Instant Analysis on the Ravens’ signing of Elvis Dumervil – Baltimore Sun

Jeff Zrebiec, reporter: You knew at some point the Ravens would strike in the free agent market, and they did in a big way Sunday night, agreeing in principle on a five-year deal with Elvis Dumervil. With both of their starting inside linebackers, one of their starting corners and both their starting safeties gone from last year, the Ravens obviously still have some work to do. But they have helped their run defense with the addition of Chris Canty and Marcus Spears and their pass rush could be scary with Dumervil and the healthy trio of Terrell Suggs, Haloti Ngata and Pernell McPhee. The way the deal is structured will still leave the Ravens with about $5 million of salary cap. You’d have to look long and hard to find a downside to this deal. When Dumervil takes his physical and signs his contract Tuesday, the Ravens will automatically become a far more dangerous defense.  

Edward Lee, reporter: Effective pass rushers are a commodity in the NFL, and now the Ravens can pair up Elvis Dumervil with Terrell Suggs. But at $7 million per year, that money might have been better spent on shoring up the inside linebacker and/or safety positions. Adding Karlos Dansby and another safety might have been a more feasible option for the Ravens. 

Ron Fritz, sports editor: The Ravens always based their defense on getting to the quarterback. With Sunday’s announcement about Elvis Dumervil, and the previous signings of Marcus Spears and Chris Canty, the Ravens have revamped their defensive line. Along with the improved health of both Terrell Suggs and Haloti Ngata, this defensive front seven is built to cause some damage. You won’t need Ed Reed playing safety if the quarterback is lying on his back.