Baltimore Ravens News

Top candidate to replace Edwards is in the draft
"Dwan Edwards signed a four-year deal with the Buffalo Bills on Wednesday, which leaves one open starting spot on the Ravens. The Ravens could fill that void at defensive end immediately by either promoting someone from within (perhaps Paul Kruger) or signing a free agent. But I see the best option sitting in the draft -- Jared Odrick, the 6-foot-5, 301-pound prospect from Penn State. Odrick, who played defensive tackle in college but projects to be an end in a 3-4 defense, would be the best fit for the Ravens. His quickness and toughness meshes in with the Ravens’ personality on defense. He would also represent an upgrade over Edwards. The tenacious team leader was named 2009 Big Ten ..."
Kruger's goal: expanded role
"The mystery that enveloped Ravens rookie Paul Kruger last season was, in the end, not so much a mystery as it was an indoctrination into the subtleties of life in the NFL. Kruger, a first-day draft pick last April, was inactive for seven of the Ravens' first eight games in 2009. Given the firestorm of controversy coming out of chat rooms and talk radio, you would have thought that he played quarterback instead of linebacker. Turns out Kruger was a quarterback in high school in Orem, Utah, before switching to defense at Utah, where he quickly became one of the best pass rushers in the Mountain West Conference. That's what the Ravens saw in Kruger - pass-rush prowess with a feverish style of ..."
Ravens free agent Edwards reaches deal with Bills
"Free-agent defensive end Dwan Edwards will sign a four-year deal with the Buffalo Bills today, an NFL source confirmed. The Ravens didn't attempt to counter the offer, the source added. Edwards left his visit with the Bills on Tuesday without a deal. But the sides reached an agreement late Tuesday. Edwards, the first Ravens starter to go elsewhere this season, was a 2004 second-round pick of the Ravens. He becomes the second lineman to leave the Ravens in free agency, joining Justin Bannan, who signed with the Denver Broncos. The Buffalo visit marked Edwards' third visit during free agency. Edwards, 28, was a late-blossoming second-round pick who started 10 games for the Ravens last season ..."
Ravens re-sign TE Edgar Jones
"The Baltimore Ravens signed reserve tight end and special-teams contributor Edgar Jones on Monday to a one-year, $545,000 deal, the veteran minimum. Valued for his versatility because he doubles as a situational pass rusher at outside linebacker, Jones wasn't tendered as a restricted free agent. That would have cost at least $1.1 million for the lowest tender. "It was a waiting process," Jones told the Times in a telephone interview. "I was just trying to figure out what my next move would be. I'm happy to be back with Baltimore. It's great to stay with a team where you have a lot of great relationships. "In the offseason, you get time away from your teammates, time to yourself. Then, you ..."
Ravens re-sign TE Edgar Jones to one-year deal
"The Ravens today signed reserve tight end Edgar Jones to a one-year, $545,000 deal. He wasn't tendered by the team as a restricted free agent. Jones also has played linebacker for the Ravens and has been a solid special teams player for the team. Tight end is one of the areas the Ravens could be targeting in the upcoming NFL Draft. After starter Todd Heap and Jones, plus practice squad player Davon Drew, a fifth-round draft pick a year ago, the Ravens are thin at the position."
Ravens need a defensive end, but that's not the end of it
"After re-signing wide receiver Derrick Mason on Wednesday night, the Ravens probably will turn their attention to the only void remaining in their starting lineup: defensive end. The easiest solution is retaining Dwan Edwards, a 2004 second-round pick who replaced Trevor Pryce in the starting lineup in Week 6 last season. Edwards made free-agent visits to the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks, but he left without being signed. This could become a similar situation to Mason, where the lack of interest elsewhere might increase the Ravens' chances of re-signing Edwards. Teams could be wary of signing Edwards to a long-term deal because he had spinal fusion surgery in 2008. The agent for ..."
Ravens wide receiver Mason agrees to return
"On the night when wide receiver Derrick Mason came back to the Ravens, their passing attack continued to take another step forward. The Ravens struck a two-year, $8 million agreement with Mason on Wednesday, retaining the most consistent wide receiver in team history. He will earn $3.5 million the first year. This much-anticipated deal returns Joe Flacco's favorite target and sends yet another message that the Ravens wanted to improve their passing game. The Ravens have made three moves this offseason, and all three have involved the wide receiver position. The result: This could be the deepest wide receiver group in team history. Last month, they signed Donte' Stallworth (one year, ..."
Increased speculation that Mason, Ravens will reunite
"The Ravens still appear to be the frontrunners to re-sign wide receiver Derrick Mason, according to reports on ESPN and NFL.com Here's probably the biggest reason why this will happen -- Mason hasn't drawn much interest elsewhere. Terrell Owens and Antonio Bryant are visiting Cincinnati. Bryant could be visiting Miami next. Nate Burleson went to Detroit. Kevin Walter re-signed with Houston. Even Brandon Marshall got a visit, meeting with the Seattle Seahawks. While there was speculation that Miami and New England had expressed interest in Mason, there have been no visits for him. In the end, Mason's best opportunity might be staying with the Ravens."
Boldin looking forward to playing Steelers
"Even before he has put on a Ravens uniform, wide receiver Anquan Boldin already shares the same feelings as his new teammates and fans -- a dislike for the Pittsburgh Steelers. "I'm seeking a little revenge on Pittsburgh", Boldin said. "They beat us in the Super Bowl, so I'm looking forward to that matchup.""
Ravens' meeting with free-agent Marlin Jackson inconclusive
"The Ravens' first free-agent visit likely won't be their first free-agent signing. Marlin Jackson, the cornerback from the Indianapolis Colts, left his meeting with the Ravens on Tuesday without a contract, saying his visit was more of an exploratory exercise for the team. Jackson has suffered two serious knee injuries the past two seasons, which has led to him finishing on injured reserve in 2008 and 2009. He was given a physical exam and met with team officials at Ravens headquarters. "We were just feeling each other out and getting a sense of what I'm looking for and what they're looking for," Jackson told the team's Web site. "They wanted to wait a little bit and see me move with the ..."
Ravens' passing game is better, but one more catch needed
"On paper, it appears the Ravens have upgraded their passing game, and that answer will come in time. But if they want to solidify it even more before the regular season begins, the Ravens need to add another wide receiver or tight end. If there is one area the Ravens have improved, it's speed, with the additions of Anquan Boldin and Donte' Stallworth. But there are still a lot of questions surrounding the Ravens heading into the 2010 season. If Boldin and Stallworth play up to the standards they set years ago, then the Ravens are in great shape. But if they have problems fighting through recent injuries again, then the Ravens are in trouble. We've seen substantial development in ..."
7 years after he got away, Boldin becomes a Raven
"Seven years ago, Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome judged Anquan Boldin based on several knee injuries and a miserable 40-yard dash time at the NFL combine. That was the draft when the Ravens used their second-round pick (as well as the next year's first-rounder) to move up and select quarterback Kyle Boller. Boldin was taken in the second round, 35 picks later. Now, three days after acquiring the three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver in a trade from Arizona, Newsome reveled in this long-awaited resolution. "There's not too many times that you get a chance to recover from a mistake," Newsome said to open Boldin's introductory news conference Monday. "I think I made a mistake in that draft, ..."
T.Smith's agent: 'He would crawl from Baltimore ... to play in Cleveland'
"For the third time in less than three months, the agent for backup quarterback Troy Smith has publicly let it be known that the Ravens backup quarterback wants to be elsewhere. On Sunday, agent Ralph Cindrich said Smith specifically wants to go to the Cleveland Browns. "He would crawl from Baltimore right now to be able to play in Cleveland," Cindrich told the Canton Repository last weekend. "That's clearly where his heart is. That's where his love is. He has a great relationship in Baltimore and with the fans as long as I don't muck it up too much. He has a great relationship with [Ravens general manager] Ozzie Newsome."
Is Derrick Mason keeping you up at night?
"By my unofficial count, the Ravens now have, what, 35 wide receivers? Or does it only seem that way? And now comes word from a league source -- I love that phrase, it smacks of so much intrigue -- that the signing of unrestricted free agent Derrick Mason is no longer a priority for the team. Oh, sure, the Ravens would still like to have D-Mase back -- as the No. 2 receiver. But now that they signed Pro Bowler Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth, team officials won't hurl themselves off a cliff if they can't come to terms with Mason and he signs with another team. Which brings us to today's question here at the bar: how do you feel about all this?"
Ravens' Gaither might be trade bait
"The Ravens could increase their depth through free agency over the next few weeks, whether it's picking up a cornerback, defensive end or tight end. If the Ravens' scouts had their way, the team would acquire something even more valuable: additional draft picks. The Ravens have five selections in next month's NFL draft after Friday's trade for wide receiver Anquan Boldin. The Ravens' best shot at gaining a pick in the first or second round would be to deal starting offensive tackle Jared Gaither, the team's most attractive trade bait. No team official has said the Ravens would give up Gaither for a high pick, but the team seemed to signal it would listen to offers by giving Gaither a ..."
Would Ravens trade Gaither?
"Starting left tackle Jared Gaither, a restricted free agent, represents the Ravens' best shot at getting an additional pick in the first or second round. No team official has said the Ravens would give up Gaither for a high pick, but the team seemingly announced it would listen to offers by giving Gaither a first-round tender as a restricted free agent instead of the high one (which would require teams to give up picks in the first and third rounds). So, would the Ravens keep Gaither if offered a first- or second-round pick? It’s a decision they might soon have to face. Four teams who could show interest are the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis ..."
Boldin has 'mixed emotions' about leaving Arizona Cardinals
"Anquan Boldin once pleaded to leave the Cardinals organization, all but scratching marks on the walls of the team's practice facility to count the days spent in purgatory. On Saturday, however, a day after he was traded to the Ravens, Boldin said he had "mixed emotions" about leaving the team and the area after seven years. "I built a lot of relationships here," said Boldin, the Cardinals' all-time leading receiver. "Professionally, it's the only place I know. It's going to be tough to say goodbye but I'm also looking forward to the future, definitely excited about playing for the Ravens. I feel like I add a piece to their offense." Oddly enough, Boldin spent part of Saturday at the ..."
Mason could return, but no longer a priority
"The addition of Anquan Boldin doesn't eliminate the chances of Derrick Mason returning, but the Ravens no longer view the free-agent wide receiver as one of their priorities, a league source said. Mason, 36, certainly lost his leverage by not agreeing to a two-year deal with the Ravens before free agency began. Because Boldin and Mason play similar styles, it's not considered a necessity to bring back Mason. There is a chance that the Ravens could wait until after the draft in April to re-sign Mason. So far, Mason has drawn interest from New England and Miami but he hasn't set up visits."
Ravens down to five draft picks ... for now
"After the trade for Anquan Boldin, the Ravens currently have five picks for the 2010 draft. Their seventh-round selection in the 2010 draft goes to Tampa Bay because it was a conditional one based on the 2008 trade for defensive end Marques Douglas, a team official confirmed Saturday. So, the Ravens have picks in the first round, second round, fifth round (two in this one) and sixth round. The team is hopeful that it will get at least one compensatory pick."
Dwan Edwards making free-agent visits
"Ravens free-agent defensive end Dwan Edwards is finishing up his Saturday visit with the Seattle Seahawks and is expected to meet with the Denver Broncos next, according to ESPN. The Ravens have expressed interest in Edwards, but there is a good chance he will go elsewhere because he is exploring his options. Edwards replaced Trevor Pryce in the starting lineup midway through the 2009 season."
Boldin signing sends message to Mason
"With the trade and signing of Arizona Pro Bowl receiver Anquan Boldin, the Ravens are leaking word around the league that veteran receiver Derrick Mason is no longer a priority. The Ravens still might sign Mason, but they are in no hurry. In fact, he fits general manager Ozzie Newsome's favorite saying: "Right player, right price." The Ravens might not try to sign him until after the draft. The Ravens might be leaking word out because they are simply tired of Mason saying he might retire, and then he might not. Or that he might want to play for another team or would prefer to stay with the Ravens, but wants a two-year contract."
Looking at Ravens' other needs
"The acquisition of wide receiver Anquan Boldin hasn't eliminated the return of Derrick Mason, but the Ravens no longer consider Mason a priority in free agency, a league source said. Mason, 36, an unrestricted free agent, has been the Ravens' top wide receiver for the past five seasons. Before free agency began Friday, it looked like Mason would come back to the Ravens because both sides were agreeable to a two-year contract. But Mason chose to test the free-agent market and ultimately lost his leverage Friday, when the Ravens traded third-?|and fourth-round draft picks for Boldin and a fifth-rounder. Mason and Boldin are similar-type receivers who will make the tough catch underneath but ..."
Report: CB Marlin Jackson visiting Ravens on Tuesday
"Former Indianapolis Colts cornerback Marlin Jackson is visiting the Ravens on Tuesday, according to ESPN. A first-round selection in the 2005, he started in 2007 and 2008. But Jackson sustained torn knee ligaments in practice the last two seasons to finish on injured reserve. The Colts didn't tender Jackson, making him a free agent. Jackson, 26, has four career interceptions in five seasons."
Broncos get ready to entertain another Baltimore defender
"The Broncos apparently can't get enough of Baltimore Ravens' defensive linemen. They officially signed nose tackle Justin Bannan to a five-year contract Friday night. And they were getting ready to host Ravens' defensive end Dwan Edwards for a visit tonight and into Sunday."
Cardinals export Anquan Boldin to Ravens for draft picks
"WR Anquan Boldin is now a bird of a different feather. The Cardinals traded Boldin, a Pro Bowler who's been unhappy with his contract for nearly two years, and a fifth-round draft pick to the Baltimore Ravens for third- and fourth-round selections in the 2010 draft. "I'm definitely excited," Boldin said in a statement. "For me, I've been hoping for this for a year since I first heard that the Ravens might be interested in me. I even talked with Ray (Lewis) about it a year ago. "I really look at this as a great opportunity for me. They love football in Baltimore. I know that from when the Cardinals played there a few years ago. That place was loud, very impressive by the fans. The Ravens ..."
Boldin not answer, but no question getting him is good move
"Under the circumstances, the Ravens made a good move in signing Arizona Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin. The Ravens were limited as far as offseason moves they could make because they were one of the final eight teams last season. To get the big prize - Denver Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall - the Ravens would have had to give up a No. 1 pick. No way. I wouldn't give up a first-round pick, not with Ozzie Newsome's proven success in the first round. Instead, the Ravens are giving up middle-round picks for Boldin, something they can always get back with another trade or possibly a compensatory pick in the future. Boldin doesn't have the speed and isn't the vertical threat the Ravens need, ..."
Ravens trade for wide receiver Boldin
"The Ravens made their boldest move in this year's wide receiver revitalization project by trading for Anquan Boldin, their newly appointed No. 1 target. Capturing one of the biggest headlines on the first day of free agency, the Ravens acquired the three-time Pro Bowl player and a fifth-round pick from the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for their third- and fourth-round picks in next month's draft. Only minutes after completing the trade, the Ravens reiterated their high expectations for Boldin by giving him a four-year, $28 million contract, which includes $10 million guaranteed. The hope is that Boldin becomes a pivotal factor in the development of quarterback Joe Flacco and boosts the ..."
Arizona Cardinals trade Anquan Boldin to Baltimore Ravens
"The Cardinals traded receiver Anquan Boldin to the Ravens on Friday, ending a seven-year relationship defined by astounding achievement and tinged with vitriol. The Cardinals sent Boldin and a fifth-round pick in this year's draft to Baltimore in exchange for the Ravens' third- and fourth-round selections. Before the deal was consummated, Boldin had reached agreement with the Ravens on a three-year contract extension worth $25 million in new money. "On a lot of levels, it's tough to know that Anquan is not going to be out there any more," coach Ken Whisenhunt said, "but I also think it was time. This was in the best interest of Anquan and it was in the best interest of us." After meeting ..."
Cardinals trade Boldin to Ravens
"The Baltimore Ravens couldn't pass up the opportunity to add a talented pass catcher to their roster: three-time Pro Bowl standout Anquan Boldin. Baltimore obtained Boldin from the Arizona Cardinals on Friday for a third- and fourth-round pick in the 2010 draft. Baltimore also got a fifth-round pick from Arizona. The 29-year-old Boldin has amassed at least 1,000 yards receiving in five of his seven seasons, including 1,024 yards on 84 catches last season. Boldin received a new four-year, $28 million deal with Baltimore in which $10 million is guaranteed. He was to set to earn $3 million next season, the last of the four-year, $22.5 million deal he signed with Arizona after the 2005 season. ..."
WR gives Baltimore a playmaker on the outside
"The Ravens made a big play today, as reported by our own Aaron Wilson, when they acquired WR Anquan Boldin by giving up a third and fourth round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. But, just how big of a move was it for Baltimore? The Ravens are built up front with a young offensive line and the downhill running style of Ray Rice. That is where they make their money, but with Boldin now in the mix, Baltimore has the type of receiver who can win across the middle of the field, and more importantly, is a game plan nightmare for opposing defenses because of what he can do in the open field after the catch."
Ravens trade for wide receiver Boldin
"The Ravens made a bold move to improve their passing game, trading for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin. It is believed the Ravens sent third- and fourth-round picks to the Cardinals in exchange for Boldin and a fifth-round pick. According to ESPN, Boldin has agreed to a new four-year, $28 million contract. It is believed the Ravens beat out the Kansas City Chiefs for the three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver. "The Ravens just got better," coach John Harbaugh said. "Anquan is a significant addition for us. He fits the personality of our team with the hard-nosed, physical way he plays. We love the way he competes. Our fans will enjoy watching him compete and his teammates will be ..."
Free agency has limitations but still an option for Ravens
"Restricted as they've never been before, the Ravens are still entering free agency with an open mind. General manager Ozzie Newsome wouldn't say the Ravens would be quiet as the NFL entered its first uncapped year since 1993 at 12:01 today. "It's up in the air," he said. "Once we get into free agency, if there is an opportunity for us to better our football team, we will do so." Under this new system, the Ravens will be limited more than most teams because they were among the final eight teams in the playoffs. The four teams that lost in the divisional round - the Ravens, San Diego Chargers, Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys - may sign one unrestricted free agent for a contract with a ..."
Ravens place first-round tenders on three starters
"The Ravens used first-round tenders on three restricted free agents - offensive tackle Jared Gaither, fullback Le'Ron McClain and cornerback Fabian Washington - and are expected to place an additional first-round tender on wide receiver Mark Clayton, according to multiple NFL sources. This essentially secures the return of these starters because another team would have to give the Ravens a first-round pick as compensation if it were to sign one of them. It also represents significant pay increases for Gaither ($2.3 million), McClain ($2.3 million) and Washington ($2.6 million). Even before this high tender, McClain said Wednesday that he was motivated entering offseason workouts. "I ..."
A look at Ravens' options at wide receiver
"There's no question that the Ravens' priority is to upgrade at wide receiver. How they will accomplish this is a more open-ended matter. The Ravens can take several different routes to improve the targets for Joe Flacco, from putting an offer sheet on a restricted free agent (perhaps the Denver Broncos' Brandon Marshall), signing an unrestricted free agent (like the Houston Texans' Kevin Walter) or trading for a consistent but unhappy veteran (the Arizona Cardinals' Anquan Boldin). "I think having a playmaker on the outside will help Joe Flacco become a better quarterback," Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said last month. There seems to be a push this offseason for the Ravens to shake ..."
'Get Joe some help,' ESPN analyst says
"As far as ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. is concerned, the Ravens' top mission during the NFL draft will be to find quarterback Joe Flacco some talented receivers. Forget about a cornerback and pass rushers. Those are secondary issues. The main emphasis should be allowing your franchise quarterback to grow. There wasn't much room in that area a year ago, Kiper said. "Before the last regular season started, I went on record and said the Ravens had the worst receiving corps in the NFL," said Kiper, who resides in Harford County. "They had Derrick Mason, a No. 2 playing No. 1. Mark Clayton never caught on, and Demetrius Williams didn't live up to his potential. Kelley Washington was solid at No. ..."
Ravens try a little tenders-ness
"When the Ravens give out tenders to their restricted free agents Thursday, Jared Gaither should receive a significant raise and Demetrius Williams could be given an opportunity to leave. Gaither, the team's starting left tackle the past two seasons, is expected to get one of the highest possible tenders (contract offers) available. The Ravens will probably assign a one-year, $3 million tender to Gaither, which would mean another team would have to give first- and third-round draft picks for the 6-foot-9, 340-pound tackle as compensation. There is a chance the Ravens could give Gaither a first-round tender of $2.3 million, which would require only a first-round pick as compensation. Either ..."
Ravens 'interested' in Owens
"Is Terrell Owens coming to the AFC North? Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco has lobbied for Cincinnati to sign Owens, who is an unrestricted free agent after playing one season in Buffalo. The Ravens, meanwhile, are likely to pursue Owens as early as Friday, when the free-agent signing period begins. "We're interested in T.O.," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "He had a good year last year, we watched him on tape, and he was very effective." Owens caught 55 passes for 829 yards and five touchdowns in 2009, his worst statistical season since 2005 when he played only seven games for Philadelphia because of a fallout with Eagles management. Harbaugh was the Eagles' special teams' ..."
Is Tennessee's Eric Berry the next Ed Reed?
"Although it's a virtual lock that the first pick in the 2010 NFL Draft will come down to Ndamukong Suh, Gerald McCoy and Sam Bradford, there are plenty of people who feel the best football player in the draft might actually be Tennessee safety Eric Berry. Berry, a three-year starter for the Vols, is so athletic, some scouts feel he could play both corner positions as well as free safety or strong safety, depending on where a team needs him. Although it's a pretty high bar, one of the most frequent comparisons popping up for Berry is Ravens safety Ed Reed. Not only is Berry a playmaker, his leadership skills are highly regarded. As a sophomore, he was voted a captain by his Tennessee ..."
Harbaugh: "Troy Smith is a Raven"
"Ravens coach John Harbaugh continued to repeat the organization's stance on back-up quarterback Troy Smith this week at the NFL Combine, saying he expects Smith to remain with the Ravens in 2010. "I see him still with the team," Harbaugh said. "Troy Smith is a Raven." Smith, a Heisman trophy-winning quarterback at Ohio State, caused a minor controversy at the end of last season when his agent, Ralph Cindrich, stated on Twitter that the quarterback was requesting a trade because he wanted the opportunity to start somewhere. The Ravens have said they plan to keep Smith as Joe Flacco's back-up. Harbaugh did say the team would be open to making a move if it would benefit them, but it's ..."
McGahee likely to be a Raven in 2010
"Ravens coach John Harbaugh more or less put an end to speculation about Willis McGahee's future in Baltimore next season, saying the running back will be a Raven in the 2010 season, even though he'll make $3.6 million and is coming off a year in which he rushed for only 544 yards and averaged only 6.8 carries a game. "I think McGahee will be on our team next year," Harbaugh said. Harbaugh even went so far as to say McGahee could become the Ravens' primary ball carrier again because he doesn't necessarily see Ray Rice as the starter and McGahee as the backup. "I've never said that Ray Rice is the starter," Harbaugh said. "I know other people have said that. Maybe even my coaches have said ..."
Rex Ryan on why he wanted Jim Leonhard in New York
"One of the most common complaints Ravens fans make -- albeit mostly in retrospect -- is how foolish the Ravens were to let safety Jim Leonhard go as a free agent at the end of the 2008 season. Leonhard, who played well in Baltimore filling in for Dawan Landry, emerged as one of the better strong safeties in the league as a full-time starter with the Jets. He was especially good in the post season, forcing a fumble in New York's wild card victory over the Bengals and intercepting a pass in their divisional playoff win against San Diego. He also had a crushing hit on San Diego wide receiver Malcom Floyd, and dove for a loose ball on a play even though he'd lost his helmet during a hit. ..."
Are the Ravens really interested in Terrell Owens?
"Ravens coach John Harbaugh just spoke with the media at the NFL Combine for close to 20 minutes, and during the end of his Q"
Wiping out wide-out woes
"If you're a pessimist, you can run down the list of wide receivers who could be available for the Ravens to grab with the 25th pick in the coming NFL draft and find a lot of flaws. Arrelious Benn had a miserable junior year at Illinois. Georgia Tech's Demaryius Thomas recently had surgery on his foot, and he isn't a polished route runner. Notre Dame's Golden Tate isn't particularly big or fast. Brandon LaFell of LSU has questionable, inconsistent hands and might be just a possession receiver. But if you're an optimist, there are just as many things to like about each of them. Benn is big and strong and has exceptional speed for someone 6 feet 1, 220 pounds. Most of his college woes can be ..."
Harbaugh, Ravens interested in T.O
"It's not a secret that the Ravens are desperate to upgrade their wide receivers this off-season. But are they desperate enough to consider pursuing a 36-year-old Terrell Owens? It depends on whether you think Ravens coach John Harbaugh was speaking candidly or bluffing a bit during his question-and-answer session with reporters Saturday at the NFL Combine. Owens is an unrestricted free agent coming off a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills where he made $6.5 million. He caught 55 passes for 829 yards last year -- his lowest totals for a full season since 1999 -- but some of that can be attributed to the Bills poor play at quarterback. Owens has said he'd like to play at least a few ..."
Ravens & Owens
"Baltimore coach John Harbaugh said this afternoon the Ravens would be interested in soon-to-be free-agent receiver Terrell Owens. I wouldn't read too much into the comments. Harbaugh was asked about Owens while giving a news conference at the NFL Scouting Combine workouts. "I've always said I've got a lot of respect for T.O.," Harbaugh said. "He had a good year. We watched him on tape and he was very effective last year." Would the Ravens be interested in signing Owens? "We're interested in T.O.," Harbaugh said. "We're interested in all the guys that can make our team better.""
Ravens show interest in ex-Eagles Westbrook, Owens
"The Ravens expressed interest Saturday in two former Eagles -- running back Brian Westbrook and wide receiver Terrell Owens. In his press conference at the NFL combine, Ravens coach John Harbaugh gave ringing endorsements to each, despite Westbrook's sudden release last week and the turmoil Owens stirred during his time in Philadelphia. Harbaugh said Westbrook, a two-time Pro Bowl running back who played just eight games last season, isn't done. "To me, Brian Westbrook definitely has a lot left," the former Eagles assistant said. "I think probably the Eagles know that and everybody else knows it. He's going to have plenty of opportunities to play. I'm sure we'd be interested. I guess I can ..."
Ravens interested in Westbrook, Owens
"While most of the NFL's coaches and general managers declined to discuss specific free agents for fear of being accused of tampering, John Harbaugh wasn't as tight-lipped. The Baltimore Ravens coach expressed his team's interest in two former Eagles, running back Brian Westbrook and wide receiver Terrell Owens. "To me, Brian Westbrook definitely has a lot left," said Harbaugh, a former Eagles assistant. "I think probably the Eagles know that, and everybody else knows it. He's going to have plenty of opportunities to play. . . . We'd be interested in Brian Westbrook. I guess I can say that - he's free." Technically, Westbrook is not free. The Eagles announced their decision to release him ..."
Harbaugh 'interested' in T.O.
"It's not a secret that the Ravens are desperate to upgrade their wide receivers this offseason. But are they desperate enough to consider pursuing a 36-year-old Terrell Owens? It depends on whether you think Ravens coach John Harbaugh was speaking candidly or bluffing a bit during his question-and-answer session with reporters Saturday at the NFL scouting combine. Owens is an unrestricted free agent coming off a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills under which he made $6.5 million. He caught 55 passes for 829 yards last year - his lowest totals for a full season since 1999 - but some of that can be attributed to the Bills' poor play at quarterback. Owens has said he would like to play ..."
Wiping out wide-out woes
"If you're a pessimist, you can run down the list of wide receivers who could be available for the Ravens to grab with the 25th pick in the coming NFL draft and find a lot of flaws. Arrelious Benn had a miserable junior year at Illinois. Georgia Tech's Demaryius Thomas recently had surgery on his foot, and he isn't a polished route runner. Notre Dame's Golden Tate isn't particularly big or fast. Brandon LaFell of LSU has questionable, inconsistent hands and might be just a possession receiver. But if you're an optimist, there are just as many things to like about each of them. Benn is big and strong and has exceptional speed for someone 6 feet 1, 220 pounds. Most of his college woes can be ..."