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Just days away from the start of free agency, anticipation for what moves the Ravens may make continues to build. Early on Friday morning, they checked off one of their boxes.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter announced via Twitter that the Ravens have reached an agreement to re-sign Pernell McPhee.
LB Pernell McPhee, who played for Baltimore from 2011-2014 and then again the past two seasons, has reached agreement to resign with Baltimore, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2021
This should come as no surprise. McPhee is coming off a strong season after being re-signed to a one-year deal last offseason. He bounced back from a season-ending injury in 2019 to post 34 tackles, 15 quarterback hits, and three sacks. McPhee’s PFF grade for the 2020 season was a solid 71.8.
Even at age 32, McPhee continues to be an impact player. He played a value rotational role during the regular season in 2020 but was one of the team’s most impressive defenders in the postseason. Against the Titans and Bills, McPhee played 52 combined snaps — well more than Yannick Ngaouke — and had seven combined tackles with a sack, quarterback hit, and tackle for loss.
Re-signing McPhee again is even more important this time around. The Ravens currently have just one outside linebacker under contract in Jaylon Ferguson with Matthew Judon, Tyus Bowser, and Ngaouke set to hit unrestricted free agency.
Brining McPhee back into the fold gives the Ravens some much-needed insurance at the edge spot. He is also an important voice in the locker room and brings high level leadership and veteran experience to the table.