Sorry Ravens fans, Ryan Jensen was always going to take his payday elsewhere. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers gave Jensen that payday:
The Ravens Flock knew that keeping Jensen was a bit of a pipe dream. Speaking of pipes, there seems to be a pipeline of centers between Baltimore and Tampa Bay. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded the Ravens Jeremy Zuttah in 2014. Today, the Buccaneers signed away the player that replaced Zuttah in Baltimore. Now that I got that clever wordplay out of the way, here is the news that Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported. Ryan Jensen is going to the Buccaneers on a $42 million contract.
The #Bucs signed C Ryan Jensen to a four-year, $42 million deal with $22M guaranteed, source said. Big.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 17, 2018
The Ravens got priced out of signing Jensen. They were never going to be able to afford free agent wide receivers (which was a much bigger priority) and lock up a deal with Jensen. Don’t believe me? There’s one more piece of information you need to hear. This second tweet from Pelissero gives the wowing fact of this story:
This makes Jensen the NFL’s highest-paid center. Highly impressive after one full season as a starter. He was coveted. https://t.co/tkhl362xvG
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 17, 2018
Big Money Jensen:
Yes, Jensen is the highest paid center in the NFL. My first reaction to this is not one of shock. It has certainly been a seller’s market so far in free agency, in a league where the contracts are just getting zany. It’s hard not to think that Jensen got overpaid. Jensen was an above average center but it would be hard to call him a dominant offensive lineman. Jensen also only had one great season as a full-time starter.
It’s hard not to be happy for him. Jensen came a long way with the Ravens and he certainly fit in nicely with the starting offensive line. Jensen earned some fans in Baltimore for his defense of Joe Flacco, after Kiko Alonso gave Flacco a rough blow to the head. The fans wanted Jensen, but they also wanted receivers. Priorities guys, priorities.
The Ravens now have to either replace Jensen, or fill the center spot in house once again. Matt Skura and Nico Siragusa are the most likely candidates on the roster. I would also keep an eye on NFL Draft prospects like Billy Price and Frank Ragnow. Price is especially a good option because he can play center or guard.
Next: Ravens sign Michael Crabtree: 3 big things
For now the Ravens are going to keep looking at talent at the skill positions. To their credit, the Ravens seem to know exactly what they need to do this offseason. The addition of Michael Crabtree and the promise of more moves to come make the departure of Jensen easier to stomach. Mr. Jensen, you will always have fans in Baltimore and we wish you luck in Tampa Bay.