Winner: Ravens get defensive, keep Brandon Williams
Heading into free agency, the Baltimore Ravens were bracing for the impact of losing offensive tackle Rick Wagner and nose tackle Brandon Williams. The first shoe dropped Wednesday, as Wagner agreed to terms with the Detroit Lions.
Then on Thursday, a report bubbled up that Williams was being pursued by the Tennessee Titans — a team with need at the position and cash to spend. Baltimore wouldn’t be denied, however, and agreed to terms on a five-year contract that made Williams the richest player at his position in the NFL (contract details here).
This, all by itself, was a huge win. But it wasn’t the only impressive roster move the Ravens made. In addition, they landed prized free agent safety Tony Jefferson, who was their top outside target and the target of many other teams besides.
On the other side of the ball in a move that got less attention but could still be huge, Baltimore brought in running back Danny Woodhead, who is a tremendous weapon out of the backfield.