The Ravens don't have to slash Kordell Stewart off their shopping list just yet.
Although the Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals have submitted offers, the agent for the former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback said last night that there is still a "sincere interest" in the Ravens. Leigh Steinberg, who represents Stewart, was preparing counteroffers to both teams and said he didn't expect to have a deal in place this weekend.
"We're still in a reflective mode," Steinberg said. "Because Kordell spent his entire career in Pittsburgh, we are in the process of contemplation. [But] Kordell is still interested in the Ravens."
Steinberg said he spoke with Ravens chief negotiator Pat Moriarty about setting up a visit for early this week, but no definite date had been agreed upon. Because of scheduling conflicts with general manager Ozzie Newsome and coach Brian Billick, the Ravens preferred to meet early next week, but Steinberg informed the team that Stewart is on a faster timetable.
Despite no meeting yet, the Ravens have already started their campaign for Stewart. According to Steinberg, star linebacker Ray Lewis phoned Stewart about coming to the Ravens.
Stewart, however, might not be the only quarterback coming to town this week. A league source said last night that former Tennessee Titans backup Neil O'Donnell has been contacted by the Ravens.
A former University of Maryland star, O'Donnell, who turns 37 in July, hasn't been a full-time starter since 1998. He has carved out his niche as one of the NFL's most reliable backups and mentors.
"He's a pocket passer," said George Kokinis, the Ravens' director of pro personnel. "He throws on timing. When he has that, he's good. He takes what is given to him. He's not going to sit back there and try to make the great play. He's just not going to make the worse play."
Besides Stewart and O'Donnell, here are the other options for the Ravens at quarterback:
Inside the organization
Chris Redman: As a first-year starter, he went 3-3 before a herniated disc ended his season at the end of October. Redman, 25, didn't astound anyone with his arm strength, but he played with poise and toughness, throwing seven touchdowns and just three interceptions.
The question mark surrounding him is his surgically repaired back. The team won't know whether he can take a hit until training camp begins in five months.
