Pernell McPhee wants to extend the latest chapter of his career. After leaving Baltimore as a big-ticket free agent signing several years ago, the veteran pass rusher has resurfaced with his original NFL team as a rotational player. He would like to continue to do so.
The Ravens have nearly their entire edge rusher contingent due for free agency. McPhee joins higher-profile cogs Matt Judon and Yannick Ngakoue as a free agent-to-be, with Tyus Bowser also on track to hit the market come March.
“Of course, the plan is to come back to Baltimore and continue to play some ball, help win a championship and build a dynasty,” McPhee said, via Clifton Brown of BaltimoreRavens.com. “That’s the goal. Myself and my agent haven’t really talked about it yet. I’ve been chilling, taking care of my body. I’ll think about things, but my thought is really just on coming back.”
After battling injuries with the Bears, McPhee returned to the Ravens in 2019. He re-signed on another one-year deal last year. Both accords occurred after those years’ respective drafts. This past season, McPhee served as a starter alongside Judon and matched Ngakoue’s Ravens total with three sacks. McPhee, 32, has recorded three sacks in back-to-back seasons. Last year, however, he posted 15 quarterback hits — his top mark since 2015. He also outsnapped Ngakoue in Baltimore’s divisional-round game.
The 10-year veteran could be a lower-cost option for the Ravens to retain. It would cost just more than $20MM for the team to use its franchise tag on Judon for a second straight year, and Ngakoue figures to have a big market as a first-time free agent. Considering their situation, McPhee’s desire to return might be something to capitalize on as the franchise attempts to craft a new pass-rushing plan.
Bring him and Bowser back. Other 2 get them outta here. Too much money baby. But PLS PLSSSS don’t sign Sammy Watkins or AJ Green. Trade brown also
I’ve always be a fan of Pernell and for a guy who was a 5th round pick, he’s carved out a pretty solid career.
Early in his career it was pretty fun watching him put skates on offensive linemen. McPhee was never a top pass rusher in the league but he was so aggressive to watch. I liked him too as one of those unsung types in Baltimore and Chicago earlier on.
He’s the reason we beat the Titans last year. Don’t make the same mistake we made with T Sizzle dude resign the man
Re-sign Ngakoue and McPhee, draft a good WR, and add someone like Frank Gore to push Dobbins’ development forward.