A Veteran Might Return For Another Year And A Younger Player Could See Increased Production For 2019.
This is the third article in this three-part series covering players on the Baltimore Ravens that I would recommend buying ahead of the 2019 season. Part one covered the recommendations on the defensive line and part two covered the linebackers. This article will cover the secondary.
Eric Weddle, Safety:
The future Hall of Famer has had an outstanding career in the NFL. Do I think he plays another season? Absolutely. Eric Weddle finished 2019 with 55 tackles, one sack, and three pass deflections as a 16 game starter. His 55 tackles, were his highest since 2015, where he finished with 56 tackles. Weddle is under contract for two more seasons, but there has been speculation that the Ravens could move on. Eric Weddle, 34, has said that he wants to return to Baltimore for another season, in 2019.
I believe the Baltimore Ravens should bring Weddle back for another season, at his $6.5 million dollar salary. To me, that is a very reasonable price. He continues to show that he can still play at a high level and would be hard to replace for the Ravens. Due to the uncertainty whether or not he will even play again, let alone for Baltimore, I think now is a great time to buy Weddle, as some owners might be looking to trade him.
Fantasy Recommendation:
If I were looking for an under the radar starter at safety, I would target Weddle. He is the definition of buy low because the amount it would cost to acquire him should be minimal. So, if I were looking to add Eric Weddle, I would try to get him for a late round or at most a mid round pick. If you have to offer a mid round pick, try to get him as part of a package instead.
Tavon Young, Cornerback:
Having started only six games, but playing in 15 games, in 2018, Tavon Young ended the season with 35 tackles, one interception, two sacks, and five pass deflections. He compiled all of that across 601 snaps as Baltimore's nickel corner. With Brandon Carr and Jimmy Smith getting up in age, along with Smith's injury history, it is very possible that Young becomes a full-time starter for the Ravens in 2019.
Update:
Ravens are giving CB Tavon Young a three-year, $25.8 million extension with a max value of $29 million, making him the NFL’s highest-paid nickel back, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 21, 2019
Fantasy Recommendation:
Even though Young will be sidelined four to six weeks while recovering from sports hernia surgery, I still believe he's an excellent buy low. As mentioned above, he has been productive when on the field and has the potential for more in 2019. He should be someone that is on your wavier wire, but if not, he shouldn't cost more than a late round pick.
Conclusion
When I look at adding secondary depth, in my IDP leagues, I look for players who other owners may have soured on. I think both Weddle and Young could be players owners have overlooked or want to get something for. Now is the perfect time to see if you can add these players to your team for the upcoming season. Hopefully, you find these recommendations helpful in your quest to build that championship roster for 2019. Please keep an eye out for the Buffalo Bills.
