Terrell Suggs won't be in a Baltimore Ravens uniform for the first time in his 16-year career, and it partially has to do with Ozzie Newsome's recent resignation as general manager.
Suggs signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals over a week ago. He spoke on his decision to leave earlier this week (h/t ). of Pro Football Talk
“It was probably hands down the most difficult decision I ever had to make it my life,” Suggs said on FOX’s Undisputed via Lisa Redmond of NBC Sports Washington.
“Through and through, I’m an Ozzie Newsome guy. Once I knew Ozzie was going to step down as G.M., you know, I kind of had to question my future in a Ravens uniform.”
It's likely that the future Hall of Fame linebacker would've retained his position in Baltimore, had Newsome not stepped down. Newsome served as the Ravens GM for Suggs' entire career. In that span, they won a Super Bowl together and made nine postseason appearances.
Newsome will remain a consultant with the organization, but clearly that wasn't what Suggs had in mind – among other things.
The Ravens also lost veterans Joe Flacco, Eric Weddle, C.J. Mosley to free agency in the recent weeks. All of which were dear friends and important teammates to Suggs.
“I loved and respected that organization so much that I had to remove myself out of the situation,” per Kyle J. Andrews of 1057 The Fan. “Felt that he (Newsome) needed to let the young guys with Baltimore build their own legacy.”
Terrell Suggs will head into his 17th season in 2019-20, playing where his college career began at Arizona St.
He's recorded 132.5 sacks, 601 solo tackles and 33 forced fumbles.