Eric Weddle had a chance to sign a deal for more money. He had a chance to play for a team that made the postseason in 2015. He had a chance to help one of the league’s ascending teams take the next step.
When push came to shove, Weddle couldn’t pass up the opportunity to play for the Baltimore Ravens.
“When I went to bed Sunday night, going through everything in my mind, I kept waking up in the middle of the night thinking Baltimore,” Weddle said, via ESPN. “This is my fit. This is where I need to be. This is where I want to be. And they want me. I know it’s the right decision.”
The Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders were among his other suitors. They all made sense for one reason or another, but Weddle still picked the Ravens—signing a four-year, $26 million deal in Baltimore on Monday.
A three-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro pick, Weddle spent his first nine NFL seasons in San Diego. The Chargers made little to no effort in extending his deal or negotiating a new contract, opening the door for the veteran safety to explore the open market.
When Weddle weighed all his options, he kept coming back to the Ravens.
“When you think of Baltimore, you think of football,” Weddle said. “You don’t think of anything else. This is what I want. I’ve always wanted it.”
According to ESPN, Steve Smith, Elvis Dumervil and Jarret Johnson all helped recruit Weddle to Baltimore. In the end, a player who lives for football couldn’t ignore the attraction of continuing his career with the Ravens franchise.
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