The Baltimore Ravens really liked what they got out of center Matt Skura last season. They’re trying to bring him back for the 2020 season, handing the restricted free agent a low tender, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. The original-round tender projected to cost $2.13 million for the 2020 season, according to Over The Cap.
As a restricted free agent, the Ravens had the chance to place one of three different tenders on Skura, which would dictate what they received if he was signed away. The first-round tender, second-round tender and original-round tender all come with different salary cap hits and act as a one-year contract.
Since Skura was an undrafted free agent, the original-round tender effectively only gives the Ravens the right of first refusal to match any offers he receives. In this case, Baltimore wouldn’t get a draft pick in return if they decide not to match an offer and Skura is signed away. However, given Skura’s season-ending knee injury, the Ravens are gambling he won’t get an offer they can’t or won’t match.
Skura suffered a devastating knee injury last season, tearing his ACL, PCL and MCL while also dislocating his kneecap in Week 12. The extent of the injury and how late in the season it was puts Skura’s availability for training camp in some jeopardy. However, Skura was at Marshal Yanda’s retirement press conference and said he had begun weight lifting, which is a good sign.
If Skura is either signed away, Baltimore will likely put fellow UDFA Patrick Mekari back in the starting spot. Mekari played well in Skura’s stead for the final five games of the regular season.
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