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As soon as word broke that the Jacksonville Jaguars released their former starting QB, Byron Leftwich, most eyes were on Ravens GM, Ozzie Newsome, to make a move to sign him. You see, Newsome has been infatuated with Leftwich since he was a Heisman candidate back at Marshall Univeristy. His strong arm, pocket presence, and leadership qualities were exactly what Newsome looks for in a young quarterback. In the 2003 draft, Newsome took Terrell Suggs #10 overall because the Jags had snagged Leftwich with the 7th pick. The Ravens then selected Kyle Boller with their next pick. The fact that Newsome may get all three from that draft shows again that he is one of the best GM's in the NFL. Plus, Leftwich grew up in the Washington DC area, which always makes it easier for your fan base to get behind you. The question is, should the Ravens sign, and spend valuable cap space on Leftwich when they already have three quarterbacks? Steve McNair is undoubtedly the starter. Kyle Boller has solidified his #2 status. Heisman winner, Troy Smith, made the final cuts and is the #3 quarterback. Here's where things get tricky. Boller is entering his last year of his contract. Baltimore has mixed feelings about him. While he struggled as the starter for two seasons, when he came in as relief for McNair last season, he showed a ton of improvement and didn't make my heart skip a beat when I saw him strap his helmet on and jog out to the huddle. As a guy who seems to have potential and already knows the Brian Billick offense, it may be worth keeping him around. Troy Smith, on the other hand, is expendable. The rookie has shown a wonderful work ethic in the pre-season, but has not shown he has what it takes to march an offense down the field in the NFL. If Newsome can convince Leftwich to come in as the #3 guy and get paid 3rd string money, I'm all for Byron Leftwich donning a Ravens uniform. If Leftwich expects starting QB money, then let the Vikings or Falcons overpay him.
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