Looks to be an ankle issue. Wonder if they resign him at less money? With a report that he's damaged goods his value will plummet. '
All the reports say his contract was always contingent on his physical. I have yet to find that that doesn't say that. The Ravens knew about his injury, thus made that contingency. No conspiracy, no buyer's remorse, etc..... Crabtree would have been in play with or without Grant. It would not surprise me to see the Ravens re-sign Grant, but without any guaranteed money, or much less guaranteed, and of course a lower AAV (I like showstopper's suggestion, but without the guaranteed money). Obviously they liked him and thought enough about him to offer a contract, albeit a little high. I don't see Jensen coming back unless he remains unsigned going into mid/late April. I think he's asking for too much as I see other teams trading for or signing other less talented and rated Centers.
So I'm reading that both Wallace and Crabtree are listed as the #2 and #1 WRs currently available in the FA pool. Crabtree is not that much more productive than Wallace is. He's bigger and slower but 2 years younger (30 vs 32). Wallace has familiarity with Joe and the offense. I can't say either is an improvement as a lockroom leader. I think they make a play for one of them but this decision may come down to money.
so for Crabtree, if I remember the stats off the top of my head, he has averaged 70ish catches-800 yds and 8 TDs over the last 3 seasons with the raiders. I like the production and the younger age and also the fact that his game is not predicated on speed. I would like Crabtree on the squad for the right price. I would also take Grant back at a reduced rate if he is not courted by other teams based on the Raven's evaluation. Also, on the injury, how crappy is that for the player. I hate the "legal" tampering period and all the announcements that come out of that. Either open it up fully to have players take physicals right away or hush the announcements until it is official. If a team wanted to be unethical, they could use the physical failure as a buyers remorse out. I don't like the look and feel of that.
Funny you say that. In addition to Steelers, I'm also a Skins fan having grown up and living in the area. Grant NEVER appeared on the Skins injury report even once last year........and played all 64 games the last 4 seasons. Became more of a factor with Pryor out with injury and Doctson being inconsistent last half of season. I'm wondering what exactly the "ankle issue" was for him that had the Ravens concerned. It may just be timing if they are not allowed to conduct physicals until the first day of the league year, but sure seems like a major coincidence it comes the same day that Nelson signs with the Raiders and cancels his visit with Ravens, and subsequently the Raiders announce later in the same day they are releasing Crabtree. Overall I think Crabtree is the better overall player, but also older and entering his twilight.
He suffered the injury in the last game of the season. He was on the Redskins injury reports for weeks 15-17 (ankle). http://www.redskins.com/team/injury-report.html
I wouldn't call 30 "twilight" just yet. He has relatively low miles and maybe something still to prove to the league. Considering that the Ravens love and have had success with these players, I think that he would be worth a shot. He certainly is a better option for the money than Grant. My biggest concern about him is that they need a leader and Crabs hasn't shown that. Also, they tipped their hand with the Grant deal and he knows what they were willing to either pay a lesser player or pay for his potential. In either case that gives him all the leverage now for a big salary.
RAVENS G.M.O. DRAFT 1(16) Courtland Sutton, WR - SMU 2(13) Kolton Miller, OT - UCLA 4(14) Kyle Lauletta, QB - Richmond 4(16) DeShon Elliott, S - Texas 4(37) Durham Smythe, TE - Notre Dame I have a 5th round pick coming soon and my last pick is a late 6th.
Just saw on the Ravens App that they signed Crabs to a 3 yr deal/ $21M. But is seems positive. Also pretty fitting to have a player with "crab" in his name in Baltimore. EDIT - @LAOJoe - looks like you're spot on with the Crabtree signing! - @showstopper - you scooped my by one second!
I'm thinking 3rd. He's the highest paid C in the league. That ought to count for something when figuring out the comp picks.
RAVENS G.M.O. DRAFT 1(16) Courtland Sutton, WR - SMU 2(13) Kolton Miller, OT - UCLA 4(14) Kyle Lauletta, QB - Richmond 4(16) DeShon Elliott, S - Texas 4(37) Durham Smythe, TE - Notre Dame 5(17) Nick Nelson, CB - Wisconsin 6(41) Phillip Lindsay, RB - Colorado Additions: TE Jimmy Graham WR Michael Crabtree RB DeMarco Murray OG Andy Levitre CB Leon Hall S Corey Graham LB Tamba Hali WR Michael Campanaro OL Crockett Gillmore C Russell Bodine C Josh LeRibeus C Luke Bowanko
Possibly my last move in the GMO exercise not counting a couple UDFAs tomorrow: Ravens sign Darren Sproles $1.015M (min)