Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun has an interesting theory regarding the decision of Ravens quarterback Steve McNair to retire.  Preston contends that McNair was influenced by new coach John Harbaugh’s hard-nosed approach to offseason workouts and practice.

“There is a new work ethic on the Ravens,” Preston writes, “and McNair basically said yesterday, thanks, but no thanks.”

McNair explained it differently.  “I’ve been thinking about this since December,” McNair said during his Thursday press conference.  ”I wanted to see how my body was going to react.  My mind said yes.  My body said no, what are you doing?  I can’t compete like I used to.  My body doesn’t allow me to play at the high level that I’m used to playing at.”

Preston speculates that left tackle Jonathan Ogden, who seriously considering retiring a year ago, will be the next to make it official.  From our perspective, the question then becomes whether players who were accustomed to Brian Billick’s more lackadaisical style when it comes to physicality will decide that they want out, or will be targeted by the new coaching regime for removal.

As to the potential impact of the timing of the retirement announcement on the team’s draft plans, G.M. Ozzie Newsome insisted that the news will change nothing.  “This will not impact our decision in the draft — not one iota.  I had the opportunity to speak to my staff. . . .  They felt the same way.”

In our view, this means that the Ravens already were serious about drafting a quarterback, because they clearly need one now.  The only problem is that their needs (and thus intentions) are suddenly far more clear to the other 31 teams, which could prompt someone to try to get in line in front of them before the Ravens can get a quarterback whom they covet.

And while the timing of the decision might not affect the Ravens’ plans for the draft, the organization surely would have preferred knowing McNair’s intentions before free agency.  Though there weren’t many game-ready quarterbacks available, they might have made a run at Todd Collins, who played well last season and stayed put with the ‘Skins as the backup to Jason Campbell.  Or perhaps the Ravens would have tried to swing a trade.  

Then again, a trade is still possible.  Texans reserve Sage Rosenfels supposedly can be had for a second-round draft pick.  And then there’s Donovan McNabb.  Though the Eagles seem to be genuinely intent on keeping him (primarily because they haven’t gotten any serious trade offers), the McNair retirement could be the thing that gets the Ravens to pick up the phone.