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Evans Visits With Jaguars
Florida Times-Union - March 21Former Ravens wide receiver Lee Evans is visiting with the Jacksonville Jaguars today, according to the Florida Times-Union. The Ravens cut Evans earlier this offseason after a disappointing 2011 campaign, but General Manager Ozzie Newsome said at the time that the door wasn't closed on Evans returning for next season.
Ginn Meets With Vikings
St. Paul Pioneer Press - March 20
Wide receiver and kick returner Ted Ginn is reportedly meeting with the Minnesota Vikings today, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press. The speedy free agent reportedly met with the Baltimore Ravens and Detroit Lions last week, but it is unknown whether he has been offered a contract with any teams.
Ginn Visits With Ravens
Carroll County Times - March 17Free agent wide receiver and return specialist Ted Ginn reportedly visited with the Ravens on Friday, according to Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times. The Ravens are looking for a No. 3 receiver and Ginn could potentially fill that role if he were to sign with the team. Ginn has also visited with the Detroit Lions.
Winston Signs Deal With Kansas City
KCChiefs.com - March 17Right Tackle Eric Winston has signed a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, the team announced Saturday. Winston was once mentioned as a possible free-agent target for the Ravens and said that he was scheduled to visit Baltimore last week. But that visit never happened and Winston remained in Kansas City for an extra day to sign the new contract.
Winston Remains In Kansas City
WNST - March 17Free agent Offensive tackle Eric Winston told WNST earlier this week that he was scheduled to visit with the Ravens on Friday, but that never happened because Winston remained in Kansas City on a visit with the Chiefs, according to WNST's Luke Jones. Also, Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com reported that Winston will visit with the Lions on Monday if he doesn't reach a deal with the Chiefs.
The Ravens may no longer be interested in Winston after committing to left tackle Bryant McKinnie. Baltimore picked up McKinnie's $500,000 contract option on Saturday, according to The Baltimore Sun.
Denver Brass Not There To Meet McClainDenver Post - March 16With Denver's front office in Durham, N.C. meeting with free-agent quarterback Peyton Manning, there weren't many people back to greet Ravens free-agent linebacker Jameel McClain. Thus, Mike Klis of the Denver Post reports McClain really just had a physical and is not expected to sign today.
**Birk Returning To Ravens 'Imminent'**
ESPN - March 16Adam Schefter reports that it's "imminent" that there will be a deal between the Ravens and veteran center Matt Birk. Birk is an unrestricted free agent who decided he did not want to retire this offseason. His agent, Joe Linta, has persisted that he wants to return to Baltimore. The Carroll County Times' Aaron Wilson reports the deal is expected to be around $3 million and is getting close.
Flacco Talks 'Moving In Right Direction'The Baltimore Sun - March 16While he's not a free agent, talks continue between quarterback Joe Flacco and the Ravens, and they're "moving in the right direction." The Baltimore Sun's Jeff Zrebiec reports he's told by Flacco's agent Joe Linta, "It was a good meeting. Pat Moriarty is a pro. We're going to plow through this process and hopefully come to a good conclusion."
Birk Fielding Calls From Other TeamsThe Baltimore Sun - March 16Matt Birk's agent, Joe Linta, tells The Baltimore Sun that he and the Ravens had a "good talk" but that they are fielding calls from other teams for the veteran unrestricted free agent. "But Matt would love to stay a Raven and we won't look elsewhere unless we can't make it work with the Ravens," Linta said.
Mathis Flying Back To ArizonaFOX - March 16Free agent guard Evan Mathis is headed back to Arizona to mull over an offer from the Ravens, reports Sirius Radio's Adam Caplan. "Ravens have offered a nice deal. I'm flying back to Arizona to think about it and discuss it with my family," Mathis said.
McClain Visiting BroncosCarroll County Times - March 15Jameel McClain is visiting the Denver Broncos Friday to see if he fits as their next starting inside linebacker, reports Aaron Wilson. There hasn't been much buzz around McClain, who said he would like to return to Baltimore.
Mathis Having Dinner With RavensCarroll County Times - March 15Guard Evan Mathis was reportedly in Baltimore for a visit Thursday. Now he's reportedly extending that visit to dinner, according to Aaron Wilson. Mathis will reportedly dine with Ravens officials, and said, "I think it's a good fit." Mathis said a deal is not imminent yet, but he will remain in town Friday.
McKinnie Has Very Positive MeetingCarroll County Times - March 15Bryant McKinnie tweeted that he spent his day in the Ravens training facility Thursday. Aaron Wilson reports he had a "very positive meeting" with team officials and is expected to be retained.
Guard Mathis To Visit RavensESPN - March 14Guard Evan Mathis is scheduled to visit Baltimore on Thursday, reports ESPN's Adam Schefter. With starting guard Ben Grubbs visiting New Orleans, Mathis would be his replacement. The 6-foot-5 Mathis, 30, started 15 games for the Eagles last year. It was his fourth team in seven NFL seasons.
Ravens In Royal SweepstakesScout.com - March 13Seven teams are chasing wide receiver Eddie Royal, according to Aaron Wilson. The list includes the Ravens and the Washington Redskins. The speedy wide receiver and return specialist, 25, has not signed with Washington as reported.
Grubbs To Visit New Orleans
New Orleans Times-Picayune - March 13Pro Bowl left guard Ben Grubbs, considered one of the team's top unrestricted free agents, is going to visit with the New Orleans Saints tomorrow, according to a report in the New Orleans Times-Picayune. The Saints are likely going to lose left guard Carl Nicks to free agency, but Grubbs is considered by many pundits to be the next best option on the market.
Oher Tweets That He Feels Good About Grubbs Staying
Twitter.com - March 13
Ravens right tackle Michael Oher has a good feeling that the Pro Bowl left guard will be back in Baltimore. Oher was asked by a fan on Twitter why he doesn't try to keep Grubbs in Baltimore, and Oher responded by saying "talked to him last night it's looking good!!"
Birk's Agent Says He's Negotiating With Baltimore
Baltimore Sun - March 13
Ravens center Matt Birk plans to return for another season and Birk's agent Joe Linta told the Baltimore Sun that he is trying to work out a deal with the Ravens. Birk contemplated retirement this offseason but still wants to play and Linta said that he wants to come back to Baltimore.
Redding To Visit Indianapolis
ESPN.com - March 13Unrestricted free agent Cory Redding is set to visit with the Indianapolis Colts, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Redding has been with the Ravens for the last two seasons, but he could be looking to go to Indianapolis to join former Ravens Defensive Coordinator Chuck Pagano.
Keep An Eye On Ted Ginn
SI.com - March 13
The Ravens are looking for some help in the special teams department, and two names to keep an eye on are wide receiver/ returner Ted Ginn Jr., and Kassim Osgood, says Sports Illustrated's Don Banks. Ginn was with the 49ers last season and Osgood played for Jacksonville. Ginn had only 19 receptions last year, but was a top-flight returner and had two returns-for-touchdown.
AFC North Quiet In WR Market
ESPN.com - March 13
The Ravens aren't the only team in the AFC North in the market for some help at wide receiver, but the entire division has been quiet in the early hours of free agency. Some of the top free agent receivers already appear to have new homes, with Pierre Garcon heading to Washington and Vincent Jackson close to signing a deal with Tampa Bay. Robert Meachem has a visit scheduled with the Bills and Marques Colston didn't even make it out to free agency.
Titans Interested In Nakamura
The Tennessean - March 1Beat writer Jim Wyatt says he expects the Titans to pursue Ravens safety and special teamer Haruki Nakamura in free agency.
**Jets Interested In Signing Johnson**New York Daily News – March 1After plucking Bart Scott from Baltimore in 2009, Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan is now looking at unrestricted free agent outside linebacker Jarret Johnson, according to Manish Mehta.
**Bears A ‘Logical’ Destination For Grubbs**
Carroll County Times – Feb. 26If guard Ben Grubbs doesn't return to Baltimore, he could land in Chicago, says the CCT's Aaron Wilson. Chicago has had to shuffle linemen the past two seasons because of injuries and losses to free agency.
**Ravens Need To Pursue Wayne**
ESPN.com – Feb. 21AFC North blogger Jamison Hensley believes Baltimore needs a veteran wideout with more speed than Anquan Boldin and more experience and route-running ability than Torrey Smith. He believes the veteran will come at a cheaper price because of his age, 33.
**McClain Makes Most Sense**
ESPN.com – Feb. 18
Hensley said the Ravens could consider a player such as former Miami star Clinton Portis or LaDainian Tomlinson, who used to play under Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron. But he prefers the idea of former Raven Le'Ron McClain to back up Ray Rice, considering he would also provide support at fullback and special teams.
