It sounds like the Ravens have gotten their desired meeting with free agent Bashaud Breeland. Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports (via Twitter) that the defensive back is at the Ravens’ facility to take a physical and meet with team officials.
While this could eventually lead to a contract, Zrebiec admits that he is “not sure where the negotiations stand.” We heard yesterday that the Ravens were “getting more aggressive” in their pursuit of Breeland.
As the writer notes in a follow-up tweet, cornerback appears to be one of the Ravens’ strongest positions at the moment, and it’s uncertain if the talented Breeland would be interested in a presumable backup role. The team is currently rostering Jimmy Smith, Brandon Carr, Marlon Humphrey, Tavon Young, Maurice Canady, fourth-rounder Anthony Averett, Stanley Jean-Baptiste, Jaylen Hill, and Bennett Jackson, a grouping that could be considered one of the best in the NFL. Zrebiec also observes that Smith, Young, and Canady are all coming off injures/surgeries, perhaps indicating that team has some concerns about their recoveries.
The 26-year-old is one of the top defenders still on the market, and he’s garnered previous interest from the Jets, Raiders, Chiefs, Browns and Colts. Breeland had spent his entire four-year career with the Redskins, missing only four regular season games during his tenure. The former fourth-rounder had another productive season in 2017, finishing with 50 tackles, 19 passes defended, and one pick-six.
This is a photo of him doing an impression of a bird.
I say sign him before the obligatory Jimmy Smith injury occurs. DBs are like pitching in baseball you need as much depth as you can get.