Matt

Stover

Stover has missed costly easy kicks the last two weeks after a solid season. He’s signed in Baltimore for the next four season.

Stover was one of the better fantasy kickers last season, showing how unpredictable the position is. He’d be the best FA kicker on the market.

''Technique-wise, I was in too fast on the ball,’' Stover said. ''The snaps and holds were so good, I thought that I needed to jump on it a little bit. They were set up really nice, and I was just too fast. My time is usually five-, six-, seven-one-hundredths of a second slower, and, believe it or not, that makes a difference on a field-goal kick.’'

They weren’t chippies, as he failed to hit from 38, 47 and 45 yards. ''I apologize to the city of Baltimore for the performance,’' Stover said. If the Ravens can’t count on Stover to be nearly automatic this season, their offense could be in serious trouble.

After starting the season out 0-for-3, Stover has connected on seven straight field goals. He’s hit at least 20 field goals in 10 of the past 11 seasons.

Newsome will first attempt to sign an undrafted rookie. If that fails, he’ll start looking at veteran options. Stover is still reliable on field goals, but the Ravens clearly want to go in another direction.

Baltimore is letting Steven Hauschka and undrafted FA Graham Gano battle at minicamp, but Stover would probably be the most reliable option. Stover, the second most accurate kicker in league history, wants to keep kicking.

Stover is the last original Raven with the team. He was a top fantasy kicker last year, but still isn’t worth taking before the last round or two of the draft.