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Courtney Upshaw hasn’t earned a big deal yet

Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw walks off the field after a 23-21 win over the Cleveland Browns in an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)

According to the Baltimore Ravens website, outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw is looking to maximize his performance this season in order to gain leverage going into his upcoming contract talks. Unfortunately for Upshaw, his production doesn't match that of the top recent free-agent edge players. Upshaw finished 2014 tied for 41st place in our 3-4 outside linebacker rankings.

The reason is that he hasn’t yet proven to be an impact pass-rusher. He has just five career sacks in his three seasons, and while some of this can be attributed to his role as more of an edge-setting run-stopper in the Ravens’ defense, he hasn’t made use of the pass-rush opportunities he has been given.

Upshaw does offer value as a run defender, but that isn’t going to lead to him getting a big deal. In order to cash in, he’ll have to get after the quarterback in 2015.

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