The Baltimore Ravens weren’t expected to lose outside linebacker Terrell Suggs this offseason. At the NFL combine, general manager Eric DeCosta said the Ravens were hoping to re-sign Suggs. But almost immediately after the NFL’s legal tampering period began this week, Suggs instead told Baltimore he intended to sign with the Arizona Cardinals.
At his introductory press conference with the Cardinals, Suggs told reporters he turned down a “handsome offer” from the Ravens.
“They made me a handsome offer, but it was just time,” he said. “That team, that organization is very special to me, but so is the Valley of the Sun.”
Suggs didn’t clarify what that offer from Baltimore was. His one-year deal with the Cardinals is for $7 million.
Suggs has ties to Arizona, having gone to high school there and played for Arizona State before being drafted by the Ravens. Even throughout his 16-year career in Baltimore, Suggs maintained a summer home there.
The Ravens are in an interesting position after Suggs spurned their offer. With fellow outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith having left on a massive deal with the Green Bay Packers, Baltimore only has three outside linebackers on their roster. Of that group, only Matthew Judon has been a productive player. The Ravens will have to remedy their void at pass rusher through free agency and next month’s draft.
