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The Baltimore Ravens looked likely to lose offensive tackle Eugene Monroe in the weeks leading up to free agency opening.
Apparently, Monroe was able to see he's not as valued on the open market as he though he would be, and now he may return to Baltimore after all, according to NFL.com:
NFL Media's Aditi Kinkhabwala reported Tuesday that the "buzz" inside team headquarters suggests the Ravens and their left tackle are "very close" on a new contract. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport noted the sides should have a deal done by the start of free agency at 4 p.m. ET.
With bookend Branden Albert close to a new pact with the Miami Dolphins, Jared Veldheer on the radar of the Arizona Cardinals and Rodger Saffold appearing bound for the Oakland Raiders, Monroe's return to Baltimore makes plenty of sense.
According to Pro Football Focus, Monroe's +24.0 grade was the highest any Ravens player received in 2013, so it's easy to see why the team wanted him back so badly. If the Ravens are able to sign him to a long-term deal, it will provide stability along an offensive line that struggled mightily last year while allowing 48 sacks. That was tied with the Buffalo Bills for the fourth-most allowed in the NFL in 2013.