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James Ihedigbo was among Baltimore's best defenders in 2013.
He had 103 tackles and a career-high three interceptions. Entering the season expecting to be a backup, Ihedigbo earned a starting position in training camp and held onto it all season.
His stellar 2013 campaign in a contract year, however, has all but put the nail in the coffin on a potential return to the Ravens in 2014.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>James Ihedigbo has offers from other teams, Ravens aren't expected to match offers, according to a league source</p>— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) <a href="https://twitter.com/RavensInsider/statuses/446978526076731392">March 21, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Healthy market starting to emerge for James Ihedigbo following 101-tackle, three interception season</p>— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) <a href="https://twitter.com/RavensInsider/statuses/446979073299197952">March 21, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Most of the teams interested in Ihedigbo are in the NFC, including the Detroit Lions, writes the Baltimore Sun's Aaron Wilson.
Ihedigbo's earned a bigger contract so his departure shouldn't be seen as a surprise by any means.
But the Ravens will need to address this need in free agency, via a trade or through the draft.
It makes you wonder if finding a safety is beginning to emerge as one of the top two priorities at this stage of this offseason.