Rolle Returns to Ravens

Samari Rolle's stay in Baltimore appeared over when the team released the 12-year veteran cornerback on March 18. Nineteen days later, it looks like Rolle will end his career as a Raven after signing a four-year deal with Baltimore.

Rolle has spent the past four seasons with the Ravens, following a seven-year run in Tennessee. After playing all 32 games in his first two Baltimore years, though, Rolle missed 16 games between the 2007 and 2008 seasons. Even so, this move -- combined with the earlier release of Rolle -- will save the Ravens important cap space and put some nice depth in the defensive backfield.

Baltimore already picked up two free-agent cornerbacks, Dominique Foxworth and Chris Carr, prior to reuniting with Rolle. Foxworth initially was a sure bet to start opposite Fabian Washington at the two corner spots, but if Rolle can remain healthy in 2009, he'll at least be in the mix. If nothing else, he and Carr will compete for the starting spot in the nickel formation. Add Frank Walker in there, and the Ravens enter the draft with some very solid depth, despite losing Corey Ivy and Chris McAlister.

"They're laying a foundation here," Rolle told BaltimoreRavens.com after his re-signing became official. "We've lost some coaches and players, but we're a group that has been together for a while. Everybody has the same goals, especially after getting to where we did last year."

Top Remaining Free Agents

1. Torry Holt, Wide receiver
Who Wants Him?: Holt's recently visited Jacksonville, and with the Jags woefully short on receivers, could be a perfect fit there. Don't rule out Denver's Jay Cutler-less offense as a possible home either.

Greg Trott, Getty Images

2. Chris McAlister, Cornerback
Who Wants Him?: Despite lingering knee issues, McAlister climbed our list for the potential he still has at age 31. Former Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan would love to bring McAlister to the Jets.

Gail Burton, AP

3. Byron Leftwich, Quarterback
Who Wants Him?: With interest lower than anticipated, Leftwich may wind up back in Pittsburgh as Big Ben's backup. He could still get a chance to chase a starting spot somewhere like Tampa Bay.

Aaron Harris, AP

4. Derrick Brooks, Linebacker
Who Wants Him?: After 15 seasons in the league, Brooks looks like a future Hall of Famer. He may just retire if he can't find a good situation, but Seattle certainly has a hole after trading Julian Peterson.

Steve Nesius, AP

5. Jason Taylor, Defensive end
Who Wants Him?: There's a long line of teams that are trying to land Taylor, even after he struggled in 2008. The most likely landing spot? It might be New England - the Patriots love resurrecting veteran careers.

Nick Wass, AP

6. Dre Bly, Cornerback
Who Wants Him?: No one's been knocking down the door yet, but there are teams out there - like Minnesota or Atlanta, for instance - that would like to bring in a veteran defensive back for depth purposes.

Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images

7. Ken Lucas, Defensive back
Who Wants Him?: Lucas has some a couple good years left in him, but Carolina wanted its cap money instead. Miami will be wise to give Lucas a look.

David Stluka, Getty Images

8. Dominic Rhodes, Running back
Who Wants Him?: Not many teams, if action so far is any indication. The Colts expressed some desire to bring Rhodes back at a cheaper price, and that may be his best bet.

Keith Srakocic, AP

9. Roy Williams, Safety
Who Wants Him?: Williams' agent said that several teams were interested in the veteran. He recently visited with Cincinnati, and the Bengals came away impressed. Chicago also needs to replace Mike Brown, who's further down our list.

Scott Boehm, Getty Images

10. Marvin Harrison, Wide receiver
Who Wants Him?: Does anyone? That's the question at the moment. Harrison's skills have diminished rapidly, and he may just call it a career. Still, if a team wants a veteran third receiver, he may get another shot.

Jamie Squire, Getty Images