Less than 24 hours after the start of free agency, the Ravens have suffered their first casualty as defensive end Cory Redding is joining the Indianapolis Colts.
Joining former Baltimore defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano, Redding has agreed to a three-year, $10.5 million contract, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The 31-year-old defensive lineman was reportedly in negotiations with Indianapolis after taking a visit on Tuesday night and will be a good fit as Indianapolis transitions to Pagano’s 3-4 scheme.
Of the Ravens’ three defensive starters who were unrestricted free agents, Redding was considered to be the most replaceable with third-year defensive lineman Arthur Jones expected to step into the starting lineup on first and second down. In passing situations, linebacker Paul Kruger and defensive end Pernell McPhee will continue their roles as pass-rushing specialists.
Signed to a two-year, $6 million contract in 2010, Redding registered 7 1/2 sacks and 85 tackles in 30 games with Baltimore.
The Ravens will miss the 31-year-old’s leadership in the locker room, but with limited cap space and a viable replacement already on the roster, his departure is not exactly surprising.
Former Ravens defensive end Redding heading to Indianapolis
Luke Jones
Luke Jones is the Ravens and Orioles beat reporter for WNST BaltimorePositive.com and is a PFWA member. His mind is consumed with useless sports knowledge, pro wrestling promos, and movie quotes, but he often forgets where he put his phone. Luke's favorite sports memories include being one of the thousands of kids who waited for Cal Ripken's autograph after Orioles games in the summer of 1995, attending the Super Bowl XXXV victory parade with his dad in the pouring rain, and watching the Terps advance to the Final Four at the Carrier Dome in 2002. Follow him on social media @BaltimoreLuke or email him at Luke@wnst.net.
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