Eugene Monroe wasn't necessarily happy to be traded away from the Jacksonville Jaguars to the Baltimore Ravens, but things may have ultimately worked out for the best for the left tackle. He told the Ravens' official site that the change of scenery has been "exciting," and that he expects to be playing in Baltimore for a while despite being set to become a free agent after the 2013 season.
Eugene Monroe hopes to be with Ravens long term
Eugene Monroe is happy to be in Baltimore, where he expects to play for a long time.
Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
“It doesn’t look like they brought me here the way they did to not have me here for the long term,” Monroe said. “I have to do my thing on the field, prove that I deserve this opportunity, which I’m fully confident I will.”
There is evidence to support Monroe. General manager Ozzie Newsome has never been one to give away draft picks willy-nilly. In fact, he has never made a midseason trade in over 20 years as an executive. Further, Monroe is just 26 years old, and has been among the NFL's best since being drafted No. 8 overall during the 2009 NFL Draft.
The Ravens appear to be a good fit for Monroe. The team was in need of a left tackle with Bryant McKinnie's skills declining with age. Monroe should provide a boost to an offense that is averaging just 64 yards rushing per game and that has given up 12 sacks already on the season.
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