Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports writes that Ravens OLB Pernell McPhee is “going to hit it big” in free agency this year and could secure as much as $10 million annually in his next contract.
According to La Canfora, the Indianapolis Colts are likely to be “very involved” in the bidding for McPhee this offseason.
On Tuesday, Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome said “we can’t pay everybody market value” when asked about their plans for McPhee.
The overall expectation has been that the Ravens will allow McPhee to sign elsewhere and collect another decent compensatory pick in 2016.
The Colts have will have plenty of cap space to work with and have become an obvious landing spot for Ravens’ free agents in recent years. On top of that, they really need to improve their pass rush next year and McPhee looks to be an obvious fit for them.
Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun lists the Raiders, Falcons, Browns and Colts as potential fits for McPhee this offseason.
McPhee, 26, has played out his rookie contract and will now be an unrestricted free agent in the coming months. It wouldn’t be surprising in the least to see McPhee secure a substantial contract within the first few days of free agency.
In 2014, he recorded 27 tackles, 7.5 sacks, a forced fumble and four pass defenses over the course of 16 games.
Pro Football Focus has McPhee rated as the No. 2 outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense last year out of 46 qualifying players. Although, McPhee’s impressive rating is due in large part to his ability to play the run, rather than as a pass rusher.
We have McPhee rated as the No. 13 player in our Top 100 Free Agents list.
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