Weddle promises 2017 Ravens will be strongest, fittest in franchise history

After the Baltimore Ravens lost three of their last four games in 2016, missing the playoffs with an 8-8 record, Eric Weddle is doing everything he can to ensure his team avoids a late-season slump.

The safety is confident his team will remain in peak shape throughout the year, making an oddly specific promise.

"I can guarantee you this: We will be the strongest, most in-shape Ravens team that this team has ever had," Weddle told ESPN's Jamison Hensley.

Weddle signed a four-year, $26-million contract with the Ravens in March 2016 and immediately established himself as the leader of the secondary.

Despite last year's middling performance, he's optimistic about the upcoming campaign.

"I think everyone was pretty salty and not happy with the way the season ended," he said. "Obviously, there is a high standard here of getting into the playoffs and having a chance at the ultimate goal, and that is the Super Bowl. Seeing everyone come back in shape with a focus and the competitiveness and the drive that we have shown over the last couple of days is really something to get excited about."