INDIANAPOLIS — The Baltimore Ravens have altered their previous stance on trying to hold onto Pro Bowl offensive guard Ben Grubbs, deciding now to construct an ambitious bid to prevent him from bolting off the roster via free agency.
Although it’s still regarded as something of a long shot considering the serious money Grubbs could command on the open market, not to mention the Ravens’ $32.5 million investment in Pro Bowl offensive guard Marshal Yanda and other financial commitments, the AFC North franchise confirmed it has launched negotiations with Grubbs’ agent, Pat Dye.
“Ben is a player that we’d love to have back in Baltimore,” general manager Ozzie Newsome said Friday at the NFL scouting combine. “We’ve had some conversations with Pat Dye already. We will see how things work out between now and the beginning of free agency on March 13.”
Ravens vice president of football administration Pat Moriarty talked with Dye on Friday.
Ultimately, re-signing Grubbs might wind up being too expensive to get done. However, the Ravens sound determined to give it an honest try.
“I’m pretty optimistic about it right now,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “I hope that’s not misplaced. We’re in the process of negotiating. We’re committed, Steve Bisciotti’s committed, to offering him a really great number.
“Ben’s had a great number of years here. He’s earned the right to take a look for his family. One thing we’re not doing: We’re not giving him a low number. We’re doing everything we can to try to keep him in Baltimore.”
