Earlier in the offseason, Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome referred to Eugene Monroe as Baltimore’s left tackle. However, there’s some uncertainty about whether Monroe, who has missed 15 of 32 games since joining the team and has an $8.7MM cap number in 2016, has much of a future with the club.
At the NFL owners’ meetings in Boca Raton, Florida today, head coach John Harbaugh perhaps contributed to that speculation, suggesting that there will be a competition for the Ravens’ left tackle spot. Per Harbaugh, right tackle Ricky Wagner may be an option on the left side and the team may still add another player to the mix. Harbaugh later promised that Monroe’s stance on the benefits of medical marijuana doesn’t reflect the organization’s views on the issue (Twitter links via Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun).
While Harbaugh’s comments don’t necessarily mean that Monroe’s days in Baltimore are numbered, it seems clear that he’s no longer viewed as the team’s long-term answer at left tackle.
Here’s more from Harbaugh:
- Harbaugh was very positive about the outlook for tight end Crockett Gillmore. Although it initially appeared that Gillmore would require surgery on both of his shoulders, the 24-year-old will only undergo a procedure on one shoulder, and should be ready to go for OTAs (Twitter link via Zrebiec).
- According to their head coach, the Ravens “aren’t done in free agency,” tweets Zrebiec. As the Baltimore Sun scribe notes (via Twitter), Harbaugh “casually mentioned” at one point today that Dwight Freeney remains unsigned.
- The Ravens’ decision to release safety Will Hill last week wasn’t a football one, according to Harbaugh, who added that Hill needs to find the priorities in his life (Twitter link via Zrebiec). The talented defensive back is currently facing a 10-game suspension, his fourth ban since entering the league.
- As we discussed earlier this morning, Harbaugh also confirmed that the Ravens have an unofficial agreement in place with free agent running back Trent Richardson.
If Clady or Ferguson are released, I suspect the Ravens would be in play for their services. I don’t, however, see Wagner moving to the left side, and given the defensive talent at the top of the draft, it’s hard to see Baltimore picking someone like Ronnie Stanley at their current slot (they could, of course, trade down, in which case Stanley makes more sense). But if they can’t land Clady, Ferguson, or a player of similar abilities, I think they’ll grit their teeth and roll with Monroe.
I think you’re right. I would hate to burn the 6th on Stanley. I’d be ok taking him if we trade down, but hopefully, one of the veterans becomes available.