The Baltimore Ravens came out of the 2020 NFL Draft without any additional help at one of their more pressing needs: outside linebacker. While that’s a huge vote of confidence in guys like Jaylon Ferguson and Tyus Bowser, it wasn’t realistic for Baltimore to go into the season without at least one more outside linebacker that could start.
The Ravens had some options following the 2020 NFL Draft but decided to go back to a familiar face, re-signing Pernell McPhee to a one-year contract, according to a tweet from the team.
McPhee was brought in last offseason after the departures of Terrell Suggs and Za’Darius Smith. He was expected to just provide some experienced depth but the continued struggles of Tim Williams and Bowser early on forced McPhee into the starting lineup. McPhee would start the first seven games of the season, posting three sacks and nine quarterback pressures, before a triceps injury put him on injured reserve. In his absence, Bowser and Ferguson steadily improved while defensive coordinator Don Martindale turned up the pressure through frequent blitzes.
It was figured the Ravens could turn to free-agent outside linebacker Clay Matthews after showing interest in him last offseason. But with the coronavirus pandemic potentially shortening the players’ ability to digest the playbook and get on-field reps this offseason, Baltimore’s choice to go with someone that was already acclimated to the team and scheme could prove to be a wise move.
While McPhee proved to be effective when healthy, the Ravens will likely give Bowser and Ferguson a chance to battle it out for the starting job opposite Matthew Judon.
