Watch CBS News

Coleman: Defense Adds 4, Maybe More?

The Ravens keep shuffling the deck and reloading. The team which has been a contenders in each of the last five years, is trying for number six. They continue to add important pieces to the puzzle for the 2013 season. Ozzie Newsome and the Ravens organization have been ready for these type of situations every year and thus will continue to be a force in the AFC North.

Oakland Raiders v Buffalo Bills
(Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

The latest, but not final addition is Michael Huff who will play safety for the team. Huff signed a three-year, $6 million deal with the Ravens. In 2006, he ended up going seventh overall to the Oakland Raiders, then the Ravens moved up to take defensive tackle Haloti Ngata at number 12. Huff will bring his own style of play to Baltimore, but he will not be Ed Reed, of course. Reed is a ball hawk and first ballot hall of famer. He did have a chance to text Reed after agreeing to a contract with the purple and black. "Obviously, Ed is one of the greatest free safeties to play this game, a first-ballot Hall of Famer," he said at first press conference as a Ravens Thursday.

What does Huff bring to the table that makes him suitable for a Raven uniform?, General Manager Ozzie Newsome noted that the franchise was interested in him seven years ago and was very impressed with him coming out of Texas, since Reed has moved on to Houston, the Ravens decided to bring him in.

Huff is very flexible and that is another reason why the organization is impressed with his ability. He can play free safety, strong safety, corner back or in the slot. Last year with the Raiders he recorded 71 tackles, two interceptions and a career-high 15 pass deflections. To be a part of this organization means to wear the purple and black with pride and to represent the city with honor, and Huff responded, "I played a lot of football in my career but I've always watched the Ravens from afar," Huff said. "It's a successful organization. They've got some of the greatest fans in the world. I'm just excited to be a part of it, excited to carry on that legacy, carry on that tradition and defend the Super Bowl. That's one of the main reasons why I'm here, just to help us win. I'll do whatever it takes."

Most teams have a very difficult time after winning a Super Bowl, Ozzie is proving to everyone that you need to continue to stay young, and keep contracts within the salary cap - a master plan that all teams should follow. So far he has also added Chris Canty, Marcus Spears and Elvis Dumervil, Huff admitted, the decision became very easy to join the Ravens when the franchise signed Dumervil. Huff is just the latest piece.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.