This week was a busy week for the Baltimore Ravens. The team released multiple players, for various reasons. One for failure to live up to expectations, and another for a potential career ending injury. The Ravens have also begun the hunt to bring in more talent to the receiver corps. Speculation has boiled over from last week, that the Ravens may end up with free agent wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, but a new candidate to be added to the offense has emerged, as well.
Monday, June 5, 2017 – Ravens Release CB Kyle Arrington, Sign Two New Player (Article)
On Monday the Ravens made a very expected and anticipated move, as they released cornerback Kyle Arrington. Arrington joined the Ravens in 2015, after winning the Super Bowl with the New England Patriots. However, Arrington played sub-par during the time he was on the field in 2015. In 2016 he was kept off the field for the entire season with the injury bug. By cutting Arrington, the Ravens were able to add $2.1 million to their cap space. The Ravens also signed two additional cornerbacks, journeymen Brandon Boykin and Al-Hajj Shabazz. Boykin and Shabazz have been on several teams since their entrance into the league, and have struggled to find success. They will likely serve as filler players for the Ravens, however, they will have an opportunity to make a larger impact this coming season.
Tuesday, June 6, 2017 – Jets Make Plans to Part with Eric Decker (Article)
On Tuesday it was discovered that the New York Jets had decided to part ways with star wide receiver Eric Decker. This comes as part of a major purge of the entire Jets organization, aside from its ownership. The Jets are going to try to trade away Eric Decker as their first option, but if they are unable to find a partner, they will release him. This is intriguing from the standpoint of the Baltimore Ravens, as it adds another receiver talent for the Ravens to explore as an option. Baltimore already was linked to Jeremy Maclin as a candidate for this position, but now the Ravens have been reported to be in trade talks with the Jets for Decker. Baltimore desperately needs to add another talented receiver and will push hard to obtain either Maclin or Decker.
Wednesday, June 7, 2017 – The Baltimore Ravens Release TE Dennis Pitta (Article)
On Wednesday, the Ravens made another expected move, when they officially released fan-favorite tight end, Dennis Pitta. Pitta dislocated his hip for a third time, during OTAs. This marks the probable end of Dennis Pitta’s career as a Raven, and in the NFL. Pitta had sustained two major hip injuries in past seasons and fought to return to the football field in 2016. In 2013 Pitta dislocated his hip in the offseason, and in 2014 he again injured his hip in a week three game against the Cleveland Browns. In the 2016 season, he led all tight ends league-wide in receptions, with 86. Pitta will be greatly missed by the Ravens, and the community of fans in Baltimore and all over as well.
Thursday, June 8, 2017 – Jeremy Maclin Visits the Ravens, and Leaves Without a Deal (Article)
On Thursday, Jeremy Maclin visited the Ravens’ team facilities for the majority of the day, before leaving without a deal. Maclin had been in Buffalo visiting the Bills from Tuesday evening into Wednesday afternoon. He arrived at the Ravens’ facilities in the evening of Wednesday but conducted the bulk of his visit the following day. Maclin decided not to sign with either team just yet, as he wants to take his time in making the big decision. Baltimore was hoping to lock up Maclin on Thursday, as they have with other highly coveted free agents, but no deal was able to be made. Baltimore will now have to consider obtaining Decker instead of Maclin at this point.
