The Baltimore Ravens won the Super Bowl, but they have quickly realized that success does not mean infinite pockets, as they had to get rid of a number of players that were main contributors, including Anquan Boldin, Bernard Pollard as well as Paul Kruger, who signed with the Cleveland Browns.
The Ravens have not stood by though, as they signed former NY Giants defensive tackle Chris Canty to a contract. According to ESPN.com, Canty signed a three year deal $8 million, including $2.8 million guaranteed, according ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Canty was cut by the Giants last month in a cap-saving move as he was set to earn $6.5 million.
The deal with Canty will help the Ravens with the pass rush, something that could suffer after losing Paul Kruger to the Browns. Kruger was one of the top playmakers for the Ravens on defense last season, breaking out with 42 tackles and 9.0 sacks while making 69 tackles and 15½ sacks in 51 career games with the team.
"We are very excited about the addition of Paul Kruger to our team," new Browns coach Rob Chudzinski said in a release. "He is a talented linebacker who is going to make an immediate impact on our defense. When you put on the film you see physicality, explosive pass rush and a high motor. He has been very productive for the Ravens, and proved it at the highest level last season in the playoffs."
The Browns had nearly $50 million in cap space to start free agency and made their moves quickly on Kruger. Canty will help with the loss of Kruger on the line despite playing a different position and the Ravens could add more depth after losing Dannell Ellerbe to the Dolphins on a five-year contract as well.
The Ravens could also soften the blow by bringing in a rival, as the team is reportedly interested in James Harrison, according to NFL.com. Harrison's agent is meeting with the team and he has stated that he is interesting in joining the team and possibly the Saints.
"Baltimore would be a great fit for James," Parise said on Sunday, via The Baltimore Sun. "They're a contender and a class organization, so James would definitely be interested. I would think they would have a need with the market for (Paul) Kruger."
Harrison would provide depth after the team lost its two main linebackers as well as Ray Lewis, all of whom contributed to the Super Bowl win against the 49ers.