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Daryl Smith

Ravens Rumors: Pitta, Monroe, Oher, Ngata

February 18th, 2014 at 9:14am CST by Luke Adams

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.

Hensley On Ravens Free Agency, Draft

January 26th, 2014 at 3:54pm CST by Dallas Robinson

ESPN.com’s AFC North reporter Jamison Hensley had several interesting Ravens notes in a recent chat:

  • Hensley believes that linebacker Daryl Smith is likely to be re-signed due to his low price tag. Smith was vital to the Raven’s defense in 2013, admirably replacing Ray Lewis after spending the previous nine seasons with the Jaguars. He led the team in tackles and broke Lewis’ single-season record for pass deflections.
  • The Ravens would like to see receiver Jacoby Jones return, but cannot afford another $4 million price tag for a third receiver/return specialist.
  • Offensive tackle Michael Oher‘s fate is intertwined with that of fellow lineman Eugene Monroe. If the Ravens can’t re-sign Monroe, they will approach Oher about a potential return.
  • Hensley expects the Ravens to target a receiver in the first round of the draft to pair with Torrey Smith.
  • Safety and center are two areas where the Ravens might look to improve via free agency. Because Baltimore is still aiming to develop Matt Elam and Gino Gradkowski at those positions, veteran free agent options — like centers Jonathan Goodwin or Roberto Garza and safeties such as Louis Delmas or Chris Clemons — might make the most sense. Jeff Siedel of CSN Baltimore agrees that the Ravens must have other options at center behind Gradkowski, who struggled last season.