Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun reports that free agent OLB Pernell McPhee is considered to be “a luxury item the Ravens probably can’t afford.”
According to Wilson’s sources, McPhee is expected to command an annual salary between $8 – $10 million on the open market, which will likely prevent him from being back in Baltimore next year.
This fits with what Vaughn McClure mentioned on Friday, which is that it sounds like McPhee is going to be “a lot more costly than expected.”
McClure added there is already “a lot of interest” in McPhee around the league.
The Ravens have some salary cap issues that are likely to prevent them from paying McPhee a market-value contract this offseason.
Wilson lists the Raiders, Falcons, Browns and Colts as potential fits for McPhee this offseason.
Of the four teams, the Falcons have the biggest need at edge rusher, but the Oakland, Cleveland, and Indianapolis have plenty of cap space that could possibly push Atlanta out of the running for McPhee.
All things considered, it won’t be surprising to see McPhee secure a substantial contract within the first few days of free agency.
McPhee, 26, has played out his rookie contract and will now be an unrestricted free agent in the coming months.
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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