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Baltimore Ravens: How they can replace Eric Weddle

By Mike Reid

CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 26: Nasir Adderley #23 of the Delaware Fightin Blue Hens tackles Quinshad Davis #14 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Kenan Stadium on September 26, 2015 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won 41-14. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 26: Nasir Adderley #23 of the Delaware Fightin Blue Hens tackles Quinshad Davis #14 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Kenan Stadium on September 26, 2015 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won 41-14. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 23: Free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Houston Texans celebrates an interception by inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney #55 (not pictured) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 23: Free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Houston Texans celebrates an interception by inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney #55 (not pictured) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

How can the Ravens replace Eric Weddle? I have options for you:

Last week I previewed the big decisions Eric DeCosta will be facing this off-season involving the Ravens top-ranked defense. The first defensive domino officially fell, as the Ravens officially released veteran safety Eric Weddle.

I discussed this exact scenario and predicted the Ravens would keep Weddle, (Here). Even though his speed and coverage ability has decreased recently, his intelligence and leadership to the defense was a big reason why they were one of the league’s best units. Weddle’s personality and locker-room presence will be surely missed, and fans will miss him just as much. However, the Ravens made the tough decision and believe the $7.5 million cap savings by cutting Weddle, is more important for the team going forward.

The Ravens safety depth chart currently is Tony Jefferson, Chuck Clark, hybrid S/LB Anthony Levine, and Deshon Elliott. None of which are a true free safety though. I think Elliott has the make-up of being a starting safety in this league but spent the whole season on IR last year, so he has no real game experience. It’s reasonable to say that finding a free safety is now high on the long list of needs for the Ravens this off-season.

This year’s free agency and draft class at the safety position is stacked with talent, which might be the reason why the Ravens felt comfortable cutting Weddle. They must be confident going forward with the guys on their team currently or have a few players they are eyeing to add to the mix on defense. With free agency starting a week from today we will soon found out what DeCosta’s master plan is. Here is one big-name free agent and a few draft prospects that might fit the bill as the next Ravens safety.

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