McGahee Traded to Baltimore (1 Viewer)

[ravnzfan]

McGahee will receive an initial signing bonus of $7.5 million and subsequent option bonuses of $6 million after the 2007 season and $1.5 million following the 2008 season, for a total of $15 million. The base salaries are $595,000 (2007), $605,000 ('08), $620,000 ('09), $3.6 million ('10), $6 million ('11), $6.5 million ('12) and $7.2 million ('13).

I'm surprised no one has mentioned it yet, but Baltimore has structured the deal as a 1 year trial with an easy get out of jail free card. Depending on when that $6M bonus is due, if McGahee flops or they aren't happy with him for any reason, it looks to be pretty dang easy to cut or trade him next offseason with minimal cap consequences.

not so sure about that.if they release him after 1 year, they'll have a little more than $6 million remaining in amortized bonus money that will count against their cap for 2008.

do you really think they'd pay him $8 million this year and then cut him to take a $6 million penalty next year?

It all depends on the timing of the roster bonus, who says that accelerated signing bonus isn't spread out over the 2008 and 2009 seasons? Or that they don't designate him as their 1 player that gets treated as a June 1st cut? Seems like an insurance policy in case he falls on his face or starts sticking his foot in his mouth again. It also serves double duty of spreading out what might have been a 14M signing bonus into two seasons to save cap space.They're gambling on a high profile and slightly expensive RB that carries possibly a lot of risk. It's a great contract for Baltimore to get and retain McGahee because of the allure of big dollars. It's also a great contract for Baltimore to cut and run if they need to.

Edit: FWIW, I think McGahee will do just fine as a Raven.

sorry Buck, but that just isn't going to happenthe Ravens moved 3 rookie picks and will lay out $8M this yr in cash---no matter what happens, they'll pay the 2nd installment and ride it out w/a 25 yr old RB

I've seen mention of this as a 3 yr deal

as long as his health remains, the contract will be very manageable for the Ravens

the prorated SB is 15/7, or ~$2.15M, putting '10-'11-'12-'13 cap figures @ $5.75M-$8.15M-$8.65M-$9.35M

while yrs 5-7 ('11-'13) might be in jeapordy (but certainly not "out of the question"), the '10 cap number of $5.75M is very manageable against a projected cap of ~$130M for that yr

McGahee will be 29 then, and in my eyes be "yr-to-yr" after that, predicated on health

 

[On The Rocks]

my two cents:

The Bills unloaded McGahee for a couple of reasons. 1. His upcoming contract demands regardless of what his actual worth is would have been hard for them to manage. 2. The Bills have said more than once in recent weeks they are looking for a more versatile back. Translation: Someone that can stay on the field for 3rd downs. McGahee, for whatever reason wasn't successful as a third down back.

The Ravens just signed a guy that is a mirror image of Jamal Lewis. Not the 2000 yard season Jamal Lewis either, but the 2004-2006 Lewis that avg'd 270/1015/6 rushing and 20/140 receiving.

I don't understand all this talk about the Ravens OLine being some grand group of blockers. They have been average at best. Ogden was the crown jewel for many years but his star isn't shining so brightly anymore.

I like the trade as long as the Bills package something to move up and get a top RB in this years draft. The Free Agent RB's left are no more versatile than McGahee was and certainly not workhorse backs like McGahee.

So if they made the move to improve at the position, they will have to do it by obtaining Peterson or Lynch.

 

[Buckna]

McGahee will receive an initial signing bonus of $7.5 million and subsequent option bonuses of $6 million after the 2007 season and $1.5 million following the 2008 season, for a total of $15 million. The base salaries are $595,000 (2007), $605,000 ('08), $620,000 ('09), $3.6 million ('10), $6 million ('11), $6.5 million ('12) and $7.2 million ('13).

I'm surprised no one has mentioned it yet, but Baltimore has structured the deal as a 1 year trial with an easy get out of jail free card. Depending on when that $6M bonus is due, if McGahee flops or they aren't happy with him for any reason, it looks to be pretty dang easy to cut or trade him next offseason with minimal cap consequences.

not so sure about that.if they release him after 1 year, they'll have a little more than $6 million remaining in amortized bonus money that will count against their cap for 2008.

do you really think they'd pay him $8 million this year and then cut him to take a $6 million penalty next year?

It all depends on the timing of the roster bonus, who says that accelerated signing bonus isn't spread out over the 2008 and 2009 seasons? Or that they don't designate him as their 1 player that gets treated as a June 1st cut? Seems like an insurance policy in case he falls on his face or starts sticking his foot in his mouth again. It also serves double duty of spreading out what might have been a 14M signing bonus into two seasons to save cap space.They're gambling on a high profile and slightly expensive RB that carries possibly a lot of risk. It's a great contract for Baltimore to get and retain McGahee because of the allure of big dollars. It's also a great contract for Baltimore to cut and run if they need to.

Edit: FWIW, I think McGahee will do just fine as a Raven.

sorry Buck, but that just isn't going to happenthe Ravens moved 3 rookie picks and will lay out $8M this yr in cash---no matter what happens, they'll pay the 2nd installment and ride it out w/a 25 yr old RB

I've seen mention of this as a 3 yr deal

as long as his health remains, the contract will be very manageable for the Ravens

the prorated SB is 15/7, or ~$2.15M, putting '10-'11-'12-'13 cap figures @ $5.75M-$8.15M-$8.65M-$9.35M

while yrs 5-7 ('11-'13) might be in jeapordy (but certainly not "out of the question"), the '10 cap number of $5.75M is very manageable against a projected cap of ~$130M for that yr

McGahee will be 29 then, and in my eyes be "yr-to-yr" after that, predicated on health

I'm not saying it's a realistic scenario, but for the sake of argument, let's say Mcgahee flat out sucks this year. Let's say 3.4 ypc and 3 TD's (which is what Jamal gave you in '05.) You don't think they would take a seriously hard look at paying that 2nd roster bonus? I know I would.Maybe it's not worth it quibbling over the details, I think we're all in agreement it's a very friendly contract for the Ravens. I think there main motivation was to spread the signing bonus cap hit out over 2 seasons, but I think they also built this in just in case things go sour quickly.

Edit: And when I say realistic, it's because I believe McGahee will actually play well in a Raven's uniform. But u never know.

 

[cmv5]

my two cents:

The Bills unloaded McGahee for a couple of reasons. 1. His upcoming contract demands regardless of what his actual worth is would have been hard for them to manage. 2. The Bills have said more than once in recent weeks they are looking for a more versatile back. Translation: Someone that can stay on the field for 3rd downs. McGahee, for whatever reason wasn't as third down back.

The Ravens just signed a guy that is a mirror image of Jamal Lewis. Not the 2000 yard season Jamal Lewis either, but the 2004-2006 Lewis that avg'd 270/1015/6 rushing and 20/140 receiving.

I don't understand all this talk about the Ravens OLine being some grand group of blockers. They have been average at best. Ogden was the crown jewel for many years but his star isn't shining so brightly anymore.

I like the trade as long as the Bills package something to move up and get a top RB in this years draft. The FW RB's left are no more versatile than McGahee was and certainly not workhorse backs like McGahee.

So if they made the move to improve at the position, they will have to do it by obtaining Peterson or Lynch.

I'm going to have to trust the Ravens staff (with some of the best scouts in the league) that they see something in McGahee that they feel is worth more money than Jamal Lewis. I understand that the Ravens O-line is not the best in the league but since when has the Buffalo line started providing McGahee with gaping holes? IMO, McGahee's worst case scenario 1000/6, his ceiling though is much higher.

 

[J-Rock]

I haven't red the entire thread so my appologies if I'm duplicating someone elses thoughts here.

I think this deal will prove to be a great move for the Ravens and McGahee. I've seen a lot of comments about how overrated McGahee is but I'm not convinced.

The Bills have arguably the worst OL in pro football yet McGahee lead the league in rushing yards for the first quarter of the season. The Bills were behind in a number of games which makes it tough to keep running the ball. He won't have that problem in BAL.

I think the biggest impact on McGahee's performance will actually be the infleuence of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. Both are also from "the U" and are great leaders. They will have McGahee focused on his responsibility to the team and make him a better football player.

I think McGahee is a top 5 back this season in Baltimore.

 

[JH56]

I don't think you can underestimate the Mularkey factor hurting Willis in 2005 either. That guy is brutal. As a long time McGahee owner and a Brown owner last year watching him call plays was borderline painful. Harrington three passes from the one and giving McGahee under 10 carries at time seem to stick in my mind.

Cameran actually has a clue as he was PROMPTLY relieved of those duties wen he was hired

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I haven't red the entire thread so my appologies if I'm duplicating someone elses thoughts here.I think this deal will prove to be a great move for the Ravens and McGahee. I've seen a lot of comments about how overrated McGahee is but I'm not convinced.The Bills have arguably the worst OL in pro football yet McGahee lead the league in rushing yards for the first quarter of the season. The Bills were behind in a number of games which makes it tough to keep running the ball. He won't have that problem in BAL.I think the biggest impact on McGahee's performance will actually be the infleuence of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. Both are also from "the U" and are great leaders. They will have McGahee focused on his responsibility to the team and make him a better football player. I think McGahee is a top 5 back this season in Baltimore.

Top5? The OL he is going to will be worse than the line Buffalo may be fielding in 2007. They have had some great FA signings and I expect them to find more in the draft. I do think Baltimore's defense will give McGahee short fields ans some easy scores. I have him set for 320/1280...that is assuming a 4.0ypc. Another 30-40 catches for 250+yds.That puts us at about 1,500 yds for McGahee and likely 8-10 TD in that offense. How high are you projecting his numbers? I use a somewhat consevative approach when analyzing and I think hard numer projections can be dangerous.

 

[DrJ]

So did Chicago not have Ozzie's phone number?

Not understanding this sentiment. The Bears got as much, if not more, for Thomas Jones than the Bills got here for McGahee.Trading from a pick that is almost a 3rd rounder to a pick that is almost a 1st rounder (26 spots in the 2nd) is worth more than a very late 3rd, and what is probably going to be a very late 3rd again next season.

 

[J-Rock]

I haven't red the entire thread so my appologies if I'm duplicating someone elses thoughts here.I think this deal will prove to be a great move for the Ravens and McGahee. I've seen a lot of comments about how overrated McGahee is but I'm not convinced.The Bills have arguably the worst OL in pro football yet McGahee lead the league in rushing yards for the first quarter of the season. The Bills were behind in a number of games which makes it tough to keep running the ball. He won't have that problem in BAL.I think the biggest impact on McGahee's performance will actually be the infleuence of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. Both are also from "the U" and are great leaders. They will have McGahee focused on his responsibility to the team and make him a better football player. I think McGahee is a top 5 back this season in Baltimore.

Top5? The OL he is going to will be worse than the line Buffalo may be fielding in 2007. They have had some great FA signings and I expect them to find more in the draft. I do think Baltimore's defense will give McGahee short fields ans some easy scores. I have him set for 320/1280...that is assuming a 4.0ypc. Another 30-40 catches for 250+yds.That puts us at about 1,500 yds for McGahee and likely 8-10 TD in that offense. How high are you projecting his numbers? I use a somewhat consevative approach when analyzing and I think hard numer projections can be dangerous.

It's still kind of early to be making projections. I think McGahee will average 4.0 - 4.5 ypc. I see about 1400 - 1500 yards, 8-10 TD. I think your rec. projection is reasonable. I really don't understand why you think The Bills OL has a chance to be better than the ravens this year?Anyways, well have to wait and see.

 

[Thorpe]

I haven't red the entire thread so my appologies if I'm duplicating someone elses thoughts here.I think this deal will prove to be a great move for the Ravens and McGahee. I've seen a lot of comments about how overrated McGahee is but I'm not convinced.The Bills have arguably the worst OL in pro football yet McGahee lead the league in rushing yards for the first quarter of the season. The Bills were behind in a number of games which makes it tough to keep running the ball. He won't have that problem in BAL.I think the biggest impact on McGahee's performance will actually be the infleuence of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. Both are also from "the U" and are great leaders. They will have McGahee focused on his responsibility to the team and make him a better football player. I think McGahee is a top 5 back this season in Baltimore.

Top5? The OL he is going to will be worse than the line Buffalo may be fielding in 2007. They have had some great FA signings and I expect them to find more in the draft. I do think Baltimore's defense will give McGahee short fields ans some easy scores. I have him set for 320/1280...that is assuming a 4.0ypc. Another 30-40 catches for 250+yds.That puts us at about 1,500 yds for McGahee and likely 8-10 TD in that offense. How high are you projecting his numbers? I use a somewhat consevative approach when analyzing and I think hard numer projections can be dangerous.

It's still kind of early to be making projections. I think McGahee will average 4.0 - 4.5 ypc. I see about 1400 - 1500 yards, 8-10 TD. I think your rec. projection is reasonable. I really don't understand why you think The Bills OL has a chance to be better than the ravens this year?Anyways, well have to wait and see.

Any time Willis ran for more than 6 yards, he took himself out of the game, sometimes for as long as a quarter. He has a questionable work ethic at best, and he is incapable of understanding a playbook.

 

[J-Rock]

Any time Willis ran for more than 6 yards, he took himself out of the game, sometimes for as long as a quarter. He has a questionable work ethic at best, and he is incapable of understanding a playbook.

I detect a bitter Bills fan.McGahee was not the reason your team sucked. Offensively, he was the reason you didn't end up with the #1 pick every year.I find it hard to believe he has a bad work ethic but even if he does it won't follow him to Baltimore. Ray Lewis and Ed Reed will demand better from him.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Any time Willis ran for more than 6 yards, he took himself out of the game, sometimes for as long as a quarter. He has a questionable work ethic at best, and he is incapable of understanding a playbook.

I detect a bitter Bills fan.McGahee was not the reason your team sucked. Offensively, he was the reason you didn't end up with the #1 pick every year.

I don't have anything against McGahee. I was very excited about his potential a few years ago, and I (unfortunately) own him in a couple leagues. You're deluding yourself if you think he's the guy who's been keeping the Bills afloat the past few years. He's a decent starting running back, but that's about it. Maybe the change of scenery will do him some good, but Anthony Thomas performed about as well as McGahee did as a Bill, which is a fact that speaks for itself.

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

Just back from holidays so I have a lot of catching up to do............

As for the trade, perhaps it's not public knowledge but I heard (SOMEWHERE) that Willis had to be TOLD what hole he was supposed to run in, or who he is supposed to pick up on a blitz in his first few years as a Bill. He was not a very smart person, perhaps he has become smarter since then but from what I've seen over the years with Marv, he likes smart and athletic people around him. Willis seems too slow of a RB, perhaps because of his knee injury, and he isn't a good receiver as well, so he was limited in Buffalo on what he could do with the talent around him. I do think he'll do ok in Baltimore but not much better or for a long time. I think Buffalo was happy with what they got for him, even though I figured they'd get more originally.

 

[Bri]

Maybe the change of scenery will do him some good, but Anthony Thomas performed about as well as McGahee did as a Bill, which is a fact that speaks for itself.

Anthony Thomas' career went downhill pretty fast and seemed to be ending with his stops in New Orleans and Dallas. Fortunately or unfortunately I get to see alot of Bills games where I live. He was a different player. Better attitude, work ethic, dedication? I don't know but I give that guy a good amount of credit for not just "throwing in the towel".He looked like he should have after his impressive rookie year, like he should have his 2nd year in the pros. He's extremely intriguing as an offseason "see what happens" pickup. If Jekyl shows up he'll be lucky to make the team. If Hyde shows up he could actually shock us all and beat out the expected starter for his role.They don't throw to him they just pound him. I think it was a Packers game that made me think "Who is that?" McGahee played a little and then he took over and...probably 25 carries for 100-110 yards. I wouldn't believe it if I didn't see it but he was WAYYYYY better than I thought before that.

 

[Driver]

I haven't red the entire thread so my appologies if I'm duplicating someone elses thoughts here.I think this deal will prove to be a great move for the Ravens and McGahee. I've seen a lot of comments about how overrated McGahee is but I'm not convinced.The Bills have arguably the worst OL in pro football yet McGahee lead the league in rushing yards for the first quarter of the season. The Bills were behind in a number of games which makes it tough to keep running the ball. He won't have that problem in BAL.I think the biggest impact on McGahee's performance will actually be the infleuence of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. Both are also from "the U" and are great leaders. They will have McGahee focused on his responsibility to the team and make him a better football player. I think McGahee is a top 5 back this season in Baltimore.

Top5? The OL he is going to will be worse than the line Buffalo may be fielding in 2007. They have had some great FA signings and I expect them to find more in the draft. I do think Baltimore's defense will give McGahee short fields ans some easy scores. I have him set for 320/1280...that is assuming a 4.0ypc. Another 30-40 catches for 250+yds.That puts us at about 1,500 yds for McGahee and likely 8-10 TD in that offense. How high are you projecting his numbers? I use a somewhat consevative approach when analyzing and I think hard numer projections can be dangerous.

I think 10 TDs and 1500 yds from scrimmage is a very good over/under for McGahee next year. That would be 210 fpts which would have been RB10 last year and #9 in 2005 and 2004 -- so that would make McGahee barely top-10, probably RB8-11, which isn't bad considering his ADP which is around mid-2nd round. I think I'd take the over for next season (though close) and higher for 2008. Good value for both redraft and dynasty (age 25.9).ETA: I've got him in a dynasty league and a keeper league. Been disappointed the last couple years, but right now someone would have to offer me a top-10 RB in a trade.

 

[The Duff Man]

I don't have anything against McGahee. I was very excited about his potential a few years ago, and I (unfortunately) own him in a couple leagues. You're deluding yourself if you think he's the guy who's been keeping the Bills afloat the past few years. He's a decent starting running back, but that's about it. Maybe the change of scenery will do him some good, but Anthony Thomas performed about as well as McGahee did as a Bill, which is a fact that speaks for itself.

If anything McGahee hurt Losman and Evans value. Watch the games people.

 

[Banger]

I don't have anything against McGahee. I was very excited about his potential a few years ago, and I (unfortunately) own him in a couple leagues. You're deluding yourself if you think he's the guy who's been keeping the Bills afloat the past few years. He's a decent starting running back, but that's about it. Maybe the change of scenery will do him some good, but Anthony Thomas performed about as well as McGahee did as a Bill, which is a fact that speaks for itself.

If anything McGahee hurt Losman and Evans value. Watch the games people.

I don't agree with that at all. Losman was decent last year but he hurt himself more than McGahee ever did.

 

[-OZ-]

I don't have anything against McGahee. I was very excited about his potential a few years ago, and I (unfortunately) own him in a couple leagues. You're deluding yourself if you think he's the guy who's been keeping the Bills afloat the past few years. He's a decent starting running back, but that's about it. Maybe the change of scenery will do him some good, but Anthony Thomas performed about as well as McGahee did as a Bill, which is a fact that speaks for itself.

If anything McGahee hurt Losman and Evans value. Watch the games people.

I don't agree with that at all. Losman was decent last year but he hurt himself more than McGahee ever did.

McGahee didn't hurt Losman or Evans. The Offensive line did. I wouldn't go so far as to say he kept the Bills afloat, but he's in the upper half of starting RBs in the NFL, talent-wise. He just isn't top 5 which was expected, so many hold more negativity towards him than they should.

 

[The Duff Man]

If anything McGahee hurt Losman and Evans value. Watch the games people.

I don't agree with that at all. Losman was decent last year but he hurt himself more than McGahee ever did.

McGahee didn't hurt Losman or Evans. The Offensive line did. I wouldn't go so far as to say he kept the Bills afloat, but he's in the upper half of starting RBs in the NFL, talent-wise. He just isn't top 5 which was expected, so many hold more negativity towards him than they should.

The line hurt everybody, and should be better this year. The sentiment among those who didn't watch the games is that McGahee was the best thing on the Bills offense, and teams must have stacked the line against him. I watched every Bills game and I didn't see it. I put McGahee at #15 or lower for next year. I don't think his ceiling is as high as others do and I wonder if their comments are based on watching him play, or the fact that he was drafted high and didn't perform so it must have been because the Bills sucked.

 

[paydrt]

I don't have anything against McGahee. I was very excited about his potential a few years ago, and I (unfortunately) own him in a couple leagues. You're deluding yourself if you think he's the guy who's been keeping the Bills afloat the past few years. He's a decent starting running back, but that's about it. Maybe the change of scenery will do him some good, but Anthony Thomas performed about as well as McGahee did as a Bill, which is a fact that speaks for itself.

If anything McGahee hurt Losman and Evans value. Watch the games people.

Your partly right, however unfortunately as a McGahee owner since 04 I'm left trying to put a positive spin on things. Losman's first season as a starter was a disaster, he simply was not ready. This put all sorts of pressure on their entire offence. Teams didnt respect the pass and were able to focus their efforts on stopping the run, It would be difficult to project any RB to have success with a team that is breaking in a QB with absolutely zero experince.Last season started in a similar fashion, however in week 9 McGahee was injured. This wound up being a blessing because without McGahee it put Losman in a position where he had no choice but to accept the role as the focal point of the offence. He responded by tossing 12 of his 19 TDPs in the final 8 gms of the season. Losman developes some confidence and teams are now forced respect Losman more. McGahee comes back in week 12. Though his yardage numbers weren't overwhelming with a little more dimension to the Bill offence McGahee scores 5 of his 6 TDs in the final 6 games of the season. Improved play from the QB position opened up the run game.It should also be noted that the Bills had, I believe the most difficult schedule in the NFL last season. Half their games were played against teams that would make the playoffs. At first glance their schedule for the upcoming season is nasty as well.

 

[-OZ-]

If anything McGahee hurt Losman and Evans value. Watch the games people.

I don't agree with that at all. Losman was decent last year but he hurt himself more than McGahee ever did.

McGahee didn't hurt Losman or Evans. The Offensive line did. I wouldn't go so far as to say he kept the Bills afloat, but he's in the upper half of starting RBs in the NFL, talent-wise. He just isn't top 5 which was expected, so many hold more negativity towards him than they should.

The line hurt everybody, and should be better this year. The sentiment among those who didn't watch the games is that McGahee was the best thing on the Bills offense, and teams must have stacked the line against him. I watched every Bills game and I didn't see it. I put McGahee at #15 or lower for next year. I don't think his ceiling is as high as others do and I wonder if their comments are based on watching him play, or the fact that he was drafted high and didn't perform so it must have been because the Bills sucked.

I only saw him play in a few games last year. The one that sticks out, mostly because I saw the most of that game, was against the Titans. Willis played fairly well, but seemed to lack the electicity I remembered from before. I chalked it up to the injury and bad attitude, maybe there's more to it. One thing that really sticks out to me when looking at his game stats on NFL.com is a total lack of big plays this year. one run over 32 yards and only 4 over 20? (compare this to Michael Turner whom many see as a between the tackles runner; he has 7 in less than 1/3 of the carries.) OTOH, he doesn't get many carries for negative yards either. Right now, he seems to be the kind of back who consistently gets 3-4 yards each carry. In Baltimore's offense, this is actually a good thing. In Buffalo's, it wasn't.