Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
We are still more than five months away from the beginning of the 2021 NFL season, but one NFL Insider is already hailing the San Francisco 49ers as the favorite to win the NFC West.
The NFL Network’s Michael Silver was part of a panel that discusses the division and didn’t hold back on why he thinks the Niners are the class of the NFC West (h/t 49ers Web Zone).
“I think the 49ers are the favorite, not only in the NFC West but in the NFC,” Silver said. “And in the NFC West, I don’t think it’s close.”
Updated Free Agency Hopes
The Tampering period is still young, still lots of great talent out there. Didnt see too many posts discussing our favorite targets or anything of that nature, thought I d start one for some conversation. Won t ramble like my normal posts, below is my ideal next roster moves and FA targets.
Move 1: Cut Shamar Stephen
+ Dude has to have blackmail, no reason he should be on our roster at his current price. Hope he s cut the moment we upgrade at 3T.
Move 2: Extend/increase Hunter or trade him
+ I know extending someone off of a lost season due to a neck injury is usually a No-No, but we cannot afford to sit on our hands with him or he holds out and A. Doesnt play or B. We lose all trade leverage. Bump him up into the top 5 of edge rushers or trade him to the highest bidder while teams still can absorb his deal. Don t settle for less that multiple firsts or an elite talent coming back. Would love to have him in purple for the rest of his career, but simply
If the Ravens don’t land a top free-agent receiver, should they bother signing any? How will tight end Jonnu Smith’s deal affect Mark Andrews’ pending extension? More praise for Ravens signing guard Kevin Zeitler.
Report: Jihad Ward will sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars
Another Pass Rusher Gone
Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
Free Agency has hit the Ravens defensive front hard, as defensive end Jihad Ward is the newest member of Wink Martindale’s crew to agree to a contract outside of Baltimore:
Former #Ravens DE Jihad Ward is signing with the #Jaguars, source said. His DL coach in Baltimore Joe Cullen is now the Jags DC. Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2021
Ward is Baltimore’s third pass rusher to flee this offseason, joining outside linebackers Matthew Judon (Patriots) and Yannick Ngakoue (Raiders).
The Ravens signed Ward in 2019 after he was cut by the Colts in Week 4. During his time in Baltimore, he recorded 23 tackles, 12 QB hits, and three sacks.
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