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Ryan Jensen is currently set to hit the open market when free agency begins on Wednesday. Many are speculating that he has a chance of becoming the highest paid center in the league.
Going into the 2017 season, the Baltimore Ravens had a hole to fill at center. Ryan Jensen, who played guard in his first three years in the NFL, was the unexpected answer. Jensen anchored the middle of the offensive line, and quickly became a fan favorite due to his nasty attitude and willingness to defend his quarterback. Now, he may have priced his way out of Baltimore.
In his latest article for Sports Illustrated, Albert Breer wrote, “Ravens center Ryan Jensen has a chance of beating the record $10.34 million average Jags center Brandon Linder is getting.”
Baltimore Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec chimed in.
Interesting look at free agency. Includes a note that Ravens pending free agent Ryan Jensen has chance to become highest paid center in league, eclipsing Jaguars' Brandon Linder's $10.34 mill per year. It's why it's considered longshot for Ravens to retain Jensen at this point. https://t.co/mhmCrA11iP
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiecsun) March 9, 2018
Zrebiec says it’s considered a longshot for the Ravens to re-sign Jensen. This could very well be the case, as teams with more cap-space will be willing to overpay for a center like Jensen. However, Brandon Williams was expected to have priced his way out of Baltimore last year, but the Ravens were able to reach a five-year deal with him worth $52,500,000. If they are truly interested in retaining Jensen, then they could make a deal work. It just depends on how much the Ravens truly value their homegrown, feisty center.