It's funny how a couple weeks away can change someone's perspective.
The day after the Ravens' playoff loss, safety Eric Weddle said he would play for the Ravens in 2019 or retire. "It's that simple," he said.
Now 16 days later, things seem to be a bit more complicated.
"Obviously, I want to be back. I want to finish out," Weddle said Wednesday. "If not, I've had an unbelievable experience here and loved every second. So, if it does happen that we both move on, then we do, and we'll see if I'll play somewhere else or hang 'em up."
Weddle, 34, is at his sixth Pro Bowl in Orlando – his third straight trip to the annual all-star game. However, this time he's there with an uncertain future.
Weddle has one more year left on his four-year contract and is set to have an $8.25 salary cap hit. The Ravens could save $6.5 million by parting ways with the veteran.
"Obviously, decisions have to be made for the future of the team and the organization," Weddle said. "They've got to do what's best for them and I respect that. [General Manager] Eric [DeCosta] and I have had great conversations. We'll see if there's something to be worked out.
Weddle was an instrumental part of Baltimore's top-ranked defense last year and one of the team's primary leaders. Weddle was one of the veteran players Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale entrusted to make more pre-snap checks and rearrange players' assignments.
From a mental perspective, there are few defensive backs (or players at any position) who can match wits with Weddle, who flustered good friend and foe, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, twice this season.
However, the Ravens will also consider the fact that Weddle didn't make many splash plays – he didn't notch an interception after getting 10 the previous two years – and isn't quite as fast as his former self. Baltimore could turn to younger options in Chuck Clark or DeShon Elliott, or add a safety in the draft.
Weddle admitted to physically and mentally struggling to return to the game early last offseason, but he enters this offseason feeling fresher.
"I'm feeling great, so that definitely helps about playing next year," Weddle said.
However the next couple months play out, Weddle's tenure in Baltimore will have a more harmonious finish than it did in San Diego.
"Who knows what the future holds, but I live it up each day, and whatever is going to happen is meant to happen for myself and my family," Weddle said. "I'm excited for the future, for sure."
