Now that the Baltimore Ravens have freed up $4 million in salary-cap space with Terrell Suggs' restructured contract, general manager Ozzie Newsome can turn his attention to re-signing impending free agents Eugene Monroe and Dennis Pitta.
While Pitta and the Ravens appear to be at an impasse on a new deal, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday that talks with Monroe will be a priority during this week's NFL Scouting Combine.
Newsome can't expect Monroe to settle for a hometown discount.
"Everyone in the business should understand -- even coaches when they're going through their deals negotiating contracts -- you have to get the absolute best because you put forth your best effort all the time, every single day in this league," Monroe told Glenn Clark of WNST-AM late last week. "So there are definitely no discounts, and you have to have you and your family's best interests at heart in terms of negotiating these deals."
Monroe added that he will "possibly" be a free agent, suggesting he might agree to a contract in the next few weeks.
That would be music to the ears of coach John Harbaugh, who has spoken of Monroe in glowing terms as the "long-term answer" at left tackle.
That high regard doesn't extend to right tackle Michael Oher, who appears to have fallen out of favor in Baltimore.
The latest "Around The League Podcast" discussed controversial draft prospects Johnny Manziel and Jadeveon Clowney and reviewed the offseason forecasts for the St. Louis Rams and Carolina Panthers.
