Ravens Think Asking Price for Boldin Too Steep

According to Jamison Hensley of the Baltimore Sun, the Baltimore Ravens have unofficially taken themselves out of the running for WR Anquan Boldin, claiming the price is too high to acquire the Pro Bowl receiver. Apparently, the Cardinals are looking to receive a 1st round pick along with a 3rd round selection in return for Boldin’s services.

The Ravens are trying to secure a premier wide receiver for Joe Flacco to throw to next season, but are hesitant about parting with multiple draft picks to land Boldin in a deal with Arizona. They would not mind sending a player along with a single selection, but the Cardinals have not shown much interest in that proposal as of yet.

Ravens Might Make a Play for Boldin

Jamison Hensley of The Baltimore Sun is reporting that the Baltimore Ravens expressed interest in acquiring wide receiver Anquan Boldin from the Arizona Cardinals.

The asking price to aquire Boldin is apperently a first and third rounder, who would bring at 6 feet 1, 217 pounds a tall, talented receiver for young QB Joe Flacco.

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 Their trade for Terrell Owens in 2004 was rescinded, and the team failed to complete a deal for Randy Moss in 2005.

Boldin, 28, would be attractive to the Ravens because they couldn't draft a proven receiver like him with the 26th overall pick.

Boldin has two years remaining on a six-year, $33.99 million deal, but he is seeking a new contract. He feels he is underpaid and wants a new deal on par with the contract signed by teammate Larry Fitzgerald (four years, $40 million) that nearly doubled Boldin's average annual salary.

The other teams that could pursue Boldin are the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants and New York Jets, according to ESPN.

Harrison's Contract Extension with Steelers Complete

ESPN.com's John Clayton is reporting that the Pittsburgh Steelers and linebacker James Harrison have agreed on a six-year, $51.175 million dollar contract extension.

The NFL's reigning Defensive Player of the Year will reportedly receive $20 million in guaranteed money, and will now be signed through the 2014 season.

The 31-year old Harrison, entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent from Kent State in 2002 and bounced around the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens' roosters before becoming a full-time starter for the Steelers in 2007.

Although this is a nice deal for a former undrafted free agent, his guaranteed money is exrtremely low, when you look at pass rushers Dwight Freeney and Jared Allen both received $30 Million guaranteed and Albert Haynesworth got $41 Million guaranteed. Considering his impact to the team and his defensive player of the year status the Steelers certainly got themselves a steal on this contract.

Over the last two seasons, Harrison has started 31 games, made 199 tackles, snarred a pair of interceptions and registered 24.5 quarterback sacks. Harrison also returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown in the Steelers' 27-23 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII.

Familliar Faces Back in Baltimore

The Baltimore Ravens brought back a pair of familiar faces Tuesday, re-signing cornerback Samari Rolle and backup quarterback Todd Bouman. Rolle signed a four-year contract. Bouman's deal was for one year. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Rolle was released last month, but it was made clear that the possibility of him returning to the Ravens.

"Samari is a proven, quality veteran corner," Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said. "Even more than that, he is a quality person. We upgraded our football team."

Rolle, 32, spent the last four seasons with Baltimore, starting 47 games despite injuries and illness. An 11-year veteran, Rolle played in just six games in 2007 due to an adverse reaction to epilepsy medication. He also was limited to 10 games last season because of neck and shoulder injuries.

Bouman spent last season with Baltimore as a backup to rookie quarterback Joe Flacco. He has started six of 42 career games, completing 129-of-230 passes for 1,683 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Kyle Boller Joins Rams as Back-up to Bulger

The St. Louis Rams were in discussion to bring back Gus Frerotte as Marc Bulger's back-up for next season, instead they chose a man 10 years younger. Terms of his contract were not disclosed.

"We are happy to add Kyle to our roster," new coach Steve Spagnuolo said in a statement. "We feel that he'll be a valuable addition to our team."

Kyle Boller, the former first round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2003 has hopped onto the Rams roster. Boller spent last season on injured reserve due to a shoulder injury he sustained in the pre-season.

The 27-year old signal caller has started 42 games with the Ravens and holds the franchise record with 7,846 yards, 45 touchdown passes and 44 interceptions. His inconsistent play and the emergence of the Ravens' 2008 first rounder Joe Flacco left Boller expendable.

Boller's best season was 2004, when he started every game and passed for 2,559 yards with 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

L.J. Smith Reunites with Harbaugh in Baltimore

L.J. Smith, the former Philadelphia Eagles franchise player has agrred to terms with the Baltimore Ravens on a one-year $1.5 Million deal, which is 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 has been looking for depth at tight end to play alongside current starter Todd Heap, who's had several injuries in recent seasons. He will also provide another recieving threat for the young developping QB Joe Flacco.

Many believed that Smith would end up in Atlanta, with the other young developping QB, and last seasons rookie of the year, QB Matt Ryan. When a deal never materialized, Smith continued his search to Detroit and eventually ended up with the Ravens.

Since becoming a second round choice of the Eagles in 2003, Smith has caught 231 passes for 2,525 yards (10.9 avg.) and 18 TD's. His best season came in 2006 when he caught 50 passes for 611 yards (12.2 avg.) and 5 TD's

New York Ravens Sign Another Baltimore Defender

If the Cleveland Browns are becoming the Cleveland Jets than the New York Jets may be attempting to become the New York Ravens. New head coach Rex Ryan has added a third defender from his former Baltimore squad.


Defensive End Marques Douglas will join his former teammates LB Bart Scott and S Jim Leonard after agreeing to terms on a contract with the Jets. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

The 32-year-old Douglas had 36 tackles last season with the Ravens after he was released from the Buccaneers after training camp. He was originally signed by Baltimore as an undrafted free agent out of Howard in 1999, and had three stints with the Ravens. Douglas has also played for New Orleans and San Francisco.

Paymah Lands in Minnesota After Heavy Recruiting

The Minnesota Vikings have signed highly sought after and former Denver Broncos CB Karl Paymah. He agreed to a one-year, $1.55 million deal, according to a source.

Paymah was under consideration from the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the Vikings calling and recruiting, finally got him to commit to joining one of the most talented defenses in the NFL.

Included in the deal, according to a source, are $500,000 of incentives that could take the deal over the $2 million mark.

Paymah, 26, is a 5th year pro with good size for a cornerback at 6-0, 195 pounds. He had five starts in his four-year career all with the Broncos, but was getting more playing time with the team each season.

"Suga" Signs for Another Seven

Ray Lewis tried his hardest to leave Baltimore in search of money this offseason, but apparently his financial demands were 'exorbitant' and nobody was willing to pay for a 14-year veteran whose skills are diminishing.

His feelings hurt he returned to Baltimore in search of a contract, he found one, one that will never allow him to face the embarrassment of his ego versus the open market again. Lewis has signed a 7-year deal to finish out his career as a Raven, locking him up until 2015.

The 33-year old MLB will make a reported $10 Million in the first year on the incentive laiden contract. According to NFL.com in his career, Lewis has 911 tackles, 33.5 sacks to go with 28 int's, 1 safety and 2 TD's.

Ray Lewis Will Remain A Raven

Ray Lewis has signed a contract so that he can, do what is right, and retire a Raven. The two sides agreed to a three-year contract, worth $20 million to $25 million.

"From beginning to end as a Raven. ... Wow! To be with the same team with the same fans for an entire career, that doesn't happen in the NFL," Lewis said. "I don't think an athlete can have a greater legacy than to be able to stay in one place for an entire career."

In 13 seasons, Lewis has appeared in 164 games, with 146 starts. The former University of Miami star has played in nine Pro Bowl games and been selected an All-Pro on eight occasions. In addition, he twice won NFL defensive player of the year honors, in 2000 and 2003. He was chosen as the most valuable player in the Ravens' Super Bowl XXXV victory.

Lewis threatened to sign the highest offer he received when he found out he would enter free agency. He met with Jets officials but did not sign with the team when his contract demands were described as "exorbitant".

Leonard Heads to Jets

New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan is continuing to build his new defense with players from his old team. Joining Bart Scott in "Baltimore North" is safety Jim Leonard who signed a three-year contract.

Leonhard explosed onto the scene last year after signing a free-agent deal with the Ravens, when he was asked to step in and replace injured Dawan Landry. The ex-Bills safety registered a career-high 69 tackles and six passes defended for Baltimore's No. 2-ranked defense in 2008.

"He's a smart player that can get guys lined up in the secondary and was one of the best tacklers on that Ravens defense," Ryan said. "He's always around the ball, brings everything he has on every play and will be a great addition to our group of defensive backs."

After Some Hesitation Brown Settle on St. Louis

The St. Louis Rams ha offered free agent C Jason Brown a contract earlier this morning, but Brown was hesitant and hoped that the ravens would match it. When they did not and it became apperent no other team was willing to offer anything close to the Rams.

The former ravens center had a choice, play somewhere he wants for less money or play in St. Louis for more money. It became and easy choice and Brown chose money.

Brown received a five-year, $37.5 million contract that includes $20 million in guarantees. He will earn $24 million over the first two years of his contract.

Brown was a fourth-round pick of the Ravens in 2005 is 6'3" and 320lbs. He's had 45 starts during his first four seasons.

QB Collins Back In Tennessee

36 year old QB Kerry Collins has signed a 2 year $15 million deal, $8.5 million of which is guaranteed to return to the Tennessee Titans.

"This is where I wanted to be, and my family loves Nashville," Collins said. "It is just part of the process. Free agency comes about, and there are lots of talks and rumors. At the end of the day, this is where I want to be, and I am happy it worked out."

Collin's shocked the NFL when he took over for starter Vince Young and lead the Titans to an NFL best 13-3 record last season, only to lose to the Baltimore Ravens in the Playoffs.

Foxworth Sign With Ravens

Domonique Foxworth completed a four-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens. He will make $27.2 million, of which $16.5 million is guaranteed according to his agent Brian Mackler.

This will be a sort of homecoming for Foxworth, who was born in Oxford, England, but grew up in the Baltimore area,

"I've dreamed of playing here," said Foxworth, who starred at the University of Maryland after playing at nearby Western Tech in Catonsville. "When the Ravens got here, automatically we gravitated to them just like most of the city has because they are a hard-nosed, blue-collar football team."

Ravens Cut DE Douglas

The Baltimore Ravens have parted ways with DE Marques Douglas, after one season.

Douglas re-joined the Ravens after being cut by Tampa Bay after training camp, he played in all 16 games making no starts and notched 36 tackles.

In 2007, Douglas started all 16 games for the San Francisco 49ers, but his best season came in 2004 when he last played for the Baltimore Ravens. He registered 72 tackles and 5.5 sacks.

Scott Rejoins Rex in NY

Bart Scott has signed a multi year deal with the New York Jets, terms of the cotract were not disclosed.

Bart Scott, 29, will rejoin Rex Ryan in New York. Ryan was Scott's long time defensive coordinator in Baltimore, and is preparing to be a rookie head coach for the Jets.

The seven year veteran made 82 tackles with 1-1/2 sacks last season for the Ravens, who lost in the AFC Championship to the Steelers.

*UPDATE* Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the Jets will pay to Scott a contract worth roughly $8 million per year.

Texans Cut Three

The Houston Texans have released three players from their roster as they prepare for free agency. The players looking to catch on with a new team are defensive end Anthony Weaver, safety Will Demps and offensive tackle Ephraim Salaam.

After 3 largely unsuccessful seasons, Weaver, who started each game last season opposite Mario Williams and finished with 45 tackles. Though he started all but four games in his time with the Texans, Weaver leaves the team with just one sack.

The 32-year-old Salaam became expendable after he spent this past season as a backup to 2008 first-round pick Duane Brown the starting left tackle. Salaam started 30 games his first two seasons in Houston.

Demps, who has also played for the New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens, started five games last season and had 32 tackles. He came to Houston in 2007 and started eight games that year.

Raiders Continue Purge

The Oakland Raiders continue to purge the roster to improve their salary cap position. Their most recent cuts cleared up $8.6 Million and resulted in starting left tackle Kwame Harris and fullback Justin Griffith hitting the unemployment line.

With these recent moves the team has saved approximately $14.6 million in cap room, but also left team lacking some talented players like safety Gibril Wilson, wide receiver Ronald Curry and defensive end Kalimba Edwards. The five releases have also put $11.5 million of dead money onto their $123 million cap. If you include the carryover cap losses from DeAngelo Hall who was cut last year, the Raiders have close to $20 million of dead money on their salary cap.

Harris was signed last year from the San Francisco 49ers. He signed a three-year, $14 million contract and was due a $6 million roster bonus by the end of the week. Harris struggled late in the season with his blocking and with penalties.

Griffith tore up his knee against Baltimore on Oct. 26, would have counted just over $1 million against the cap. The Raiders also have a replacement on hand in Oren O'Neal.

Lewis tells Ware he wants to be a Cowboy

As pointed out by Adam Schefter of the NFL Network, Cowboys LB DeMarcus Ware said flat out in an interview with the Cowboys website that LB Ray Lewis has approached him about playing in Dallas next season. Here is an exerpt from the interview.

“When we played Ray Lewis and Baltimore at the end of the season,” Ware told the the Cowboys website, “He came over and pointed to my helmet. He said, ‘I want to wear this star on my helmet, that’s my dream . . . that’s my dream.’ When we got to the Pro Bowl, he did it again. He came at me every day. It’s a great opportunity for him. His door is open. He’s an unrestricted free agent. He’s trying to get down where the star is. He told me he needed me to get him Jerry Jones‘ phone number for him. I just busted out laughing.

“I think he is genuine,” Ware said. “Believe me, he is genuine. He talked to me before he became a free agent. He talked to me two years ago about it. He calls me about once a week and talks about it then. I even said, ‘Hey, Ray, I’m tired about talking about this. You need to find Jerry Jones’ number and fly out there and talk to him. … He says things like ‘D-Ware, I need to get down there. You’re the pass-rush guy and I need to play with you. Just call Jerry for me. Just call him. Just call him.’”

Suggs Tagged for 2nd Straight Season

The Baltimore Ravens used the franchise tag on Pro Bowl outside linebacker Terrell Suggs for the second consecutive year, a transaction that costs the team $10.2 million against the 2009 salary cap.

"Our plan is to sign 'Sizzle' to a long-term contract," Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "We believe our history of keeping our best players for a long time speaks for itself."

The 3-time pro-bowler played last season under the franchise tag price of $8.5 Million, by getting tagged again he is entitled to a 20% raise. Suggs led the team with 8 sacks and a career high 102 tackles last season.

Although Suggs has said he he would like to remain in Baltimore he wants it to be on a long-term basis.

"I like the city, I like the team," Suggs said. "If they don't see me in their future long-term, do not draw me out when I'm 26. At least let me explore my options. If you want me on your team then prove it, do something about it. But if not, we need to part ways and you know it's been a good run."