Speaking at his introductory news conference Tuesday, new Baltimore Ravens linebacker Elvis Dumervil called the unusual circumstances surrounding his release from the Denver Broncos "an unfortunate situation."
He then made it clear the fallout of the infamous fax fiasco would stay with him.
Brooks: Ten biggest player moves
From Alex Smith to Elvis Dumervil, Bucky Brooks breaks down the 10 most important player moves of the offseason. **More ...**
"I have a chip on my shoulder," Dumervil said. "I may have a brick wall now."
Things have changed a lot for Dumervil in the past two weeks. He has a new team. New pay grade. New agents. Even a new uniform number, switching from 92 to 58, his old college number at Louisville. Dumervil said Terrell Suggs played a part in recruiting him and that he's excited to be again working with Don Martindale, the Ravens' linebackers coach and former Broncos defensive coordinator.
NFL.com's Albert Breer interviewed Dumervil after the pass rusher's Ravens news conference. When Breer asked why Dumervil thought Baltimore gave him the best chance to win a title, his answer was succinct.
"The quarterback," he said.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Baltimore immediately acted when Dumervil landed on the open market with a splash.
"We just feel Elvis Dumervil was our kind of guy," Harbaugh said. "We feel like he's the kind of person that fits us. We like to say things like, 'He's a Raven' and that's how he's always played."
Dumervil said everything was meant to happen for a reason, adding he will take no action against his former agent, Marty Magid, over the fax flap that led the Broncos to release the linebacker.
"It's not about what happens, it's about how you respond, I've always felt," Dumervil said. "I'm ready to respond."
Dumervil and Suggs give the Ravens potentially a stout 1-2 punch on the edges. Dumervil takes the edge off what's been a challenging offseason for the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
