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Tucker speaks out "Throughout the last four weeks, I have spent countless hours replaying every interaction I have had with bodywork professionals over the last thirteen years," Tucker told OutKick. "I can assure whoever is reading this that I have never intended to disrespect anyone, cross any boundary, or make anyone feel uncomfortable in any way whatsoever." "It devastates me to know that anyone I have worked with would not have felt respected and valued as a professional, but more importantly as a person, and to anyone who has felt otherwise, I am sorry," Tucker said in his statement, the full text of which can be found below. "I want you to know I am committed to ensuring that everyone I interact with continues to feel that I respect them and care about them as a human being." https://www.outkick.com/sports/justin-tucker-wife-speak-out-amid-allegations

Dead season, I would not be surprised if "the radio guys" were reading a bit too much into what the players supposedly said. As little faith as you have in trusting the team, having listened to and to a small extent, been a part of radio, I can tell you my trust in them telling the honest, unabridged truth does not exist.

Especially becuase of Ray, and to some extent Watson, yes, they would have made this public rather than try to cover it up.

Just a heads up. I heard on 1057 by one of the guys who hangs out at the castle that some players have told him turdy is the weak link holding them back.

INDIANAPOLIS — Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said that he is meeting with Ronnie Stanley’s agent at this week’s NFL scouting combine and that he is “optimistic” that Baltimore can re-sign the team’s top pending free agent to a contract extension. The league’s legal tampering period begins March 10, with free agency officially opening two days later. Stanley, who will turn 31 next month, is coming off a Pro Bowl season and would be the top left tackle and one of the top overall free agents should he hit the open market. That could price him out of Baltimore, with Pro Football Focus projecting a two-year deal worth $20 million per season and the Ravens projected by Over The Cap to have only about $12.7 million in salary cap space. But DeCosta is confident the sides can come to an agreement that would keep Stanley in Charm City. There’s reason for that to be the case, too, given a familiarity and comfort between the sides, what other teams are willing to offer an aging tackle who has a long injury history, and what is expected to be a significant increase in the league’s salary cap for 2025. “You never want to say 100%,” DeCosta said Tuesday. “But I feel good that we’ll have a good, healthy debate [and] a good process.” Being able to keep Stanley would at least provide stability and continuity for an offensive line that had three new starters last season. A former All-Pro and the sixth overall draft pick out of Notre Dame by the Ravens in 2016, Stanley also bounced back last season in a prove-it year in which he took a $7.5 million pay cut as part of a contract restructure. After a series of injuries throughout his career, he didn’t miss a game in 2024, logged a career-high 1,089 snaps and allowed just two sacks, per PFF. Stanley also ranked 12th among tackles in ESPN’s pass block win rate and 15th in PFF’s pass-blocking grade at the position. He is not the Ravens’ only priority this offseason, however. Other notable unrestricted free agents include versatile offensive lineman Patrick Mekari, who started at left guard last season, as well as fullback/tight end Pat Ricard and cornerback Brandon Stephens. Safety Ar’Darius Washington is also a restricted free agent, while Pro Bowl safety Kyle Hamilton and Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum are entering the final years of their rookie contracts and eligible for extensions. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | NFLPA team report cards: Ravens get high grades but concerns linger about Harbaugh Baltimore Ravens | Ravens clarify zero-tolerance policy amid Justin Tucker allegations: ‘There are no absolutes’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens brass call Justin Tucker allegations ‘concerning’: ‘You don’t want to read about it’ Baltimore Ravens | NFL scouting combine preview: What Ravens fans need to know Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: Orioles owner David Rubenstein is in favor of a salary cap. Should MLB have one? Baltimore does have other options at left tackle should it fail to come to a deal with Stanley, though. Roger Rosengarten, who started 14 games at right tackle as a rookie last season and performed well, could move to the left side if need be, although he played sparingly at left tackle in college and that would leave a void on the right side. There is also free agency and the draft, though the former consists of limited and equally pricey options. “That would be one of the options we could go to,” coach John Harbaugh said of potentially moving Rosengarten to left tackle. “It would depend on the draft and different things like that and free agency. “I think we’ll probably keep Ronnie, hopeful that we will.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

INDIANAPOLIS — A year after John Harbaugh got high marks in the annual NFL Players Association team report cards, the Ravens coach took a step backward on this year’s survey. Harbaugh, who last year got a B-plus and ranked 20th among the league’s 32 coaches after helping guide Baltimore to the NFL’s best record (13-4) and the AFC championship game, was given a grade of B and slipped to 28th in this year’s report, which was released Wednesday. This season, the Ravens won one fewer game and rallied to win the AFC North but fell to the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round of the playoffs. The survey, which was conducted among 1,695 players across the league, noted that only 75% of Ravens players felt that Harbaugh is efficient with his time, which ranked 28th. Players also said that he is “moderately receptive” to feedback from the locker room on the team’s needs, which ranked 25th among coaches in the NFL. Still, Baltimore took a step forward, ranking 13th overall compared with 15th a year ago. Players “appreciate the strong leadership from the owner, general manager, and head coach,” according to the survey, which also noted suggested improvements from players that include larger, more functional lockers, upgraded hot and cold tubs, and better communication with their families throughout the season. The Miami Dolphins, meanwhile, finished with the highest overall mark in the league, followed by the Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers. The Arizona Cardinals were the lowest-graded team, with the New England Patriots (31st), Cleveland Browns (30th), New York Jets (29th) and Pittsburgh Steelers (28th) rounding out the bottom five. The biggest jump was made by the Chargers, who climbed from 30th overall to fifth in the first year under coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager and former Ravens director of player personnel Joe Hortiz. As for the Ravens, the category they were rated the highest in was ownership, with a mark of an A. “Owner Steve Bisciotti’s average rating for perceived willingness to invest in the facilities is 9.28 out of 10 from the Ravens players, a ranking of 9 out of 32 owners in the league,” the survey said. “Players feel Bisciotti significantly contributes to a positive team culture, a rank of 8 out of 32.” Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens clarify zero-tolerance policy amid Justin Tucker allegations: ‘There are no absolutes’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens brass call Justin Tucker allegations ‘concerning’: ‘You don’t want to read about it’ Baltimore Ravens | NFL scouting combine preview: What Ravens fans need to know Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: Orioles owner David Rubenstein is in favor of a salary cap. Should MLB have one? Baltimore Ravens | NFL scouting combine preview: Ravens face plenty of questions as free agency, draft near It also said that Bisciotti is “extremely committed” to building a competitive team, ranking ninth among all teams. Team travel also graded highly (A-minus). They rank seventh among teams as 95% of Ravens players said that they feel they have a comfortable amount of personal space on team flights. Players added that the team’s travel schedule is only “somewhat efficient,” which ranked 14th. The survey also said older players appreciate that their head coach allows them to stay at home before home games instead of sleeping at the team hotel. That was a big improvement from last year when the Ravens got a C-minus for team travel and were ranked 21st. Baltimore has also continued to make strides with its strength coaches. Two years after Ravens strength coaches got a failing grade and were ranked worst in the NFL, they took another step forward from last year’s grade of B for strength coaches and B-minus for the weight room. This year, both were given marks of B-plus. According to the survey, 91% of players said that they get an individualized training plan from their strength coaching staff, ranking the team 22nd. Players also said that they feel that the strength coaches “moderately contribute” to their overall success and ranked 20th. Players also said that the weight room equipment quality is “good” overall and that they have “adequate” space in the weight room. The training staff and training room, meanwhile, both got grades of B-minus as 87% of players said that they receive enough one-on-one training treatment (18th). But they also said that the training staff only “slightly contributes” to their overall success (28th). The locker room also got a mark of B-minus, with 68% of players feeling that they have enough room in their individual lockers (26th), while 87% believe that the overall locker room size is adequate (18th). Ravens players gave owner Steve Bisciotti high marks in this year’s NFLPA team report card. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) The team’s food/dining area and nutritionist/dietician, meanwhile, both were graded with a B. Less flattering was the Ravens’ C-plus grade for the treatment of families. The survey noted players’ desire for better, more direct communication between the team and their families. Players also rated the postgame family area a 7.67 out of 10 (14th) and said that the team organizes several family events a year (21st). The Ravens also provide daycare during home games and a family room during home games, the survey said. “The feedback is something we always welcome,” team president Sashi Brown said during the NFL owners meetings last March following last year’s survey results. “Steve is very clear: We want to have the best football operation in the NFL.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

After the lies of the rice episode the team has lost the benefit of the doubt.

True to a point. It is not as if they have 24 hour, 7 day eye in the sky coverage of the internet on all things Ravens related, that is impossible. Even key word usage on the net like the alphabet groups use requires a ton of man power. Wait, can I use that term or should I use pronounpower?

They have ex cops as investigators as full time employees. There were tweets from more than 4 yrs ago. They knew.

I'm not convinced that they knew about back then. Perhaps last year when his yips started, then once the reporter from that news website likely called. Quite dishonest of the news website to sit on this story until the playoffs started hoping the Ravens would make the Super Bowl.

INDIANAPOLIS — How the Ravens handle sexual misconduct allegations against kicker Justin Tucker remains to be seen, as general manager Eric DeCosta and coach John Harbaugh both said Tuesday at the NFL scouting combine that they will let the league’s investigation play out before making any determinations. But what has become clearer is Baltimore’s “zero-tolerance” policy. Simply put, there isn’t one. The Ravens stated that they do not have a defined, written zero-tolerance policy and added that each situation stands on its own and that actions are determined once the facts are known. In 2022, Harbaugh was asked about Deshaun Watson and the sexual misconduct allegations the Cleveland Browns quarterback was facing from more than 20 massage therapists at the time. “Basically, we’re kind of zero tolerance,” he said at the time. “You have to know the truth, you have to try to understand the circumstances, but we’ve stayed away from that particular situation — when we draft players, when we sign them as free agents.” Asked on Tuesday if he regretted saying the organization has a zero-tolerance policy, he said, “absolutely not” and also responded to how the notion of such a policy would apply to Tucker. “That’s to be determined,” he said. “That’s something we have to find out. That’s what the review is for — to gain an understanding of what we’re even talking about. You can’t take an action without understanding. You have to get the facts and understand what happened as best you can. “Then, you take the situation for what it is, but the principle is the same. How you define that principle, that term a little bit and how … maybe we’ll come out and make a definition of that at some point in time. That’s something that would be interesting to me. I think everybody understands the idea there, and let’s see where the review takes us.” The mention of the Ravens and a zero-tolerance policy traces back more than a decade. After the 2014 release of running back Ray Rice after a video emerged of him punching his then-fiancee and future wife in the face, team owner Steve Bisciotti was asked if the Ravens would have zero tolerance for domestic violence going forward. He said, “Some things are going to change. I give you my word. I think that’s pretty safe [to say].” Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens brass call Justin Tucker allegations ‘concerning’: ‘You don’t want to read about it’ Baltimore Ravens | NFL investigators in Baltimore interviewing Justin Tucker accusers Baltimore Ravens | Experts consider Ravens’ response to allegations against Justin Tucker | ANALYSIS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Justin Tucker: ‘Massage therapists deserve to work in a safe and respectful environment’ Baltimore Ravens | If the Ravens were to move on from Justin Tucker, how might they replace him? In 2015, during the NFL owners meetings in Phoenix, then-team president Dick Cass said specifically that Baltimore did not have a zero-tolerance policy, even after the release of three players that offseason following their arrests. “We have to look at each case individually,” Cass told ESPN.com then. “We look at a number of factors and make a decision based on those factors. It’s not a zero-tolerance policy at all. We’re still going to be willing to take second chances on people if they deserve it. I think it’s a mischaracterization to say it’s a zero-tolerance policy.” Then, during last year’s police investigation into Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers over an alleged domestic violence incident that was later suspended without any criminal charges, current team president Sashi Brown was asked about the team’s “zero-tolerance” policy. “No change in terms of our philosophy and our approach,” Brown said in part during the league’s owners meeting in Orlando, Florida. “Very hard circumstances, always complicated for us, for the league that investigates it, for law enforcement.” With the emergence of the allegations against Tucker, which include at least 16 massage therapists from eight Baltimore-area spas and wellness centers, The Baltimore Banner reported, questions about the so-called policy have cropped up again. “I think the biggest thing that we have to do is look at every single case differently,” DeCosta said. “There are no absolutes. “I think in this case, we’re still awaiting as much information as possible. We’re fortunate the league has come down to Baltimore. I’ve met with the league and I believe the league is meeting with other people in Baltimore as well. We’ll wait for the details of that investigation as well and make a decision based on that.” When DeCosta was asked to explain the specifics of what the Ravens’ zero-tolerance policy is, he further clarified the organization’s stance. Asked on Tuesday if he regretted saying the organization has a zero-tolerance policy, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said, “absolutely not.” (Stacy Revere/Getty) “I really can’t [define it] because we look at every case differently, and the facts in every single case,” he said. “We do this for a living. We study players, we look at background, we consider all these different things. Every case is entirely different, different facts, different situations.” How the Ravens handle Tucker then will largely be determined by what the league finds, DeCosta said, and it’s a process that is expected to take several weeks. NFL investigators were in Baltimore last week interviewing massage therapists who have accused Tucker of misconduct, a source with direct knowledge of the investigation confirmed to The Baltimore Sun. “A lot goes into that,” DeCosta said when asked if Baltimore could cut ties with the 35-year-old kicker and the team’s longest-tenured player depending on what comes out of the investigation. “The allegations are serious [and] concerning. The amount of allegations are serious and concerning. I think we are fortunate that the league is doing an investigation. “We’ll wait as patiently as we can for as much information as we can, and we’ll make our decisions based on that.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

The team has whitewashed this for yrs.

Well before I agree I want to see what the league comes up with. I wouldn't be opposed to further action by the team if the NFL whitewashes this.

A little from the team, the right approach.

INDIANAPOLIS — Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta called the sexual misconduct allegations against Justin Tucker — and the volume of them — “serious” and “concerning” Tuesday at the NFL scouting combine and said that the organization will wait for the league’s investigation to play out before deciding if he will remain the team’s kicker. “We’re fortunate that the league is doing an investigation,” DeCosta said. “We’ll wait as patiently as we can for as much information as we can. We’ll make our decisions based on that.” It was the first time DeCosta spoke with reporters since The Baltimore Banner first reported last month that six massage therapists from five spas around the Baltimore area accused the 35-year-old Tucker of “exposing his genitals, brushing two of them with his exposed penis and leaving what they believed to be ejaculate on the massage table after three of his treatments” between 2012 and 2016. Since then, 10 more massage therapists have come forward with similar accusations, according to The Banner. Tucker, 35, has denied the allegations. What fate Baltimore’s longest-tenured player faces from the NFL’s investigation remains to be seen. Investigators have met with Ravens officials, DeCosta said, and were in Baltimore last week to interview Tucker’s accusers. A spokesperson from the NFL previously said the league does not provide details or updates on the review process while investigations are ongoing and that position has not changed, though the investigation is expected to take several weeks. DeCosta also said the Ravens first became aware of the allegations when The Banner was preparing its initial story on Tucker and the first six accusers. He also expounded on the team’s “zero tolerance” policy and what role if any it could play in Tucker’s future with the team. “I think the biggest thing that we have to do is look at every single case differently,” DeCosta said. “There are no absolutes. “I think in this case, we’re still awaiting as much information as possible. We’re fortunate the league has come down to Baltimore. I’ve met with the league and I believe the league is meeting with other people in Baltimore as well. We’ll wait for the details of that investigation as well and make a decision based on that.” Asked to explain the specifics of what the Ravens’ “zero tolerance” policy is, he further clarified the organization’s stance. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | NFL investigators in Baltimore interviewing Justin Tucker accusers Baltimore Ravens | Experts consider Ravens’ response to allegations against Justin Tucker | ANALYSIS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Justin Tucker: ‘Massage therapists deserve to work in a safe and respectful environment’ Baltimore Ravens | If the Ravens were to move on from Justin Tucker, how might they replace him? “I really can’t because we look at every case differently, and the facts in every single case,” he said. “We do this for a living. We study players, we look at background, we consider all these different things. Every case is entirely different, different facts, different situations.” No criminal or civil actions have been filed against Tucker, according to Maryland case search, It’s also unclear what punishment, if any, Tucker could face, though under the league’s personal conduct policy, players can face a six-game suspension without pay for violations ranging from assault, battery, domestic violence or sexual assault. Three years ago, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was initially suspended for six games before the NFL and the NFL Players Association reached a settlement on an 11-game suspension and $5 million fine after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual misconduct during massage sessions. Watson settled nearly two dozen civil lawsuits. What action the Ravens decide to take if Tucker faces a suspension from the league is unknown, but DeCosta did add that he met with Tucker following the initial wave of allegations. “I’m going to keep those comments to myself and personal conversations with Justin is probably the smart thing to do,” he said. “But at that point, we did meet and that’s all I’m going to say about that.” If Baltimore does decide to move on from him, though, it seems likely that would not happen until at least the start of the new league year on March 12. By doing so, the Ravens would save just over $4 million in salary cap space and can spread his $7.5 million in dead money over each of the next two years. Tucker is coming off the worst season of his career, converting on just 73.3% of his field goal attempts. This article will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

INDIANAPOLIS — The NFL cognoscenti is in the Hoosier State this week, where 329 college players have been invited to partake in the league’s annual scouting combine ahead of April’s draft. Players will be put through tests physical and mental, interview with their prospective future employers and take questions from the media. Coaches, scouts, front office personnel and agents will be buzzing about as well, in Lucas Oil Stadium and the adjacent Indiana Convention Center. In short, this will be the center of the NFL universe through Sunday. For the Ravens, general manager Eric DeCosta is scheduled to meet with the media on Tuesday at 11 a.m., while coach John Harbaugh’s news conference is scheduled for Tuesday at 1 p.m. There will be no shortage of questions for both — from free agency and the draft to those about kicker Justin Tucker. It will be the first time that DeCosta and Harbaugh have spoken since at least 16 massage therapists from several Baltimore-area spas and wellness centers accused Tucker of sexual misconduct between 2012 and 2016, according to The Baltimore Banner. Here’s everything you need to know about the week ahead: Schedule of events and TV info (NFL Network) Thursday: Defensive linemen, linebackers (3-8 p.m.) Friday: Defensive backs, tight ends (3-9 p.m.) Saturday: Quarterbacks, wide receivers, running backs (1-9 p.m.) Sunday: Offensive linemen (1-5 p.m.) Maryland players to watch There are five players from Maryland and one from Navy here this week: Terps wide receivers Tai Felton and Kaden Prather; defensive back Dante Trader Jr.; defensive linemen Jordan Phillips and Tommy Akingbesote; and Midshipmen safety Rayuan Lane III. Of that group, Felton, Prather and Phillips are the most likely to get drafted as possible Day 2 or Day 3 selections, according to draft experts. “The Maryland guys, talking about those two wide receivers with Felton, productive, can play inside-outside. He can wall guys off in traffic, he can build speed, he’s fearless working in the middle of the field. He can go up and get it and high point the football,” NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said last week. “I thought he played a little bit bigger than his size. “Prather has that size outside, wins on a lot of shallow crossers, quick screens. Only had one drop. I just didn’t know if he really had that second gear, so I’m anxious to see him run.” Felton was also a captain, a first-team All-Big Ten selection and finished last season with 96 catches for 1,124 yards and nine touchdowns. Terps wide receiver Tai Felton, right, is expected to be selected in this year’s NFL draft. (Kim Hairston/Staff) Prather, who began his college career at West Virginia before spending the past two years in College Park, had 56 catches for 624 yards and four touchdowns in 2024 and was a Shrine Bowl invitee. Phillips, meanwhile, led all Terps defensive linemen with 17 solo tackles last year and finished with 29 total. Akingbesote, a Largo native, had 32 total tackles, including five for loss, a sack, forced fumble and fumble recovery. Trader, a McDonogh graduate, had 59 tackles, five passes defended and one interception last season. Lane III, who was a first-team All-American Athletic Conference selection at safety last season, was also a first-team All-American on special teams. The Jessup native and Gilman graduate finished his career with 244 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, 1 1/2 sacks, seven interceptions (including two he returned for touchdowns), 21 pass breakups, eight forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Possible Ravens targets to watch With Baltimore having 11 draft picks and nearly 20 unrestricted free agents, the needs are aplenty for an organization with Super Bowl expectations and a roster that while loaded with talent lacks depth in some key areas. Most notable among them are offensive line, edge rusher, cornerback and safety. Offensive linemen — Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr., North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel, Ohio State’s Josh Simmons: Conerly’s draft stock shot way up after a dominant performance against Penn State edge rusher and potential No. 1 overall pick Abdul Carter in the Big Ten championship game after what was a slow start to his season. Simmons, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in mid-October, could start immediately, Jeremiah said. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens GM Eric DeCosta discusses Justin Tucker allegations at NFL scouting combine Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: Orioles owner David Rubenstein is in favor of a salary cap. Should MLB have one? Baltimore Ravens | NFL scouting combine preview: Ravens face plenty of questions as free agency, draft near Baltimore Ravens | Ravens announce more additions to coach John Harbaugh’s staff Baltimore Ravens | NFL investigators in Baltimore interviewing Justin Tucker accusers Edge rushers — Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart, Marshall’s Mike Green, Tennessee’s James Pearce: With Kyle Van Noy about to turn 34 and Odafe Oweh coming off a career-high 10 sacks and not much else in terms of pass rushers, the Ravens need to find a pass rusher. It’s a deep class, according to draftniks, but Stewart or Pearce could be first-round possibilities. Both are long and athletic and look the part. Pearce was also productive with 17 1/2 sacks over his final two seasons at Tennessee. Green, who is more polished, would probably require Baltimore to trade up in the first round. Cornerbacks — East Carolina’s Shavon Revel Jr., Ole Miss’ Trey Amos, Kansas State’s Jacob Parish: A torn ACL ended Revel Jr.’s season early, but he’s expected to be ready for the start of the 2025 NFL season. He’s also tall and lean (6-foot-3, 193 pounds), fast and physical. The Ravens hit with cornerback Nate Wiggins, who was one of the best cornerbacks in the league over the second half of the season, in the first round last year and could go that route again with Brandon Stephens set to hit free agency and Marlon Humphrey coming off an All-Pro season in the slot. If Baltimore waits, Amos and Paris could be Day 2 possibilities. Safeties — South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori, Georgia’s Malaki Starks, Penn State’s Jaylen Reed If Emmanwori is available when the Ravens pick near the end of the first round, Jeremiah said he would turn the card in for him. “He’s big. He’s physical,” he said. “Plays more near the line of scrimmage. He makes a lot of plays buzzing underneath the ball, and he’s a physical, firm tackler and an aggressive, aggressive dude. I would be excited about that at the end of the first round.” That could also allow Kyle Hamilton to play more on the back end, as he did last season when doing so helped turn around Baltimore’s shaky pass defense. Reed, meanwhile, projects more as a Day 2 pick. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Williams is an interesting guy, can he stay healthy? Can his game continue to grow even when you don't have the best players on defense? Simmons not sure about. That line was a big problem for the last couple of years. Yes, they came together to make a playoff run & win, but I would stay away from that line

Should Major League Baseball have a salary cap? Last month, Orioles owner David Rubenstein said in an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that he prefers a salary cap structure to improve competitive balance across the sport. He reiterated that opinion last week in Sarasota, Florida. MLB doesn’t have a salary cap like the NFL, NBA and NHL, though MLB does have what some consider to be a soft cap with the competitive balance tax threshold, which penalizes teams with payrolls over a predetermined amount. What do you think? After you vote, leave a comment and tell us why and we might use your take in The Baltimore Sun. The Baltimore Sun reader poll is an unscientific survey in which website users volunteer their opinions on the subject of the poll. To read the results of previous reader polls, click here. View the full article

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/02/24/nfl-mock-draft-2025-roundup-predictions-combine/80042299007/ I love seeing the trenches as being important.

Tomlin needs to escape that franchise.

Very, very speculative at this point. He can still sling it, can still dance a bit in the pocket, but he is older, and truly needs a clean, clear pocket. He would be an upgrade over Wilson no doubt. But that Steelers line is not much better, if not worse than the what the Rams have. The awkwardness between the Rams and quarterback Matthew Stafford has resulted in the Rams giving Stafford permission to speak to other teams. And other teams are apparently speaking to Stafford. Via Albert Breer of SI.com, the Giants, Steelers, Browns, and Raiders have shown interest in Stafford. Along with unnamed “others.” Each of those four will need a starting quarterback for 2025. And each could do a lot worse than Stafford. The challenge becomes working out companion deals with the Rams for a trade and with Stafford for a new contract. Along the way, Stafford might learn what a team would pay if that team didn’t have to give up draft picks and/or players to get him. Which could make Stafford more interested in being released than being traded. A release with a post-June 1 designation would help the Rams. It would cut in half the $45.3 million cap charge they’d take by trading him, splitting the number over two years. Of course, they’d still have to carry his 2025 cap charge of $49.6 million until June 1. The awkwardness between the Rams and quarterback Matthew Stafford has resulted in the Rams giving Stafford permission to speak to other teams. And other teams are apparently speaking to Stafford. Via Albert Breer of SI.com, the Giants, Steelers, Browns, and Raiders have shown interest in Stafford. Along with unnamed “others.” Each of those four will need a starting quarterback for 2025. And each could do a lot worse than Stafford. The challenge becomes working out companion deals with the Rams for a trade and with Stafford for a new contract. Along the way, Stafford might learn what a team would pay if that team didn’t have to give up draft picks and/or players to get him. Which could make Stafford more interested in being released than being traded. A release with a post-June 1 designation would help the Rams. It would cut in half the $45.3 million cap charge they’d take by trading him, splitting the number over two years. Of course, they’d still have to carry his 2025 cap charge of $49.6 million until June 1. De'Vondre Campbell on quitting on 49ers: I'm rich and never have to work again Former Ravens LB Terrell Suggs pleads guilty to disorderly conduct TEMU | Sponsored Unbeatable Prices on Temu Carson Beck had two cars stolen overnight NFL to consider changes to kickoff, including touchbacks moving to 35-yard-line SkipDiscoverRead More The Rams surely won’t want to let him go with compensation, especially not if a new team values him enough to make Stafford the newest member of the $50 million club, if he were a free agent. The trick will be to strike a balance that works for the Rams and for Stafford. Still, Stafford has some leverage. He could tell the Rams, “I’m under contract, and I’m staying put.” If the Rams have decided it’s time to move on — and the decision to let him talk to other teams tends to suggest that’s the case — they’d be stuck with Stafford and his $49.6 million cap charge. Of course, Stafford would also be stuck with $27 million in compensation for 2025, which is much less than he’ll make if he’s traded to a team that gives him a new deal. https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/giants-steelers-browns-raiders-show-interest-in-matthew-stafford

Ravens decision-makers will descend upon Indianapolis this week. That’s where the annual NFL scouting combine is taking place and where general manager Eric DeCosta, coach John Harbaugh and other front office and coaching personnel will get their most extensive look yet at what will ultimately become Baltimore’s 2025 rookie class. The 329 players who were invited to this year’s combine will be poked, prodded and tested, physically and mentally, by teams across the league. It’s also where DeCosta and Harbaugh will face questions for the first time about kicker Justin Tucker, who has been accused by at least 16 massage therapists from eight spas and wellness centers in the Baltimore area of sexual misconduct between 2012 and 2016, according to The Baltimore Banner. Six of the therapists from five high-end spas accused Tucker of “exposing his genitals, brushing two of them with his exposed penis and leaving what they believed to be ejaculate on the massage table after three of his treatments,” The Banner reported last month. Three more came forward following the initial report and accused Tucker of similar behavior in interviews with The Baltimore Sun and The Banner, and an additional seven massage therapists shared similar accounts with The Banner earlier this month. Investigators from the NFL were in Baltimore last week interviewing massage therapists who have accused Tucker of misconduct. Tucker, 35, has denied the allegations. DeCosta and Harbaugh are each scheduled to hold news conferences on Tuesday. As for the rest of Baltimore’s roster, several holes need to be addressed and some of them will be filled via the draft. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley is the Ravens’ most significant of their 19 unrestricted free agents, and there are serious doubts as to whether they will be able to retain his services. Stanley, who is coming off a Pro Bowl season and will turn 31 next month, is expected to be one of the top players available when free agency opens on March 12 and could be prohibitively expensive for a team that is tight on salary cap space. Baltimore also has other free agent decisions on its roster to consider, including versatile left guard Patrick Mekari, All-Pro fullback/tight end Pat Ricard, linebacker Malik Harrison, maligned cornerback Brandon Stephens and veteran wide receiver Nelson Agholor, as well as restricted free agent and safety Ar’Darius Washington. “Not as many tough decisions this year — looking at it — which I’m thankful for, but obviously, as we look out, we’ll have some tough decisions after next season,” DeCosta said at last month’s end-of-season news conference. They will also be shaped, at least in part, by the present. Most notably, Pro Bowl safety Kyle Hamilton and Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum are set to enter the final year of their rookie deals and thus are extension-eligible. Veteran tight end and Lamar Jackson security blanket Mark Andrews is also set to enter the final year of his contract, while fellow tight ends Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar are also extension-eligible and in the last year of their rookie contracts. And outside linebacker Odafe Oweh, who is coming off a career-high 10 sacks, is slated to be a free agent after next season and thus could be in line for an extension after Baltimore picked up his fifth-year option last offseason. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens announce more additions to coach John Harbaugh’s staff Baltimore Ravens | NFL investigators in Baltimore interviewing Justin Tucker accusers Baltimore Ravens | Terrell Suggs pleads guilty to disorderly conduct; former Raven is ‘relieved’ Baltimore Ravens | A look at which Ravens could be released, traded or have their contracts reworked Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Could the team trade for a pass rusher? | COMMENTARY Having 11 picks, which includes four compensatory selections, in April’s draft will help. While Baltimore won’t pick in the first round until No. 27, the expectation is to get someone who will be a significant contributor immediately. That was the case last year when the Ravens drafted cornerback Nate Wiggins 30th overall. It was, too, for the Super Bowl champion Eagles, whose first two picks, cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (22nd overall) and defensive back Cooper DeJean (40th), were key cogs in helping turn Philadelphia into perhaps the best defense in the NFL en route to a championship. As for what direction Baltimore will go, the needs are myriad — offensive line, edge rusher, cornerback, safety and wide receiver, to name a few. “One of the things you look at with the Ravens is because they amass all these picks and have played the comp [pick] game better than anybody else in the NFL, is you have options,” NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said on a pre-combine conference call. “I think there’s a lot of depth along the defensive front, not just edge rushers, but D-tackles. If they want to be patient, I think one comes to them.” Jeremiah’s most recent mock draft has the Ravens taking Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart in the first round. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah’s most recent mock draft has the Ravens taking Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart, left, in the first round. (Butch Dill/AP) At 6-foot-5 and 281 pounds, Stewart looks like a potential game wrecker. Jeremiah called him big and explosive and said he “just feels like a Raven to me,” while Stewart’s NFL.com draft profile notes his quick first step, disruptiveness but a lack of polish in his moves. To that last point, he managed just 4 1/2 sacks in 37 games over three seasons for the Aggies. Another option could be the offensive line, particularly with the uncertainty surrounding starters Stanley and Mekari. Baltimore made moves to get younger up front last year and it paid off with second-round pick Roger Rosengarten settling in at right tackle, a position he could vacate if Stanley leaves in free agency and the Ravens decide to shift him to the left side. But, Jeremiah said, the offensive tackle class is not deep, so perhaps the Ravens could use a package of picks to move up in the first round, though that’s something they have rarely done. Still, it’s something they might consider. “If you’re picking 28th or 30th, you might only have 15 or 20 guys that you really want,” DeCosta said last offseason. Baltimore has only traded up in the first round on draft day five times. The most recent occasion was in 2018 when they traded down twice to select tight end Hayden Hurst 25th overall before trading back into the first round to take Jackson 32nd. Given the aforementioned depth at edge rusher and defensive line, could Baltimore trade up on the first day of the draft for an offensive lineman? There are some possibilities, including Oregon tackle Josh Conerly Jr. and Ohio State tackle Josh Simmons. Conerly, at 6-4 and 315 pounds, has the build, moves well and improved significantly as his final season at Oregon wore on. Notably, he shut down Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter — the potential No. 1 overall pick — in the Big Ten championship game. Simmons, meanwhile, is almost identical in size (6-5, 310) and has good athleticism but is coming off a season-ending knee injury that he suffered in mid-October, though Jeremiah doesn’t view that as a problem. “He’s ready to go,” he said. “He could start right away.” The Ravens could target Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons with the 27th pick in the NFL draft. (Jay LaPrete/AP) And if Stanley sticks around Baltimore? The Ravens could still look to the offensive line in the first round. Or, perhaps they would consider drafting a cornerback with their first-round pick for a second straight year with the possibility of starting Wiggins on one side, their selection on the other and utilizing Marlon Humphrey, an All-Pro in the slot last season, on the inside again. In that case, the Ravens could go with East Carolina corner Shavon Revel Jr., whom ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has them taking in his mock draft. Rated as the 22nd best overall prospect by Kiper, he would provide the kind of value DeCosta likes, and at 6-1 and 188 pounds, he’s long, fast and physical, which suits the Ravens’ mold. But again, there is good depth at the position, Jeremiah said, adding that Ole Miss’ Trey Amos, Kansas State’s Jacob Parish or Louisville’s Quincy Riley could be Day 2 possibilities. Whatever direction Baltimore goes, though, remains to be seen. This week will be about the Ravens getting their most thorough look at players yet. With 11 draft picks, there’s potential for a good haul. “It’s a starter’s draft is how I would phrase it,” Jeremiah said. “Going through and watching all these guys for the combine and talking to a bunch of people around the league, OK, some positions maybe don’t have that superstar that we have had in years past, but we do have a boatload of starters, particularly the defensive line. A bunch of really, really good players.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Women are to big an audience for the game.

You beat me to it, yep, this should be interesting. While what he reportedly did does not reach Watson levels, and happened or should I say stopped happening almost 10 years ago, it is a nightmare for all involved. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/justin-tucker-allegations-nfl-conducting-interviews-with-women-who-accused-ravens-kicker-of-misconduct/

The nfl investigators are in town. I suspect Justin will be called to ny within 3 weeks.