Newsome: Ravens’ Leonhard likely moving on

[cravnravn]

Safety Jim Leonhard made a name for himself with an outstanding playoff performance, but that might not be enough to keep him in Baltimore.

 

Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome indicated Leonhard could be headed elsewhere this offseason.

 

“He has to look at if he comes back, he’s competing for a starting job. If he goes to one of these 31 other teams, then he will probably go in and be a starter and everyone wants to play,” said Newsome.

 

“I understand Jimmy probably wants to go somewhere else.”

 

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[ravinmaniac52]

That sounds about right. I am sure he wants to start. Not sure how many other teams he would start for. But I think Jim is another guy were the defense made him. Don't get me wrong, he is a good player but if he isn't in this type D, he is just another SS.

 

There is Rex and the Jets.

[dapetes]

Jims more important as a return man. Yamon WHO?

[cravnravn]

He was signed to league minimum last year, 450,000 We cant offer him 1.5 million this year?

[ravinmaniac52]

He was signed to league minimum last year, 450,000 We cant offer him 1.5 million this year?

Do you think we can?

 

There are 2 young guys waiting to step up and play.

[cravnravn]

Do you think we can?

 

Yeah, dont think Landry is a go, and if he is, Jimmy is a hell of alot better than Yeah-Mon

[colincac]

Last year we gave Frank Walker a contract in the 1.5 Range to be our 4th corner and play special teams, if we can't offer Leonhard 2 Mil to play in Nickel and Dime, return some punts, and be a great ST player, then that is ridiculous.

[REEDPIXOFF]

Ozzie isn't saying that we can't afford him, he's saying that Jim doesn't want to be here. Jim can easily go get more money from the Jets and be assured a starting spot, if he's here he has to compete and will always have to worry about Landry right over his shoulder.