With head coach John Harbaugh speaking with reporters during the league meetings in Palm Beach, Florida, I’ve offered a dozen Ravens-related thoughts, each in 50 words or less:
1. Harbaugh couldn’t “sit here and say we’re not talking about or to Bobby Wagner,” but the reported asking price of $11 million per year doesn’t feel close to a match. I can’t see paying a 32-year-old inside linebacker so much after passing on the cost for a premier edge rusher.
2. Providing a non-update update on Lamar Jackson’s contract, Harbaugh predictably expressed confidence about reaching a deal. However, he added, “Until it happens, it hasn’t happened,” which is where we are now. Given quarterback contracts elsewhere, I wonder how much the Ravens would need to offer to even get Jackson’s attention.
3. Jackson posting videos of his workouts is wise at a time when at least a small portion of observers wonder if his negotiating position reflects a possible lack of interest in staying in Baltimore. At the very least, he’s leaving no doubt about his dedication to bouncing back from 2021.
We Workin @train3DQB
#TRUZZ pic.twitter.com/FjneLmQxzl— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) March 27, 2022
4. Harbaugh says he’s “just waiting for the good news” as Calais Campbell and Eric DeCosta are “talking regularly” about the six-time Pro Bowl selection’s potential return. While I never expected the 36-year-old to sign quickly, you’d assume Baltimore’s chances of keeping him improve as more time passes.
5. The status of Derek Wolfe doesn’t help in determining how aggressive DeCosta should be trying to re-sign Campbell. Harbaugh didn’t say much on Wolfe beyond hoping he’ll be around for the spring and healthy enough to play this fall, but finding an impact defensive lineman in the draft remains critical regardless.
6. Asked about the pass rush, Harbaugh mentioned the potential to bring back Justin Houston as well as what’s viewed as a strong draft class for edge rushers. That’s not going to excite many fans, but it became the most likely outcome after the Za’Darius Smith agreement fell apart.
7. Harbaugh said the offseason shoulder surgery for Odafe Oweh “shouldn’t be a problem at all” for the 2021 first-round pick to be ready for training camp. Concerns about the pass rush are warranted, but I do think some are selling Oweh short after the promise he showed as a rookie.
8. I’m still surprised to see some brushing off cornerback as a need when looking at the depth chart beyond the outside starters — one of which is 29, coming off a serious knee injury, and entering a contract year. I could easily see a 2017-like draft scenario playing out.
9. Harbaugh said Malik Harrison will remain a Mike linebacker while also getting reps at Sam linebacker this spring and summer, especially with Tyus Bowser still rehabbing. Patrick Queen has received more criticism, but Harrison hasn’t exactly lived up to the expectations of being a top 100 pick either.
10. In response to their unprecedented run of injuries, Harbaugh says the Ravens have “changed a lot of what we’re doing” in regards to structuring organized team activities, training camp, and practices. For example, every third camp practice will focus more heavily on execution than competition and be shorter in nature.
11. It was interesting for Harbaugh to mention Marcus Williams being “a true free safety” after years of Baltimore defensive coordinators asking their safeties to be interchangeable. I certainly wouldn’t expect Williams to only play center field, but this should result in a noticeable change for the secondary.
12. Asked about the football future of Jimmy Smith and Pernell McPhee, Harbaugh said he’s spoken to both Super Bowl XLVII champions, but “it’s for them to say what their plans are.” That sounded rather self-explanatory.
