Report: Ravens “Very Close” To An Agreement With LT Eugene Monroe

Update:

Aditi Kinkhabwala of the NFL Network reports that the “buzz from inside Ravens head quarters” is that the they are “very close” to an agreement with LT Eugene Monroe on a new contract.

• Ian Rapoport mentions that a deal should get done before free agency starts.
• Aaron Wilson confirms that the two sides will “hammer out” an agreement today.

Monroe, 26, was able to step in and play very well for the Ravens at position of need for them after coming over from the Jaguars. Mid-season trades rarely produce immediate results in the NFL, so there is something to be said about Monroe’s performance last season.

Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 9 qualifying left tackle in the league. We have Monroe listed as the No. 5 player in our recently updated Top 50 Free Agents list.

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Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, citing league sources, reports that the Ravens remain in “active dialogue” with free agent LT Eugene Monroe regarding a contract extension.

• According to Wilson, there is “optimism” that the two sides will be able to get a long-term contract in place soon enough.
• However, Wilson mentions that Monroe and the team still have a significant gap to bridge before an agreement can be reached.
• Wilson adds that there is still a chance that Monroe reaches the open market and a deal right now is not imminent.
• Sources have informed Wilson that Monroe should get between $8.5 million to $9 million per year in his next contract.  

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Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun has been monitoring the situation involving Ravens and impending free agent LT Eugene Monroe closely over the past few weeks.

According to Wilson, there is nothing new to report regarding an extension with the Ravens, but he does mention that Monroe will be in “heavy demand” and specifically mentions that the Dolphins could be one team to watch.

Wilson previously reported that based on the kind of money that Monroe is likely to get from other NFL teams, it’s “unlikely” he returns to Baltimore next season.

• Matt Zenitz reports that Monroe is looking for a long-term deal that averages close to $10 million annually while the Ravens are offering something in the range of $8 -$9 million per year.
• Wilson expects the Ravens to consider several alternative options at left tackle in free agency and the draft.

The Dolphins have to find a long-term solution at left tackle and this year’s market includes a number of quality options to consider with Monroe being the best available player.

Others free agents include: Jared Veldheer (Raiders), Branden Albert (Chiefs) and Anthony Collins (Bengals)