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NFL Free Agency: 3 big things we learned about Eric DeCosta

By Chris Schisler

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 20: A Baltimore Ravens helmet sits on the bench during their game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on September 20, 2015 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 20: A Baltimore Ravens helmet sits on the bench during their game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on September 20, 2015 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 21: Free safety Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates an interception by teammate Kam Chancellor (not pictured) in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at CenturyLink Field on September 21, 2014 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Broncos 26-20. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 21: Free safety Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates an interception by teammate Kam Chancellor (not pictured) in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at CenturyLink Field on September 21, 2014 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Broncos 26-20. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) /

2. He knows how this whole thing works:

For a while, everybody thought the Ravens were really in on Le’Veon Bell. It turns out that this wasn’t the case. DeCosta has a good poker face and never shows his hand. Nothing bothered him throughout free agency because he kept his focus. Headlines came out left and right that the defense was dismantled or that the Ravens lost too much leadership but it was all white noise in the background.

DeCosta, who worked under Ozzie Newsome for years, understands that the media and the fans aren’t going to be patient with him, or give him the benefit of the doubt. Just like Newsome, who had a reputation for being stubborn, DeCosta is not influenced by outside commotion.

Related Story. Free Agency Scraps: What's left for the Ravens. light

The deal he gave Ingram was a thing of absolute beauty. A three year $15 million deal was an example that overpaying isn’t always necessary in free agency. The Earl Thomas deal was mind blowing to an impressive degree. Thomas was almost a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. DeCosta gave him a massive contract, but one where the numbers make sense moving forward. When a move comes out of left field, it shows that he’s not really a rookie GM. That was a big time play by the general manager that will be remembered for decades, especially if Thomas meets expectations.

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