OWINGS MILLS — The arrival of veteran quarterback Marc Bulger as the new backup for Joe Flacco has caused a bit of a stir in the Baltimore Ravens’ locker room.
First, Flacco expressed disappointment that Bulger’s presence could lead to the departure of reserve quarterbacks Troy Smith and John Beck.
Now, free safety Ed Reed, who’s got a surgically-repaired hip to worry about, has weighed in on the Ravens signing Bulger to a one-year, $3.8 million contract.
Reed made supportive comments about the abilities of Smith, a former Heisman Trophy winner at Ohio State.
"I honestly think at the quarterback position Troy was the guy and is the guy, and he’s more than qualified to lead the team to a championship," Reed said during a radio interview with 105.7 The Fan.
"And I think that Marc Bulger is just another guy. He’s just another guy that has been in the league and been around."
Well, Bulger has been to two Pro Bowls and started for the St. Louis Rams in pressure situations. He’s hardly a slouch.
What does it all mean?
Smith has friends in the locker room, including Reed. And players don’t like seeing their friends lose their jobs.
With Bulger signed, he’s the backup.
And Smith and Beck are competing to be the third quarterback. That is, if the Ravens decide to keep three quarterbacks on the roster.
Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.
