A once fantastic signing has now become somewhat of a burden for the Baltimore Ravens, as Eric Weddle could be on his way out of Charm City in 2019.
What to do with Baltimore Ravens safety Eric Weddle… The future Hall of Fame safety has had an illustrious 12-year NFL career, spending the first nine seasons with the then-San Diego Chargers. Since 2016, Weddle has been a member of the Ravens and its stout defense. Weddle has been named to the Pro Bowl all three seasons he’s been in Baltimore, and has certainly been a staple since joining the squad.
More from Ebony Bird
- Will Baltimore Ravens be rewarded for risky Lamar Jackson decision?
- The Baltimore Ravens Big Gamble
- Ravens Super Bowl odds present fascinating insight on Lamar Jackson’s future
- Should Baltimore Ravens be interested in this recently released WR
- Do the Baltimore Ravens have serious interest in this free agent wide out?
However, the decline of Eric Weddle has certainly begun, and 2018 was a large example of this. In 2018, Weddle managed just 68 tackles and a single sack, to go with zero turnovers. That kind of decline is drastic, especially when you consider that Weddle had ten interceptions over his first two seasons with the Ravens. Weddle has yet to miss a game with Baltimore, but there were certainly times where fans wondered if he was even on the field at all.
Now, the 34-year old University of Utah product faces a career crossroads once again. The Ravens still have Eric Weddle under-contract for the 2019 season, but he will become an unrestricted free agent following the season. Weddle is due $8.25 million this year, and cutting him could save the team $6.5 million. This certainly makes this decision a more likely one.
As for a replacement, the 2019 NFL Draft has quite a few interesting choices to fill at safety. The top dog is Alabama’s Deionte Thompson, who looks like the real-deal as a true center-fielding safety. Washington’s Taylor Rapp is an intriguing option, though he may be more of a strong safety in the NFL. Mississippi State’s Jonathan Abram could be a round one pick if his medicals checkout, and his track-record is incredibly impressive. All three of these men are exciting prospects.
Possible solutions?
The best move for Eric Weddle would be to transition him to strong safety for the remainder of his career. Weddle can remain a valuable part of the defense as a run-stuffing safety with great leadership skills and a high football I.Q. Unfortunately with Tony Jefferson already on the roster, and accounting for ~$12.65 million, the Ravens don’t have the need for two of the same player for over $20 million.
If the Baltimore Ravens plan to retain Eric Weddle’s services for 2019, he will absolutely have to take a pay-cut. With the safety talent in the 2019 NFL Draft class and a potential replacement already on the roster (DeShon Elliott), Weddle’s days with the Ravens seem numbered.
While this is incredibly unfortunate, given Weddle’s status in the Baltimore community and his remarkable relationship with his teammates, the NFL is, and always will be, a business. It doesn’t matter in the eyes of certain front office members how he is as a person, it matters what he does on the football field. While a place could be found for Eric Weddle on the team’s 2019 defense, it seems unlikely at this point. Some will be happy to see him gone, but I will miss and appreciate all the things that Eric Weddle gave to this organization.