Restricted Free Agents Worth A First-Round Pick?

Another interesting note from today’s Ravens press conference was regarding restricted free agent CB Lardarius Webb. GM Ozzie Newsome mentioned that he would like to sign Webb to a long-term contract rather than just a restricted tender, per Aaron Wilson.

Webb put together a very impressive season for the Ravens and would be one of the most sought after free agents if he didn’t have the restricted tag but it’s worth noting that the highest tendered deal has been changed from a first and third-round compensation to just a first-round pick.

You could make a strong case that Webb is worth a first-round pick considering that he’ll be only 26 years old at the start of the 2012 season. Yes, a team would still have to sign him to a long-term contract to justify the move but it could be a very good move for someone like the Patriots who have two first-round picks and could really use a solid cornerback. The same could be said for other restricted players like Mike Wallace and Arian Foster. San Francisco could really use a wide receiver and it’s hard to imagine that they’ll be able to find a receiver with the same talent as Wallace has. Foster is one of the best offensive weapons in the league and you’d have to think that someone would be willing to give up a first-round pick for him.

It would be an interesting move to see someone step in and a make a huge offer to one of these guys considering that there are no guarantees in the draft. Why not get a proven commodity that you could have locked up for there the coming years?

We have all three these players listed in our Top 50 Free Agents list. Foster #4, Wallace #11 and Webb #17