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This we know: Barring injury, Anquan Boldin and Donte’ Stallworth will be dressed in purple and black come September.
These acquisitions have also created new pressing questions. What does the future hold for Derrick Mason? Should the Ravens switch gears and concentrate on other needs? How does the Boldin trade affect the 2010 Draft?
What does the future hold for Derrick Mason?
“The Ravens were discussing a two-year contract with Mason before the launch of free agency Friday,” reported National Football Post’s Aaron Wilson. “However, the Ravens don’t have a sense of urgency at this point about bringing back Mason because of the acquisition of Boldin via a trade.”
Instead of agreeing to a two-year deal, Wilson says Mason decided to test the free agent market. So far, it has been rumored that the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots may be interested, but there has been no news of visits or offers.
The addition of Boldin makes the Ravens less needy at the receiver position. Plus, according to various scouting reports, the Ravens’ newest member brings a style of play that is similar to Mason’s.
“Boldin has a short/medium-pass skill set similar to the one that Derrick Mason gave Baltimore over the years,” said ESPN’s K.C Joyner. “That makes this much more of a lateral move than an upgrade, but one that GM Ozzie Newsome smartly made at a low price.”
That doesn’t mean Mason won’t or can’t return. Some speculate the Ravens may re-focus on Mason after the Draft in April. Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco appears to be in favor of bringing back his No. 1 target of the past two years.
“My understanding is that Derrick wants to come back and it’s up to what happens with the guys upstairs (General Manager Ozzie Newsome’s staff),” Flacco said on the NFL Network.
“Obviously we love Derrick around Baltimore, I loved him. My first two years he has been a huge asset for myself and a huge part of why we’re such a successful football team.”
Should the Ravens switch gears and concentrate on other needs?
With less urgency at the wide receiver position, Baltimore Sun’s Jamison Hensley reminds us there are still other holes the Ravens need to focus on filling.
The defensive end position could use some attention with Dwan Edwards getting a few bits in the free agency market. Plus, depth at the tight end and cornerback positions are still a concern.
These needs could be addressed in the Draft, but as Hensley pointed out, the Ravens usually don’t like having such holes entering the draft, and the organization could still make a few moves in free agency to shore up the positions.
How does the Boldin trade affect the 2010 Draft?
The Ravens traded third- and fourth-round Draft picks in exchange for Boldin and a fifth-rounder.
That means Baltimore, typically known for its success in building through the Draft, is down to five selections (first, second, two in the fifth, and a sixth), according to Hensley.
Knowing the “Wizard of Oz” and his moves in the past, the Ravens may still get their hands on a few more picks be it through trades or by letting go of a tendered player if the opportunity presents itself.
Gaither Could Bolster Number of Draft Picks
This one is pure speculation.
There isn’t much to substantiate it. It’s picking up speed around the Web, none the less.
Hensley ponders if the Ravens would consider trading its 2009 starting left tackle Jared Gaither in exchange for additional Draft picks. The Sun writer says there are four teams that could be interested: the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts.
The 49ers rumor seems to be getting the most attention, but Pro Football Talk confirms the Niners are not yet pursuing Gaither.
Marlin Jackson to Visit Baltimore
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported cornerback Marlin Jackson, an untendered RFA from the Colts, will visit the Castle in Owings Mills Tuesday.
The visit will surely include a physical to evaluate Jackson’s knee. The former 2005 first-round pick tore his ACL and lateral meniscus during practice last year, forcing him to sit out the 2009 season after only four games.
Dwan Edwards Visiting Seahawks, Broncos
Ravens free-agent defensive end Dwan Edwards visited the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday and is expected to meet with the Denver Broncos today, according to ESPN.
The Ravens have already lost one defensive lineman to the Broncos in Justin Bannan. According to the Baltimore Sun, the Ravens have expressed interest in Edwards, but there is a good chance he could find something he likes in the market.
Bullock wins Best Actress Oscar for The Blind Side
Sandra Bullock won the Best Actress Oscar for playing the role of Leanne Tuohy in “The Blind Side.” Tuohy is the adoptive mother of Ravens offensive tackle Michael Oher.
“To the family that allowed me to play them, the Tuohys, thank you for giving me the opportunity,” Bullock said in her acceptance speech. “Thank what the film is about, the moms that take care of the babies no matter where they came from. Those moms and parents never get thanked.”
This YouTube video shows the Tuohy’s reaction to Bullock’s teary-eyed award-winning moment.
Ben Roethlisberger has been accused of sexual assault, according to a TMZ report. This is the second such allegation in the past 365 days for Roethlisberger.
