Can the Ravens Franchise Thomas?

[PATSNUTme]

The Ravens have only 6mil in cap space according to a thread tha Miguel posted a while ago ( too bad we can't get that post stickied for quick reference & the one that he showed the tag price by position)

So, will they be able to create enough cap space to franchise Thomas? I guess any team can create cap space if they can restructure and cut enough.

So I guess my question is will they or will they let him go into FA?

Thoughts?

 

[SeanBruschi54]

For the most part they are willing to let him go into Free Agency. They know if they wanted to retain him it would cost too much and would have to franchise him. But franchising a player of his stats and at his age will almost certainly cause a bad fuse.

Its better for both parties to just part ways at this point.

Ravens lose a great player but gain cap space and can plug in a newer cheaper player. Thomas gets his only payday.

The Ravens could tag him but its unlikely to answer you original question.

 

[MrTibbs]

People don't realize how old the guy is. Won't he be 30 this year?

 

[SeanBruschi54]

People don't realize how old the guy is. Won't he be 30 this year?

He will be 30 yes.

people realize it but he doesnt have the wear and tear as other 30 year olds because he didnt play much when he was younger he was moreso a backup to other very very good OLB's.

 

[Seymour93]

People don't realize how old the guy is. Won't he be 30 this year?

And Bruschi will be 34. Bruschi was at his best from 30-32 years old. I don't think anyone's going to offer Thomas more than four years so the longevity of the contract won't be the big issue.

 

[PATSNUTme]

With today's palyers that 30 age is not as important as it use to be. You see more and more players 30 and over play at a high level. This is due to the off season programs.

If a player is willing to put in the work, he can extend his carrer, barring injury.

 

[SVN]

iam pretty sure if the pats dont sign him..people like felger will happy..because they wont see the reason why he wasnt signed but point out the pats dont spend money.

 

[Remix 6]

the ravens can but they never franchise players really..

 

[jczxohn1]

It will cost $7.2 mil to franchise him and he has a good back-up. (Don't remember his name but played well when Thomas was injured.) Also, losing him isn't their only problem.

 

[mikiemo83]

an issue with Franchising him was what position would you pick, some wise reporter made a case for various positions and the cap number assigned to each

He would make more as a DE but considering he just made the pro-bowl as an LB, I would think that means he would be considered an LB. NFLPA docs say the franchise number for an LB in 2006 was $7.169 million and the transition tag was $6.144 million. The tag for DEs was higher at $8.332 million and $7.075 million respectively. These numbers are available to the public on the NFLPA's website. from the raven message board

 

[zippo59]

an issue with Franchising him was what position would you pick, some wise reporter made a case for various positions and the cap number assigned to each

He would make more as a DE but considering he just made the pro-bowl as an LB, I would think that means he would be considered an LB. NFLPA docs say the franchise number for an LB in 2006 was $7.169 million and the transition tag was $6.144 million. The tag for DEs was higher at $8.332 million and $7.075 million respectively. These numbers are available to the public on the NFLPA's website. from the raven message board

They would really pull a fats one if they franchised him as a safety.

 

[Brady-To-Branch]

the ravens can but they never franchise players really..

Chris McAlister.

The Ravens would be wise to tag Thomas. Despite the hype surrounding McNair, the Baltimore offense still sucked. Therefore, keeping Thomas is the best option. Moreover, by locking him up for one year, they don't have to commit long-term to a LB that's 30 this year. Thomas has no leverage since sitting out would cost him valuable time and money. If the Ravens don't tag him (there's no other FA on the team that's even close) they are idiots.

 

[Patriot Missile]

The Raven's cut Jammal Lewis. How much room did this save them in cap space and is it enough to now franchise Thomas. Also if Jonathen Ogden retires do they save cap space there too? Could get interesting. If they do end up tagging him with the one that forces a team to give up two first's then I say screw it and stray away.

Again I'm not sure on the numbers but if Lewis and Ogden are gone then they may have the money to sign him outright. I'm just not sure on the cap hits.