BALTIMORE (WMAR) — After losing multiple core members of their team in recent days, the Ravens jumped into the NFL's free agent frenzy by agreeing to terms with a tandem of Pro Bowlers.
On Wednesday the team officially announced that they have agreed in principal on contracts with running back Mark Ingram II and safety Earl Thomas. The contracts are pending both players passing physicals.
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reports Thomas' deal is worth $55 million over four years, with $32 million guaranteed. Ingram will reportedly make $15 million over 3 years.
Thomas, who will turn 30-years-old in May, comes to the Ravens after spending his entire nine year career with the Seattle Seahawks. He has won a Super Bowl title and is a six time Pro Bowler with 28 career interceptions.
The signing however doesn't come without concern. Last year, Thomas had his season cut short and only played in four games before suffering a broken leg.
In Ingram, the Ravens add much needed help to their running back corps, which became depleted when the team decided to part with Alex Collins. The 28-year-old Ingram has played eight seasons with the New Orleans Saints averaging 4.5 yards per carry, and earning two Pro Bowl nods. Prior to being selected in the 2011 NFL Draft, Ingram played for the University of Alabama and won college football's highest honor by taking home the 2009 Heisman Trophy.
Like Thomas, Ingram too had a shortened 2018 season. He was suspended the first four games for violating the NFL's policy on performance enhancing substances.
The duo's arrival follows the recent departures of defensive stalwarts C.J. Mosley, Za'Darius Smith, Terrell Suggs, and Eric Weddle as well as wide receiver John Brown.
Current Ravens players took to Twitter after learning of the news.
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) March 13, 2019
Let’s get it...! Also what number you wearing this season? 😂😂 https://t.co/adyWnv2uk5
— Fruit PUNCH (@marlon_humphrey) March 13, 2019
#GodWinS back wit my brother 🤞🏾🙏🏾
— Mark Ingram II (@MarkIngram22) March 13, 2019
The team on Wednesday also finalized a trade that was agreed to exactly one month ago, that sends long time quarterback Joe Flacco to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a 2019 fourth round draft pick. The move had been expected following a season which saw rookie Lamar Jackson take over as the teams starting quarterback, leading them to a division title and playoff appearance.
Flacco then tweeted his farewell to Baltimore.
To the Ravens, the fans, and the city of Baltimore: Thank you for an incredible 11 years. I’ll always be proud and grateful for my time spent as your quarterback. Though it’s time to move on, this team will always mean so much to me. #ravensflock pic.twitter.com/Ln6EgWepdU
— Joe Flacco (@JoeFlacco) March 13, 2019
This off season is the franchises first under newly promoted General Manager, Eric DeCosta who took over for Ozzie Newsome, the teams General Manager since its inception.
