Baltimore Ravens: Should team bring back Bernard Pollard?

It’s no secret that the Baltimore Ravens are indeed contenders heading into the upcoming season. They’ve always been known to have a solid defense, great coaching and a Super Bowl-winning quarterback in Joe Flacco. Once they make the NFL playoffs, there is no telling how far they can go based on how Flacco transforms into a whole different kind of quarterback when everything is on the line. When it comes to adding quality depth on defense though, should the Ravens consider bringing back a familiar face in Bernard Pollard?

ALSO ON NFL SPIN ZONE: Who are the 30 biggest NFL draft busts of all-time?

Pollard wanted a full release by the Tennessee Titans this off season in hopes on latching on with a team with a more positive outlook. He was a part of the Ravens’ recent Super Bowl championship back just a few years ago in 2012.

More from Baltimore Ravens

Even though he’s coming off a torn Achilles tendon injury he suffered from last season, he still has enough gas left in the tank to get the job done. While he might not be near starting caliber talent anymore, the Ravens should bring Pollard back as quality depth since one never knows what can happen throughout the course of the regular season.

Pollard is also definitely interested in a reunion should the team want to bring him back, that is as long as head coach John Harbaugh can put the past behind and welcome him back into the mix. In an article written by Sarah Ellison of BaltimoreRavens.com, here is what Pollard had to say about coming back to the Ravens:

"“I was blessed to be able to win a Super Bowl with that organization and great teammates. And I know that that team is not far off. I would be more than willing to return and help. I want another ring. I could play a good three or four years. I want another Super Bowl championship and I know Baltimore has all the pieces that can make it happen. I know I could be another piece of the puzzle that can help bring that there.”"

Needless to say, his return would be a good pickup if an agreement could be made that would satisfy both sides. Pollard can also be a capable starter or step in for either projected starters Will Hill or Kendrick Lewis to give them rest or in case injuries occur. Former first-round pick Matt Elam is expected to miss the season due to injury.

Dec 1, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee Titans strong safety Bernard Pollard (31) intercepts a pass intended for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) in the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

As an eight-year veteran in the NFL, he has all the experience needed to be put in a utility kind of role on the Ravens’ defensive secondary as he plays out the final few years of his career. The Ravens are definitely going to keep pushing the envelope in 2015 and would be wise to keep bolstering their defensive secondary of talent, especially with depth.

Teams are most likely weary of bringing Pollard in due to his severe injury last season and the fact that he might not be the same player he was in his prime. Interest will most likely pick up as teams go through training camp and preseason football all across the NFL as projected teams start to come to fruition. Teams looking for a quality veteran to bolster their defensive secondary late this summer will consider Pollard as tops on the list since he should be able to prove that he can still play at a high level.

Hopefully the Ravens see that what’s in the past is just that and maybe bringing back one of their pieces of past glory would make sense in the grand scheme of things. Sometimes just the leadership and presence of a proven veteran can turn a contender into something even stronger.

Next: Baltimore Ravens: Kamar Aiken a Week 1 Starter?

More from NFL Spin Zone

Home/Baltimore Ravens