Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the San Francisco 49ers 34-31 in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
It’s that time of year again; the time of year when the Baltimore Ravens roster gets gutted like a Thanksgiving Day turkey, and Ravens fans panic from the massive roster turnover. Since winning the Super Bowl last month, the Ravens have lost Ray Lewis, Matt Birk, Anquan Boldin, Dannell Ellerbe, Paul Kruger, and now Bernard Pollard. They stand to lose Ed Reed, Cary Williams and Braynt McKinnie in Free Agency too. Chances are they will lose all nine of these players (only Reed has a slim chance of returning).
Such is life in the NFL’s salary cap era after winning a Super Bowl. Every player wants more playing time, more money, or both. Even though it looks like the end of the world….don’t fret Ravens fans…..Ozzie Newsome always has a plan. He places a value or “price tag” on every player on the team; and, once a player’s salary eclipses the players perceived value, Newsome will cut ties, and will find a younger (and cheaper) alternative.
Currently, the Ravens have 8 picks in next months NFL Draft and are bound to get several more when compensatory picks are awarded for last years free agent losses. That coupled with the fact that there are a lot of good free agents still available on the market bodes well for the team.
The Ravens always patiently wait as good veteran player’s prices drop due to lack of opportunities. The Ravens are the defending Super Bowl champions. If it came down to a veteran free agent choosing between Baltimore or a rebuilding team, players are going to likely choose the Ravens for the same (or in some cases a lower) salary.
Ozzie Newsome is a great GM. He understands the principle of supply and demand. The Ravens will get good-to-great veteran players to fill the holes they have. The draft will add the much needed depth that the Ravens lack at the moment. It’s always darkest before the dawn. Be patient Baltimore, the Ravens will be one of the better AFC teams come September (as usual). Have faith Ravens fans……It’s all part of the “plan”.