Len Pasquarelli said Ravens didn't want to pay Thomas - New England Patriots Forums

Fanfrom1960 · 03-04-2007, 01:36 PM

Heard him on ESPN radio this mornng. First of all, he said that the Patriots had a great weekend of signing, and that he spoke to Bill Belichick and Bill was "the happiest he'd heard him in almost forever". Something like that. But, he said that the Ravens realized Thomas was getting up there in age a bit and that they didn't want to pay through the nose for him. He said the Ravens did pay to extend someone else, didn't get the name. He didn't specify any particular weakness he thinks Thomas has, and, again, said the Patriots were a winner in FA so far. Not like Borges at all, but a bit cautious.

Fumblerooski · 03-04-2007, 01:40 PM

My only concern with this deal is it is coming because of Ozzie Newsome and that dude doesn't make many mistakes. But, even he can make one. Only time will tell for sure who was right and who was wrong.

zippo59 · 03-04-2007, 01:42 PM

Thanks, we'll take him.

Flying Fungi · 03-04-2007, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fumblerooski

My only concern with this deal is it is coming because of Ozzie Newsome and that dude doesn't make many mistakes. But, even he can make one. Only time will tell for sure who was right and who was wrong.

I like Fat Lenny.

Newsome is indeed a shrewd FO man, but I'd put Piolichick up against any FO in talent evaluation and cap management.

***Bobs My Uncle*** · 03-04-2007, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fanfrom1960

Heard him on ESPN radio this mornng. First of all, he said that the Patriots had a great weekend of signing, and that he spoke to Bill Belichick and Bill was "the happiest he'd heard him in almost forever". Something like that. But, he said that the Ravens realized Thomas was getting up there in age a bit and that they didn't want to pay through the nose for him. He said the Ravens did pay to extend someone else, didn't get the name. He didn't specify any particular weakness he thinks Thomas has, and, again, said the Patriots were a winner in FA so far. Not like Borges at all, but a bit cautious.

Keep in mind that the Ravens personnel decisions are heavily influenced by their salary cap situation which isn't all that rosey at the moment ($3.3MM). IIRC only 4 other teams have less sal cap available to them than do the Ravens.

It shouldn't surprise anyone, especially someone like Len P, that the Ravens weren't going to be able to pay gobs of money to keep arguably their best defensive player.

GHOSTOFSAMGASH · 03-04-2007, 01:49 PM

did they not want to pay him or could they not afford to, if they want to stay competitive?

they probably could have franchised him but that would have handcuffed the team in the draft and in fa, i think it is more about not being able to afford him than it is not wanting to pay him

zippo59 · 03-04-2007, 01:51 PM

They've already shelled out tons of money on defense between Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, Chis McCallister, Trevor Pryce, and Samari Rolle. I don't think they could pay a lot for another one even if he was really good. We, on the other hand can.

Pats67 · 03-04-2007, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fumblerooski

My only concern with this deal is it is coming because of Ozzie Newsome and that dude doesn't make many mistakes.

How's his quarterback situation coming along?

Remix 6 · 03-04-2007, 01:53 PM

some Raven players were not happy with this. I know Reed called out their FO

Thomas said Ravens couldnt afford him so it was business and nothing personal

***Bobs My Uncle*** · 03-04-2007, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GHOSTOFSAMGASH

they probably could have franchised him

The Ravens didn't have the $7.21MM franchise amount available to them to tag Thomas.