Don deal: As the Baltimore Ravens have officially added another top talent to the squad

Don deal: As the Baltimore Ravens have officially added another top talent to the squad

After entering the draft without an edge rusher, the Ravens have formally signed outside linebacker Pernell McPhee to a one-year contract, strengthening the edge of their front seven.

Last week, the parties came to an agreement, which they sealed on Tuesday. The Ravens dismissed reserve wide receiver Sean Modster to create space on the 90-man roster.

Following a 2011 draft selection by the Ravens and four productive seasons, McPhee returned to Baltimore for the 2014 season, albeit on a one-year contract. Before sustaining a torn triceps that ended his season, he had a great start to the season, recording 19 tackles and three sacks in just seven games.

Last season, McPhee started every game; if necessary, he could do so again this year. It’s extremely important to bring back a player who is familiar with the system and can contribute right away, especially in light of the COVID-19 changed offseason.

Last season, Jaylon Ferguson took over as McPhee’s primary quarterback and performed admirably; the Ravens will want to give their rising sophomore the opportunity to continue developing. McPhee and Ferguson can split snaps in order to reduce the 10-year veteran’s workload and maintain his health.

In addition to Matthew Judon, Ferguson, and Tyus Bowser, the Ravens needed further depth at outside linebacker, especially since they did not draft one in this year’s draft.

Beyond only his numbers, McPhee, a 31-year-old Super Bowl winner, is a valued leader in the locker room, a hard worker throughout practice, and a tough player on the field. Patrick Queen and Malik Harrison, two rookie inside linebackers, will look up to him as a terrific role model.