The Baltimore Ravens are continuing to load up on reinforcements along the offensive line. But their latest signing is an eye towards 2022, not this year. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the team is signing OT Ja’Waun James to a two-year deal worth $9 million. James suffered a torn Achilles working out on his own earlier this year, leading the Denver Broncos to release him.
According to Schefter, the Ravens will guarantee James $500,000 this year, effectively paying him around $8 million for 2022.
This offseason, the player’s union advised its members to not show up for team activities and workout at home. Because James’ injury happened away from approved team facilities, the Broncos weren’t responsible for paying his salary and were able to release him, leading many to wonder if the union’s advice was the correct path to follow.
Baltimore is retooling its offensive line after trading away Orlando Brown Jr. to the Kansas City Chiefs earlier in the offseason. The team also signed former Steelers’ LT Alejandro Villanueva. He’ll serve as insurance to Ronnie Stanley, still rehabbing a terrible ankle injury suffered last season, with the expectation of playing right tackle once Stanley is back in the lineup.
James has filed a $15 million grievance against the Broncos for his release, arguing he was instructed by Broncos’ coaches to train at the facility where he suffered the injury. He started just three games for the Broncos but has 65 total starts, the rest coming with the Miami Dolphins from 2014-2018.
In other Ravens’ news, the team signed RB Gus Edwards to a two-year extension worth $10 million. Edwards has rushed for 2152 yards and 10 scores in three years with the team, helping to make up one of football’s most potent rushing attacks.
