The Ravens lost running back Jamal Lewis to the Browns but countered by trading for the Bills' Willis McGahee. This is obviously an upgrade -- McGahee is younger and more productive -- but it cost Baltimore two third-round picks and a seventh-rounder. The team also lost right tackle Tony Pashos to free agency and released eight-year veteran left guard Ed Mulitalo, who had been a starter for most of his career. Obviously, the Ravens feel good about Jason Brown assuming Mulitalo's job, but the move was also made to free up some salary-cap space.
But here's the thing: what happens if All World left tackle Jonathan Ogden retires? He's been hinting at it since Baltimore lost the AFC Divisional playoff game to the Colts. All of a sudden, the Ravens have some depth concerns along the offensive line and neither the draft picks nor salary-cap room to land a competent starter. If Ogden returns, 2005 second-round pick Adam Terry could play right tackle; if Ogden retires ... well, the line will have some issues and we could see Steve McNair leaving the field on a stretcher at some point in 2007.
Ogden admitted to not agreeing with Baltimore's off-season personnel moves, but said it wouldn't affect his decision to come back for one more year. Brian Billick and Ozzie Newsome sure hope so.
