Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason retires (1 Viewer)

[identikit]

The Baltimore Ravens' two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Derrick Mason is officially announcing his retirement from the NFL exclusively on JOCKlife.com.

"I have had a tremendous career and I played for two great teams, I had fun. In my career, I have been able to do everything but win a Super Bowl. I've had the opportunity to play on great teams and with great players. After 12 years, I have seen it all and done it all," Mason stated. "Right now, I am content with the decision I am making. All good things come to an end and I am ready to see what else life has to offer."

"I have been thinking about this since season ended. Emotionally I am just not that enthused. I have not been that enthused to get up and work out…it was getting to that point. This decision has nothing to do with the contract situation; I have made enough money, more than enough money. Emotionally there are things that are more important. It's time right now. I don't know what's going to happen from here, but it's going to be really nice to see what life has in store for me. What I want people to remember about my NFL career is that I played hard…played hard in practice and the game. I tried to make everyone better and would do anything to help."

Mason, 35, spent his collegiate career at Michigan State before being drafted in the fourth-round of the 1997 NFL draft. Mason played with the TennesseeOilers/ Titans up until 2004. In Tennessee, Mason finished his Titans career as the fourth-leading receiver in the team's history with 453 receptions.

In 2005, Mason joined the Baltimore Ravens via free agency where he went on to lead the Ravens in every receiving category by setting a Ravens' franchise record and career high with 103 receptions. Mason also became the first player in Ravens history with 100 receptions.

Last season, Mason hauled in 80 receptions for 1,037 yards and five touchdowns. Mason was the main weapon for rookie quarterback Joe Flacco. Throughout his career, Mason played in 186 games, catching 790 passes for 10,061 yards and 52 touchdowns.

Aside from being a great receiver, Mason also made a name for himself as an extremely dangerous kick returner and punt returner. In 2000, Mason set an NFL record for highest total of all-purpose yards in a single season with 2,659.

The Baltimore Ravens will now be left with a relatively young group of receivers to step in and fill the void that will be left by Mason retiring. Although they are young, Mason still feels that he left the organization in good hands.

"I have left them in great hands," said Mason. Mark Clayton is a younger version of me and Williams can be a true player, he can be in the elite class. Smith, Harper, Washington, they all are a young group that can only be better with Joe in back field."

Now that Mason has finished his football career, his only plans are to spend time with his family and possibly get into the radio business. As far as what else Mason has in store for the future, he simply proclaims, "to be continued".

http://www.jocklife.com/news/nfl/baltimore...ement-nfl-27464

 

[Donnybrook]

I am surprised since I did not know he was even considering it.

BTW: I will delete my thread on this.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Very good player. Great return man, dependable receiver.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/blog/?p=1486

I ranked him just inside my top 50 WRs of all time. His 2690 all purpose yards in 2000 is the most in NFL history.

 

[Deuce'sWild]

What's this do for Clayton? Can he handle the #1 Role?

 

[TheDirtyWord]

It will be interesting to see if Mason gets skewered like Ricky Williams did.

 

[doubletrouble]

on ESPN...http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4325120

 

[bigern1000]

What's this do for Clayton? Can he handle the #1 Role?

I was thinking the exact same thing -- what's FBG's take on this...?

 

[rzrback77]

big up for Clayton and puts the Ravens in line for one of the cast-off WRs Burress, Matt Jones, etc

 

[Donnybrook]

I am sure the WR trade rumors will be ramping up quickly.  

 

[Ozymandias]

It will be interesting to see if Mason gets skewered like Ricky Williams did.

Derrick Mason-- Age 35 when he retiresRicky Williams--Age 28 when he retiredOne of these things is not like the other.

 

[identikit]

I am sure the WR trade rumors will be ramping up quickly.

I could see Matt Jones going here...Enough strong personalities on that team to keep him in check....

 

[Darker Knight]

It will be interesting to see if Mason gets skewered like Ricky Williams did.

Derrick Mason-- Age 35 when he retiresRicky Williams--Age 28 and just wanted to be able to smoke pot whenever he wanted when he retired

One of these things is not like the other.

Fixed

 

[gonzobill5]

You have to wonder if McNair's death played a part in this decision

 

[identikit]

You have to wonder if McNair's death played a part in this decision

I'd say it did...

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

I dont think Clayton is as tough as Mason, so he won't be as dependable on the short/intermediate stuff. I wouldn't be surprised to see them sign Amani Toomer. I have always liked Demetrius Williams talent, it's just a question of whether he can stay healthy. If he does, I think he outproduces Clayton this year. Heap and LJ Smith will probably get more targets too - Mason's main role seemed to be keeping drives alive, and Heap especially could help in that capacity.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Ravens should have 6.5-7 mil in cap space after Mason comes off the books, assuming Suggs doesnt sign a long term deal, freeing up more space.

 

[bcr8f]

It will be interesting to see if Mason gets skewered like Ricky Williams did.

Derrick Mason-- Age 35 when he retiresRicky Williams--Age 28 and just wanted to be able to smoke pot whenever he wanted when he retired

One of these things is not like the other.

Fixed

Give Ricky credit. He quit and has worked hard to stay clean. He's worked on cleaning his name to. With all the people getting in trouble give guys who fix their problems

 

[comfortably numb]

WR:

Derrick Mason,

Mark Clayton,

Demetrius Williams,

Marcus Smith,

Yamon Figurs (PR)

Kelley Washington,

Justin Harper,

Ernie Wheelright,

Edward Williams,

Eron Riley,

Isaiah Williams

Either stay the hell away, or someone will be a nice DEEEEEEP sleeper addition for Baltimore.

Any chance Marvin Harrison finds his way into Baltimore?

 

[TheDirtyWord]

It will be interesting to see if Mason gets skewered like Ricky Williams did.

Derrick Mason-- Age 35 when he retiresRicky Williams--Age 28 when he retired

One of these things is not like the other.

Alot more similarities IMO than alot of revisionist historians are willing to admit...Peter King MMQB Column on Williams retirement...

There was no mention of Williams drug issues initially and by this point in time, he had been lambasted for leaving the Dolphins in the lurch like this right before training camp giving the Dolphins little room to compensate. At the time, all he stated was that he wanted to be "free" of the demands of the NFL and travel the world. Certainly later, details about his marijuana dependence added fuel to the fire. But the horse was out of the barn already relating to negative backlash Williams received by the time this news became public.

Whether Mason was 35 or 28, he had been present for all OTA's and mini-camps and from first appearances, the Ravens have been taken by surprise by Mason's retirement just as much as the Dolphins were.

 

[massraider]

It will be interesting to see if Mason gets skewered like Ricky Williams did.

Derrick Mason-- Age 35 when he retiresRicky Williams--Age 28 when he retired

One of these things is not like the other.

Alot more similarities IMO than alot of revisionist historians are willing to admit...Peter King MMQB Column on Williams retirement...

There was no mention of Williams drug issues initially and by this point in time, he had been lambasted for leaving the Dolphins in the lurch like this right before training camp giving the Dolphins little room to compensate. At the time, all he stated was that he wanted to be "free" of the demands of the NFL and travel the world. Certainly later, details about his marijuana dependence added fuel to the fire. But the horse was out of the barn already relating to negative backlash Williams received by the time this news became public.

Whether Mason was 35 or 28, he had been present for all OTA's and mini-camps and from first appearances, the Ravens have been taken by surprise by Mason's retirement just as much as the Dolphins were.

Just based on his age, and rep as a quiet professional, plus McNair's death, I would say there is no chance that he gets skewered.As far as if that is interesting or not, I think you might be the only one to find it so.

 

[Couch Potato]

WR: Derrick Mason,Mark Clayton, Demetrius Williams, Marcus Smith, Yamon Figurs (PR) Kelley Washington, Justin Harper, Ernie Wheelright, Edward Williams, Eron Riley, Isaiah WilliamsEither stay the hell away, or someone will be a nice DEEEEEEP sleeper addition for Baltimore.Any chance Marvin Harrison finds his way into Baltimore?

All teams have a boatload of extra players this time of year. It doesn't mean anything. Clayton, D Williams, Smith, Washington, Harper are the only names on that list you'll have to know. Figurs is just a return guy. The last 4 will be irrelevant.I'm sort of intrigued by Justin Harper. At Va Tech he teamed with Eddie Royal (Denver) and Josh Morgan (San Fran) in 2007 and had the best stats of the three.Josh Morgan 46-552-12.0-5Justin Harper 41-635-15.5-5Eddie Royal 33-496-15.0-4They'll need to add someone. Trade for Boldin or Marshall, add Matt Jones, Harrison, Toomer, Burress, Hackett, Koren Robinson, Drew Bennett, etc. in free agency. There are some names anyway. The Ravens won't stand pat with the list above. Demetrius Williams' value will depend on who is added.

 

[Football Jones]

Wasn't Mason trying to get a better deal? If so, I can't help but think this is an attempt (at least in part) to get his wishes. Not saying he wouldn't go through with the retirement, but Mason doesn't seem like the type who would leave his team in a bind because of a last-minute retirement. For monetary reasons? Sure. Everybody needs to take care of their family (& themselves in their old age).

I know he said it wasn't about money, but that's a standard line. Something tells me Mason won't retire if the Ravens pony up. BTW, I'm not in any way putting Mason down for this (if it's true).

 

[identikit]

Ravens | Mason already having second thoughts on retirement? Mon Jul 13, 06:58 PM

During an interview on ESPNews, Baltimore Ravens WR Derrick Mason said he had been thinking of retiring since the end of last season. However, despite saying earlier today he is retiring, he left the door open on a potential return. 'Right now I'm 99 percent sure,' Mason said.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

It will be interesting to see if Mason gets skewered like Ricky Williams did.

Derrick Mason-- Age 35 when he retiresRicky Williams--Age 28 when he retired

One of these things is not like the other.

Alot more similarities IMO than alot of revisionist historians are willing to admit...Peter King MMQB Column on Williams retirement...

There was no mention of Williams drug issues initially and by this point in time, he had been lambasted for leaving the Dolphins in the lurch like this right before training camp giving the Dolphins little room to compensate. At the time, all he stated was that he wanted to be "free" of the demands of the NFL and travel the world. Certainly later, details about his marijuana dependence added fuel to the fire. But the horse was out of the barn already relating to negative backlash Williams received by the time this news became public.

Whether Mason was 35 or 28, he had been present for all OTA's and mini-camps and from first appearances, the Ravens have been taken by surprise by Mason's retirement just as much as the Dolphins were.

Just based on his age, and rep as a quiet professional, plus McNair's death, I would say there is no chance that he gets skewered.

What about the fact that he was making noise about wanting a new contract as recently as May? "I believe I earned the right for a three-year deal," he says. "I would... discuss other options and would be very aggressive in doing so if Baltimore is not willing to meet me on this."

Didn't Williams suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder and as such was forced to be a quiet professional? Same as Mason?

Hours after Williams retired he was being villified. Not happening here.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Hours after Williams retired he was being villified. Not happening here.

This may be the dumbest comparison I've ever read.

 

[massraider]

It will be interesting to see if Mason gets skewered like Ricky Williams did.

Derrick Mason-- Age 35 when he retiresRicky Williams--Age 28 when he retired

One of these things is not like the other.

Alot more similarities IMO than alot of revisionist historians are willing to admit...Peter King MMQB Column on Williams retirement...

There was no mention of Williams drug issues initially and by this point in time, he had been lambasted for leaving the Dolphins in the lurch like this right before training camp giving the Dolphins little room to compensate. At the time, all he stated was that he wanted to be "free" of the demands of the NFL and travel the world. Certainly later, details about his marijuana dependence added fuel to the fire. But the horse was out of the barn already relating to negative backlash Williams received by the time this news became public.

Whether Mason was 35 or 28, he had been present for all OTA's and mini-camps and from first appearances, the Ravens have been taken by surprise by Mason's retirement just as much as the Dolphins were.

Just based on his age, and rep as a quiet professional, plus McNair's death, I would say there is no chance that he gets skewered.

What about the fact that he was making noise about wanting a new contract as recently as May? "I believe I earned the right for a three-year deal," he says. "I would... discuss other options and would be very aggressive in doing so if Baltimore is not willing to meet me on this."

Didn't Williams suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder and as such was forced to be a quiet professional? Same as Mason?

Hours after Williams retired he was being villified. Not happening here.

Interesting about the contract talk. I forgot that. If this is a money grab, he might indeed deserve some flak. However, if he stays retired, I doubt he gets any. If he comes back for a deal, he might get a bit of static, but if he helps the team, it'll all be forgotten.As far as Ricky, he was a polarizing player from the beginning. doing interviews with his helmet on, the Master P deal.......and Williams suffering from a disorder didn't give him too much slack from fantasy owners, I wouldn't classify them as the most compassionate of people. He was controversial right away, Mason hasn't ever been, especially for a WR.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

Hours after Williams retired he was being villified. Not happening here.

This may be the dumbest comparison I've ever read.

 

[Couch Potato]

Ravens | Mason already having second thoughts on retirement? Mon Jul 13, 06:58 PMDuring an interview on ESPNews, Baltimore Ravens WR Derrick Mason said he had been thinking of retiring since the end of last season. However, despite saying earlier today he is retiring, he left the door open on a potential return. 'Right now I'm 99 percent sure,' Mason said.

I have to think the McNair murder had to take a lot out of him, and whether he realizes it or not, has greatly contributed to him not being 'enthused.' "I have been thinking about this since season ended. Emotionally I am just not that enthused. I have not been that enthused to get up and work out…it was getting to that point."I know he said he's felt this way since the season ended, but he didn't choose to retire at that point. I don't think it's coincidence the announcement came just days after McNair's funeral. He's leaving the door cracked open a tiny bit, hasn't filed retirement papers, and I'm thinking there's a lot better than a 1% chance he changes his mind once some more time goes by and the emotions concerning McNair aren't so raw.

 

[fatness]

"It's a decision that I've made," Mason, 35, told ESPN News. "If I do change my mind, it won't be because of the Ravens. It'll be because of some other things -- my family and talking with other people. I still got to talk with some coaches over there. As far as financially, I don't think they can do anything to sway me."

Ravens officials were caught off guard by the news because Mason had worked out at team headquarters only hours before the announcement.

"For any player to retire, he has to send a letter to the NFL stating this," said Kevin Byrne, the Ravens' senior vice president of public relations. "Derrick Mason has not done that."

Baltimore Sun

 

[identikit]

Hours after Williams retired he was being villified. Not happening here.

This may be the dumbest comparison I've ever read.

Read?Or wrote?

 

[JohnnyU]

I am sure the WR trade rumors will be ramping up quickly.

I could see Matt Jones going here...Enough strong personalities on that team to keep him in check....

If it was something other than drugs I would agree with you. That stuff is a lot stronger than Ray Lewis.

 

[Tick]

I am sure the WR trade rumors will be ramping up quickly.

I could see Matt Jones going here...Enough strong personalities on that team to keep him in check....

If it was something other than drugs I would agree with you. That stuff is a lot stronger than Ray Lewis.

What about Jamal Lewis?

 

[travdogg]

Matt Jones makes sense from a skill-set standpoint, but judging by what's happened so far this off season, it seems us fantasy players value Jones more than NFL teams seem to. I think it would be a good fit, but who knows?

I'd be surprised if the Ravens were to land a guy like Boldin or Braylon. I truly believe that the Cards want to keep Boldin and I just can't see a Browns-Ravens trade, especially one that is for such a high profile player. Maybe Brandon Marshall, but the Broncos likely would want a Roy type deal and the Ravens don't seem likely to comply unless they feel very desperate, which again would surprise me.

If they don't see any free agents worth going after I could see a trade for a lesser WR who is stuck in an unsure role right now, maybe a guy like Reggie Brown could be had pretty cheaply.

I suppose Marvin Harrison could be an option as well, but that would be a bit of a surprise too.

I do feel its unlikely they go in starting Clayton and Williams.

 

[Mark Wimer]

The death of McNair had to be a huge shock. Mason is in the early stages of the grieving process right now.

This decision may be set in stone, or it may be something that he regrets in a few weeks, and reverses.

From personal experiences (unfortunately), I know how earth-shattering the sudden, violent death (murder or suicide is what I mean) of a close friend or relative can be - your perspective on your own life and your path in that life suddenly changes radically.

This is a wait-and-see type situation, IMO. But if I were drafting this week or next, Mason is off my WR list for sure.

My .02.

 

[Jason Wood]

I think if Mason doesn't reconsider the Ravens have to do something. Whereas signing Marvin Harrison before wouldn't have made much sense given his skill set now being comparable to Mason's, now he's a great fit as the possession guy. If they don't sign Harrison or Toomer, I would have to significantly downgrade the entire outlook for the Ravens offense. Mason was 75+ catches, 1,000 yards and a lot of 1st downs keeping drives alive. Clayton has been too inconsistent as a WR2 for me to think he can hack being a WR1, and Demetrius Williams is coming off an Achilles injury for a guy whose main asset is deep ball speed. Yamon Figurs and Marcus Smith are the 3 and 4 now, which is embarrassing.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

I think Marcus Smith has some talent and will surprise. Having said that, I'm not sure he's ready to be the clear #3 WR all season this year.

 

[Sinrman]

Ouch. That nailed me in at least one survivor so far...

Ahh well.. great receiver. Not a HoFer, but definitely one of the better ones..

 

[fatness]

"It's a decision that I've made," Mason, 35, told ESPN News. "If I do change my mind, it won't be because of the Ravens. It'll be because of some other things -- my family and talking with other people. I still got to talk with some coaches over there. As far as financially, I don't think they can do anything to sway me."

For a guy who played with a pretty serious injury last year (wasn't it his shoulder?), was the most reliable target for a rookie QB, and helped his team get to the playoffs, it would be surprising if money was not part of the reason he's retiring.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Busy day for me today so just digging into this.

So far I'm reserving judgment until it is really official. I am thinking it isn't.

Check this out:

http://blogs.usatoday.com/thehuddle/2009/0...as-retired.html

The Ravens' web site reports that Mason worked out at the team's facility today Link and chatted for front-office employees. He left between 2:30 and 3 p.m.

Mason, 35, caught 80 passes last season for 1,037 yards and five touchdowns.

The Baltimore Sun reported that JockLife.com shares an office with LaMont Smith, Mason's agent. The SportsAgentBlog had an interview with Smith in 2008 in which he said he created JockLife.com.

------------

So Smith, Mason's agent, is the source for the retirement announcement. Hmm.... I will wait a little before I give this full credibility.

 

[Clash of the Titans]

Busy day for me today so just digging into this.

So far I'm reserving judgment until it is really official. I am thinking it isn't.

Check this out:

http://blogs.usatoday.com/thehuddle/2009/0...as-retired.html

The Ravens' web site reports that Mason worked out at the team's facility today Link and chatted for front-office employees. He left between 2:30 and 3 p.m.

Mason, 35, caught 80 passes last season for 1,037 yards and five touchdowns.

The Baltimore Sun reported that JockLife.com shares an office with LaMont Smith, Mason's agent. The SportsAgentBlog had an interview with Smith in 2008 in which he said he created JockLife.com.

------------

So Smith, Mason's agent, is the source for the retirement announcement. Hmm.... I will wait a little before I give this full credibility.

i don't think mason is going anywhere........i think it's possibly a last ditch effort to get paid.......this is all a ploy and a mind game..........mason will be a raven this year.....ozzie will do whatever it takes to keep him this season

 

[Truman]

Any chance Mason has a change of heart once the grind of training camp is over? He has been to about 12 of them so far, not a lot of benefit to be gained from putting him through that again unnecessarily.

 

[RavensUNFL]

As soon as I heard this I thought it was a ploy to get paid, he had a great season last year plays on a good team and even though he is 35 still seemed to have something left in the tank. Although coming on the heels of the Mcnair tragedy maybe he has started looking at life differently.... for now.

I think Clayton can replace Mason if it comes to that, he has excellent hands, very good quickness and as Mason himself said, is a younger clone of him. I would atleast say I have not seen anything to say he can't be a #1 guy. But I still think Mason will be back and this will be a non issue.

 

[ravnzfan]

As soon as I heard this I thought it was a ploy to get paid, he had a great season last year plays on a good team and even though he is 35 still seemed to have something left in the tank. Although coming on the heels of the Mcnair tragedy maybe he has started looking at life differently.... for now.

I think Clayton can replace Mason if it comes to that, he has excellent hands, very good quickness and as Mason himself said, is a younger clone of him.

I would atleast say I have not seen anything to say he can't be a #1 guy. But I still think Mason will be back and this will be a non issue.

In Mason's 4 seasons here, he has produced the top 3 franchise yrs for WR's---and there was a time when this offense scored points in bunches, because the "record setting defense" was setting records for points allowed, and Vinny could get the ball down the field in a minute to offset yet another TD against the PurpleMark Clayton dreams about producing like Mason, that's it--I think he'll be more banged up than DWill this year, if the team stays pat

Demetrius Williams is the big target on roster w/a few games under his belt that can actually top Clayton in production...he has worked hard at bulking up this offseason to help withstand the riggors of an NFL season---we'll see

Marcus Smith (converted RB) can be a huge sleeper in this...@6-1/225, he also provides big target like Williams---just a small issue in that he's never caught a pass in the NFL

personally, I think Mason is missing his buddy...and that is heavy on his mind, as well it should be

while I don't think the contract is the primary objective, it might prompt the Ravens into aggressively talking to Mason regarding a deal---there is no better way to help handle a deep emotional loss than to "get into your work"....I'd be suprised if this is it for him, and wouldn't be suprised to see him in Westminster early August

 

[brewer]

It will be interesting to see if Mason gets skewered like Ricky Williams did.

Derrick Mason-- Age 35 when he retiresRicky Williams--Age 28 when he retired

One of these things is not like the other.

Alot more similarities IMO than alot of revisionist historians are willing to admit...Peter King MMQB Column on Williams retirement...

There was no mention of Williams drug issues initially and by this point in time, he had been lambasted for leaving the Dolphins in the lurch like this right before training camp giving the Dolphins little room to compensate. At the time, all he stated was that he wanted to be "free" of the demands of the NFL and travel the world. Certainly later, details about his marijuana dependence added fuel to the fire. But the horse was out of the barn already relating to negative backlash Williams received by the time this news became public.

Whether Mason was 35 or 28, he had been present for all OTA's and mini-camps and from first appearances, the Ravens have been taken by surprise by Mason's retirement just as much as the Dolphins were.

Just based on his age, and rep as a quiet professional, plus McNair's death, I would say there is no chance that he gets skewered.

What about the fact that he was making noise about wanting a new contract as recently as May? "I believe I earned the right for a three-year deal," he says. "I would... discuss other options and would be very aggressive in doing so if Baltimore is not willing to meet me on this."

Didn't Williams suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder and as such was forced to be a quiet professional? Same as Mason?

Hours after Williams retired he was being villified. Not happening here.

The year before he retired, Williams had 392 carries and 50 receptions.... The total number of carries + catches for the team was 695 so Ricky accounted for 63.5% of his team's touches the prior season.... and as was pointed out above he was only 27-28 years old. He simply was the Dolphins offense.Mason had 80 catches last year which was good for about 10% of the overall touches for the Ravens... and he is 35 years old.

These two situations really aren't very similar at all.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

"I believe I earned the right for a three-year deal," he says. "I would... discuss other options and would be very aggressive in doing so if Baltimore is not willing to meet me on this."

Didn't Williams suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder and as such was forced to be a quiet professional? Same as Mason?

Hours after Williams retired he was being villified. Not happening here.

The year before he retired, Williams had 392 carries and 50 receptions.... The total number of carries + catches for the team was 695 so Ricky accounted for 63.5% of his team's touches the prior season.... and as was pointed out above he was only 27-28 years old. He simply was the Dolphins offense.Mason had 80 catches last year which was good for about 10% of the overall touches for the Ravens... and he is 35 years old.

These two situations really aren't very similar at all.

So via this logic, any teams offensive line isn't responsible for any teams offensive success? So a lower percentage of touches now makes it alright for a player to blindside his franchise with a retirement announcement days prior to training camp beginning? At what age is a retirement announcement days before training camp then acceptable? 32? 33? 35? Did Mason come in just under the 'acceptable' line? In reality, I'm more making a commentary on us than either Mason or Williams. Mason has received nary a bit of flak for essentially doing the same thing as Williams. Williams was put through the ringer IMMEDIATELY.

And to say that Mason isn't important to the Ravens O? Tell that to Joe Flacco who probably has been trying to develop more chemistry with his receivers including Mason this off-season. Now changing roles for all of them isn't going to potentially submarine a potential SB season? Mark Clayton is now a #1 WR?

 

[Ghost of Bill Walsh]

Sad to see him retire.Think he coulda had a good year with Flacco. Gotta think now Matt Jones would be a front runner, evenwith his past history and all.Why not,Ray Ray was in that murder mix and didn't seem to matter although I'm sure there were extinuating circumstances with it. Not sure if Clayton could handle the #1 spot. He'd need to step up for sure. If he works hard enough anything's possible. Still they surely will look for a vet or trade. Will the Marshall talks heat up now.He's licking his lips for a chance to get outta Denver. I like this young kid Marcus Smith. Think he'll see a lot of #3 action anyway. I just don't care for Demetrius Williams. Just A personal opinion.

 

[RavensUNFL]

Mark Clayton dreams about producing like Mason, that's it--I think he'll be more banged up than DWill this year, if the team stays pat

What makes you think he will be banged up? All the games he has missed so far in his career? Oh yeah, he hasn't missed a game since his rookie season. Who are all these guys that Mason has crushed for single season stats? Do you mean the future HOF likes of Quadry Ismail or perhaps you are referring to Travis Taylor, yeah that's who was leading the Ravens all time receiving stats before Mason passed them, unless you want to count Heap who is still #1. Not sure how you can be so positive he doesn't have what it takes to be a #1 guy, he has had a very good veteran ahead of him in Mason which is why he did not have to produce or act like the man. Thats like saying 5 years ago there is no way Reggie Wayne could be the #1 guy because he was always playing in Harrison shadow, he has not done to badly since becoming the man. I am not saying I guaranteed he would be, but no way do I think he can't be.

 

[GSWarriors]

Mark Clayton dreams about producing like Mason, that's it--I think he'll be more banged up than DWill this year, if the team stays pat

What makes you think he will be banged up? All the games he has missed so far in his career? Oh yeah, he hasn't missed a game since his rookie season. Who are all these guys that Mason has crushed for single season stats? Do you mean the future HOF likes of Quadry Ismail or perhaps you are referring to Travis Taylor, yeah that's who was leading the Ravens all time receiving stats before Mason passed them, unless you want to count Heap who is still #1. Not sure how you can be so positive he doesn't have what it takes to be a #1 guy, he has had a very good veteran ahead of him in Mason which is why he did not have to produce or act like the man. Thats like saying 5 years ago there is no way Reggie Wayne could be the #1 guy because he was always playing in Harrison shadow, he has not done to badly since becoming the man. I am not saying I guaranteed he would be, but no way do I think he can't be.

Clayton is going in his 5th year and some guys are just late bloomers (i.e. Antonio Bryant and Vincent Jackson, and to some degree, Kevin Walter)Clayton was going to be this year's Kevin Walter, may just have become this year's Antonio Bryant (best case that is).

 

[Grid71]

"I believe I earned the right for a three-year deal," he says. "I would... discuss other options and would be very aggressive in doing so if Baltimore is not willing to meet me on this."

Didn't Williams suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder and as such was forced to be a quiet professional? Same as Mason?

Hours after Williams retired he was being villified. Not happening here.

The year before he retired, Williams had 392 carries and 50 receptions.... The total number of carries + catches for the team was 695 so Ricky accounted for 63.5% of his team's touches the prior season.... and as was pointed out above he was only 27-28 years old. He simply was the Dolphins offense.Mason had 80 catches last year which was good for about 10% of the overall touches for the Ravens... and he is 35 years old.

These two situations really aren't very similar at all.

So via this logic, any teams offensive line isn't responsible for any teams offensive success? So a lower percentage of touches now makes it alright for a player to blindside his franchise with a retirement announcement days prior to training camp beginning? At what age is a retirement announcement days before training camp then acceptable? 32? 33? 35? Did Mason come in just under the 'acceptable' line? In reality, I'm more making a commentary on us than either Mason or Williams. Mason has received nary a bit of flak for essentially doing the same thing as Williams. Williams was put through the ringer IMMEDIATELY.

And to say that Mason isn't important to the Ravens O? Tell that to Joe Flacco who probably has been trying to develop more chemistry with his receivers including Mason this off-season. Now changing roles for all of them isn't going to potentially submarine a potential SB season? Mark Clayton is now a #1 WR?

I don't see much of a comparison between Mason and Williams. Mason is at an age where you might expect a WR to retire. The loss of McNair made him think about his mortality and what life has to offer outside of football. Do you really think one more season would be the difference between Mason making the HOF? He's done everything he could in the NFL. He's also at the age where vetern players can't cash in on big paydays after years of hard work and dedication. The team wouldn't pay him what he felt he was worth. That let him down too.Ricky was in his prime and coming off a FAT signing bonus that he hadn't fully earned yet to go smoke pot. Ricky = Mason?

 

[Da Guru]

At 35 there is no way in hell Mason walks away from 4 million.