So Josh Wilson is a Redskin…like 7 other former Ravens.
But I have to admit, this one stings a bit more.
But before we explore that, let’s dial it back 48 hours for a moment.
When I first heard about the Ravens parting ways with fan favorites Willis McGahee, Kelly Gregg, Todd Heap and Derrick Mason I was quite surprised by how swiftly the Ravens moved. After all, Ozzie & Co. are often very pragmatic.
The first two, McGahee and Gregg were understandable – players not performing to the value of their respective contracts.
Heap’s dismissal was difficult to see coming despite the hints the Ravens provided last year when they drafted tight ends Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta in rounds 3 and 4 respectively.
Upon further review, Mason’s release isn’t shocking given the $4.5 million price tag for a 37 year old wide receiver, but a mild surprise nonetheless.
Add it all up and the message was clear – these guys have a plan and they are ready to execute it.
Or so I thought.
Now granted it’s much too soon to start grading the Ravens’ offseason. That’s about as short-sighted as grading an NFL draft the day after it happens. But that said the Ravens are off to a bad start.
Yes they did tackle priority No. 1 – signing Marshal Yanda. But since then you might conclude that someone slipped Ambien in the Ravens front office water cooler.
A little over a month ago a Ravens source informed me that when the lockout ended and the predictable chaos ensued, the Ravens would be prepared and patient – a staple of the Ozzie Newsome repertoire.
On another occasion the same source explained how pleased they were with the Josh Wilson acquisition, particularly when the cost was just a fifth round pick.
The Ravens have uncertainty in their secondary. Jimmy Smith is a rookie without the benefit of OTA’s. Chris Carr could be moving on – the same for Dawan Landry. Lardarius Webb had an inconsistent 2010 and Domonique Foxworth is coming back from a major ACL tear. We all know how that can go.
And then there was Josh Wilson, a player who came on strong at the end of the season and reportedly was the team’s next targeted signing.
And a 3 year, $13.5 million deal with a $6 million signing bonus sent him packing down the BW Parkway to wear burgundy and gold.
They let Wilson walk for that reasonable number.
It was like turning down front row seats at a Springsteen concert for face value.
I don’t get it.
But I’ll rely on blind faith and believe that a week or so from now, it will all be clear to me.
Now if you’ll excuse me I need to go and find my glasses.
