Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Harbaugh on making a trade: "There are possibilities"

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October 17

Baltimore Sun

"Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Friday that "there are possibilities" of a trade but he couldn't gauge whether the team would make a move before Tuesday's NFL deadline. There has been speculation -- ESPN started the rumor but nothing confirmed by either team -- that the Ravens will send a second- and fifth-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs for wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, who seems to have had a falling out with new coach Todd Haley. A 2007 first-round pick, Bowe has caught at least 70 passes in his first two seasons and has scored 15 career touchdowns. "It's so hard to anticipate activity," Harbaugh said when asked about the possibility of a trade. "We work on a lot of things. I know ..."

NFL fines Ravens' Lewis $25,000

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October 17

Baltimore Sun

"The NFL fined Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis a total of $25,000 for two separate incidents in the fourth quarter of last week's game against the Cincinnati Bengals, believed to be the biggest fine in the league this season. Lewis not only delivered a vicious hit that knocked Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco's helmet off, but he also was punished for kicking at another player in the fourth quarter. ESPN reported that Lewis will appeal the fine, but the 14-year veteran wouldn't take any questions in the locker room Friday. "I'm on Minnesota, I'm not talking about no fines," Lewis said, referring to Sunday's game in Minneapolis against the Vikings. An NFL spokesman said in an e-mail that ..."

Ayanbadejo done for year

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October 7

Baltimore Sun

"Less than a week after being honored by the AFC for his play at linebacker, Brendon Ayanbadejo's season has ended. The Ravens placed the Pro Bowl special teams player on injured reserve Tuesday, ending his season. Ayanbadejo didn't waste any time in flying to Birmingham, Ala., later in the day to meet with renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews and planned to undergo surgery on his torn left quadriceps tendon later today. "I want to be healthy tomorrow," Ayanbadejo said via phone as he boarded a plane Tuesday. "I want to be back better than ever for next season. I don't even want to miss a single day. That's why I'm having the surgery tomorrow and flying to Birmingham today. One day of not ..."

Improved Wes Welker takes it slow

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October 3

Boston Herald

"Wes Welker indicated he felt some improvement in his ailing knee yesterday. But whether that upgrade was good enough for the Patriots wide receiver to play tomorrow against the Baltimore Ravens won't likely be determined until just before gametime. Judging by Welker's remarks, it sounds like the team's medical staff is trying to get the injury to the point where it won't become a hindrance all year. "Being a football player, you always want to get out there and play," said Welker, who never had missed a game in his career until sitting out the Pats' last two contests. "The main thing is being smart, and make sure you're ready for the long haul." Having Welker, the NFL's leading receiver ..."

Help is added at linebacker

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September 23

Boston Globe

"With linebacker Jerod Mayo out with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee, the Patriots made a trade yesterday to boost their depth, acquiring inside linebacker Prescott Burgess from the Baltimore Ravens for a conditional seventh-round pick. The 6-foot-3-inch, 247-pound Burgess was a sixth-round draft pick of the Ravens in 2007. He played in eight games as a rookie before being placed on injured reserve with a hip injury. He didn't play last season after he was put on IR before the start of the season with a shoulder injury."

David Tyree hopes to catch on with Ravens

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September 9

New York Daily News

"David Tyree, the currently unemployed hero of Super Bowl XLII, worked out for the Baltimore Ravens Tuesday. Tyree, who was cut by the Giants on Saturday, was one of several players who worked out for Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome and team scouts, an NFL source confirmed. The Ravens have only four receivers on their 53-man roster and appear to need more, although coach John Harbaugh has said he's OK with opening the season with that number. It's likely the Ravens were just taking a look at Tyree in case they decide to add a receiver a few weeks from now."

Trade rumors heating up

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September 3

Baltimore Sun

"Falcons Thursday night. It's the time of the year when teams start finalizing their roster for the home opener, and some decent veterans will get cut for salary cap reasons. Hopefully, the Ravens can find a bargain and sign both a quality backup offensive tackle or another solid receiver."

ESPN speculates Ravens' interest in Vick

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August 11

Baltimore Sun

"ESPN's Chris Mortensen speculated Tuesday that the Ravens might be very interested in Michael Vick. In addressing the rumor, Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said through a spokesman: "We have three quarterbacks that we like a lot." There is always a chance that the Ravens would consider signing Vick as a receiver. But the Ravens likely will only sign a receiver at the veteran minimum. Vick also has never said that he would play a position other than quarterback."

Brandon Marshall no longer on Ravens' radar

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August 3

Baltimore Sun

"It appears the Ravens interest in disgruntled Denver receiver Brandon Marshall is just about over. It started disappearing the moment Derrick Mason appeared at training camp, and was just about gone once Mason stepped on the field Sunday morning. "Our interest in Brandon Marshall is between slim and none, and slim just walked out on the field," said one source, pointing to Mason."

Ravens may explore trade for Broncos' Marshall

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July 29

Yahoo! Sports

"Two NFL sources said the Baltimore Ravens may revisit the idea of trading for unhappy Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall(notes) if veteran Derrick Mason(notes) doesn't return from his sudden retirement. This comes after the Ravens were unsuccessful in getting veteran Drew Bennett(notes) to return. Bennett passed a physical last week, but then complained about an old knee injury before deciding to not play. Bennett's decision and Mason's retirement earlier this month have left the Ravens in a lurch at wide receiver. The Ravens think Mason's retirement was partly a ploy to help get more money from the team. (Mason had asked to renegotiate his deal earlier in the offseason.) "The ..."

Source: Ravens, Suggs agree to deal

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July 15

ESPN.com

"Terrell Suggs, who never minded playing under one-year franchise tags, found the financial security he was looking for Wednesday when he agreed to a six-year, $63 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens, according to a source. The key to the contract was the structure. Suggs will receive signing bonus and option bonus money that will total $33.1 million in 2009 and 2010, according to a source. That is believed to be second only to Peyton Manning, who received a $34 million signing bonus. Defensive end Dwight Freeney received $31.5 million in signing and option bonus money during the first two years of his contract with the Colts. Freeney and Suggs were both represented by Gary Wichard. ..."

Suggs agrees to six-year, $63M deal

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July 15

Baltimore Sun

"Terrell Suggs will sign a six-year, $63 million contract with the Ravens on Wednesday, completing one of the more lucrative deals in NFL history. A three-time Pro Bowl linebacker, Suggs will receive $33 million in bonuses (a $10.1 million signing bonus and a $23 million option bonus due in March), which ranks second only to Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who earned $34 million in bonuses. Suggs' total is believed to be the most ever for a defensive player. Suggs, who repeatedly said the sides were close on a deal, will sign the contract before Wednesday at 4 p.m., the deadline for NFL teams to sign their franchise tag players to a long-term deal. "The Ravens showed up big ..."

Ravens' Mason says he's retiring

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July 14

Baltimore Sun

"Wide receiver Derrick Mason abruptly announced his retirement Monday, a decision that surprised and confused the Ravens. Mason, 35, the Ravens' No. 1 receiver, was entering the final year of his five-year, $20 million contract and was seeking an extension. The Ravens publicly said they were agreeable to a new contract, but no deal was imminent. Mason's retirement would leave a huge void at wide receiver and mark a drastic setback for a team that reached the AFC championship game. But it's still unclear whether Mason intends to follow through with his retirement. "This is a decision that I've made," Mason told ESPN News. "If I do change my mind, it won't be because of the Ravens. It'll be ..."

McGahee says he's fine with working with 2nd team

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June 10

Baltimore Sun

"Even though he continues to run primarily with the second team, Ravens running back Willis McGahee said he doesn't mind backing up Ray Rice for now. McGahee had been limited for most of the offseason after having arthroscopic knee surgery. Because Rice has been going with the starters during his absence, McGahee said he didn't expect to supplant Rice when he began fully practicing last week. "It wouldn't be right," McGahee said Tuesday during the final minicamp for veterans. "I don't mind. Work is work. That's either with the first, second or third." Unlike last year, McGahee has been attending voluntary minicamps. He is trying to rebound from last season, when he gained a career-low 671 ..."

Former Raven wants to kick again in the NFL

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June 6

Baltimore Sun

columnist Mike Preston

"Matt Stover has come to grips with his life after football. If his phone rings in late July or August, he is prepared to continue his career as one of the NFL's best kickers. And if not ... "Then my last kick for the Baltimore Ravens against Tennessee, wow, what a way to go out," Stover said. It was another classic Stover moment. With the outcome of the game in doubt, Stover trotted out on the field before a boisterous crowd of 69,143 at LP Field to kick the game-winning 43-yard field goal with 53 seconds remaining as the Ravens edged the Titans, 13-10, in the AFC semifinals last season. Stover has always been clutch in big games. In fact, he has 13 game-winning field goals and is the ..."

Ravens sign fifth-round pick

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June 5

Baltimore Sun

"The Ravens have signed their fifth-round pick in the recent NFL draft, tight end Davon Drew of East Carolina, to a contract, the team announced today. He's the first 2009 draft pick to sign with the team and he received a three-year contract with just under $140,000 in bonus money. Drew was the 149th pick overall. At 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, Drew is expected to be a backup to veterans Todd Heap and L.J. Smith, but during the team's recent minicamps he's been seeing a lot of action because of injuries to Heap and Smith. He started his career as a quarterback at East Carolina, but was moved to tight end in 2005. He was suspended the final two games of 2005 for initially refusing to move from ..."

McGahee works with second team at Ravens minicamp

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June 3

Baltimore Sun

"The Ravens' Willis McGahee was back at the team's voluntary minicamp after missing last week, but the running back worked primarily with the second team. McGahee started nine games for the Ravens last season, including the AFC championship game at Pittsburgh. Ray Rice, a second-round pick last year, ran mostly with the starters Tuesday. Last month, McGahee was limited in the mandatory minicamp because of arthroscopic knee surgery. But he didn't wear a red jersey Tuesday, which signifies his knee has improved."

Mason could return in time for training camp

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May 28

Carroll County Times

"Baltimore Ravens veteran wide receiver Derrick Mason may have been a bit too conservative recently when gauging whether he would be able to take part in training camp following offseason shoulder surgery. Ravens coach John Harbaugh predicted that Mason will be ready for the majority of camp. "I think there's a real good chance Derrick will be there for training camp, but that obviously depends on what's best for Derrick," Harbaugh said Wednesday at a passing camp. "I'm pretty sure Derrick will be there for most, if not all, of training camp." Mason, who had his labrum and scapula in his left shoulder repaired, practiced on a limited basis Wednesday as he caught passes from quarterback Joe ..."

Intriguing rookie joins Ravens

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May 27

Baltimore Sun

"The Ravens signed undrafted rookie center Robby Felix, who suffered a stroke just six months ago. Felix had started 46 straight games for UTEP before a stroke on Nov. 16 cut short his college career. He spent the next couple of months trying to make a comeback and participated in the NFL combine in February."

Is IR system in line for a change?

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May 21

Boston Globe

"When the NFL adopted its system for placing players on season-ending injured reserve, the main issue was stashing. Teams had long been allowed to place players on injured reserve and bring them back later in the season. But some felt that clubs were circumventing the rule by placing players who weren't truly injured on IR, opening a roster spot for someone else. Thus, a competitive advantage was scored. Colts president Bill Polian remembers high-profile coaches and personnel executives, such as Don Shula and Jim Finks, pushing for a change to combat stashing, and it finally came in 1993, when the league made two significant adjustments. At that time, players placed on injured reserve would ..."

Ravens finalize deal with WR Washington

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May 18

Baltimore Sun

"The Ravens officially added Kelley Washington on Monday, signing the veteran free-agent wide receiver to a one-year contract on the first day of the team's passing camp. During his six-year career, Washington has recorded 73 catches for 896 yards (an average of 12.3 yards per catch) and nine touchdowns for the Cincinnati Bengals and New England Patriots. Washington, who is 6 feet 3, 215 pounds, improves the team's size at wide receiver. "Kelley is a professional who's been in this system and has had hard coaching," said Ravens quarterbacks coach Hue Jackson, who coached Washington in Cincinnati. "I know [wide receivers] coach [Jim] Hostler will take him to a whole different level. I also ..."

Three Ex-Ravens Helping Ryan Get Get Jets' D Ready For The Fight

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May 17

New York Post

"Rex Ryan snuck back to Baltimore one Sunday in March to watch his teenage son, Seth, run a 5K. This was days after the new Jets coach had lured former Ravens Bart Scott, Jim Leonhard and Marques Douglas to join him in New York. A television reporter spotted him on the street and said, "Hey, you're stealing all our players." "No, I'm stealing my players," Ryan responded with a smile. The three ex-Ravens are now key cogs of Ryan's Jets defense. He had stars left over from last season in Kris Jenkins, Darrelle Revis and Kerry Rhodes. But Ryan needed a few of "his guys" to show the way. "It's not only that they know the system, but they know how things are done, what the expectations are, and ..."

Washington the winner in WR tryout?

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May 11

Baltimore Sun

"While the coaches didn't signal a winner, Kelley Washington appeared to have the best showing of the three wide receivers trying out for the Ravens. Washington, a free agent who played for the Cincinnati Bengals and New England Patriots, stood out in Sunday's two-minute drill, diving to make one catch and pulling in a nice throw from Troy Smith for a touchdown. He punctuated the score with a shimmying dance in the end zone. "I was able to make some good plays and some bad plays," Washington said Sunday, the final day of the Ravens' mandatory minicamp. "But the thing I wanted to focus on was the individual drills. I wanted to show them that I could get in and out of routes and catch the ..."

Ravens' Mason may miss training camp

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May 10

Baltimore Sun

"Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason could miss training camp this season but remains optimistic that he'll be ready for the start of the regular season. Mason, who has led the Ravens in catches for three of his four seasons here, had surgery to repair his scapula and the labrum in his left shoulder in February. He didn't practice during this weekend's mandatory minicamp. "I guarantee I'll be ready by the first game, that's all I can say," Mason said Sunday, the final day of the team's minicamp. "Everything else, we'll play it by ear." Asked if he would be ready for training camp in late July, he said, "Don't know. I really don't. All I can say for certain -- well, not even for certain -- if ..."

Mason confident he'll get extension

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May 9

Baltimore Sun

"Derrick Mason said Friday that he believes the Ravens will give him a contract extension before the start of the regular season. Mason, 35, has been the team's only dependable receiver, leading the Ravens in catches for three of his four seasons here. He is entering the final year of his contract. "I'm very confident that it will get done," Mason said Friday after the team's first day of mandatory minicamp. "I hope management has the same confidence that I have that it will get done. I'm not going to worry about it until I need to worry about it. Right now, I just concentrating on getting healthy and trying to do what I can to make this football team better." Over the past two seasons, ..."

QB switch: Ravens sign Beck, cut Bouman

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May 5

Baltimore Sun

"A few days before the start of their first minicamp, the Ravens shuffled their quarterback group, signing John Beck to a one-year contract and cutting third-stringer Todd Bouman. Beck, a 2007 second-round pick of the Miami Dolphins, is expected to compete against Troy Smith for the Ravens' backup quarterback job. "He was a very productive college player, but what also impressed our scouts was how competitive he is," Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said Monday. "We like to bring in good athletes who love to compete and he fits that." Beck, 27, who was released by the Dolphins last week, reportedly drew interest from six teams. He eventually chose the Ravens over the Jacksonville ..."

Former Miami Dolphins QB John Beck to join Ravens

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May 3

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"The Ravens won't have a competition at starting quarterback again this season, but there will be one for the backup job. John Beck has agreed in principle on a one-year contract and will compete with Troy Smith to be the Ravens' No. 2 quarterback, according to an NFL source. Beck will be reunited with Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, who was coach of the Miami Dolphins in 2007, when they drafted the Brigham Young standout in the second round. After Cameron was fired, Beck never clicked with the Bill Parcells regime and was released by the Dolphins on Wednesday, just five days after they drafted West Virginia's Pat White in the second round. It is believed six teams had shown ..."

Ravens, QB Beck agree to one-year deal

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May 2

Baltimore Sun

"John Beck has agreed in principle on a one-year contract and will compete against Troy Smith for the backup quarterback job, according to a league source. Beck, 27, was selected in the second round by the Miami Dolphins in 2007, when Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron was the head coach there. The Dolphins released Beck on Wednesday, just five days after they drafted West Virginia's Pat White in the second round. A Ravens official couldn't confirm that the team intends to sign Beck but indicated that the team has shown interest in the former Brigham Young star. It is believed that six NFL teams were interested in Beck. Beck likely could get a physical on Monday and sign with the ..."

Ravens, Florida State kicker agree to deal

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April 27

Baltimore Sun

"In addition to University of Buffalo quarterback Drew Willy, who agreed to a rookie free-agent contract Sunday night, the Ravens have also agreed to contracts with Florida State kicker Graham Gano, Georgia linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, Michigan defensive tackle Will Johnson and Mississippi fullback Jason Cook, according to published reports. As a senior, Gano connected on 24 of 26 field goals for the Seminoles. He joins Steve Hauschka as the two kickers on the Ravens' roster. Gano can also punt. Ellerbe was rated as the 126th player overall by Pro Football Weekly going into the draft, but injury concerns and an off-the-field incident early in his Georgia career may have caused him to fall. ..."

Cardinals address Boldin trade talk

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April 22

Baltimore Sun

"Arizona Cardinals general manager Rod Graves said Tuesday that he anticipates more conversations from teams regarding wide receiver Anquan Boldin as the NFL draft approaches this weekend. â€œQuite a few teams have called, but we have no offers,â€ Graves told Arizona reporters at a pre-draft news conference. â€œAnything can evolve from this point through draft day.â€ The Ravens are one of the teams that have shown interest in Boldin, according to a league source. But the Ravens aren't interested in giving up multiple draft picks for Boldin, the source said. Graves denied reports they are asking for first- and third-round picks in return for Boldin. â€œWe havenâ€™t specified what weâ€™re ..."

Ravens unlikely to trade for Boldin

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April 21

Baltimore Sun

"The Ravens are unlikely to trade for wide receiver Anquan Boldin, a team source said Monday. The sticking point is that the Ravens consider the Arizona Cardinals' asking price too steep, according to the source. The Cardinals are looking for first- and third-round picks in exchange for Boldin. The Ravens, who have six picks in this weekend's NFL draft (their fewest since 2000), would consider the trade if it did not involve multiple draft selections. They would become interested if they had to give up only a first- or a second-round pick and a player, the source said. The problem is, the Dallas Cowboys set a high bar for receivers when they traded picks in the first, third and fifth rounds ..."

Ravens Insider: Eagles could be biggest competition for Boldin

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April 21

Baltimore Sun

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Ravens should go for the missing piece: Boldin

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April 20

Baltimore Sun

columnist Rick Maese

"One week from now, we'll have a much better understanding of what the Ravens' roster will look like next season. But you don't have to wait for the first couple of rounds of the NFL draft to see how the Ravens could make the biggest upgrade, how they could take a pretty good team and immediately make it one of the league's very best. Anquan Boldin, the Arizona Cardinals' disgruntled wide receiver, represents the Ravens' missing link, and they're wise to pursue him aggressively. The way it stands now, it certainly appears as if there are two likely options for Boldin: an additional year in Arizona or a new friendship with Joe Flacco. On Thursday night, Boldin told Michael Irvin on his ..."

Ravens' Suggs deserves a big deal - not a raw one

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April 20

Baltimore Sun

columnist David Steele

"Once again, Terrell Suggs is to be commended for the way he is handling his contract situation with the Ravens. He is wearing the franchise tag for the second straight year, even though he wants a long-term deal (and even though the Ravens seem to favor giving him one). He's waiting for his payday patiently and quietly, and not waving his arms, shouting, "What about me?" Which he would be entitled to do if the Ravens do what appears to be the public's bidding and trade for Anquan Boldin. If the Ravens do trade for Boldin and give him the contract he has been battling - apparently unsuccessfully - to get from the Arizona Cardinals, then Suggs would have every right to open up and let fly in ..."

Ravens should consider hauling in Anquan Boldin

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April 20

Baltimore Sun

columnist Peter Schmuck

"News item: The Ravens might make an offer to the Arizona Cardinals for disgruntled wide receiver Anquan Boldin, though it would probably cost them a first- and third-round draft choice. My take: That's a steep price, but I think general manager Ozzie Newsome should seriously consider it. That late first-round pick isn't likely to add a new dimension to the Ravens' offense. Boldin would. News item: Through the first 10 games of the season, the Orioles' offense averaged 6.4 runs and 10 hits. My take: That would be just great if opponents didn't average 6.6 runs and 12 hits over the same period. News item: Top Orioles prospect Matt Wieters had to be removed from Friday night's game between ..."

Ravens should go for the missing piece: Boldin

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April 19

Baltimore Sun

"One week from now, we'll have a much better understanding of what the Ravens' roster will look like next season. But you don't have to wait for the first couple of rounds of the NFL draft to see how the Ravens could make the biggest upgrade, how they could take a pretty good team and immediately make it one of the league's very best. Anquan Boldin, the Arizona Cardinals' disgruntled wide receiver, represents the Ravens' missing link, and they're wise to pursue him aggressively. The way it stands now, it certainly appears as if there are two likely options for Boldin: an additional year in Arizona or a new friendship with Joe Flacco. On Thursday night, Boldin told Michael Irvin on his ..."

It's OK to sacrifice draft picks for Boldin

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April 17

Baltimore Sun

"I'm not sure what popular sentiment is about this Anquan Boldin news, but it seems pretty simple to me: If they Ravens have a chance, they must pull the trigger on the trade. I like Boldin better than any receiver in this draft. The Ravens need a receiver. Ergo, you gotta jump on this trade. The Ravens know that to maximize Joe Flacco's potential, they've got to add another receiver into the mix, and the draft options available to them at 26 are just too risky. spoke with Eric DeCosta, the Ravens director of player personnel, this week about a variety of subjects (this interview will be posted here in the Toy Department next week) and one thing we touched on is just how difficult it is to ..."

Ravens should steer clear of Boldin

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April 17

Baltimore Sun

columnist Mike Preston

"Oh, I'm so tired of hearing about Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin. He has reportedly been on the trading block for about a year, and his name keeps popping up in Baltimore because Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron really likes Boldin. His name actually started re-surfacing in trade talks about a month ago, and the Ravens were listed as one of the teams interested in Boldin. As draft day nears, we're going to hear more talk and rumors about a trade. I wouldn't give up a first- and third-round pick for Boldin. He's a good player and he could help the Ravens, but the Ravens have built through the draft, and should continue to do it that way. I'd still prefer to see the Ravens get a ..."

Boldin Would Be a Bonanza for the Ravens

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April 17

Baltimore Sun

"In their offseason of critical reinforcements, the Ravens could be about to strike again. If GM Ozzie Newsome can pry Anquan Boldin loose from the Cardinals, as he is attempting to do, the Ravens will have upgraded their passing game in a major way. Boldin is the best of the veteran wide receivers on the trade market right now, a market that includes Cleveland's Braylon Edwards and perhaps Cincinnati's Chad (nee Johnson) Ocho Cinco. At 6 feet 1 and 217 pounds, Boldin is a physical, punishing receiver who gets yards after the catch. He isn't the speed merchant who will stretch the field for Joe Flacco, except when he turns the 10-yard slant into a 70-yard touchdown. But he is a threat ..."

Ravens interested in trading for Anquan Boldin

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April 17

Baltimore Sun

"In a move that could drastically change this year's NFL draft, the Ravens have expressed interest in acquiring wide receiver Anquan Boldin from the Arizona Cardinals, a league source confirmed Thursday. It would likely take a first- and a third-round draft pick to acquire Boldin, who had 89 catches for 1,038 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. This is the third time in five years the Ravens have considered trading for a wide receiver. Their trade for Terrell Owens in 2004 was rescinded, and the team failed to complete a deal for Randy Moss in 2005. Asked whether the Ravens have contacted the Cardinals about Boldin, general manager Ozzie Newsome said Thursday: "With the draft coming up, ..."

Newsome: Stover still could be brought back

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April 1

Baltimore Sun

"Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome reiterated today that Matt Stover could still work into the team's plans if it is unable to find his replacement this summer. At the Ravens' draft luncheon, Newsome declined to say whether he would invest one of the team's six picks on a kicker this month. But he said his comfort level lies in the fact he's got two of the league's top special teams gurus on the staff in John Harbaugh and Jerry Rosburg, placing an emphasis on their expertise. "We've got [Steve] Hauschka here for a reason," Newsome said at one point. As a rookie last season, Hauschka joined the Ravens after getting cut by the Vikings. He spent six weeks on the practice squad, but kicked a ..."

Ravens could open season at home

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March 21

Baltimore Sun

"The Ravens aren't expected to kick off the 2009 season at the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers, but they could be in line for a season opener at M"

Ravens on Pace to fill hole at right tackle

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March 19

Baltimore Sun

"Orlando Pace could become the most prominent right tackle in Ravens history … if he's healthy. Injury issues appear to be the biggest question mark for Pace, who is scheduled to meet team officials today. Pace, 33, a seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle, was released last week by the St.Louis Rams after missing 25 games over the past three seasons. If the Ravens are satisfied with the results of his physical examination, they are expected to make a strong run at him. It would probably signal the end for Willie Anderson, whose departure would open up $2.9million in salary-cap space."

Ravens likely to sign L.J. Smith

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March 18

Baltimore Sun

"Looking to upgrade their depth at tight end, the Ravens are expected to sign L.J. Smith today, a league source said. The parameters of a one-year, $1.5 million deal are in place with Smith, the source added. Smith, 28, the best tight end left in freeagency, needs to pass his physical with the Ravens today before signing the contract. A six-year veteran from the Philadelphia Eagles, Smith would improve a thin tightend group for the Ravens. The team, which did not re-sign Daniel Wilcox, has Todd Heap (35 receptions last season), Quinn Sypniewski (sidelined all season with a knee injury) and Edgar Jones (a converted linebacker). There has been speculation the addition of Smith puts the future ..."

L.J. Smith set to visit Ravens

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March 18

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Ravens coach and former Eagles special-teams coordinator John Harbaugh might be interested in giving free-agent tight end L.J. Smith a new start in Baltimore.Harbaugh, who took the Ravens to the AFC championship game in his first season as head coach, invited Smith for a visit Wednesday, and Smith said he accepted.The Baltimore Sun reported that a source said parameters of a one-year, $1.5 million deal are in place. Smith made $4.52 million last season as the Eagles' franchise player.Asked if he had already signed, Smith told The Inquirer last night in a text message, "Not yet."Todd Heap, Quinn Sypniewski and Edgar Jones are the Ravens' tight ends now.The Ravens' invitation comes one day ..."

Source: Smith, Ravens agree

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March 17

ESPN.com

"The Baltimore Ravens are not waiting until the NFL draft to add quality depth to the tight end position. According to a source, the Ravens have agreed in principle to a one-year, $1.5 million deal with former Philadelphia Eagle L.J. Smith. The tight end is visiting Baltimore Wednesday and could have a deal finalized by the end of the week, pending a physical. Smith, 28, spent the past six seasons in Philadelphia, where Ravens head coach John Harbaugh spent most of his career as an assistant. Baltimore is looking for an additional receiving threat and depth at tight end to play alongside current starter Todd Heap, who's had several injuries in recent seasons."

Ravens to meet with L.J. Smith

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March 17

Baltimore Sun

"L.J. Smith, a free-agent tight end, will visit the Ravens on Wednesday, a team official confirmed. The Ravens are looking to improve their depth at tight end. The team currently has Todd Heap, Quinn Sypniewski and Edgar Jones. Smith, 28, has ties with coach John Harbaugh when they were both with the Philadelphia Eagles. Last season, Smith caught 37 passes for 298 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Ravens are expected to announce the signing of free-agent cornerback-returner Chris Carr on Wednesday and the release of cornerback Samari Rolle."

Right time for Ravens, Rolle to go separate ways

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March 16

Baltimore Sun

"The Ravens are expected to cut cornerback Samari Rolle today, and the split is good for both sides. The Ravens wanted to get younger at cornerback and want more dependable players at that position. Rolle has been bothered by injuries throughout most of his career in Baltimore. Rolle also wanted out because he still feels he can play at a high level. That's true, because Rolle played well when he was in the lineup the past two seasons -- the Ravens were 10-2 in games he started last season -- and the Ravens had one of the best passing defenses in the league. Rolle is a stand-up guy, a true professional. He never pointed fingers at his teammates, and didn't use his battle with epilepsy as ..."

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