Terrell Suggs “close” to a new deal
June 26th, 2009 | by Kevin Hanson |
For a second year in a row, the Baltimore Ravens have designated linebacker Terrell Suggs with the team’s franchise tag.
However, the Ravens have until July 15th to sign Suggs to a long-term contract. If they can’t reach a deal by then, Suggs and the Ravens would have to wait until the off-season to negotiate a new deal.
But in an exclusive interview with BaltimoreRavens.com, Suggs said, “I feel like we’re getting close. Negotiations are going on with the Ravens. Fans can be optimistic that I’ll be [at training camp].”
Last season, Suggs showed up the day after training camp ended.
Per Mike Duffy of BaltimoreRavens.com, it is believed that Suggs is seeking a deal similar to what Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney signed (six years, $72 million).
Suggs would earn $10.2 million under the franchise tag if a long-term deal isn’t reached.
If the Ravens still can’t work out a long-term deal after this season and they franchise him in 2010, he would receive a salary that is the average of the five highest-paid players in the entire league.
Suggs, the Ravens first-round pick in 2003, is participating in the “Strongman Hill” program (pulling tractor tires uphill, hitting tires with heavy sledgehammers, etc.) with Tennessee’s Keith Bulluck and San Diego’s Antonio Cromartie. All three players share the same agent, Gary Wichard.
Signing Suggs, who led the team in sacks (eight) in 2008, would provide the Ravens with greater salary-cap flexibility.
With that flexibility, will they pursue a free-agent receiver or seek a trade for one?
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