The Baltimore Ravens announced on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 that defensive back Lardarius Webb has re-signed with the team after he was released last month. Webb signed a three-year deal that is worth $10.5 million.
Webb and the Ravens agreed to a six-year, $52 million contract in 2012, which was restructured to a three-year $16.5 million contract in 2015.
Baltimore saved $5.5 million by releasing Webb last month. Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome hinted at the possibility of Webb rejoining the Ravens after making the tough decision to let him go in March.
“The longer I’m in this job, the tougher those conversations are when you have to talk to a player about waiving him,” Newsome said during a March press conference. “But I had a really good conversa- tion with Lardarius. The door is not closed [on him returning] because we need as good football players as we can.”
Releasing Webb and veteran pass rusher Elvis Dumervil helped allow the Ravens to sign free agent safety Tony Jefferson and all-purpose back Danny Woodhead. Jefferson not only took over for Webb as the starting safety, he also took No. 21, Webb’s old jersey number.
After eight seasons with the Ravens, the 31 year old from Nicholls State will have the opportunity to finish his career in Baltimore. Webb was selected by the Ravens in the third round (No. 88 overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft.
Appearing in 111 games (83 starts), he produced 436 tackles (14th in team history), 13 interceptions (sixth in team history) and 89 passes broken-up, including a career-high 22 in 2013. Webb has contributed to the Ravens’ success as a punt returner, kick returned, as well as starting at cornerback and safety.
Webb has a 25.9-yard kickoff return average (38 for 985 yards) and 9.5-yard punt return average (57 for 540 yards). According to the Ravens public relations department, he is the only player in Ravens history to return a punt (68 yards), kickoff (95 yards) and interception (73 yards) for a touchdown.
Moving to safety last year helped the Ravens tie the Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers to lead the NFL in interceptions (18) last year. Webb and free agent additions Eric Weddle solidified the secondary as the starting safeties.
Webb started all 16 games in 2016 and posted 73 tackles (59 solo), one interception five pass breakups and one sack. He has 13 career interceptions.
Webb has been a huge contributor to community outreach projects during his career with the Ravens. His foundation, The Lardarius Webb Foundation focuses on providing aid to underprivileged children and their families in Baltimore and his hometown of Opelika, Alabama.
The Lardarius Webb Foundation has various yearly events ranging from a celebrity charity softball game to holiday meal distributions. Webb is also a spokesman for the United Way in Baltimore.