NFL Rumors: Ravens Offseason Rumors

There are plenty of rumors surrounding the Baltimore Ravens following their loss to their division rival Pittsburgh Steelers. Here’s a look at the most noteworthy.

John Harbaugh

Ravens Team President Dick Cass mentioned that contract extension for John Harbaugh is imminent.

“We are working on an extension of John’s contract and expect to have it done soon,” Cass said.

Harbaugh provide some gracious remarks about being the Ravens head coach.

“I’m excited about being here,” Harbaugh said. “I really am grateful and appreciative to be the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens and to be associated with Baltimore football.

“Now with three years here and soaking this in and being a part of this fan base is the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen in my life. I love the Baltimore Raven fans.”

Haloti Ngata

The Ravens will have plenty of personnel decisions to make now that their season has ended and Haloti Ngata is likely to be at the top of their list. Ngata is set to become one of the top free agent options if there is even a free agency this year, in fact we have him sitting at No. 3 overall on our “Top 50 – 2011 NFL Free Agents List.”

The Ravens have already stated they Ngata is their top priority this offseason which isn’t surprising considering what he has done to solidify their aging defense. Terrell Suggs has been the only other player that has played up to the level that Ngata has which is something that Ozzie Newsome is likely to take into consideration.

Marc Bulger

Marc Bulger’s name has been tossed around an option for a list of teams: 49ers, Titans, Dolphins, Vikings and Cardinals. Interestingly enough, Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times reports that Marc Bulger is open to returning as the teams backup quarterback which is something that I’m sure that the Ravens would consider, if they have the money, because of Joe Flacco’s inconsistencies.

If Bulger is looking for the most money, Baltimore will not be where he is playing come 2011.

Willis McGahee

Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times also writes that the Willis McGahee isn’t likely to return unless he’s willing to take a “drastic pay cut” from the $6 million that he’s due to make for the upcoming season. McGahee has three years remaining at $19.7 million which is way above the market price for a similar player.

McGahee is still a serviceable player that has seen his playing time dimensioned due to the rise of Ray Rice. Another aspect to consider is that McGahee has been affective around the goalline for the past two years and the Ravens offensive scheme has limited the production of everyone on the entire Ravens offense so he could be a value if he becomes a free agent.

Ed Reed

According to the Baltimore Sun, John Harbaugh is under the assumption that they will have Ed Reed back for next season.

Reed has hinted at retirement since last offseason and the recent loss of his brother could have an impact on his decision to return to the team for next season.

Plaxico Burress

John Harbaugh didn’t rule out the possibility that the Ravens could target Plaxico Burress once he becomes available, per Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times.

This would be interesting move for the Ravens to make. Burress looks like he’ll be a low risk possibly high reward option that would give them size at the wide receiver positions which something that they are currently without. T.J. Houshmanzadeh and Donte Stallworth will be free agents and don’t appear to be sitting at the top of the teams to-do list.

Random Notes:

• John Harbaugh mentions that there is still a chance that Sergio Kindle and tackle Jared Gaither return next year. Of the two I’d have to lean towards the Ravens signing Gaither.
• The Ravens are expected to re-sign kicker Billy Cundiff.