Free Agency on the Ravens Minds
Graphic By: Jenn Peterson

The Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens have some serious issues to deal with, and it’s not about who’s going to Disney Land. The Ravens don't have a lot of time to make at a lot of important decisions. The two biggest are dealing with quarterback Trent Dilfer and linebacker Jamie Sharper. Let’s start with Dilfer.

This is probably the first time in NFL history that as soon as a team wins a Super Bowl, they’re out looking for a new quarterback. Do the Raven’s think Trent Dilfer sucks that bad? Not really. Dilfer has incredible arm strength, but after that he’s not much to brag about. Head coach Brian Billick, who was an offensive mastermind who has succumb to having the leagues best defense, is definitely looking to upgrade at quarterback. It’s not that Dilfer is that bad, but let’s face it, the Ravens defense is what won the Super Bowl for them. All Dilfer had to do was make sure not to screw up. He was never asked to win a game, just not to lose one. Can you imagine how good the Ravens could be if they had an offense that could put up just 17 points a game each week. That’s a scary thought if you ask me. Brad Johnson could be the answer to the Ravens offensive woes. Not only is he a very consistent quarterback,(keep in mind, just two seasons ago, he threw for over 4,000 yards for the Skins), but he has excelled in Brian Billick’s system before back when both were in Minnesota. While Dilfer would definitely be cheaper, Johnson(if he were to be signed by the Ravens and stay healthy), would without a doubt give the offense the spark they need to go with the defense.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Ravens main concern is linebacker Jamie Sharper. Shaper is an integral part of the linebacker core lead by Ray Lewis. Right now it looks like the Ravens can’t afford him because of what a new, bigger contract would do to their salary cap. Sharper is actually leaning towards going to the Browns, who have more than enough cap room to offer a large contract. And while going from the world champs to the Browns might not seem that chipper, it just goes to show the power of the almighty dollar. So look for the Ravens to make a push at Brad Johnson and not attempt to re-sign Jamie Sharper.


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