John Harbaugh ‘very pleased’ to have Ja’Wuan James on Ravens
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The Baltimore Ravens signed former Denver Broncos tackle Ja’Wuan James to a two-year deal worth up to $9 million. James was available so late in the free agency process due to a ruptured achilles that he suffered away from Denver’s facility. Since the injury was suffered away from the building, the Broncos were able to cut James and void his entire salary. That gave Baltimore the opportunity to add such a talented player in mid-June.
When asked about the addition of James, head coach John Harbaugh said that he’s “very pleased” to have the veteran in Baltimore.
“I think it’s a great signing. I’m just very, very pleased to have him. He’s a highly-decorated player. He sat out one year, obviously. [He] had the injury before and now another injury, so it’s a tough set of circumstances for him. But from what I understand, he’s very determined to get himself healthy again and get back to playing at the highest level.”
Harbaugh also gave insight into the injury that James suffered.
“That injury there, the Achilles injury, is one that there could be a possibly he could be back this year even – November [or] December, maybe. So, that’s not something … I wouldn’t say we’re counting on that, but it’s certainly something that you know is possible. I mean, Terrell Suggs had the same kind of an injury, same kind timing and got back in November of that year, as I recall. So, we’ll just see what happens, but it’s always good to add another good player who’s a really good person and a hardworking guy. We’re happy to have him.”
If James is able to return at all during the 2021 season, he’d provide solid depth at a premium position. However, even if he has to take the entire upcoming year to recover to come back strong in 2022, it would be wise not to rush him back from his injury, especially with the depth that Baltimore has on the offensive line right now.
The move to bring in James comes with a low risk, but a very high reward. He was one of the better tackles in the NFL before signing a massive deal with Denver, and while his tenure with the Broncos didn’t go well, he has all of the tools to get back to the form he was in when he played for the Miami Dolphins. James could be a big contributor for the Ravens as soon as this season, but it seems more likely that he’ll first be seen in a Baltimore uniform during 2022.
