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The Baltimore Ravens looked likely to lose offensive tackle Eugene Monroe in the weeks leading up to the start of NFL free agency. Once Monroe was able to see he's not as valued on the open market as he thought he would be, the Ravens were able to convince him to re-sign with them, according to
From inside Ravens HQ: The Ravens and LT Eugene Monroe have officially agreed on a new deal.
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) March 11, 2014
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.
The Ravens had some extra pressure to keep Monroe, after trading a fourth- and a fifth-rounder last year to rent him from Jacksonville. Needless to say, they're are relieved to have him back.
Also, former Oakland Raiders starting left tackle Jared Veldheer has agreed to terms with the Cardinals in the first few minutes of free agency, according to CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora.