Baltimore Ravens Roster, Trade Rumors: Eric Weddle Inks Four-year Deal
Eric Weddle and the San Diego Chargers ended their eight-year relationship after the veteran free safety decided to sign with the Baltimore Ravens for a new four-year contract, worth $29 million. It is highly possible that the 31-year old will be retiring in Baltimore after the consummation of this new contract.
Multiple sources say that the Ravens agreed to pay him $7 million as a signing bonus, while his base salary is at $1 million and the roster bonus numbered at $1 million. The San Diego Union Tribune revealed that the total money he's earning for this season alone ranks him second for a safety in the league, with Eric Berry of Kansas City holding the title, thanks to a $10.8 million contract he signed with the Chiefs.
The decision to leave the Chargers wasn't solely based on Weddle's preferences since the team was the one that declined to offer him a contract or even signify an intention to talk to him about a new contract. The same report claims that the reason for the lack of offer was because management was concerned about his future – whether he still could be competitive.
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To be fair, Weddle managed to start and play in all but two games last season. He missed time in October because of a groin strain. But before that, he was healthy as a horse, managing to start for the Chargers in 86 consecutive games.
While losing Weddle to the Ravens creates a hole in San Diego's roster, it might be addressed sooner than expected. They also have Dwight Lowery to fill in for him plus they might take someone who plays the same position as Weddle in the upcoming draft. Fortunately for the Chargers, they own the third overall pick.
Before deciding to sign with the Ravens, Weddle also had some offers from multiple teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Oakland Raiders, and the Dallas Cowboys.
