Ravens add another Raider free agent linebacker

The Ravens are suddenly collecting former Raider linebackers. Just a few hours after the news came down that the Ravens had signed former Raider linebacker Ricky Brown, word came out they have signed another Raider free agent linebacker-Darryl Blackstock. This according to Aaron Wilson of Scout.com.

Blackstock came to the Raiders last season after spending the previous two seasons for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was brought on board by former defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan who was familiar with Blackstock as he coached him in the UFL.

Blackstock made the team largely due to injuries at the linebacker position. He started one game at middle linebacker in week 13 versus the Dolphins after the infamous alleged assault incident involving Rolando McClain. Blackstock also filled in for McClain while he had nagging injuries during the season.

Even with the disappointing play by McClain last season, there was noticeable dropoff with Blackstock in the game. And even with the team thin at the linebacker position this season, they opted not to bring him back for another shot.

Blackstock is a former Arizona Cardinals third round pick out of the University of Virginia in 2005. He has just seven career starts in five NFL seasons. He also played one season with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008.