Photo Credit: Kirby Lee/ USA TODAY Sports
To say that Eric Weddle’s relationship with the San Diego Chargers was dysfunctional would be putting it nicely. Luckily, that chapter in his life is officially over as San Diego Union-Tribune columnist Kevin Ace reported that Weddle signed a 4-year, $26 million dollar deal with the Baltimore Ravens.
Let’s backtrack for a moment though to the Chargers. At the beginning of the NFL season last year, Weddle held out, looking for either an extension or at the very least a restructured contract. The Chargers went adamant that they would not give into Weddle’s demands. Eventually, Weddle returned to the Chargers for the 2015 season. The event that really cemented his choice to leave was during halftime when Weddle didn’t go to the locker room because he chose to watch his daughter who was performing. Since Weddle failed to report to the locker room, the Chargers fined him $10,000 for violating the team’s policy.
After all the drama in San Diego, going to Baltimore has to be a relief for the safety. The signing of Weddle really benefits both sides. Weddle finally got his ticket out of San Diego, doesn’t have to hold out for a new contract and became a hot commodity in free agency. The Baltimore Ravens struggled mightily during last season after the loss of some key players; signing Weddle brings some depth to the safety position. Â Even though Weddle had a down year, a change of scenery should help him produce as much or even more than the Ravens expect. Wedge tweeted his excitement about the signing earlier today.
RAVEN BOUND!!!!!!!!!!
— Eric Weddle (@weddlesbeard) March 14, 2016
Weddle is not the Ravens only free agency signing this offseason. Last week, the team signed veteran TE Benjamin Watson to a 2-year contract worth around $7 million dollars. Both signings seem to be in Baltimore’s favor as they will get veteran experience at very reasonable rates.
