Before we get into the Ravens news from over the weekend, we have to start this week off by sending our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of former Ohio State Buckeye and NFL quarterback Dwayne Haskins. Dwayne was tragically killed late last week in Florida, at the age of only 24, after being struck by a vehicle.
Dwayne Haskins, an Ohio State standout and NFL QB, died Saturday morning in a car accident in South Florida, agent Cedric Saunders told @AdamSchefter. pic.twitter.com/9kWEcEDafQ
— ESPN (@espn) April 9, 2022
Dwayne was one of the all-time greatest quarterbacks to ever wear scarlet. Despite only playing two seasons at Ohio State, he was the 10th leading passer in school history and is responsible for five of their top 10 single-game passing performances. He was a true baller, despite what other pundits may tweet at the most inopportune times following his passing.
The only thing that overshadows Haskins’ success on the field, is the impact he made on his family and loved ones off it. The outpouring of love and support that we’ve seen on social media over the last few days is just a small testament to the great man and role model that he was.
On a personal level, as a lifelong Ohio State supporter, I’ll be forever grateful for all the memories he gave to Buckeye nation over the years. Moments like when he came in for an injured JT Barrett against Michigan to lead the come from behind victory in 2017, and the following year where he torched that same Wolverine team for SIX touchdowns in a dominant win. Or how about when he broke the record for most passing yards and touchdowns in an OSU quarterback’s first start when he took on Oregon State? During those two short years in Columbus, Haskins created a lifetime of memories. The world truly lost a good one, may he fly high with the angels. Rest in power #7.
A TBDBITL member playing Carmen Ohio in front of a Dwayne Haskins memorial outside Ohio Stadium 🥺❤️pic.twitter.com/a7myEWkHR2
— Barstool OSU (@BarstoolOSU) April 9, 2022
On a happier note, two of the Ravens’ own free agents will be returning to town for the 2022 season! First, it was announced on Friday that Josh Bynes would be returning on a one-year deal (the 7th of his career from the Ravens).
Ravens have signed Josh Bynes to a one-year deal seven times over his career. They’re like the couple that likes to keep their options open in case something better comes along, but just keep coming back to each other.
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) April 8, 2022
Fast forward a day later, and we all got the good news of Calais Campbell also returning on a two-year deal, one that will likely be the last of his career.
He’s back‼️
We’ve agreed to terms with @CalaisCampbell on a 2-year deal. 😈 pic.twitter.com/0M4tPOY354
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 9, 2022
At first glance, most outsiders would probably say that neither of these signings really move the needle overall for the Ravens (and from strictly a statistical standpoint they may be right). What both Bynes and Campbell do bring to this defense though, is veteran leadership. On our podcast “Russell Street Replay” (cheap plug, immediately go check it out if you’d like to stay on the Christmas card list) we regularly say that the Ravens need “an adult in the room” on both sides of the ball for when the moments start to get big at the end of the year. Elder statesmen who can keep the temperature of the locker room in check. It’s not a slight on the likes of Lamar Jackson, Marlon Humphrey, and company by any means. The Ravens have many players on this roster who will likely one day fit the veteran leadership role, but for now bringing back players like Bynes and Campbell as mentors to that future generation is nothing but a plus.
Before we get on with the rest of our Monday, we’d be remiss not to wish a very happy belated to two of the faces that run the place, Eric DeCosta and Steve Bisciotti! Both men were born on April 10th and celebrated their birthdays yesterday.
Good Morning #RavensFlock
Happy Birthday to my best friend. 💜 pic.twitter.com/nUwFNXaylA— Lacie DeCosta (@DeCostaLacie) April 10, 2022
Ironically enough, both Eric and Steve are only turning 35 as well! Don’t google that, just trust me, it’s true. Here’s to many more years of health and happiness to two men who’ve been integral foundations to the Baltimore Ravens since their inception. Thanks for everything gentlemen, truly!
