Former coach tried to poach Baltimore Ravens DE

Earlier this offseason, the Baltimore Ravens re-signed a core depth piece of their defensive line in Brent Urban, but not without competition.

After Saturday’s practice, tackle Michael Pierce revealed that several former Ravens assistants tried to lure Urban to their new teams this offseason. Pierce specifically named former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, now head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, and former assistant head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver, now defensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins.

“He texted me before he made the decision,” Pierce told reporters. “Coach ‘Weave’ (Anthony Weaver) called us ‘the fun group.’ This is a brother to me, (and he is) one of my best friends in the league. (I’m) super, super excited and I’m glad he texted me and told me (that) ‘Weave’ and coach Mike (Macdonald) tried to poach him (I’m) glad they got him back, surely.”

Urban, 33, began his career with the Ravens in 2015 before returning to Baltimore in 2022. In 10 NFL seasons, the Mississauga, Ont., native has totaled 150 tackles, 17 tackles for for loss and 10 sacks. He is coming off his best season to date, recording a career-high three sacks.

Baltimore has suffered some losses on defense, but the defensive line remains the same for the most part. As the championship chase continues, Pierce believes continuity up front will provide tremendous momentum.

“Anytime you can have continuity, even more so by bringing back guys that actually have an impact on winning,” Pierce said. “We got ‘Beeks’ (Justin Madubuike) back — one of the best D tackles in the league (and) obviously (an NFL Top 100 guy). (As for) me, I played well, obviously Broddy (DE) / DT Broderick Washington) will be here again, and Travis (Jones) made tremendous strides (The Ravens) bringing back ‘Urb ( Brent Urban, which is a solid technique). I don’t have many of those around the league, so (I’m) glad to have him back.”

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