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After losing two pass rushers yesterday, the Baltimore Ravens have flipped the script and retained two of their own. The most recent re-signing: Derek Wolfe.
Think this is out there. Not sure but anyway Derek Wolfe said he is close to returning on a deal with #Ravens. He was solid for Baltimore last year, and told #Denver7 yesterday that Ravens were firmly in the mix. I am always rooting for Wolfe.
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) March 16, 2021
This is good news for the Ravens after losing both Matt Judon and Yannick Ngakoue yesterday. With their pass rush options in-house becoming more limited, it was clear the Ravens were favoring in-house options over pursuing more expensive parts on the market. This also helps keep them from hurting their compensatory picks, which right now stands around two third-round picks with Judon and Ngakoue both finding deals elsewhere.
Last season, Wolfe played in 14 games for the Ravens and performed admirably. Against the Tennessee Titans during the regular season, he was tasked with stopping Derrick Henry and did so for nearly four quarters. He did so without the help of both Calais Campbell and Brandon Williams, as both were out with injury. Wolfe did struggle in the pass rush department last year, totaling only 1.0 sack, and four QB hits, but I’d reckon it’s more to do with the Ravens’ defensive scheme than his lack of ability. He was dominant as ever stopping the run and this is a win for the Ravens.
You spelled my name wrong Ben.
— Derek Wolfe (@Derek_Wolfe95) March 16, 2021
According to The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec, the contract is a three-year, $12 million deal. This deal implies the Ravens were very high on Wolfe after he was signed last season on a one-year, $3 million contract. He’s now earning $4 million AAV, so a good payday for their belief in his production these next few seasons.