The Baltimore Ravens upgraded their offensive line via trade once again.
General manager Ozzie Newsome obtained offensive lineman Jeremy Zuttahin a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday, per a source informed of the Bucs' plans. The Baltimore Sun's Aaron Wilson first reported the news and the teams later announced the deal.
The Bucs will receive a 2015 fifth-round draft pick in exchange for Zuttah, per Rapoport.
The 27-year-old Zuttah had an uneven season with the Bucs in 2013. However, he has the versatility to play both guard and center along the Ravens' offensive line. He is expected to start at center in Baltimore.
"We said at the beginning of the offseason that we would be adding quality players to our line, and Jeremy fits that description," Newsome said in a team statement. "We are getting a player who has started at both center and guard and played well at each position. We're excited to have him as a Raven and believe he can play a significant role for us."
Zuttah was Pro Football Focus' 22nd ranked center last season out of 35 qualifiers. The Ravens' incumbent center, Gino Gradkowski, ranked 35th, according to PFF's grading.
Along with the trade, Zuttah's contract has been adjusted to lower his previous salary cap figures of $4.5 million and $4.25 million in 2014 and 2015, respectively. The center will get a new long-term deal as part of the trade, Rapoport reported.
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Zuttah became expendable when the Bucs signed former Packers center Evan Dietrich-Smith in free agency.
Given the compensation, reworked contract and clear upgrade at the position, it's a good grab for Newsome.
Meanwhile, the Bucs continue their roster overhaul. Zuttah becomes the third 2013 starting offensive lineman jettisoned by general manager Jason Licht and coach Lovie Smith following Davin Joseph and Donald Penn out of Tampa.
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