Ravens Interested in Melvin Gordon?

Happy Friday, Flock Nation, though I hate to kick off your weekend with a bit of sad news, as longtime Raven Tavon Young has signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears.

https://t.co/mM0VvrwOSf pic.twitter.com/g9s3HHpJMG

— Ingravenvids (@IngravenVids) April 8, 2022

Young was released a month ago to clear cap space that was eventually used to sign Marcus Williams and Morgan Moses, but many Ravens fans were holding out hope of an inexpensive reunion.

Disappointed that Ravens didn’t look to re-sign Tavon at this price (assuming they didn’t).https://t.co/8iJlHPneDH

— Daniel Rees (@DPRees8) April 8, 2022

Well, Young certainly got a cheap deal, but not from the Ravens, as the Bears will pay him just $1.3 million in 2021 with only $500,000 guaranteed. After Chris Westry signed with the Panthers for just $825,000, it’s fair to wonder about the Ravens’ plan for their cornerback group in 2021.

The team’s top brass indicated at their annual Liar’s Luncheon that they’ll be looking at cornerbacks in the draft, and I’d be surprised if they walked out with fewer than two. A veteran FA signing isn’t out of the question either, but will Baltimore pay up? They declined to shell out for Young or Westry, but that could be an effort to save cap space for a splashier signing. I’d personally like to invite Stephon Gilmore to #CometotheRavens.

S @GenoStone22 has signed his exclusive rights free agent tender pic.twitter.com/7tzjBZcX60

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 7, 2022

Geno Stone did sign his exclusive rights contract with the Ravens after a nice 2021 season on special teams and as a rotational safety towards the end of the year. He’ll earn less than $900,000 in 2022 filling the same role, which OverTheCap valued at $3.4 million for his 2021 contributions.

Some more news dropped today with the Ravens’ interest in two-time Pro Bowl running back Melvin Gordon, the top remaining free agent running back. While Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins are expected to fully recover from their torn ACL injuries, they may not be back to full-strength by Week 1.

Free agent RB Melvin Gordon, the top player available at his position, is in discussions with the #Ravens on a potential deal, source said. The #Broncos starter is a person of interest in Baltimore, which still has a need at RB.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 8, 2022

Of last year’s replacement backs, only Devonta Freeman is a potential return candidate, so it’s encouraging to see the Ravens looking elsewhere for help in their backfield. Gordon finished with the eighth-highest rushing grade from PFF last season after starting 16 games and rushing for 918 yards on 203 carries (4.5 YPC).

As a final note, though I know this is the Russell Street Report and not our sister site, the Eutaw Street Report, I have to mention…

IT’S OPENING DAY!

LET’S GO @Orioles https://t.co/FEvepYGU7p

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 8, 2022

With the football season in the rearview, it’s finally time for baseball, and I couldn’t be more excited.

Show time. pic.twitter.com/VHvxplX7dY

— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) April 8, 2022

Or, as it turns out, I can be more excited, after watching that hype video about 50 times. Let’s go O’s!

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