The Baltimore Ravens released Pro Bowl safety Eric Weddle Tuesday afternoon after spending three years with the team, which leaves Baltimore looking for a replacement through the draft or free agency.
A fan favorite, Weddle was set to earn $6.5 million as his base salary plus one million in incentives in 2019. At 34, the Ravens decided to release him, saving $7.5 million in cap space.
Now the Ravens are down to four safeties: Tony Jefferson, DeShon Elliott, Chuck Clark, and defensive back/linebacker Anthony Levine. Jefferson is the starting strong safety and Levine can line up as a safety or a linebacker.
Clark will have a chance to compete for a starting spot, as he started two games last season and recorded an interception. Elliott was drafted in the sixth round of the 2018 draft and missed his entire rookie season due to a fractured forearm he suffered during the preseason. He was placed on injured reserve on Aug. 31, 2018. He showed speed and athleticism during the preseason, recording six solo tackles and a forced fumble. It is unknown at this time when he will be able to return to the field but could compete for a roster spot even though he is classified more as a strong safety.
The 2019 NFL Draft and free agency are loaded with talent at safety. As far as free agents, three names come to mind: Tyrann Mathieu, Adrian Amos, and Tre Boston.
Tyrann Mathieu, unrestricted free agent
Mathieu played one season with the Texans, recording 89 combined tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions. The Ravens have reportedly shown a “strong” interest in him ahead of free agency. Mathieu, or the “Honey Badger”, is considered one of the more versatile defensive play-makers in the league.
Adrian Amos, unrestricted free agent
Amos played for the Chicago Bears and was voted the eighth-best safety in 2018, per Pro Football Focus. He played last season as a strong safety recording 73 tackles, one sack, nine pass deflections, and two interceptions.
Tre Boston, unrestricted free agent
Boston led the Arizona Cardinals with nine pass deflections and recorded 79 combined tackles and three interceptions last season.
In terms of this year’s draft, there will be plenty of talent to go around. Some highlights include:
Nasir Adderly
The Delaware State product is projected to go in the late first round or second round. He is regarded as a good playmaker with good range downfield. Adderly finished last season with 86 tackles, four interceptions, one forced fumble, and seven passes broken up.
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson
A defensive back out of Florida, Gardner-Johnson played both slot cornerback and safety for the Gators. He has been regarded as a solid tackler and an aggressive run defender. Last season, he recorded 66 tackles, three sacks, two passes broken up and two interceptions.
Johnathan Abram
The former junior college transfer and Mississippi State Bulldog is regarded as a physical player who is a good run defender and plays well in pass coverage in the middle of the field. Last season, Abram totaled 99 tackles with two interceptions, five passes broken up, three sacks and nine tackles for loss.
The Ravens have an estimated 24.3 million available in cap space for the 2019 season. The team will be looking for playmakers during the free agency period and the draft.
New Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta will have his work cut out for him as he will be looking for talent on both sides of the ball this offseason.
