Ebony Bird
FanSided

Baltimore Ravens: 5 Players to Move On From in 2019

By Matthew Deinlein

BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 26: Cornerback Jimmy Smith #22 and free safety Eric Weddle #32 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrate after a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium on October 26, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 26: Cornerback Jimmy Smith #22 and free safety Eric Weddle #32 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrate after a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium on October 26, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 6
Next

Who should the Ravens say goodbye to when constructing the next version of the Baltimore Ravens?

The Baltimore Ravens have left a sour taste in fans mouths through this recent stretch of games, causing most to look forward to the offseason to spot the ways for the Ravens to improve. The offense is on the right path but needs to trim some of the fat and upgrade the offensive line. The bigger issue for the team is the defense doesn’t have a future.  The average age is 28 and three starters from the secondary are over 30. It’s time to cut ties with the aging defenders, especially the ones in the secondary, in the 2019 offseason if the Ravens want to stay competitive in the AFC North.

Eric Weddle, FS (2019 Age: 34)

Eric Weddle has been a quality safety for the Ravens in his three years there, but his time here has come to an end. The Ravens would save 6.5 million dollars by releasing the pro bowl safety after the season ends and that would cover at least half of CJ Mosley’s expected contract, likely 10 million a year.

Weddle, specifically his beard, is a fan favorite in Baltimore, but that’s no reason to keep around the aging safety. He seems to be at the end of his career and at this point could ride off into the sunset. His numbers this year are actually similar to his last year with the Chargers, with a high tackle count, but zero interceptions.

Weddle has lost a step this year and that’s evident in his drop in interceptions from last year, his lack of pass breakups, and, according to Pro Football Focus, Weddle had a 2016 grade of 89.9, but has dropped to a low 70’s grade in these last two seasons. He’s in part two of his decline and we should release him now before he becomes a further liability on the field.

Home/Ravens News