Like any team who builds through the draft rather than free agency, you’re bound to lose some guys along the way. The biggest part of staying consistent is grooming the players on your own to fill the vacated roles.
The Ravens have announced that they and Jameel McClain have agreed to a new three-year deal.
After already losing starting linebacker Jarret Johnson, the Ravens couldn’t afford to let McClain walk. Regardless of Johnson’s popularity, the Ravens made the right move by offering a contract extension to McClain. At 26, McClain is four years younger than Johnson and hasn’t played through the prime of his career yet.
Locking up McClain for three more years now all but guarantees that the best football of his career will be played in Baltimore.
The cash strapped Ravens have once again shown the formula for long-term success comes from talent you grow in your own backyard. McClain, who went undrafted out of Syracuse has far exceeded his expectations and will play an even more intense role as Ray Lewis’ Hall-of-Fame career winds down.
Even though the terms of the deal have not been immediately released, Jameel McClain is definitely the right player and I’m sure Ozzie got him at the right price.
