News And Notes From Breakfast With John Harbaugh
This morning John Harbaugh addressed the media at breakfast at the NFL Coaches’ Meetings. He touched on a few recent transactions, as well as some other ones that may be in the works. Now is probably as good a time as ever to get an offseason update in, so let’s get to it:
– Owner Steve Bisciotti has extended Harbaugh’s contract an extra year, signing him through 2017. He had already been extended four years after the Super Bowl victory, but Bisciotti has extended him an extra year as a vote of confidence after a disappointing season. Can’t complain about keeping a top 5 NFL head coach around another year. And as much as it looks like he eats binders of football info for breakfast, he probably doesn’t (but definitely does).
– Harbaugh addressed the recent trade for OL Jeremy Zuttah, saying that he was brought aboard to be the team’s starting center. Very savvy move going out and getting somebody not named Gino Gradkowski. He also mentioned that he has Kelechi Osemele slotted in at LG and Rick Wagner at RT at the moment, although that could change through the draft. Jah Reid has also been mentioned as a competitor for the RT position, which is great because I like a good joke.
– The Ravens have been stockpiling Smith’s for a couple years now, and are looking to keep Torrey and Jimmy Smith around long-term. Both have made leaps and bounds since being drafted in 2011, and deserve a payday.
– Things don’t look good for Tyrod Taylor in Baltimore. Harbaugh expressed disappointment with his performance in what little game time he has received, and he only has a year left on his contract. The Ravens were linked to Brandon Weeden before he signed in Dallas. I’d expect Ozzie Newsome to take a QB in the mid to later rounds if they don’t sign a veteran through free agency.
– The Ravens have also expressed interest in former Houston tight end Owen Daniels. He’s been productive in the past in Gary Kubiak’s offense, and would be even more so with Joe Flacco under center. Signing him would round out the receiving corps nicely, so I’m all for it.
– The topic of Rolando McClain was brought up, which I found interesting. Remember that guy? He’s mentioned on twitter that he’s planning on coming back to the NFL, and he’s still under contract with Baltimore. Harbaugh expressed that he hasn’t spoken to McClain, and that he’s not interested in McClain unless “he’s working hard”. Ball’s in your court Rolando.
And that’s about it. A healthy dose of Ravens football in the morning for ya. This was fun. It’s well documented that I’m a big fan of breakfast, and this was as delicious a breakfast as any.