Ravens name Craig Ver Steeg running backs coach, Matt Weiss named Michigan QBs coach

By Julius Long
February 21, 2021 | 8:40 PM

Ravens name Craig Ver Steeg running backs coach originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington

Longtime Ravens offensive assistant Craig Ver Steeg will assume a new role as running backs coach, the team announced on Sunday.

Ver Steeg, 60, served as the senior assistant/running backs coach from 2019-2020 and replaces former running backs coach Matt Weiss, who departs to become quarterbacks coach at the University of Michigan.

“Craig is a highly-regarded member of our staff and someone who’s served as an integral part of our offense for many years,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “He has vast experience coaching and coordinating offenses, a thorough understanding of our schemes and techniques, and has a great relationship with our running backs.

Ver Steeg joined the Ravens in 2008 as a member of Harbaugh’s original staff working with running backs, quarterbacks and wide receivers throughout his tenure and assisting the Ravens’ offense.

Weiss previously worked with Jim Harbaugh as a graduate assistant with Stanford and rejoins his staff in Michigan after 11 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. He also joins former Ravens linebackers coach Mike McDonald, who in January announced he would take a defensive coordinator with the Wolverines.

Weiss’ departure is the latest in an offseason that has seen a lot of turnover in the Ravens staff. Wide receivers coach/assistant head coach David Culley departed to take over as head coach of the Texans, former defensive line coach Joe Cullen joined the Jaguars as defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Jesse Minter departed for a college coordinator position.

2023 NFL Free Agency: Biggest names on the free agent market

By NBC Sports Washington Staff
March 1, 2023 | 8:25 PM

Biggest names in 2023 NFL Free Agency originally appeared on NBC Sports WashingtonWith the 2022 NFL season in the rearview, NFL teams can begin to look toward the draft combine and, of course, free agency. March 15 is the official start of free agency in the NFL, with March 13 as the start of the legal tampering period. Deals can be agreed to during this time, but none are official until the 15th at the earliest. Here's a look at some of the biggest names that were set to hit the free agency market.Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore RavensJackson and the Ravens have gone round-and-round regarding Jackson's extension, and it is still up in the air whether Jackson's long-term future will be in Baltimore or elsewhere. It's possible the Ravens will offer Jackson the franchise tag, but the former NFL MVP will be in for a huge payday once he signs a new deal, wherever that might be.Orlando Brown, OT, Kansas City ChiefsLike Jackson above, it's entirely possible the Chiefs use the franchise tag on the offensive lineman to keep him around for the 2023 campaign. Brown was one of the centerpieces of the Chiefs' Super Bowl run this past year, culminating in an immaculate performance in which the team didn't allow a sack in the big game.Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants2022 was the best year of Barkley's career to date. The Giants' bruising running back finished fourth in the NFL with 1,312 rushing yards on the season to go along with 10 rushing touchdowns. However, running backs are only as good as their offensive line, so it's possible Barkley won't get the same kind of cash as other players on this list.Josh Jacobs, RB, Las Vegas RaidersSpeaking of running backs fresh off their breakout season, Jacobs tops the list. He paced the entire league with 1,653 rushing yards on the season with 12 rushing TDs. His elite cutting ability would make him a tasty acquisition for any team desperate to upgrade their run game, and with Raiders' QB Derek Carr headed to a new destination, Jacobs is likely next in line to depart.Daniel Jones, QB, New York GiantsJones isn't as big a target as Lamar Jackson, but the fact is he can flat out play. He had the lowest interception rate on pass attempts in the NFL this past year while leading his Giants to the playoffs despite shaky play from his wide receiver core. Another candidate for the franchise tag, Jones will get a hefty payday whether it's in the Big Apple or elsewhere.Jessie Bates III, S, Cincinnati BengalsBates has been a staple of the Bengals' secondary since they drafted him in the first round back in 2018. He's also coming off a career year with four interceptions, eight passes defended and 66 tackles. He already played last season on the franchise tag, so chances are he'll be an immediate plug-in piece to a new team's secondary.Geno Smith, QB, Seattle SeahawksWhat can be said about Geno Smith that hasn't already been said? After spending his entire career as a bridesmaid and never a bride, he finally got his chance to walk down the aisle this past year in Seattle -- and boy did he show out. He finished eighth in the league in passing yards, fourth in passing TDs, and willed the Seahawks to a postseason appearance in their first year of the post-Russell Wilson era. No wonder he earned Comeback Player of the Year and Pro Bowl honors. Teams should be scratching at the door to snatch him up, if Seattle misses their chance.Bobby Wagner, ILB, Los Angeles RamsThe six-time First Team All-Pros tenure in L.A. was short lived as the Rams and Wagner agreed to part ways following a disappointing campaign for the defending Super Bowl champs. Still, Wagner is as disruptive of an inside linebacker as you'll find in the league, so he'll provide some pass rush stability for whoever signs him.James Bradberry IV, CB, Philadelphia EaglesBradberry switched NFC East allegiances and enjoyed a conference title in his first year in Philly. He was a massive part of arguably the best secondary in the NFL, so it would be wise for the Eagles to do what they can to keep him. Though he's 29, Bradberry has serviceable years ahead of him.Jakobi Meyers, WR, New England PatriotsThough Meyers won't wow you with his numbers or any gravity-defying catches, he's as solid of a WR2 or WR3 as you'll find. That'll probably help his free agency quest, as he's a plug-and-play option for any team eager for wideout depth. At 26, Meyers could be a low-cost yet high-upside addition on the open market.

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