A week after the Baltimore Ravens agreed to terms with outside linebacker Pernell McPhee, they announced he’s passed his physical and is officially re-signed. In order to make room on the 90-man roster, Baltimore waived wide receiver Sean Modster.
Originally brought in last season to provide veteran depth following the loss of Terrell Suggs and Za’Darius Smith in free agency, McPhee quickly got up to speed and impressed in training camp. Fellow outside linebacker Tim Williams struggled, ultimately seeing him cut early in the season, making way for McPhee to start seven games before a torn triceps put him on injured reserve.
Over seven games last season, McPhee accounted for three sacks, six quarterback hits, and nine quarterback pressures. While McPhee struggled outside of Baltimore — in stints with the Chicago Bears and Washington Redskins — the Ravens have been able to get the most out of him. McPhee has played in 63 games over five seasons in Baltimore, posting 20 sacks, 111 combined tackles, 31 tackles for a loss, and 54 quarterback hits.
Once again, McPhee joins Baltimore as it hopes to have young pass rushers take the next step. Tyus Bowser and Jaylon Ferguson started the 2019 season slowly but became more consistent in the second half, posting solid campaigns. For Ferguson, this will be his second season in the NFL and the point the Ravens will be expecting him to take a noticeable leap forward. For Bowser, this is the final year of his rookie contract and he’ll be looking to make enough waves to cash in next offseason.
Baltimore didn’t address the lack of depth at outside linebacker in the 2020 NFL Draft, using their 10 picks on other positions. But a bevy of undrafted free agents were signed following the draft, including several outside linebackers. With a history of seeing at least one UDFA make the 53-man roster, the Ravens could be hoping they’ll further bolster their depth chart with an undrafted player who explodes onto the scene.
[vertical-gallery id=47779]