Baltimore Ravens add veteran leadership with Earl Thomas, Mark Ingram

The Baltimore Ravens get veteran leadership as they sign both Earl Thomas and Mark Ingram on the first official day of free agency.

Even though the Baltimore Ravens lost multiple starters on the defense the last two days before the official start of free agency (Eric Weddle, Za’Darius Smith, C.J. Mosley, Terrell Suggs), they made a much-needed splash signing at a couple positions of need, starting with the signing of former Seattle Seahawk Earl Thomas.

There were rumors last night that he was signing with the Cleveland Browns but ultimately that fell through and the Ravens get their replacement for Eric Weddle. The 29-year-old will join one of the best secondaries in the NFL from last year and will fit perfectly as the center fielder next to Tony Jefferson.

According to Adam Schefter, Thomas will go to Baltimore on a four-year, $55 million dollar deal and will be the 4th highest paid safety in the NFL (Spotrac).

The Ravens have had trouble finding a true ball-hawking safety since Ed Reed and they get that with Thomas, as he has 28 career interceptions and had three last year (Pro Football Reference) before he sustained a broken leg in Week 4 vs. the Arizona Cardinals.

This number would have led the Ravens defense in interceptions last year as Brandon Carr, Jimmy Smith, and Marlon Humphrey leading the team in interceptions with only two in 2018 (Pro Football Reference).

Weddle brought veteran leadership before as a Raven but now Baltimore gets someone who can step and fill that role. According to Pro Football Focus, Thomas was graded as the third best safety since 2010.

The Baltimore Ravens also signed former New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram to a 3 year, $15 million dollar deal, according to Adam Schefter.

With the Le’Veon bell sweepstakes coming to an end last night, one team mentioned were the Baltimore Ravens but apparently, they were not interested in him.

Reports came in on Tuesday that they were in the market for both him and the former New Orleans Saint.

Ingram seemed like the more realistic option and they got the 29-year-old running back at a cheaper deal.

Ingram was a part of the two head running back corps in New Orleans with Alvin Kamara but in 2016 and 2017, he had two back to back 1,000 rushing yard plus seasons (Pro Football Reference).

He fits what the Ravens are gearing toward in a power heavy rushing offense with him and Gus Edwards/ Kenneth Dixon. According to Pro Football Focus, Ingram averaged the third most yards after contact per carry.