Free agent center Nick Mangold has left the Ravens facility without signing a deal
It was reported yesterday by Jamison Hensley that free agent Nick Mangold would be visiting the Baltimore Ravens.
Seven-time Pro Bowl center Nick Mangold is visiting the Ravens, according to a source. Mangold, who was released... https://t.co/u0m7Df5Wml
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) April 5, 2017
The Ravens need a center after trading Jeremy Zuttah away to the San Francisco 49ers. There are options in-house, but it’s clear Ozzie Newsome and the front office want to take a look in free agency as well. But after visiting with the Ravens today, Mangold left the facility without singing a deal.
Don’t Count Out A Deal
Just because Mangold left without signing a deal does not mean he is long gone. We are not sure what is talked on behind close doors. In today’s pre-draft press conference, Ozzie Newsome said that there is a “high probability” the Ravens could sign a free agent for the draft. Mangold is 33 years old and is coming off a season where he was placed on injured reserve. There is a good chance the Ravens wanted to see what kind of physical shape he was in before making a final decision. He has shown in the past he can be a very good player, so it is all about how he is physically. It is no use signing a veteran that is going to be injured most of the season.
Next: Baltimore Ravens Trade Timmy Jernigan: 3 Big Things
If the Ravens feel confident enough to sign Mangold, he could be a major help to the offensive line. They did something similar in 2009 when they signed center Matt Birk. Birk played 11 seasons with the Vikings before becoming a free agent and joining the Ravens. He provided a veteran presence on the line and had great chemistry with Joe Flacco. We as Ravens fans can trust that the front office will ultimately make the right decision.