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          NFL Nation

          Credit Eric Weddle for starting Tony Jefferson's recruitment to Ravens

          • Jamison Hensley, ESPN Staff WriterMar 9, 2017, 07:01 AM ET
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              Jamison Hensley is a reporter covering the Baltimore Ravens for ESPN. Jamison joined ESPN in 2011, covering the AFC North before focusing exclusively on the Ravens beginning in 2013. Jamison won the National Sports Media Association Maryland Sportswriter of the Year award in 2018, and he authored a book titled: Flying High: Stories of the Baltimore Ravens. He was the Ravens beat writer for the Baltimore Sun from 2000-2011.
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          Baltimore Ravens safety Eric Weddle is more than a four-time Pro Bowl player and the owner of the NFL's best beard. He apparently is a persuasive recruiter.

          Weddle's initial contact with Tony Jefferson on Twitter eventually led to the Ravens landing the best safety in free agency. Jefferson is expected to sign with Baltimore, barring any late negotiating complications.

          On Feb. 20, Jefferson held a question-and-answer session with fans on Twitter. His only stipulation was to stay away from any free agency matters.

          But that didn't stop Weddle:

          Just 16 days later, Jefferson is now going to be a teammate of Weddle. How much effect did Weddle have on Jefferson? Only Jefferson can say, but he reportedly agreed with the Ravens despite the Cleveland Browns offering more money, according to the NFL Network.

          Consider this Weddle's way of returning the favor to the Ravens. Like Jefferson, Weddle was the top safety in free agency and had a bigger offer from another team. But Weddle chose to sign with Baltimore because the team won him over.

          Steve Smith Sr., Elvis Dumervil and Jarret Johnson all called Weddle to vouch for the Ravens before assistant general manager Eric DeCosta completely sold him on Baltimore. During a 45-minute conversation, DeCosta shared with Weddle about how he turned down eight interviews for general manager jobs to stay in Baltimore, which spoke to the Ravens' commitment to winning.

          The Ravens now have two of the best safeties in the NFL. It's not because the Ravens are the biggest spending team. They just might be the most aggressive one.