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Zach Orr was very productive for the Ravens in 2016, and the entire NFL world was shocked when he announced his retirement earlier in the offseason. Equally as surprising, Orr expressed intent on Wednesday to return to the NFL. Orr currently stands as an unrestricted free agent. The Ravens still don’t have a sure solution at the inside linebacker spot vacated by Orr, thus making it seem logical for the Ravens to attempt at bringing him back. However, according to Orr’s agent (via ESPN’s Jamison Hensley), the Ravens are conflicted internally.
Orr’s agent, Rob Sheets, told 105.7 The Fan in Baltimore (per Hensley), "There are a lot of variables that the Ravens are having to deal with. There’s a lot of internal consternation. One side of the line fighting to get Zach Orr back, and another line saying we need to move on."
The biggest issue facing the Ravens is whether they will be willing to take on the medical risk Orr brings. The argument against looking at Orr derives from the fact that just because Orr received a second opinion saying the he could still play, doesn’t mean he is no longer at risk. In addition, when the Ravens were beginning contract talks with Orr in January, Orr went through a team physical, and he did not pass. It’s hard to believe that he would pass now.
The argument for bringing back Orr is simply based in what he brings on the field. Orr was a second team All-Pro in 2016 with 132 tackles and three interceptions, but somehow was snubbed from the Pro Bowl. He would add stability to a position that looks to be uncertain for the time being; unproven Kamalei Correa is currently the top option.
If the side in favor of trying to bring back Orr comes out victorious, then the Ravens will have to act fast, as, according to Sheets, nearly half of the NFL is interested in Orr. In fact, Orr has already begun meeting with teams, namely the Detroit Lions on Thursday.
Check back to Baltimore Beatdown for more information on the situation as it becomes available.