Ravens Sign DE Marcus Spears

Yesterday, the Baltimore Ravens made their second signing of this free agent period.  Last time was DL Chris Canty and this time, it is DE Marcus Spears.

Last night, the Ravens agreed to terms with DE Marcus Spears.  Spears’s contract is worth $3.5 million over 2 years.

Just like Canty, Spears was cut earlier in the week from a NFL East team, this time, the Cowboys.  Spears played DE in their 4-3 defense but will move to DE in the Ravens 3-4 defense.  He was a little out of place in their scheme as he is 6 foot 4 inches tall and weighs 315 pounds which is heavy for a 4-3 DE.  However, that is the perfect size for a 3-4 DE.

The Baltimore Ravens signed DE Marcus Spears to a 2-year deal worth $3.5 million.

Spears is a good run stuffer but has never been a pass rusher.  His career high for sacks came 2009 when he had 2.5 sacks.  Spears is now 30 years old so his pass rush can only get worse.  If his run defense stays the same though, it will be a good signing.

The Ravens now seem to be set at the DE position.  By signing Canty and Spears, they acquired some much needed veterans and depth.  The Ravens will now have Canty, Spears, Arthur Jones, Pernell McPhee, and DeAngelo Tyson at DE.

You may be thinking why I didn’t just list Haloti Ngata but there is a good reason for that.  With this new depth at DE, and the lack thereof at NT, Ngata might be moved over to nose tackle.  He has the size, at 340 pounds, and would be a good fit as he is a good run defender and would bring a new element of pass rush to the NT position.  Of course, the Ravens might not be thinking this and probably will sign a NT or draft one but it is interesting to think about.

An interesting fact about Spears and Canty is they both played together for the Cowboys from 2005-2008 and where part of the same Cowboys draft class (Spears in the first and Canty in the fourth).