The Ravens are signing former Denver Broncos offensive tackle Ja’Wuan James, who tore his Achilles tendon in April, to a two-year deal worth up to $9 million, according to ESPN.
ESPN reported that the deal includes $500,000 in guaranteed money for the upcoming season and the contract is contingent on a successful physical but will not include his current injury.
The Broncos released James, 29, in May after he suffered the season-ending injury while working out away from the team’s facility. Because the injury occurred away from Denver’s facility, the team was able to place him on the non-football injury list and terminate his contract, saving the $10.58 million salary he was due in 2021.
According to multiple reports, James has filed a grievance in an attempt to recoup approximately $15 million in lost wages.
James, who was selected 19th overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 2014 draft, opted out of the 2020 season because of coronavirus concerns. In six seasons, he’s started at right tackle for all 65 games he’s appeared in but has played in just three games since the 2019 season.
The Ravens in May signed former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva, who is expected to start at right tackle this season. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley has yet to participate in voluntary workouts after suffering a season-ending ankle injury in November 2020, but Ravens coach John Harbaugh previously said the All-Pro lineman is “on track” to rejoin the team at some point this summer.
