Report: Ravens express interest in former Raiders S Michael Huff
Bracing for the potential loss of Ed Reed in free agency, the Baltimore Ravens are one of several teams interested in signing former Raiders safety Michael Huff, the Baltimore Sun reported.
Huff, a 2010 second-team All-Pro, is arguably one of the most versatile defensive backs in the NFL. The former University of Texas All-American was drafted as a strong safety by the Raiders in 2006 before moving to free safety a season later. After starting 45 games at free safety for Oakland from 2008 to 2011, Huff moved again last season. Reeling from injuries to Ron Bartell and Shawntae Spencer, the Raiders moved Huff to cornerback before a Week 3 win over the Steelers.
Despite lacking experience at the position, Huff finished the season with two interceptions, 13 pass defenses and 56 tackles. He was ranked 32nd in efficiency by Pro Football Focus among all corners who appeared in at least 50 percent of their team's defensive snaps. Huff (6-foot, 211 pounds) allowed a catch percentage of 51.1 on passes thrown in his direction, ranking in the top 10 among corners. Last week, the Raiders released Huff in a cost-cutting move.
Huff has also drawn interest from the Packers, Cowboys and Titans, according to the Sun.
Huff is regarded for his speed, physical nature and ability to make plays on the ball. In 2009, he had a career-high 14 pass defenses and tied his career-high in interceptions with three. He also has fluid hips and can change directions quickly. In recent offseasons, Huff has trained with 1996 Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson to make cuts and get out of breaks more quickly.
Reed visited with the Texans late last week in Houston but left without signing a contract. Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome expects the 2004 AP NFL defensive player of the ear to decide on a team this week, according to Pro Football Talk. Newsome told USA Today Sports that he plans to talk with David Dunn, Reed's agent at this week's NFL owners' meetings in Arizona.
For more NFL news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnNFL on Twitter, subscribe to our RSS Feed, watch Pro Football 360 daily at 3 p.m. ET and NFL newsletter. You can also follow Matt Rybaltowski @mattrybaltowski.
