The Ravens have re-signed cornerback Shareece Wright to a three-year contract two days ahead of the market opening.
When Wright signed with Baltimore last season after being released by the San Francisco 49ers, he viewed it not as a limited stay, but as the start of what would be a long-term relationship.
Now that's become a reality.
Wright, 28, remains with his best friend and high school teammate, Jimmy Smith. The two teamed up to be a formidable starting duo last season, helping to turn around a secondary that struggled for the first half of the year.
Wright started seven games and made 40 tackles and five passes defensed. Over the final eight regular-season games, including five starts from Wright, the Ravens had the league's best pass defense (183.3 yards per game) and second-best defense overall (291.1 yards).
The sixth-year pro was an original third-round pick of the San Diego Chargers. After four years there, he signed with the 49ers before last offseason, but was released after just four weeks when he didn't find a spot.
Wright came to Baltimore and had a rough game in his first action versus his former team. San Francisco receiver, and former Raven, Torrey Smith burned Wright for a long touchdown in the first half and Wright gave up a second touchdown later in the game.
Wright showed his toughness to bounce back, however.
After surrendering 132 passing yards in that first game, per Pro Football Focus, Wright allowed just 256 passing yards in the following 10 games. His best game may have been in Cleveland, where he was targeted 12 times and yielded just three catches for 20 yards.
Retaining Wright means the Ravens have a potential starting duo already in place at cornerback, allowing for Lardarius Webb's move to free safety. The team will also have Will Davis returning from a torn ACL.
The Ravens could still add more youth at cornerback via the draft, or even dip into free agency again, but they've given themselves more stability already.
