It’s rare the Baltimore Ravens allow one of their legends to leave the franchise. But that’s exactly what could happen this offseason under new general manager Eric DeCosta. Linebacker Terrell Suggs is one of Baltimore’s pending free agents.
However, DeCosta wants Suggs to return for his 17th season in 2019. At the NFL scouting combine, DeCosta was asked about Suggs’ status, and the GM made it clear he wants Suggs back, both for his play and what he means to the franchise.
DeCosta noted the team would likely meet with Suggs’ agents while at the combine to hopefully work on a contract.
Though Suggs is naturally at the end of his career at 36 years old, the Ravens don’t have much depth at outside linebacker in spite of attempts to draft his replacement. The only productive outside linebacker on Baltimore’s roster is Matthew Judon. Both Tyus Bowser and Tim Williams haven’t lived up to expectations as of yet, and Za’Darius Smith is set to hit free agency himself this offseason.
While Suggs had a relatively down year in 2018, his seven sacks were tied for second-most on the team. And Suggs is just one year removed from an 11-sack season. With no real answer to replace him, the Ravens can’t afford to let Suggs leave.
Suggs shouldn’t cost a fortune to re-sign. We’ve predicted that a two-year deal at around $10 million total should be enough to re-sign Suggs and allow him to finish his career with the Ravens. Now it’s just up to DeCosta and Suggs to put pen to paper and make it happen.
