The Ravens already took care of one big offseason priority by working out a four-year contract extension with outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, freeing up some much-needed salary cap space heading into free agency next month.
But General Manager Ozzie Newsome isn't done yet.
Newsome is working to re-sign key pending Ravens free agents and has also talked with other players about potentially extending their contracts.
"We have reached out to two or three other players other than Terrell to try to do some extensions, yes," Newsome responded when asked if the Ravens would try to work out an extension with All-Pro defensive lineman Haloti Ngata.
Ngata, 30, has two years remaining on a five-year contract that was reportedly worth up to $61 million. He reportedly carries a $16 million cap hit in 2014, the largest on the roster.
Beyond Ngata, it's unclear what other players the Ravens may have approached about extensions.
Pro Bowl right guard Marshal Yanda is in the same position as Ngata with two years remaining on his contract. Yanda will reportedly make an $8.45 million cap hit in 2014. Wide receiver Torrey Smith is heading into the final year of his rookie deal, making him a potential candidate. Veteran linebacker Jameel McClain is in the last year of a three-year deal, reportedly worth $4.4 million this season.
Other key players, like quarterback Joe Flacco, cornerback Lardarius Webb, running back Ray Rice and outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil are all signed for at least the next three years.
In addition to trying to work out extensions with players currently under contract, Newsome is also trying to lock up players set to become free agents next month. The Ravens still have time to work out new deals, and Newsome stressed that sometimes deadlines spur action during negotiations.
"As it happens every year, I think things happen right before free agency starts," Newsome said. "That's when things pick up."
