It was reported yesterday by NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport that the Ravens have extended an aggressive offer in an effort to retain Kelechi Osemele. John Harbaugh later confirmed Rapoport’s report.
“It’s a really aggressive deal,” Harbaugh said. “I think it shows a lot of respect to K.O. It shows him that we really want him here, and I hope he takes it.”
The news came as a bit of a surprise. Not because the Ravens wouldn’t love to keep Osemele, but because most had assumed that he had priced himself out of Baltimore. He seemed destined to follow in the same footsteps as Torrey Smith, Pernell McPhee, Paul Kruger and Arthur Jones. Players who had thrived in the Ravens system and cashed in elsewhere.
Not so fast.
The Ravens have made it clear that they see K.O as their future at left tackle, and they’ve pushed all their chips in the middle of the table. The decision will largely shift their offseason plans.
What if Osemele declines the Ravens for a better offer elsewhere? It’s clear that Eugene Monroe is plan B, possibly even plan C. While that may not be an unfair way for the Ravens to approach it, considering how fragile Monroe has been, I’d have to imagine that’s not sitting well with Eugene. If the Ravens are unsuccessful in their attempt to resign K.O, is the relationship with Monroe one that can be mended?
Some people will say that it’s Monroe’s job to act like a professional. Whether or not he’s plan A, B or F he’s paid to protect Joe Flacco, and he’s paid well at that. But pretty much all professional athletes are super competitive people. They’ve been the best at what they do since they played pee wee. Being a backup plan isn’t something they’re used to.
Do the Ravens want to run the risk of having a potentially under-motivated employee protecting the blindside of their most important investment, who also happens to be coming off major knee surgery?
Maybe I’m paranoid, but I sure wouldn’t.
The Ravens went out of their way today to express their desire to keep Kelechi Osemele. By doing so, they indirectly said they’d prefer not to have anything to do with Eugene Monroe.
If they can’t manage to keep K.O in town, a lot of mock drafts might be right. I hope Ronnie Stanley likes the color purple.
By extending the offer they did to Osemele, they may have burned their bridge with Monroe for good.
