Ebony Bird
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Who the Baltimore Ravens lost this off-season and who replaces them

By Richard Bradshaw

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 06: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers hugs Terrell Suggs #55 2 of the Baltimore Ravens after the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Chargers defeated the Ravens with a score of 23 to 17. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 06: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers hugs Terrell Suggs #55 2 of the Baltimore Ravens after the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Chargers defeated the Ravens with a score of 23 to 17. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 23: Free safety Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks on the sidelines during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 23: Free safety Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks on the sidelines during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Lost: Eric Weddle

Eric Weddle was certainly on the decline in 2018, but there’s little doubt that the Baltimore Ravens lost a strong leader and locker room voice when the team opted to cut him. Weddle left a mighty big impression in Charm City in his three short-years, playing all 48 possible contests. Weddle was also a beloved character throughout the community. Beyond his play, Weddle’s impact entirely will be difficult to repalce.

In his three-year sting in Baltimore, Weddle intercepted 10 passes, more tan half of his career total before coming to the Ravens (19 in nine seasons with the Chargers). On top of that, Weddle made 220 tackles, notched 3.0 sacks, and forced three fumbles on top of his 10 picks.

13 turnovers will be tough to replace, but Baltimore has the best possible answer…

Related Story. 2019 Baltimore Ravens defense will be unlike any before it. light

Replacement: Earl Thomas

What’s the best way to replace a Hall of Fame safety in one off-season? Bring in another Hall of Fame safety; one who is arguably more talented than the former. This is the exact practice that the Baltimore Ravens used when they signed former Seattle Seahawk Earl Thomas.

With three less seasons than Eric Weddle in the league (Thomas was drafted in 2010, Weddle in 2007), and missing most of the 2018 season due to injury, Thomas ties Weddle in career interceptions at 29. Thomas was on a roll in 2018 before breaking his leg in a week four game vs. the Arizona Cardinals, with three interceptions in four total games.

Thomas is also a strong leader and locker room presence, making the transition from Weddle to Thomas that much easier. With Thomas’ elite ball-skills, something Weddle was never known for, and his passion and swagger for the game, perhaps Baltimore upgraded this off-season by making the decision to release Weddle and sign ET.

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