NFL Free Agency Rumors: Ravens could target Antonio Cromartie, Champ Bailey or Thomas DeCoud
By Josh Hill
The Baltimore Ravens made waves when they signed free agent wide receiver Steve Smith this week, but he didn’t fill one of the more glaring holes they have on their roster. Baltimore is looking at entering the 2014 season with two young safeties in their secondary, assuming they fill their need for one in the draft. But free agency is still upon us and Jamison Hensely from ESPN.com points out that there are some options for the Ravens on the market.
According to Hensley, the Ravens could look at someone like free agent safety Thomas DeCoud, who was recently cut by the Falcons, or they could convert a veteran cornerback to safety like Champ Bailey or Antonio Cromartie.
"I honestly think it would too much of a risk to go into the season with two young starting safeties. The best options are Chris Clemons, Thomas McCoud or converting a vet CB into a safety (like Champ Bailey or Antonio Cromartie)."
It’s risky to shift a cornerback to safety, and there’s nothing saying that Bailey or Cromartie would be willing to do so. DeCoud could be an option but the Ravens may end up choosing to grab a young safety in the draft to pair with Matt Elam.
Either way, the safety position will likely get addressed at some point this offseason for Baltimore, and the sooner the better.