Could Sergio Kindle's Status Put Baltimore In a Bind?

Could Sergio Kindle's Status Put Baltimore In a Bind?

Sergio Kindle has experienced many ups and downs in a brief pro football career.  He was a highly coveted after playing his college ball at Texas, but injuries and perhaps character concerns caused him to slip out of the first round (which his play surely suggested he'd land).  He was tabbed by the Baltimore Ravens, as the 43rd overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.  

Kindle was not able to participate in training camp because he fell down a flight of stairs and suffered a head injury.  Because of the unknown health issues involved, he signed a one year contract for the rookie minimum and was placed on the injured reserve/non-football injury list.

He signed another one year contract in 2011.  This time he was able to practice in training camp.  Sergio Kindle eventually saw his first action in Week Four.  He only played in two games but it's a big step in the right direction.  With the offseason quickly approaching the Ravens, they have a decision to make on Sergio Kindle.

Sergio Kindle becomes a restricted free agent at season's end.  This means they will probably tender him with a designated one-year salary.  He will have the right to negotiate with any team in the league.  The catch is whatever round Kindle is tendered, the team will have to compensate that round for Kindle.  Baltimore could tender Kindle with a second round pick (last year was $1.759 million), and any team willing to give up that pick, could sign Kindle to a contract.  Baltimore would then have a week to match the contract or take the compensation and surrender Sergio Kindle.

Whose knows exactly where Baltimore value for Kindle lies?  They're looking at a player who has so much potential, but is yet to produce.  They're looking at a draft pick that they can't get back if they decide to cut ties.  They're looking at a valuable roster space if Kindle isn't who they thought he was.  If healthy and focused, Kindle is the prototype 3-4 strong-side linebacker.  He's the perfect blend of speed and power.

I don't know if this is good news for Baltimore or good news for the rest of NFL.  However, if Baltimore tabs Sergio Kindle with a first round tender, this could all be moot.  One thing is for certain, Mr. Kindle is certainly in line for a raise.  I'd say the news is either going to be good or great for him.  If there's a team willing to gamble on Kindle and attempt to "steal" him from Baltimore with a long term contract, this situation could turn into "Must-See-TV."