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Rumor: Baltimore Ravens Could Add Tony Jefferson

By Joe Schiller

Nov 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Tony Jefferson (22) knocks Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) out of bouinds and is called for unnecessary roughness in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Tony Jefferson (22) knocks Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) out of bouinds and is called for unnecessary roughness in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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It is rumored that the Baltimore Ravens are interested in safety Tony Jefferson.

The Baltimore Ravens are tight in cap space this offseason, but that has not stopped the free agency rumors from coming in. According to Jason La Confora of CBS Sports, the Baltimore Ravens could be interested in signing Arizona Cardinals strong safety Tony Jefferson. It’s uncertain how likely this will happen, especially since free agency does not start until March 9th. Either way, it is an intriguing story line.

Here is what Confora had to say about the rumor:

"Baltimore wouldn’t mind pairing him with Eric Weddle, a savvy signing a year ago, in 2017 (if they were able to do that, would spell the end of long-time favorite Lardarius Webb, whose release could free up $5.5 million in cap savings)."

There is no way to sugar coat it, the Ravens secondary has to improve. Injuries forced Jimmy Smith to miss the final part of the season and his absence showed. The cornerback position is something that can be improved on in the draft, but the addition of a strong safety would be huge.

 Get Bang For Their Buck

The addition of Tony Jefferson would be a fantastic signing for the Ravens. Adding him in free agency could take some of the pressure off of the draft. This way the Ravens could focus on other areas other than defense. Ozzie Newsome took a chance last season with Eric Weddle and it worked wonders for the defense. It’s time to take another chance.

Tony Jefferson is a special talent. He is only 25 years old and has a very bright future ahead of him. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the 5th best safety in 2016 with a grade of 88.6. He is solid in pass coverage, but what is most impressive is his ability to tackle. Jefferson had his best season in 2016, when he combined for 96 tackles and two sacks. He loves to hit hard, which fares well in the AFC North. The combination of Weddle and Jefferson is exciting to think about.

As Confora said, if the Ravens want to make this move, it will most likely mean letting go of Lardarius Webb. Eventually the Ravens are going to have to find a replacement and this could be the time to do it.

The Cardinals will be strong suitors to bring him back, but the Ravens could get him for a good price. If the timing and the price is there, I think the Ravens should make a move.

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