Following the Arizona Cardinals’ loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers a week ago, during which he recorded a forced fumble, longtime veteran former Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs seemingly asked to be released, and on Friday, it was granted.
Yesterday, Adam Schefter reported that his only interest is reuniting with the Ravens, with whom he had played his entire lengthy career up to this season, choosing to sign with Arizona, where he has ties as well. The Ravens did make significant attempts to re-sign him, and if memory serves, were even surprised by Suggs’ decision.
The only problem is that we’re way past the trade deadline, which means that all players, veteran or otherwise, who are released are subject to the waiver system. With a 12-2 record, the Ravens have the last waiver claim, so 30 teams will have to pass on him before Baltimore can have a shot.
Schefter reports that he is strongly considering refusing to report to any other team who may claim him in order to try to force his way back to Baltimore, assuming that the Ravens would welcome him. While the pass rush may not be as potent this season as it was a year ago, they have gotten along just fine without him, clearly.
To go from a 3-9-1 team to a 12-2 team who is preparing to lock up homefield advantage throughout the playoffs would certainly work out well for Suggs as he approaches the end of his career. He does already have one Super Bowl title, but it’s always nice to go out with another one.
Teams have until 4 PM on Monday to submit a waiver claim on Suggs because of the timing of the release. Any team claiming him would be on the hook for $350,000 over the final two weeks of the season, but for a team needing pass-rush help as they head into the postseason, that could be a bargain.
Is he bluffing about opting not to report to any team other than the Ravens who claim him off waivers? Is he simply trying to scare teams away? And would it actually work?
Realistically, he is clearly at a point in his career in which he really doesn’t have anything to play for. He can retire a happy and wealthy man, arguably with a borderline Hall of Fame-worthy career. He has recorded 138 sacks in his career with 37 forced fumbles, seven interceptions, a safety, and nearly 900 tackles. He is a seven-time Pro Bowler, a two-time All-Pro, and was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2011. Not to mention, a Super Bowl champion.
