Marshal Yanda has agreed in principle to a one-year extension that would secure his future with the Ravens through the end of 2020 season. It was believed that he would retire at the end of the season, but that does not seem to be the case.
Yanda has been a Raven since he has been in the NFL. He signed in 2007 as a third-round pick and has developed into one of the best offensive linemen in the league, when healthy. He has had his share of injuries from ankle to shoulder and has missed more than a few games, however, it has not affected his performance. He has gone into the offseason healthy which is a big plus going into the new season. Pro Football Focus ranked him for three consecutive seasons as a top-ranked guard for the 2014, 2015 and 2016 seasons and also rated him as the second-best run blocker in the NFL last season.
General manager Eric DeCosta was very interested in keeping Yanda for years to come. With the team implementing a new run-heavy offense, Yanda will be of great need. Since 2015, he has only given up one sack.
The team is in need of a left guard and center, and hopefully, at least one will be chosen in the draft. Yet, Yanda being able to take his place back at right guard would tremendously help the offensive line keep the pressure on the defense and off of the quarterback. Working with new offensive coordinator Greg Roman, the offense is in for some dramatic changes.
At 34 years of age, similar to Terrell Suggs was on defense, Yanda has become a leader on offense. In his 12-year tenure, he has played a total of 162 games with 151 starts. A very durable player, considering he has come up against some of the toughest defenses in the league. The Ravens are very lucky to have this seven-time Pro Bowler for the next two seasons.
