sure that I join many Ravens fans in welcoming Mason back to the team and look forward to his steady production for the next two seasons.
First of all, I've got to give credit to Jeff Pilson. He completely called this on our podcast this afternoon.
Secondly, I think this is a huge move for the Ravens. It makes the wide receiving corps complete, sorry Kelley Washington, and it make Boldin a lot better. Crazy to think that the Ravens now have one of the best groups of WR'ers in the NFL.
Lots of pressure on Joe. Lots of pressure on Harbs.
Go get a tight end, go get a d-lineman, and fix that freakin' secondary.
No excuses this year fellas.
I might not go so far as to say one of the BEST, but it isn't a liability anymore- or at least it won't be an excuse.
I'm pleasantly surprised. I thought with the Ravens signing a guy with a similar skills – underneath receiver, YAC type guy, that the Ravens had filled his role with a younger, stronger version of Mason. That being said, Mason's numbers and heart speak for themselves. The Ravens have gone from the bottom rung of the NFL's receiving corps to possible a top 5 corps.
Ravens played this perfectly.
They let Mason go out and see what kind of market there was for his services. Not much. Just like Ray Lewis last year.
In the meantime, they acquire Boldin and signed him to a deal that's less than Nate Burleson and more recenlty Antonio Bryant.
I agree with Zach regarding a TE. Let's remember that the Ravens have no 3rd or 4th round picks this year. If Gresham is gone before the Ravens pick in the 1st round look for Ozzie to try to trade out of the first and recoup some picks.
Hmm.. Good point Mark. I know Oz typically doesn't pick buy "need" but instead by best player available. He can't do that with the TE. Their depth at that position is non-existent. It's Heap, then when he gets a hangnail, you or me…
Mark,
All of the sudden that Stallworth pick-up doesn't look as bad to me. I was really afraid that he was going to be THE big pick-up this offseason, as far as WRs were concerned. As a complimentary player, I am more accepting of the pick up now, in hindsight.
STG
Like I said when the made the Stallworth move…..if that's their answer then it's unacceptable.
Obviously it wasn't close to the final move.
Let's be honest. Ozzie and Co. couldn't ignore the elepahant in the room anymore. It reminds me of all of those years where the offensive line was neglected. After years and years of futility on the OL, Ozzie finally invested some high draft picks and some FA money in the line and it's now a strength of the team.
I think the next biggest move for the Ravens is seeing how much "contact" Mr. Roethlisberger truly and with that co-ed down in Georgia.
My hats off to you Mark. Good call.
Time to get to work on the other side of the ball, the expectations for this team are through the roof (see my post tomorrow).
So can we say that the Ravens have a top tier receiving corp?
Mark….you are a genius. You are so much smarter SGT.
Knock on wood, hoping everyone makes it through camp.
Then I think the Ravens are amongst the top receiving corps in the league.
Guys
I'm well aware of my greatness.
No need to mention it here.
Should we all get together for a group hug!?! I prefer it when we go after each other a little bit.
I think the word "greatness" above might be a little over the top. Every squirrel gets a nut once in a while. We still have issue on the Defensive side before we get too excited abou the upcoming season. Mason coming back does bring stability to the O. Have to get a TE in the draft. From things I've read there are some decent TE's this year so hopefull we can bring one on board.
I'm pleasantly surprised. I thought with the Ravens signing a guy with a similar skills – underneath receiver, YAC type guy, that the Ravens had filled his role with a younger, stronger version of Mason. That being said, Mason's numbers and heart speak for themselves. The Ravens have gone from the bottom rung of the NFL's receiving corps to possible a top 5 corps.
Pole is a “muck racker”.
That is almost as good as my post where I used totalitarianism.
Pole – I agree wit ya brotha… I like Marky Mark better when he's busting on the O's… STD & Zach are McPhails hopeless love interests…. You Pole & I are the glue that holds this thread together…
I lik de Mason syning butt knot de monee dey gave hymn. Dare wus know market 4 hymn yet dey gave hymn 8 mill 4 2 yeers.
[youtube bVL3b1wKZQU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVL3b1wKZQU youtube]
I think you just like Marky Mark Stank.
Now you got me int he mood to lift weights with cinder blocks. Is it wierd that Marky Mark is one of my favorite actors right now?
That's not my fault Pilson. Marky Mark is one of my favorites now too. Will Smith is number one though. Must be something about their music…
2488,
I haven't heard from Pole today. I heard him and Hojo are hanging out now?!?!
No Zach I just like to tickle your feet, throw JuJuBees at your face and call you Rebus…
I'm more of a Mike and Ike guy. JuJuBees are ok.
I like Hot Tamales.
I'm a frustrated Thespian who loves the smell of lilacs blowing in a gentle breeze, FruitStripe gum, orange zest on my skin, whispers, rare glimpses of Panda Bears, Huumus, a good romance novel, British soldiers, and the smell of Aqua Velva on my manly yet smooth skin… ooooooooooooooooooo, yes! yes!
I knew all that.
What about your affection for silk under pants?
We're all getting somewhat excited about the moves thus far but we need to finish the race to get to the finish line. Now we have to look towards the defense to shore up the holes, maybe get lucky on a draft or two to have a really competitive team. With the defense aging this team needs to make the push now before they need to be overhauled and start from scratch.