The Ravens began the process of addressing their restricted free agents Monday by reportedly giving tenders to kicker Justin Tucker and free safety Will Hill.
According to The Sun, Tucker received the second-round tender amount of $2.356 million while Hill received the low tender that’s worth $1.542 million. The Ravens are reportedly interested in re-signing cornerback Anthony Levine to a multi-year deal rather than tendering their third restricted free agent, which would presumably mean a lower cap figure for the 2015 season.
Regarded as one of the best kickers in the NFL, Tucker could still be pursued by other teams, which is why the Ravens elected to give him the second-round tender. Not only would general manager Ozzie Newsome have the right to match any offer Tucker might receive, but the Ravens would receive that team’s second-round pick should they elect not to match.
The Ravens would like to work out a long-term contract with the 2013 Pro Bowl kicker, who is 97-for-108 on field goal tries in three seasons. Tucker was successful on 29 of 34 field goal attempts last season.
Hill is a more interesting case as he emerged as the Ravens’ most reliable safety in the second half of 2014, but his well-documented off-field baggage may prevent the organization from committing to him for the long haul. The 25-year-old collected 42 tackles, one interception, and four pass breakups in 10 games (eight starts) last season.
With Hill only receiving the low tender, other teams can still pursue him and the Ravens only have the right of first refusal with no other compensation attached should they choose not to match.
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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