Baltimore Ravens Re-Sign CB Lardarius Webb, Lose 2 More Free Agents

On Thursday, the Baltimore Ravens dodged a bullet by signing star-cornerback Lardarius Webb to a six-year, $50 million deal that includes a $10 million signing bonus.

Webb was a restricted free agent with a first-round tender, but that didn't stop rumors that the New England Patriots were still considering making a move for him before the April 20 deadline to do so.

As Pro Football Focus points out, Webb didn't allow a single touchdown in 2011 when quarterbacks threw his way; those who did were held to a 55.6 passer rating to the receivers he covered. Webb had five interceptions last year and returned a punt for a touchdown.

Prior to the Webb re-signing, the Ravens lost two more veteran free agents. Cornerback Chris Carr is now a member of the Minnesota Vikings, and nose tackle Brandon McKinney followed defensive end Cory Redding and safety Tom Zbikowski to the Indianapolis Colts, where last year's defensive coordinator, Chuck Pagano, is now head coach.

Though losing Carr and McKinney aren't terrible blows, there's no doubt that when director of player personnel Eric DeCosta said yesterday this year's draft would be all about depth, he meant it.

A majority of their free-agent losses have been on the defensive side of the ball, with a number of those players contributing on special teams.

The Webb contract isn't likely to do much to help safety Ed Reed feelings about his place on the Ravens. He spoke yesterday on 105.7 The Fan about feeling disrespected by the team, saying that he doesn't feel like a priority and that he may just retire if the Ravens don't negotiate a worthwhile extension with him.

Webb's contract is the solution one of a number of outstanding offseason priorities for the Ravens. They also are hoping to negotiate a long-term deal with running back Ray Rice, who may skip OTAs without a contract, as well as extend the deal of starting quarterback Joe Flacco.

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