We passed along word last night that the Ravens and tight end Dennis Pitta remain “far apart” in contract negotiations, but that isn’t the only noteworthy tidbit from Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. The Ravens insider provided several more rumors in his latest piece, so let’s round up the highlights:
- Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome said during Monday’s presser to announce Terrell Suggs‘ new contract that the team has entered negotiations with many of its own free agents: “We’ve engaged in discussions with several of our players. With the combine coming up, the majority of the agents will be there and we will be there. I’m sure we’ll have some more talks, but we’ve engaged in several conversations with several players.”
- A source predicts to Wilson that the Ravens will designate Pitta as their franchise player, which will likely be followed by Pitta filing a grievance in an effort to be designated as a wide receiver rather than a tight end. Like Jimmy Graham of the Saints, Pitta lined up as a receiver for more than half of his 2013 snaps.
- The Ravens are prioritizing re-signing offensive tackle Eugene Monroe and have begun negotiations with his camp, says Wilson. If the team is able to lock up Monroe, fellow free agent tackle Michael Oher is unlikely to be retained.
- Baltimore would also like to bring back middle linebacker Daryl Smith, though no deal is imminent.
- Defensive lineman Arthur Jones is expected to draw “heavy interest” on the open market, and the Ravens may not have the cap flexibility to re-sign him, according to Wilson.
- The Ravens explored the possibility of lowering Haloti Ngata‘s cap number, but have been unable to reach a “realistic” financial compromise, a source tells Wilson. Cutting the defensive tackle isn’t viewed as a viable option for the team.