You know how sometimes things are just meant to be? Well, for the now-retired Michael Pierce, the Baltimore Ravens were meant to be. The 2016 undrafted rookie out of Samford found his calling, or a call, from the former Baltimore GM Ozzie Newsome. While the team took a chance on him once, he ensured all the chances coming his way on the field paid his dues. And that’s how the Ravens’ key to the league-best defense is leaving too.

The nose tackle, who will forever be remembered for his bright smile, funny jokes, fearsome defense, and that historical interception against the Cleveland Browns QB Bailey Zappe in his final regular-season snap, did the team a solid one. The news becomes only more precious as the Ravens make arrangements to possibly bring back QB Lamar Jackson in a crunch pocket situation.

As per the Ravens’ salary cap and organizational analysis expert Brian McFarland, Baltimore has adjusted Pierce’s contract. They have supposedly removed his $2M Roster Bonus that was due on March 16th and his workout bonus to create $745,000 in cap space immediately. And there’s more. Post June 1, the Ravens will add a further $1.255M in savings which he was supposed to make in his final season. So, not only on the gridiron, but even off it, Pierce did the Ravens a favor by giving up retirement cash as he prepared to ride into the sunset.

Considering the impact the Ravens had in his career, it is not at all surprising that Pierce didn’t tether in restructuring his $7.5 million/ 2-year extension contract that he signed just last year. But it seems like he gave it up all just to help his franchise have more cap space ahead of the NFL draft. For the uninitiated, here is why-

• Pierce started his NFL career with the Ravens after getting picked up as an undrafted free agent in 2016. Until his rookie contract was over, he played 60 games with 90 solo tackles and 3.5 sacks.
• In 2020, the COVID-19 year, he joined the Minnesota Vikings who offered him $27 million over three years, something the Ravens couldn’t match. He spent 2 miserable years– first he sat out, second was marred by injuries. In 8 games, he had 12 solo tackles, 3 sacks, and 1 forced fumble before the Viks released him. Guesses what happened next?
• Without missing a beat, the Ravens brought their defensive hero back to Baltimore. While his 2020 season in second stint saw him only thrice on the field where he was carted in Week 3, his next two compiled for 32 solo total in 28 games. And yes, that one interception with which he became the only player over 355 pounds to intercept at least since the 2000s and got popular overnight.

For his first and final stints at success, he was nothing but grateful to the Viks. “I guess not a lot of people felt that I could play, but Ozzie and his staff, coach Joe Cullen was my first D-line coach, they gave me a chance when not many people were willing to take a chance on me.” He even thanked the current GM Eric DeCosta on the Sports Spectrum Podcast earlier this month, “I’m grateful to Mr. DeCosta for bringing me back on my second stint in Baltimore.”

Top Comment by bignickyp

How about making the Super Bowl just once before demanding more money. I know he’s a very talented QB but...more

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The Ravens may have saved some money by restructuring and retiring Pierce’s contract, but there ain’t no rest for the wicked. Why? Because Lamar Jackson is probably hovering near the Ravens’ front office, hoping for a new contract.

Is Lamar Jackson plotting a big contract demand?

Lamar Jackson has been simply extraordinary ever since he stepped foot in Baltimore. I mean, just look at his numbers– 20,059 passing yards, 166 TDs, and just 49 INTs in only 94 starts of 103 games played. Well, his numbers in the air aren’t the only thing that makes Jackson special. His productions on the ground are even more sensational. He has basically redefined the dual-threat QB capabilities with 6,173 rushing yards and 33 rushing TDs. Clearly, Lamar doesn’t like to hang around in the pocket if his receivers aren’t open.

He likes to take on defenders, breaking tackles with his slick QB plays. Seeing his impact in Baltimore, the Ravens did offer him a mammoth contract in 2023, after the team placed a non-franchise tag on him. Within a few days, they gave him a 5-year, $260 million extension, making him one of the richest QBs in the league. But it seems he probably isn’t satisfied with that deal anymore as . I mean, who can disagree, the star only amped-up his stats and resume with the 2023 NFL MVP trophy and finishing second behind Josh Allen last season.

Just a few weeks ago, ML Football’s post on Jackson went viral, where the Ravens QB was captured grabbing some pizza. Nothing special here, right? Only, the caption of that post read, “Baltimore #Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is test-tasting PIZZIA while the rest of the world is stressing out about free agency.” And what followed was even more epic.

Jackson himself responded to that post and commented, “This was Last yr…..lol I’m waiting like everyone else.” Seeing his comment, you can’t help but wonder if Jackson is hinting at a new contract.

For now, Sarah Ellison, co-host of Ravens’ The Vault and former Ravens editor tweeted late in February, “Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said he’ll visit Lamar Jackson in Florida soon. The Athletic’s @jeffzrebiec believes Lamar’s contract will be discussed.”

Well, right now, there’s nothing concrete in Jackson’s demands. But you never know if he changes his mind. Considering if he continues to perform the way he has been in the last 7 years, Jackson might be knocking on the Ravens’ front office pretty soon, asking for more cash.