Boller extension? The ball is in his court.

[Mista T]

Per the Sun (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-boller0905,0,6188017.story):


Based on reports in the Sun and other sources, it's up to Kyle Boller to accept an offer from the Ravens for a contract extension.

The Ravens have approached backup quarterback Kyle Boller about a contract extension, a league source said.

Boller, a 2003 first-round pick, is entering the final year of his contract and would become an unrestricted free agent in March.

Details of the extension -- the length and financial numbers -- are unknown. It is believed that the Ravens began discussing a new contract with Boller within the past couple of months.

I believe that this may be behind the Leftwich story leak: play some hardball with Kyle right now by creating a stalking horse for negotiations. If no deal is struck, Leftwich takes a year to heal and to learn the system. I would expect to see an above market deal, including a games played bonus.

This is the right move by our FO. Since December 2005 (after climbing the tough NFL QB learning curve), Boller has demonstrated that he can play effective QB in the NFL. At least average, which is all that we need to be a contender. Keeping him in 2008/2009 assures QB stability, regardless of McNair's age, injuries, arm strength issues etc.

[purplepoe]

Per the Sun (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-boller0905,0,6188017.story):



I believe that this may be behind the Leftwich story leak: play some hardball with Kyle right now by creating a stalking horse for negotiations. If no deal is struck, Leftwich takes a year to heal and to learn the system. I would expect to see an above market deal, including a games played bonus.

This is the right move by our FO. Since December 2005 (after climbing the tough NFL QB learning curve), Boller has demonstrated that he can play effective QB in the NFL. At least average, which is all that we need to be a contender. Keeping him in 2008/2009 assures QB stability, regardless of McNair's age, injuries, arm strength issues etc.


This is taken directly from Adam Schefter on NFLN.

There has been no confirmation of this at all.

PP

[Mista T]

There has been no confirmation of this at all.

PP

I believe that very soon you will see another story on this from Aaron Wilson which will shed more light. I know that you just cannot wait!:rolling:

[purplepoe]

I believe that very soon you will see another story on this from Aaron Wilson which will shed more light. I know that you just cannot wait!:rolling:

"He has a very clear understanding of where we are here. Steve McNair is our starting quarterback and have no reason to believe Steve won't remain that for a number of years. We clearly would like to have Kyle back and would be very interested in extending Kyle."

That's Billick from the radio last night. I heard it.

Although Im 100% against extending Boller, it's nice to know he's not gonna sniff the starting job. If they do extend Boller, I hope that his new contract expires before or when McNair leaves.

Im sure you're on cloud nine T.

Why, I have no idea but Im sure you are nonetheless.

PP

[highwater]

This is taken directly from Adam Schefter on NFLN.

There has been no confirmation of this at all.

PP

If NFLN and the Sun are both reporting it, how much confirmation is required?

Although I would actually like to see Boller come back, I would be very surprised if that happened. At a minimum, he will probably want to test the FA market. He wants to play, and McNair is not likely to retire anytime soon. Boller will probably at least look at teams where he has a chance to start (and yes, there are teams out there like that).

[purplepoe]

If NFLN and the Sun are both reporting it, how much confirmation is required?

Although I would actually like to see Boller come back, I would be very surprised if that happened. At a minimum, he will probably want to test the FA market. He wants to play, and McNair is not likely to retire anytime soon. Boller will probably at least look at teams where he has a chance to start (and yes, there are teams out there like that).

HW

It was more wishful thinking I guess.

I have to say that Im very surprised about this and I admit that I was very wrong.

I wonder if the Ravens are offering a deal that is very low on salary and hoping he takes it. I guess we'll wait and see.

PP

[purplepoe]

Per the Sun (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-boller0905,0,6188017.story):



I believe that this may be behind the Leftwich story leak: play some hardball with Kyle right now by creating a stalking horse for negotiations. If no deal is struck, Leftwich takes a year to heal and to learn the system. I would expect to see an above market deal, including a games played bonus.


An above market deal?

I would expect that it would be a market deal or below.

PP

[Filmstudy]

Assuming the price is right, I don't see any problem with the move. It still allows for either a draft pick to be transitioned or another stopgap old timer. Kyle won't be the starting QB here again for any significant period of time, but I think he provides some depth and he's the sort of player that could be better in his 30's than his 20's. What's my rationale for that? Well:

1. Since he has a fantastic arm in his 20's, he should still have a good arm in his 30's.

2. His read times have been a major detraction from his effectiveness. I actually think we've already seen modest improvement here, but these will improve simply with reps, practice or game. This is one thing that generally improves with age.

3. His internal clock/pocket presence will develop, or he'll be hurt. I think this is also something we can expect to improve with age. McNair, for instance, has had improving sack numbers as he has got older. I'd need a much bigger sample to prove this point, but my intuition is telling me it's true.

4. The last key will be to see if there are improvements in accuracy. To be effective he needs not just to work through his reads quickly, but throw the ball in a position where the receiver can make a catch with the hope for YAC. He has to have the confidence to throw balls on a line over the middle instead of having the fade as bread and butter and using the sideline/endline to protect himself from turnovers. I think the departures of Clarence Moore and Jamal Lewis will help in this regard, because neither of them could nor wanted to catch a poorly thrown ball. Williams is a great long-ball target and Boller seems to trust him. Heap has always been his favorite receiver, and both Mason and Clayton are sure-handed intermediate options. Toss in Musa, and you have another nice set of hands. I have heard conflicting reports on McGahee, so we'll wait and see.

I agree with T and others who have been quoting the most recent stats. It's dangerous when you are setting the break point, but in general, the most recent stats are the most pertinent. The fact that his 2006 season was even better than the end of 2005 is also a nice sign.

Is there any chance we can have a reasoned conversation on Boller, or are we forever relegated to restatements of well-known biases?

[HoustonRaven]

Per the Sun (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-boller0905,0,6188017.story):



I believe that this may be behind the Leftwich story leak: play some hardball with Kyle right now by creating a stalking horse for negotiations. If no deal is struck, Leftwich takes a year to heal and to learn the system. I would expect to see an above market deal, including a games played bonus.

This is the right move by our FO. Since December 2005 (after climbing the tough NFL QB learning curve), Boller has demonstrated that he can play effective QB in the NFL. At least average, which is all that we need to be a contender. Keeping him in 2008/2009 assures QB stability, regardless of McNair's age, injuries, arm strength issues etc.

Plagerism, even on a message board, is really bad form.

What that said, Since when does a QB, who trips over his own feet and fumbles the ball when nobody is around considered an "effective QB in the NFL"????? :insane:

Kyle is a great guy. But an effective NFL quarterback? Hell, pay me millions to loose games and cough up turnovers!

[Losac]

You may be the only person in the world who thinks Boller has shown he can be an effective QB in the NFL. If he's shown that since December 2005, why did the FO feel they needed to get McNair in June 2006?

[Mista T]

You may be the only person in the world who thinks Boller has shown he can be an effective QB in the NFL. If he's shown that since December 2005, why did the FO feel they needed to get McNair in June 2006?

Oh, really? :229031_confused2:

You didn't think he was effective in the two night games in December 2005? In the two relief jobs he did last season?

More significantly: If Billick doesn't think that Boller is effective, then why are the Ravens offering him an extension?

[crazyraven]

More significantly: If Billick doesn't think that Boller is effective, then why are the Ravens offering him an extension?

No one knows. It seem insane. If Boller doesnt take it he is a fool. My hope is that he thinks he can play else where and leaves pronto after the season is over.

Look Boller has a Horseshoe stuck up his ass. Billick has handed him a job year about a year with Zero competition.

Honestly the carousel of insanity needs to stop. Boller and the Ravens really need to part ways. Maybe lefty is coming this way, lets hope at least

[RavensNTerps]

Billick would have much rather not started Boller as a rookie...

The fact that there was no competition is on Ozzie.

Redman and Wright were clearly inferior, and that says something, b/c Boller was terrible as a rook.

[purplepoe]

Oh, really? :229031_confused2:

You didn't think he was effective in the two night games in December 2005? In the two relief jobs he did last season?

More significantly: If Billick doesn't think that Boller is effective, then why are the Ravens offering him an extension?

T

Do you not find it just a bit unusual that this is now coming to light just as Leftwich gets released? Not one word about even talking to Boller about a contract. And now some NFL source says it?

I mean seriously.

If there was an offer on the table as some have said, why did it not come out sooner?

I am beginning to question the validity of all of this again.

PP

[crazyraven]

again blame everyone else but Boller, Now Ozzie is to blame....Oh brother

[ClericBlackDave]

There are people on this board and in the fanbase who seriously think Leftwich would be an upgrade, or starting over coaching a new QB like T. Smith is a better option.


Like I've said before in other thread that were laughed at, Ozzie would probably try to sign Boller given his last season 1/2.


The monetary figures are what I'm interested, and more importantly, playing time incentives.


I don't think Boller would, or should, take a contract that is purely backup money. And so I'd assume that is has some decent Bonus money or incentives at least.


The question is, would the free market bring a lot more and does Boller still want to be the franchise, or is he sick of this city and the fan/media scrutiny?


I'm sure the big questions for his agent would be, years on an extension and what the guaranteed money would be.

[Kevlar]

I'm sure they will be crying in Pittsburgh, Cincy, and Cleveland....

...tears of joy that is.

I swear its dumb $#!& like this that turns people into Browns fans. Like that guy Bumpy.

[PurplePill]

Good Gawd, this is just going to lead to three more years of Boller vs ______ Quarterback threads

[highwater]

Is there any chance we can have a reasoned conversation on Boller?

Apparently not.

[Greg]

Although Im 100% against extending Boller, it's nice to know he's not gonna sniff the starting job. If they do extend Boller, I hope that his new contract expires before or when McNair leaves.
I don't know what the Ravens are thinking but I doubt they are interested in extending Boller as a backup only. If he re-signs with us you can be damn sure that when McNair hangs in up shortly that he will be given a shot at the starting job. I would guess there would be competition but if we didn't see him atleast of having a shot to be a starter there is no way we would commit the cap and roster spot to him as a backup.

[festivus]

Billick would have much rather not started Boller as a rookie...

The fact that there was no competition is on Ozzie.

Redman and Wright were clearly inferior, and that says something, b/c Boller was terrible as a rook.

Ding ding ding!!

You, sir, are CORRECT!

In *this* world, where we actually *live*, that is the truth. In the fantasy world in which many, many, many others live, there was a mystery quarterback, perhaps disguised as the waterboy, who should have been starting instead! Perhaps even throwing to the wide receivers, not the ones we really had, but the ones disguised as the male cheerleaders! Cuz heaven knows the ones in Ravens uniforms were no great credit to the league!

RnT, you are exactly right. But nobody remembers, or acknowledges.

:grbac:

[Losac]

Oh, really? :229031_confused2:

You didn't think he was effective in the two night games in December 2005? In the two relief jobs he did last season?

More significantly: If Billick doesn't think that Boller is effective, then why are the Ravens offering him an extension?
2 night games in 05 were good, then followed up by laying an egg in Cleveland. His relief appearance in the Carolina game last year was helped by 2 deflected passes miraculously caught by Ravens for TD's. He is still inconsistent, stumbles, bumbles and falls down or fumbles without even being touched.

[festivus]

All this hysteria aside, I still doubt he will be back next year. We do not need to overpay for talent at backup qb. Other teams will need him more, and other teams will give him a realistic opportunity to compete for a starting job next year. I suspect he will get more money with better prospects from another team.

:2c:

[Raveninwoodlawn]

I don't know what the Ravens are thinking but I doubt they are interested in extending Boller as a backup only. If he re-signs with us you can be damn sure that when McNair hangs in up shortly that he will be given a shot at the starting job. I would guess there would be competition but if we didn't see him atleast of having a shot to be a starter there is no way we would commit the cap and roster spot to him as a backup.

Pretty much.

Personally, I think this is a combination of wanting to at least make an effort to appear to want him back along with liking the stability of him being the backup...a spot that I like him at although I'm obviously not a fan of him starting.

I really don't care...I'd rather have Leftwich...though not at Boller's expense t his year as Leftwich just doesn't have anywhere near the time to learn this offense at this point. But if Leftwich coming and Smith going isn't an option, I could live with Kyle as the backup here for another 2-3 years.

[crazyraven]

In *this* world, where we actually *live*, that is the truth. In the fantasy world in which many, many, many others live, there was a mystery quarterback, perhaps disguised as the waterboy, who should have been starting instead!


Wasnt he handed the QB position because he was drafted for the Job? If he didnt want the job he should have said so or even better told the team he needed x number of years to *fit in*. That would have been fair. Otherwise we could have drafted a 3,4 or 5th round pick to get the type of production we have seen from him.


When it was already determine that Boller was on the same level as Wright,
How could you blame Ozzie for bringing in a high price qb like McNair? Blame Ozzie for the 13-3 record too. Yea sure, blame Ozzie for doing his job and giving your boy every chance in the world to succeed. Its typical from you guys.

Boller is plain old lucky. I get it. Blame everyone else except Boller.

[festivus]

I'm not "blaming" anyone, Crazy. We had a sudden void at qb after Grbac's untimely departure, it was an emergency, and at our draft position Ozzie did the best he could. He's a good gm but not a miracle worker; Leftwich (and others) were gone, and we got who we got. In the real world, Carson Palmer is not sitting there at 19.

[ClericBlackDave]

You average fan just lives in the Fantasy / Madden universe, where player development doesn't exist. Boller is and was always just a number to your average fan, a rating, like a 69 or 70 or something that will never change.


What Newsome sees is a QB who came into the league as an unpolished 1st round QB. And Newsome and Billick had to know that because he only had a good campaign his last year AND he's a Tedford QB.


Now, you've given him money. You've coached him up. You've finally draft real O-lineman and WRs. And when he comes in to play, he looks decent to good, with few turnovers and some big plays.


So why would you release him now, when you've got an aging vet QB who is basically held together by superglue and sowing string, and who's arm strength is questionable?


Some people would want a QB in here like Leftwich who had the benefit of starting his career with a HOF WRs, had top talent WRs drafted regularly, had a good o-line, and is getting worse. Why? Because they haven't had to see the development process and stare it right in the face like we have had to do with Boller.


The question of this contract is, how much? How much guaranteed, how many years, and what incentives?


If its pure backup money, the organization is just doing this as a symbolic move, because Boller will find someone next year to be a backup with a chance to start at the very least.


If its a contract for a backup who could eventually be starter, then I think we have an interesting scenario here.

[crazyraven]

The fact that there was no competition is on Ozzie.
You said the guy was correct when he made this statement.

Its on Ozzie because Blake wanted to go else where? Its on Ozzie because Grbac decided to quit? Its on Ozzie because Redman fell out of a tree and missed his opportunity? Its on Ozzie for drafting Boller with 2 (or three depending how you look at it) draft picks to get a guy who they thought could run the team? Its on Ozzie for giving Boller a quality Rb and defense year after year?

Some people want to blame ozzie or frank sanders just to divert attention away from the problem of kyle boller

[festivus]

The fact that Boller is *here* is on Ozzie. The fact that Boller is not Carson Palmer is on Mr. and Mrs. Boller for not bearing a more perfect child. The fact that Boller, with whichever gifts he has, sometimes throws bad balls, or slips, or drops a snap, is on him, just as *any* athlete's failings are on the athlete himself.

I don't care to see him as the Quarterback of the Future for our team for a few reasons. But in the real world, he was drafted by our FO at a time when we were desperate for a starting quarterback, in their judgement he was the best option available at the time.

What would you have done, in Ozzie's shoes? I for one find it hard to second guess the man.

[jonboy79]

Its on Ozzie for drafting Boller with 2 (or three depending how you look at it) draft picks to get a guy who they thought could run the team?

No, it really doesn't matter how you look at it, unless you are looking wrong. I actually think THIS is the stuff that drives people out of the message boards. People who CONTINUOUSLY misstate facts on PURPOSE to make their point.

[Greg]

Actually Tex, why don't you post his rating of all games played with Mason here. He has only had a legit WR since then, so you put those games together. There are enough clunkers to make you spring wood. But let's see what he has done when given just one decent WR.

[crazyraven]

No, it really doesn't matter how you look at it, unless you are looking wrong. I actually think THIS is the stuff that drives people out of the message boards. People who CONTINUOUSLY misstate facts on PURPOSE to make their point.

well I hear what your saying. I think both sides of that argument have merit.

The people who say we gave up 2 picks, the the 1st round in 2004 and the 2nd round pick in 2003, are correct in that's what we gave up to get Boller.

Those who look at the third pick as the boller pick it self including the 2 other picks are also correct. Since there are three picks involved to seal the deal then its fair to say that 3 picks were used.

Both side are correct. Game over.

either way you look at it doesn't bother me, and I certainly wouldn't leave a message board because of it.

[jonboy79]

Good point greg. Well, let's see, that is all of '05 and '06.
I'm not going to go through and ensure health of Mason, simply his existence on the team. He did play 16 games both years however.

Let's see - '05- 171/293 58.4%, 1799 yards, 200/g, 6.1 YPA, 11TD's, 12 INT's, 7 fumbles 2 lost, 71.8 rating.
-'06- 33/55 60%, 485 yards, y/g is weak due to mop up duty, 5TD's, 2 INT's, 3 fumbles, one lost, 104 rating.

Add that up, you have 204/348, 58.6%, 2284 yards, 6.6 YPA, 16 TD's, 14 INT,s and 10 Fumbles iwth 3 lost. An approximate(i.e. not correctly calculated) aggregagate QB rating of 76.9. (I counted '06 as 15.8% of the aggregate calc as it the same pct of number of passes over the span.)

Ok, now that is over roughly 3/4's of a season. Extrapolate that out to:
272/464, 58.6%, 3045 yards, 6.6 YPA, 21(rounded down) TD's, 19(rounded up) INT's, and 13 fumbles(rounded down) with 4 lost. 76.9 rating stays as well.

Now compared to QB's from last year:
His rating would have been 19th among qualified starters ahead of Matt Hasslebeck, Big Ben, Alex Smith, Leinart, Farve and Plummer.
His comp PCt would have been the same 19th, with basically the same list, PLUS MCNABB, behind him.
yards, 16th, right behind MCNair. The majority of the players below him on that list did not however play more then 13 games. the 190Yd/g avg would have fared 19th(of players with more then 7 games played, just as McNair did.
21 Td's is a solid 11th, Surpassing no less then 7 people whom most would agree are actually better. There would only be 3 people with more INT's, (Grossman, Kitna, and Big Ben). Palmer and Carr would have had more fumbles and Lossman and Brady would have equalled him. His 4 fumbles lost would surprisingly be.... MID PACK. The number would be surpassed by the great(Kitna, Lossman, Palmer, Farve Grossman and Pennington) while equalled by the infallable Brady, as well as Delhomme and Trent Green(in LTD action mind you).

So what does this all add up to? That, over the last two years, with Mason he has been an AVERAGE NFL STARTER. Very comparable with Eli Manning.

Thank you, hav e agreat day.

[festivus]

So what does this all add up to? That, over the last two years, with Mason he has been an AVERAGE NFL STARTER. Very comparable with Eli Manning.

For where he was drafted, 19th pick of the first round, "average NFL starter" seems about right.

No surprise, interesting and thoughtful analysis.

Thanks Jonboy!

[Rochardrik]

Plagerism, even on a message board, is really bad form.

What that said, Since when does a QB, who trips over his own feet and fumbles the ball when nobody is around considered an "effective QB in the NFL"????? :insane:

Kyle is a great guy. But an effective NFL quarterback? Hell, pay me millions to loose games and cough up turnovers!

Filmstudy, I guess not, in answer to your question about whether we could have a reasonable confab about KB, some people just can't wait to repeat... I said some people just can't wait to repeat, I said........:insane:

[Rochardrik]

I think it's pretty obvious why this is coming to light now, at this moment. Offering Kyle, and his reaction, gives them an idea whether he will be willing to stay as a backup. If not, then the Leftwich discussions intensify, and they may feel he could be the next backup:hammer: . It's pretty shrewd, if you ask me!

[Mista T]

I won't waste the time arguing with the Tex Juniors. There is so much blind hatred from many of them, it's not possible to have a rational discussion. It's often like arguing with a 3 year old. Blah-blah-blah: who gives a shit about how many draft picks were used in 2003, or what Boller's QB rating was in 2004? It's the here and now: he has performed extremely well since December 2005, including a good 2007 preseason.

My take on this is that the Ravens are hedging their bets. McNair will be 35 next season, with an obvious weakened arm that gets little respect from good defenses. (see Colts playoff game). The cap impact of losing McNair next June or the following year is not that great. Smith had a disappointing preseason -- he may or may not get his 6 foot frame behind the starting center anytime soon, certainly not in 2008. Leftwich would be an obvious second choice to Boller due to his immobility and potential clubhouse chemistry issues.

Picking up Boller for a couple seasons would assure continuity, readless of McNair's status. However, if Boller wants to see what the marketplace would offer him and wait until the season is over to decide, the door would become wide open for Leftwich. Hopefully, that would be a one year deal, to see what he can offer behind our young OL. However, Leftwich, even though expressing interest in returning to this area, has 1/2 dozen other teams interested in him. Therefore, it's unlikely that he would accept the #3 job at vets minimum.

The drama may all be played out shortly. Either Boller agrees to a deal (above market value to reflect his position as one of the NFL's premiere backups, plus playing time & other incentives), or Leftwich gets signed and the offer to Boller is pulled. I don't think this will remain in limbo very long, unless Leftwich gets a good offer elsewhere.

[purplepoe]

I won't waste the time arguing with the Tex Juniors. There is so much blind hatred from many of them, it's not possible to have a rational discussion. It's often like arguing with a 3 year old. Blah-blah-blah: who gives a shit about how many draft picks were used in 2003, or what Boller's QB rating was in 2004? It's the here and now: he has performed extremely well since December 2005, including a good 2007 preseason.

My take on this is that the Ravens are hedging their bets. McNair will be 35 next season, with an obvious weakened arm that gets little respect from good defenses. (see Colts playoff game). The cap impact of losing McNair next June or the following year is not that great. Smith had a disappointing preseason -- he may or may not get his 6 foot frame behind the starting center anytime soon, certainly not in 2008. Leftwich would be an obvious second choice to Boller due to his immobility and potential clubhouse chemistry issues.

Picking up Boller for a couple seasons would assure continuity, readless of McNair's status. However, if Boller wants to see what the marketplace would offer him and wait until the season is over to decide, the door would become wide open for Leftwich. Hopefully, that would be a one year deal, to see what he can offer behind our young OL. However, Leftwich, even though expressing interest in returning to this area, has 1/2 dozen other teams interested in him. Therefore, it's unlikely that he would accept the #3 job at vets minimum.

The drama may all be played out shortly. Either Boller agrees to a deal (above market value to reflect his position as one of the NFL's premiere backups, plus playing time & other incentives), or Leftwich gets signed and the offer to Boller is pulled. I don't think this will remain in limbo very long, unless Leftwich gets a good offer elsewhere.


The problem with this whole thing is that the Ravens are committed to McNair as their starter for as long as he plays.

I still have no idea why you think the Ravens would offer an above market contract for Boller. Seems to be they'd offer him something that they like and that he would have to settle for.

If Boller does sign a contract extension it would signal this to me. He's content being a backup because he will not unseat McNair no matter how much you and Dave bitch about it.

Maybe you're right and this is a ploy to push Boller in one direction or another.

PP

[Mista T]

I still have no idea why you think the Ravens would offer an above market contract for Boller. Seems to be they'd offer him something that they like and that he would have to settle for.

Try this: Boller is an above average backup QB (anyone not named Tex and who is being objective should be willing to admit this). He is extremely valuable to this team with his knowledge of the system and his attitude. For a team that considers itself SB ready, these are valuable assets -- not as valuable to the run-of-the mill NFL team seeking a backup, which would offer the going rate.

What does the average backup QB make, $2 million? Then I would expect to see Boller paid $2.25 to $2.5 million.




The problem with this whole thing is that the Ravens are committed to McNair as their starter for as long as he plays.


:229031_confused2:

I think that you left off an important adverb from the end of the sentence: "well". What is this so-called commitment? Do you have privy to his contract? Has there ever been such a public statement by Billick? If enemy defenses copycat the Colts and shut McNair down repeatedly, you don't think that Billick would yank him? Billick is not afraid to yank underperforming QBs, see: Water Buffalo, Stoney Case, and Tony Banks (despite a tremendous '99 run and good start in '00). Hell, he fired a good friend in midseason, despite a 4-2 record, who underperformed as an OC.





If Boller does sign a contract extension it would signal this to me. He's content being a backup because he will not unseat McNair

Obviously. But the devil is in the details. I couldn't imagine Boller taking a contract at backup pay only without performance incentives -- he could easily get a backup job elsewhere, and would be precluded from attempting to land a starter job. If a contract can be structured to reward him with starter's pay if he ultimately starts, it would be a no-brainer for him to accept it. (McNair is getting older and most observers note his weakened arm. It's not "if", but "when".) I wouldn't be surprised to see the negotiations with Boller's agent pivoting over the issue of how much and how to structure a performance incentive.



no matter how much you and Dave bitch about it.

See comment above about talking to your 3-year old. I'm disappointed.

btw: McNair should stay as the starter as long as he can deliver an offense that wins games. I've never had a problem with that. Although I would probably bring in the hook sooner than you -- I still have that ugly image of his horrible game against the Colts that cost us a Super Bowl appearance.

My problem with McNair -- and you should remember this from past debates -- has always been our FO overpaying him for an just an average QB, costing us Adalius Thomas.

[purplepoe]

Try this: Boller is an above average backup QB (anyone not named Tex and who is being objective should be willing to admit this). He is extremely valuable to this team with his knowledge of the system and his attitude. For a team that considers itself SB ready, these are valuable assets -- not as valuable to the run-of-the mill NFL team seeking a backup, which would offer the going rate.

What does the average backup QB make, $2 million? Then I would expect to see Boller paid $2.25 to $2.5 million.





:229031_confused2:

I think that you left off an important adverb from the end of the sentence: "well". What is this so-called commitment? Do you have privy to his contract? Has there ever been such a public statement by Billick? If enemy defenses copycat the Colts and shut McNair down repeatedly, you don't think that Billick would yank him? Billick is not afraid to yank underperforming QBs, see: Water Buffalo, Stoney Case, and Tony Banks (despite a tremendous '99 run and good start in '00). Hell, he fired a good friend in midseason, despite a 4-2 record, who underperformed as an OC.





Obviously. But the devil is in the details. I couldn't imagine Boller taking a contract at backup pay only without performance incentives -- he could easily get a backup job elsewhere, and would be precluded from attempting to land a starter job. If a contract can be structured to reward him with starter's pay if he ultimately starts, it would be a no-brainer for him to accept it. (McNair is getting older and most observers note his weakened arm. It's not "if", but "when".) I wouldn't be surprised to see the negotiations with Boller's agent pivoting over the issue of how much and how to structure a performance incentive.



See comment above about talking to your 3-year old. I'm disappointed.

btw: McNair should stay as the starter as long as he can deliver an offense that wins games. I've never had a problem with that. Although I would probably bring in the hook sooner than you -- I still have that ugly image of his horrible game against the Colts that cost us a Super Bowl appearance.

My problem with McNair -- and you should remember this from past debates -- has always been our FO overpaying him for an just an average QB, costing us Adalius Thomas.

1. Here is a direct quote from Billick from his radio show on Tuesday.

"Kyle is on a one-year contract, and we'd love to have him back," coach Brian Billick said on his Tuesday radio show on WBAL. "That's really up to Kyle and his representation as we go through the year. There could be some potential for that. From a business standpoint, Kyle may want to sit back and see at the end of the season what his options are.

"He has a very clear understanding of where we are here. Steve McNair is our starting quarterback and [we] have no reason to believe Steve won't remain that for a number of years. We clearly would like to have Kyle back and would be very interested in extending Kyle."

Certainly sounds like it's cut and dry as to who the starter and who the backup is.

2. He signed a one year deal.

Explain that one please.

Im sure your spin machine is working overtime.

And one more thing. Since when has Billick EVER had a quick hook? He didn't with Banks even though we couldn't sniff the endzone. He didn't with Grbac in the playoffs. If anything, he's got too long of a hook.

PP

[jonboy79]

I agree we have a pretty darn concrete depth chart at QB for two years now...
McNair
Boller
Smith...
BY '09 we should have a pretty clear picture of all of their futures(Starter/Backup/retired/out of the league)...
I think htis leads them to at least HOPE that the QB spots can be comfortably be satisfied in '09 with two of the three...