NFL Notes: Daryl Washington, Eagles, Ravens, Vikings

Daryl Washington

Veteran free agent LB Daryl Washington said he feels better “mentally, physically” after serving his three-year suspension.

“Obviously, from a standpoint I’ve grown and matured over the years of being able to kind of really appreciate life and appreciate the game that I took for granted at one point,” Washington said, via Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. “When you feel like your on top of the world. When your on that pedestal, you feel like everything is easy and nothing would happen. But once it’s taken away from you, you really feel that much more grateful for the opportunity to just say, you know what, I really took these things for granted so when I get back now it’s time to go even harder. At this point in my life, I feel much better mentally, physically, spiritually and I’m in that right mind frame.”

Eagles

Eagles GM Howie Roseman explained why they elected to sign veteran RB LeGarrette Blount to a one-year contract.

“We’re always looking for complementary players when we go over our roster and positions,” Roseman said, via PhiladelphiaEagles.com. “Obviously, LeGarrette had a tremendous amount of success with New England last year, rushing for over 1,000 yards and scoring 18 touchdowns and winning a Super Bowl. He sets the tempo for your team as a running back.

“He can run between the tackles and he can drag tacklers down the field. He can do everything you look for in the running game. He had runs of plus-20 yards (Blount had seven rushes of 20-plus yards last season, tied for sixth most in the league) and he’s won two Super Bowls in the last four years. For us, people are going to see that his size is what jumps out at you, but he’s also got quick feet for a big man. He has a complementary skill set that works well in our backfield.”

Ravens

• If the Eagles end up parting ways with Ryan Mathews, Jeff Zrebiec believes he could up being a decent insurance policy for the Ravens.
• While the Ravens have given players a second chance in the past, Zrebiec writes that LB Daryl Washington’s problems go beyond his suspensions for substance abuse violations.

Vikings

• Vikings WR Michael Floyd is set to have his house arrest for DUI violations transferred to Minnesota. This means that he will be able to take part in Vikings’ OTAs next week. (Chris Tomasson)