Aaron Wilson Sun Chat (long read)

[Justlovemybirds]

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/r...,3561543.story

I don't venture over to the Sun for much but Aaron Wilson stills has some good info.

On Ellerbe

I do agree with you it will be very difficult to afford Ellerbe. League sources have emphasized to me that he's going to be in heavy demand as a free agent and could command at least twice what the Ravens paid Jameel McClain ($10.5 million over three years) last spring. It could get expensive and they'll have to make a tough choice with him.

Boldin

As far as Anquan Boldin, I think they would love to keep him and will attempt to do so. They haven't reached out to the Boldin camp yet to discuss an extension that would be cap-friendly by converting his $6 million base salary into a bonus and adding years to the deal, but that's something that's not at all out of the realm of possibility

Jimmy Smith's Play

I think Jimmy Smith had trouble moving well due to the scar tissue that needed to break up after the sports hernia surgery. Once he got deep into the playoffs, the AFC title game, he was moving well and reacting quickly to passes. I saw some potential in him in that game against the Patriots as they benched Chykie Brown and in the Super Bowl obviously. To me, he looks like he could be a starter down the road or at least a nickel back.

Ed Reed

I'm told they sincerely have interest in keeping him, but it all hinges on the Joe Flacco talks. Nothing has been opened up yet between the Ravens and Ed Reed, who prefers to take this time to contemplate his future. He definitely still wants to play football and would prefer to stay with Baltimore, but remember he made $7.2 million this past season and won't want to take a paycut. With Ed Reed, nothing is ever uncomplicated. He'll want a raise or at least what he made last year even though his season wasn't up to his old gold standard. Still, he helped them win a Super Bowl. He won't lack for suitors if the Ravens can't afford him, most likely candidates: the Patriots and the Colts. I could see the Ravens letting Ed test the market and then trying to keep him if they have any cap space left over. I'm told this one isn't over by a long stretch. It would help the situation if Ed hired an agent, but he does have business advisors who consult with the NFL Players Association regarding contractual matters, so it's not like it's just him on his own with no counsel advising him.

Practice Squad Potential

Carr's pass coverage and conditioning can still stand for improvement, but he's an aggressive hitter. Cornell is a smart player, tough, but not super athletic. McClain is a big body with potential. The Ravens are intrigued with the pass rushing potential of linebacker Adrian Hamilton, who was promoted to the active roster late in the year.

Salary Cap Numbers

That's where they stand below the projected $121 million cap for 2013. So, when people say they're over, that's not technically correct. Will they be over if they don't cut players or sign Joe Flacco to a manageable salary-cap figure? Yes, that's correct.

With 49 contract commitments for 2013, including a $1.8 million in dead money for Billy Cundiff and not accounting for the $4.35 million the Ravens will save when Ray Lewis retires and not counting a franchise tag for Joe Flacco or a new deal or any restricted free agent tenders for Ed Dickson, Dennis Pitta and Arthur Jones or exclusive-rights tenders, here's the current precise salary-cap figure for 2013 right now, according to NFL Players Association Figures: $111,136,802.00.

Jameel McClains health

I see him as a major question mark due to his neck/back after suffering a spinal cord contusion. Jameel told me during the Super Bowl that doctors have yet to clear him for contact. I would regard anything he gives the team this year as a bonus. It was a serious injury and there are never any guarantees when it comes to coming back from something like that. Jameel is serious about returning and has a great attitude. John Harbaugh said at the season-ending press conference that the team is upbeat about Jameel's health. That said, no one has come out and said he's medically cleared for contact. Until that happens and he takes or gives out a hit, we don't know enough about his status.