Everything remains quiet on the Ravens home front before the massive free agency storm that will take over the league on Tuesday.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh pointed out on Wednesday during Dennis Pitta’s presser that the team has extended offers to their own key free agents.
“We’ve got offers out to all of those guys – aggressive offers – and I know that [general manager/executive vice president] Ozzie [Newsome] and [senior vice president of football administration] Pat [Moriarty] are dealing with their agents”, Harbaugh stated.
One such player that has flown under the radar and considered a key free agent is cornerback Corey Graham.
Much like the Ravens secondary in 2013, Graham enjoyed a solid season recording 68 tackles (6th on team), a team high four interceptions, 12 passes defended and one forced fumble.
Pro Football Focus lists Graham as the 15th best free agent corner back in 2014 grading out with a +4.0 rating while playing 705 defensive snaps in 2013.
Graham acknowledged at season’s end his desire to remain with the Ravens but understands the business side of the NFL.
“Yes, I would like to be here. When you win a Super Bowl somewhere, you get the opportunity to play somewhere, and things start to go well for you, you want to be in the place where they gave you opportunities,” Graham told the teams’ website in December.
“It’s a good organization; they gave me a chance to play. When I first came here, all I said was that I wanted an opportunity – they did that. I’m grateful for every opportunity I’ve gotten here.”
With the Ravens secondary coming into their own in 2013, Graham has remained a reliable asset to the Ravens.
Graham has posted a 109 consecutive game streak (second-longest streak by a cornerback) dating back to his time with the Chicago Bears throughout his two seasons in Baltimore.
While the Ravens most pressing needs remain upgrading their offensive line, linebacker and receiver, the team can not afford to let Graham walk without a fair offer.
“We didn’t finish the way we wanted to finish,” Graham stated during the end of season locker room interviews. “We’ve just got to go out there, get better, find a way to get better and play better next year.”
Will he get the chance?
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