Ravens land safety Eric Weddle.
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Analysis: Longtime San Diego Charger safety Eric Weddle is set to narrow down his free agency choices down to two on Monday.
The deal is for four years, and will pay out $26 million to the 9-year veteran from University of Utah.
The Ravens expect Weddle to be in Baltimore March 16 to take a physical, sign a contract and meet with reporters.
But the 2015 season didn’t end well. Either something drastically changed, or those reports weren’t true, because Weddle will join the Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Union-Tribute columnist Kevin Acee reported later in the day. Weddle has been a dynamic and consistent playmaker for the Chargers and would represent an upgrade over Will Hill, Kendrick Lewis and Lardarius Webb. The 32-year-old led the league in interceptions (eight) last season. Weddle was hopeful that he and the team would agree to a long-term contract extension, but those feelings were evidently not mutual.
The Chargers had already moved on from Weddle, signing safety Dwight Lowery to a three-year deal last week. Weddle is expected to earn $4 million in 2017, and there are roughly $3 million in incentives over the duration of the contract.
He is the disruptive safety and experienced leader the Ravens have desperately needed since the departure of Ed Reed.
With the addition of Weddle in its fold, the Ravens will now have to decide which safety on the roster will be out to give room for Weddle.
After last year’s 5-11 finish, they are confident the disappointing season will be a one-year blip for a franchise with a track record of success.
In his last season with the San Diego Chargers he started in 13 games while missing two games in late October due to a groin strain.
Weddle’s best season came in 2011, when he had 88 tackles and a career-high seven interceptions.
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The Raiders had interest in Weddle, though it’s uncertain how hard they went for the three-time Pro Bowler.
