The Baltimore Ravens have made a number of significant decisions this offseason, but many have been to clear cap space. They've watched Torrey Smith, Pernell McPhee, Chris Canty, Haloti Ngata and Jacoby Jones leave the team. Now it looks like they're about to see some new additions.
The departure of Ngata has left a void in the middle of the defense, despite the team having defensive tackles Timmy Jernigan and Brandon Williams to step in. However, Ngata was a strong veteran presence and it appears as if that's what the Ravens are still looking for.
According to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, the team has expressed interest in former Denver Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton. The 28-year-old just paid a visit to the Washington Redskins and is still on the market as one of the top run-stopping defensive lineman. Despite the Ravens' interest, "there's some concern" that Knighton's salary demands will be out of the Ravens' desired range.
However, according to Dianna Marie Russini of NBC Washington, an anonymous head coach said "teams are afraid to sign" the 330-pound lineman because he's out of shape. It was previously reported he wanted $8 million per season, but this news is likely to drive down his value, especially since the Redskins were the third team to pass on him after the Raiders and Bears did.
Nonetheless, the Ravens still have some competition on the market since the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks are also interested in Knighton.
But Baltimore did retain some veteran presence on Thursday. On the offensive side of the ball, the Ravens reached a three-year, $9 million agreement with running back Justin Forsett, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The deal was confirmed by the Ravens' website.
Baltimore was unsure if they would be able to keep Forsett after the 29-year-old had a breakout season as he stepped in for Ray Rice, who was suspended indefinitely at the beginning of the year by Commissioner Roger Goodell. The former seventh-round draft pick amassed 235 carries for 1,266 yards and eight touchdowns while adding 44 receptions for 263 yards in his best NFL season.
Forsett has a lot of mileage left on the odometer, having only carried the ball 582 times during his seven-year career. Baltimore filled a crucial need at the running back position with this signing and they'll continue to address other needs throughout the offseason.
We'll keep an eye on their potential pursuit of Knighton.
