Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Ravens have reportedly told wide receiver Michael Crabtree that he will be released ahead of free agency.
This is a somewhat surprising move given the fact that Crabtree was signed through 2020 after landing a free-agency deal with Baltimore last year. The Ravens are still going to be hit with a $4.6 million dead-cap penalty after cutting Crabtree, who had two years left on that contract.
Last season, Crabtree caught just 54 passes for 602 yards and three touchdowns. So, from a production standpoint it is understandable that the team would want to move on. Furthermore, the offense is facing a complete makeover this year as the Ravens transition to the Lamar Jackson era. Clearly, Crabtree is not part of that plan.