Elvis Dumervil signing had nothing to do with Terrell Suggs' contract

When the Ravens signed Elvis Dumervil last March, it was widely believed that they were getting more than just a top-tier pass rushing specialist in the prime of his career. At the time, it was unknown if the Ravens would also be able to retain their franchise leader in sacks beyond the conclusion of his contract after the 2014 season, so Dumervil was somewhat thought of as an insurance policy.

Today at Suggs' press conference announcing his four-year extension, I asked general manager Ozzie Newsome if that was a thought when Dumervil was added.

"When we signed Elvis a year ago, we were trying to match another guy that can effect the pocket along with Suggs," he said. "It had nothing to do whether we were going to be able to keep Suggs after 2014 or not."

Due to his success, Newsome hasn't changed his philosophy much over his eighteen years at the helm of the Ravens personnel decisions. Somehow, when he speaks, he makes his transactions seem so simple.

"We were just trying to get the best defensive players that we can on the field," he said. "We'll be trying to do the same thing this year also."

Suggs' extension reduces his original $12.4 million salary cap figure this season to $7.8 million according to the Baltimore Sun's Aaron Wilson. I wouldn't expect Suggs to be the last extension this offseason, as it's unlikely the Ravens will enter the season with Haloti Ngata at his current team-high cap figure of $16 million.

This is the first, but likely won't be the last time we see Newsome sitting beside the newest member of the "Raven For Life" contract recipient club during the offseason.

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