Eric Weddle Signs Four-Year Deal With Baltimore Ravens
By Joe Serpico
The Baltimore Ravens have signed former San Diego Chargers safety Eric Weddle to a four-year contract.
For weeks I have clamored for the Baltimore Ravens to sign Eric Weddle. Today, I got my wish. Here is what I wrote a few days ago when the rumors of Weddle considering the Ravens came about:
“If you are a regular reader, you have seen our push for the Ravens to bring in the former Charger. We was mentioned in our five free agents that fit. He was included in our three bold predictions for the offseason. And just days ago, Weddle’s name was brought up as someone they should target with the additional cap savings. Get it done and makes me look good Ozzie.”
Thanks Ozzie. I will give myself a pat on the back.
Weddle and the Ravens have agreed to a deal that will bring the former Pro Bowl safety to Baltimore. The deal is for four years at $26 million, with $13 million in the first two years of the contract. The deal is similar to the contract that Tashaun Gipson signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars last week.
The Ravens spent much of last week clearing cap space so it was only a matter of time before they struck a deal with someone. Weddle chose Baltimore over three other teams, including their bitter rivals from Pittsburgh.
It’s a big move for the Ravens as they needed an upgrade in the secondary and Weddle should improve the safety play immediately. Now the question becomes which safety already on the roster is out to make room for Weddle.
Lardarius Webb is making the transition to safety, and last year’s starters, Will Hill and Kendrick Lewis, are still under contract. The Ravens used a third-round pick on Terrence Brooks and have Matt Elam on the mend from injury. Adding Weddle creates a logjam at safety, but he would be the best safety on the roster, and possibly in the division.
Weddle gives the Ravens the safety they have looked for since the departure of Ed Reed. He has terrific range in the secondary and is also a factor in the ground game. Some question whether his age is starting to get the best of him, but the team believes he still has some good years left in him and made a solid investment in the nine-year pro.
With Weddle in the fold, the Ravens can now turn their focus on to other free agents. The team has signed Ben Watson and still have interest in Mike Wallace. They also are still keeping tabs on Courtney Upshaw, who has yet to receive any interest from other teams.
Next: Ravens Are Masters of Compensatory Pick Program
Ozzie Newsome is not done in free agency yet. They have added the biggest piece of the puzzle, but the Ravens still have some cap dollars to work with and it would not be a shock if another move goes down shortly.