The NFL is a game where you can go from worst to first in the blink of an eye, and vice versa. The main reason for this is strict salary cap that teams must abide by, which leads to the releases of stars like DeMarcus Ware and Julius Peppers.
The teams that successfully navigate the dangerous seas of what is an NFL offseason are usually the ones playing games come playoff time, like the Baltimore Ravens.
General Manager of the Baltimore Ravens, Ozzie Newsome, also known as the "Wizard of Oz" is one of the best at putting together a successful offseason. This year has been no different.
"This game can be absolutely nuts at times," said Newsome at the NFL meetings.
Coming into the offseason the Ravens were facing a plethora of questions.
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| Photo Credit: CBS sports photos |
After failing to strike a deal before free agency began, the Ravens took a risk and let Monroe hit the open market.
When the opening bell rung sounded on March 4 at 4:00, left tackles flew off the shelves and Monroe was left without any team to pony up more money than the Ravens, which eventually led to him re-signing with the team on a five-year deal worth $37.5 million.
This ended up being a good deal for both parties, Monroe got the money he deserved and the Ravens got their left tackle of the future and blindside protector of Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco.
Next on the agenda was tight end Dennis Pitta.
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| Photo Credit: Baltimore Sports Report |
When healthy, Pitta is a top five tight end in the NFL and he also happens to be best friends and security blanket of Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco who had signed a $120.6 million dollar deal after beating the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl 47.
Pitta never hit the open market and signed a five-year deal worth $32 million, making him a top 10 paid tight end. Pitta called the contract, "A blessing," in an interview with the Baltimore Sun.
Of course with every offseason comes the time where you have to let good players walk out the door and sign with another team. This is something Newsome is no stranger to. He had to let the likes of Ed Reed and Anquan Boldin walk out the door after they had just helped the team win a Super Bowl in the previous year.
This year, the most notable departure was defensive tackle Arthur Jones, who took his talents to Indianapolis to play for the Colts. While it was sad to see the former fifth round pick go, Newsome already had his replacement on the roster in Brandon Williams.
There in lies one of the countless examples of the brilliance of one Ozzie Newsome.
"In Ozzie we trust." A saying that is very familiar to Baltimore Ravens fans.
After signing their two big free agents, the Ravens turned to the open market to try and fill some needs still remaining on the roster.
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| Photo Credit: Carolinapanthers.com |
Smith had visits scheduled with three teams. The Patriots, Seahawks and the Ravens were all on his list.
Smith first visited the Ravens in Baltimore and that turned out to be the only visit he made. Smith signed a three-year deal worth $11.5 million
After losing Anquan Boldin to the 49ers last season, the Ravens struggled to find a receiver to move the chains on third down, something Smith thrives in. On top of that Smith will not be asked to shoulder a significant load as he was in Carolina, which should be a positive thing for both Smith and the Ravens.
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| Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated |
So far, the Ravens have had a very good offseason and the draft has still yet to come, where Newsome has time after time proven to get great value regardless of where the Ravens are selecting.
It looks like the Ravens and Newsome have what it takes to navigate the treacherous seas that is the NFL offseason and that doesn't appear to be stopping anytime soon.
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