The Baltimore Ravens had a lot of tough decisions to make in the offseason, and still have many more to go.
NFL free agency 2013: Dannell Ellerbe on the market
The Ravens linebacker is going to command a nice salary after a terrific campaign in 2012 for the Super Bowl champs.
David Richard-US PRESSWIRE
Of course, one huge move was already signed off on when the team gave quarterback Joe Flacco the largest contract in NFL history. Now, the team has other business to take care of, including what to do with defensive end Paul Kruger, free safety Ed Reed and linebacker Dannell Ellerbe.
Essential Information
- Previous contract: One year, $1.927 million
- Drafted: Undrafted in 2009, signed with Ravens
- Born: 11/29/1985, Hamlet, N.C.
- Second-most famous person from his hometown: John Coltrane
- Chinese Zodiac sign: Cow
- Horoscope: Cow people will take care their health well in the Snake year. Also, Cow people should have a good mood all year long, since they have good luck in career, wealth and love.
Ellerbe had been nothing more than a role player his entire career up until 2012, playing sparingly and not making a great impact on the game.
However, all that changed last season, just in time for free agency. The 27-year-old made 92 tackles and amassed 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. In comparison, Ellerbe made 90 tackles, had one sack and zero forced fumbles the entirety of his career before that.
If Baltimore can't retain him, many teams will be clamoring to sign the young, productive inside linebacker. A few teams to keep an eye on are the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Look for Indy to be the frontrunner, considering Chuck Pagano used to coach Ellerbe in Baltimore and the team has a ton of cap space, not to mention it’s still trying to transition into the 3-4 defense.
Ellerbe's agent Hadley Englehard stated that several teams have shown interest, calling at "12:01 on Saturday," according to USA Today's Jim Corbett. He also said that the Ravens have not made an offer, despite reports that the team was prepared to spend significant money to keep the linebacker in Baltimore.
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