Baltimore Ravens linebacker Pernell McPhee, a former fifth-round pick, has developed into one of the most pleasant surprises in the NFL. McPhee, who notched 7.5 sacks last season, was ranked as the second-best 3-4 outside linebacker by Pro Football Focus. Yet that's where the positivity and optimism stop for the Ravens, as it is unlikely they will be able to re-sign him as he enters unrestricted free agency next month.
"McPhee, 26, is considered a luxury item the Ravens probably can't afford to retain as his four-year, $2.2 million rookie contract expires. The Ravens are dealing with a tight salary cap situation and have pressing needs at other positions," Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun wrote.
"McPhee is expected to command an annual salary between $8 and $10 million when free agency begins March 10, according to NFL sources. Among the teams regarded as potential fits for McPhee: the Oakland Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts."
The Ravens, who finished last season 10-6, surely want to keep their playoff-caliber team together. Yet the franchise tag is too expensive for McPhee and other pending free agents this offseason.
"This year, there's not enough value for the Ravens to use the tag on pending free agents such as Torrey Smith (projected $12.8 million tag for wide receivers), Pernell McPhee ($13.9 million for defensive end-linebacker hybrid) or Justin Forsett (projected $10.9 million tag for running backs)," ESPN's Jamison Hensley wrote. "Plus, the Ravens don't have enough cap room to use the tag even if they wanted to do so. There should be plenty of drama next year about this time on whether the Ravens will use the tag. Unless extensions or new contracts are reached, there are three potential candidates to receive the franchise tag in 2016: cornerback Jimmy Smith, guard Marshal Yanda and kicker Justin Tucker."
Baltimore could look to the NFL draft for a less expensive replacement for McPhee. Walterfootball.com projects the Ravens to select DE/OLB Vic Beasley with the No. 26 pick in the draft. While Baltimore could also use a pass catcher or some help in the secondary, you can never have too many quality pass-rushers. Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil are both getting up there so infusing some youth into the position may not be a bad idea.
