The fax snafu that ended Elvis Dumervil’s tenure with the Denver Broncos has turned out to be the Baltimore Ravens’ gain, ending a string of bad news for the defending Super Bowl champions.
Dumervil made news recently when he agreed to take a pay cut with the Broncos, but an issue with the fax machine forced Denver to release him before a deadline that would have cost them a cap hit. The elite pass rusher has since changed agents.
For the Ravens, the signing finally brings some positive buzz to an offseason that has seen the franchise lose its two most iconic players in Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, its leading receiver in Anquan Boldin, its leading tackler in Bernard Pollard, key free agents like Dannell Ellerbe and Paul Kruger, and more.
The former Bronco is set to be a replacement, and likely an upgrade, of Kruger who bolted to the Cleveland Browns. Dumervil’s contract is reportedly a five year deal worth $35 million.
A sack artist, Dumervil eliminates one need off the Ravens draft board; however, Baltimore needs significant upgrades at wide receiver, offensive tackle, middle linebacker, and safety. Prospects that may be a fit for Baltimore in the first round of next month’s draft include receiver Justin Hunter, offensive tackle Menelik Watson, linebackers Arthur Brown and Kevin Minter, and safety Matt Elam.