Ravens Free Agency Tracker: Silent Offseason Ends with Special Teams Upgrades

The Ravens had a busy day today, re-signing two linebackers and signing two free agent special teams aces.

Most importantly, the Ravens re-signed Jameel McClain. Impressively, the Ravens managed to re-sign McClain for only $10.5 million over 3 years. This is a bargain of a contract for an emerging talent.

This move enables the Ravens to maintain continuity in the middle of their linebacker corps. Ray Lewis should certainly be applauding this move, as McClain helps him look even better with his ability to take on blockers.

Brendon Ayanbadejo also re-signed today, and the Ravens are certainly happy to welcome back the special teams ace and underrated defender. 

While Ayanbadejo is most known for his special teams play, the Ravens like his ability in pass situations, and he provides solid depth at linebacker.

And finally, the Ravens welcomed a new addition, or in this case, two.

Former Bears' cornerback Corey Graham is a top special teams player who could also step in as the fourth or fifth corner as well. Graham is big and athletic, and he would round out the Ravens secondary nicely.

Sean Considine, a journeyman safety, will help fill the void left by the losses of Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura. More importantly, he will also help improve the Ravens' special teams.

In fact, other than the re-signing of McClain, each of these moves indicates that improved special teams was a major off-season goal for the Ravens.

After a year in which they allowed multiple return touchdowns, this emphasis on special teams was absolutely necessary for the Ravens to improve in 2012.

Considine, Graham and Ayanbadejo should all make big impacts on special teams, and they should also contribute as defenders from time to time.

The Ravens identified a need, and they filled it with affordable role players. These are the kind of low profile moves that keep the Ravens competitive, and the way they aggressively moved to patch up a significant hole in the roster should be applauded.