Jan 22, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) carries the ball during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots in the 2011 AFC Championship game at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Ravens 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE

Running back Ray Rice and the Baltimore Ravens finally came to an agreement on a long-term deal for the star player. It’s 5 years and $35 million dollars. NFL.com reports it could be as much as $40 million with incentives.

Fittingly, earlier today DAAA Bearssss came to terms with their versatile back, Matt Forte with a 4-year deal. His has $18 million guaranteed and averages $8 million per season. The two sides had been negotiating for over a year now. No more.

This is bad news for Ravens’ and Bears’ opponents obviously, but especially will help Chicago. They’ve revamped their receiving corps and now stabilized the backfield situation with Forte’s deal and backup QB Jason Campbell’s signing previous to this.

It’s welcome news to younger football players who have seen the NFL use up and spit out the position with some one-contract players, or even longtime veterans like Thomas Jones never get their big paydays after being so productive and consistent.

Now at least some financial commitment has been made by multiple teams to keep established stars happy and in camp. College kids, it’s not going by way of the fullback after all.

Earlier this weekend, Jeff Otah had to get an MRI on his left knee, which is the same knee that has limited him to four games out of the last thirty five.

Otah had tweaked his knee in non contact drills on the last day of OTA’s.  The results have been released and he is okay, but okay is not really good enough.

This makes fans wonder though, if simple drills can tweak his knee, will he be able to play at all this season.  It is unfortunate  for him he is in his last year of his rookie contract which means that unless he actually can play most of the games, he will probably be gone.

I really do not see any team that would pick him up next year if they are only going to get a good game every other year.

Coach Ron Rivera said this isn’t really a setback for the team, “But we just wanted to make sure everything’s OK.”; I am sure it is easy to say that when you have Jason Campbell or Bryon Bell in the depth chart.

Earlier this year, Otah’s agent said he was back to full health.  When he is fully healthy, you get a running game like back in 2008 and a playoff run.  Since he has been gone there really hasn’t been a superstar at the position.

I am not going to look into this too quickly, as he might not have a problem after all, but if by chance that something later on happens and is bad, Carolina might have to put him on the practice squad to avoid a wasted spot on the 53 man roster.

Across the wire today, came a story from Charlotte.com, that the Panthers have the fewest NFL quarterback starts. Which stands to reason, given the team only has two quarterbacks currently on the roster. Does anyone else think the Panthers should have kept A.J. Feeley for another year? (more…)