The Ravens are making progress in restocking their depleted secondary.
Denver Broncos cornerback Kelly Herndon, a restricted free agent, said yesterday that the Ravens made him an offer and his agent could deliver a counterproposal as early as today.
"Everybody knows about the Baltimore defense," Herndon told the Rocky Mountain News. "They're always top in the league. I have a lot of respect for how they play football."
A two-year starter with the Broncos, Herndon is considered a second- or third-tier talent. He has started 27 games the past two seasons, recording 130 tackles, five interceptions and six forced fumbles.
Samari Rolle, the top-rated cornerback in free agency, likely would draw interest from the Ravens if he weren't so close to signing with the Kansas City Chiefs. Fred Smoot and Andre Dyson are other bigger-name options but they would also command more money.
The only other known team interested in Herndon is the Atlanta Falcons, who are scheduled to meet with him tomorrow. But the Falcons appear set with DeAngelo Hall and Jason Webster at cornerback.
"There are other teams out there, so I don't want to act like those are the only teams that I have a possibility of going to," Herndon said. "But as far as Atlanta and Baltimore, with the caliber of teams they are, it's definitely a plus."
Herndon, who is 5 feet 10 and 180 pounds, likely would have a better chance to start with the Ravens.
There's a major hole at their No. 2 corner spot after losing Gary Baxter to the Cleveland Browns on Friday. Besides starter Chris McAlister, the only other cornerbacks on their roster are aging veterans Dale Carter and Corey Fuller.
"I want to have a real good shot at being out on that field all of the time," Herndon said.
The Broncos have a right to match any offer sheet Herndon signs. But considering they are just $1.7 million under the salary cap, they are expected to let him leave. The Ravens wouldn't be required to give up any draft picks in return.
NOTE: The Ravens, who are looking for a starting right guard, had preliminary discussions yesterday with free agent Keydrick Vincent, who started all year at that spot for the Pittsburgh Steelers. His agent, Ken Zuckerman, said the 6-5, 325-pound lineman will visit the Browns today.
