HEADLINES

Dominique Franks

Ravens Finalize Series Of Roster Moves

June 20th, 2014 at 10:57am CST by Luke Adams

The Ravens have officially finalized a series of roster moves that includes five signings and three cuts, according to multiple reports from the Baltimore Sun. According to Aaron Wilson, the team has parted ways with undrafted rookies Dexter Moody (S), Xavius Boyd (LB) and Avery Patterson (CB). With the newly-created openings, plus the two other open roster spots, the club has confirmed the signings of cornerbacks Aaron Ross and Dominique Franks, linebackers Nick DiMarco and Austin Spitler and wideout Mike Willie, per Jeff Zrebiec (via Twitter).

Of those five signings, four had been reported yesterday, so only the addition of Willie is new. The Arizona State alum, who went undrafted in 2012, has spent time with the Chargers in past years, though he has yet to appear in a regular-season NFL game.

As for the trio of players who were cut, all three were part of Baltimore’s undrafted free agent class back in May. Patterson received a signing bonus of $3K from the team, while Boyd received $1.5K to sign, but neither bonus was enough for the club to keep them on the roster into training camp.

The Ravens now have a full 90-man roster.

Ravens To Sign Aaron Ross, Dominique Franks

June 19th, 2014 at 5:53pm CST by Zachary Links

The Ravens have decided to sign cornerbacks Aaron Ross and Dominique Franks after both men had strong performances at their mini-camp, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). Ross, he adds, had the very best tryout of any free agent corner that auditioned for Baltimore this week (link).

The Ravens inquired on Brandon Flowers earlier this week but it appears, at least for the time being, that they’ve satisfied their cornerback needs elsewhere. Free agent veteran Drayton Florence was also a consideration, but Ross and Franks won out over him and former Jet and Patriot Marquise Cole .

Ross, 32 in September, tried out for the Lions back in April but came away without a deal. The 20th overall pick in the 2007 draft saw just four games on the field for the Giants last season due to a back injury. He has spent his entire NFL career to date with Big Blue, with the exception of his 2012 campaign with Jacksonville.

Ravens To Sign Austin Spitler

June 19th, 2014 at 4:29pm CST by Luke Adams

4:29pm: The Ravens will also sign edge defender Nick DiMarco, who was among the players to try out for the club this week, tweets Wilson.

4:01pm: On the heels of a successful audition at their minicamp, the Ravens will sign free agent linebacker Austin Spitler to a contract, reports Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. The signing hasn’t been officially announced yet, and details of the agreement aren’t yet known, but it will likely be a one-year pact for the former Dolphin.

Spitler, who will turn 28 this fall, played nearly exclusively on special teams during his four years in Miami, playing only 15 total defensive snaps during his stint with the Dolphins, according to Pro Football Focus’ data. In kick and punt coverage, the former seventh-round pick out of Ohio State logged eight tackles in 2013.

Spitler was one of several players the Ravens tried out this week at their minicamp, and as Wilson notes, the team is expected to add at least one or two more of those non-roster players. Veteran cornerbacks Aaron Ross and Dominique Franks are considered “likely additions,” says Wilson. Besides those players, the Ravens also took a look at defensive tackle Daniel Muir, cornerbacks Drayton Florence, Marquice Cole, Kevin Thomas, and Bobby Felder, and wideouts Mike Willie and Dezmon Briscoe.

Ravens Auditioning Cornerbacks

June 16th, 2014 at 2:00pm CST by Luke Adams

2:00pm: Former Jet and Patriot Marquice Cole will also be among the players auditioning for the Ravens this week, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

1:38pm: Free agent cornerback Dominique Franks will also attend the Ravens’ minicamp this week in the hopes of earning a contract, reports Wilson (via Twitter).

12:28pm: Earlier today, we learned that the Ravens inquired on Brandon Flowers, but the former Chief isn’t the only defensive back the club is keeping an eye on. According to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, the Ravens are monitoring the cornerback market, with Drayton Florence among the players under consideration. In Florence’s case, there appears to be mutual interest.

“I would love to play for the purple and black!” Florence told Wilson. “I can bring leadership and experience and help the team win. The Ravens are a first-class organization, and I want to be a part of their team.”

Florence confirmed to Wilson (Twitter link) that he’s headed to the Ravens’ minicamp this week to audition for the club. Another free agent corner, Aaron Ross, tweeted today that he’ll also be in attendance on a tryout basis. Neither player is assured of a contract with the team, but I expect Baltimore to ink at least one cornerback to a deal following the minicamp, whether it’s Florence, Ross, or another participant.

The Ravens are looking to create some additional competition for the slot corner role that Corey Graham filled last season. Graham, the team’s primary nickelback, headed to Buffalo in free agency, so someone new will have to step up as the third option behind starters Lardarius Webb and Jimmy Smith. While it may ultimately be a free agent signee that earns the job, in-house options Chykie Brown and Asa Jackson will also be given the opportunity to impress the coaching staff.