Ravens focus turns to signing left tackle Eugene Monroe

Getting an extension with Terrell Suggs and a new deal for Dennis Pitta before the league year begins was quite the achievement for the Ravens.

Two of their top priorities are wrapped up, with the Ravens looking toward the next step. Seemingly, that would be locking up Eugene Monroe to a new deal before he hits the free agent market on March 11.

Monroe improved with the Ravens as the 2013 season went on and the stability he'd provide on the left side of the offensive line can't be understated. We've all seen Michael Oher play left tackle and it's clear that isn't his position at the NFL level.

The Ravens could potentially give Monroe the franchise tag, though that would be fairly expensive at $11.654 million in 2014. But the Ravens could apply the tag to keep him from going anywhere else while negotiating a new deal with him.

The Dolphins are reportedly interested in Monroe, so it makes sense for the Ravens to get a deal done ASAP so that another team doesn't snatch him up. Because if that happens, the Ravens are then relying on a capable tackle in free agency, or signing Oher and moving him back to the left side ... again.

The Ravens did a great job acting fast on Suggs and Pitta. It gives them time to lock up arguably the most important piece to the offense for the 2014 season. Now it's just a matter of getting it done.