The Baltimore Ravens are coming off a disappointing 2016 campaign that saw them win just eight games and miss out on the playoffs altogether.
They also have a ton of holes on both sides of the ball and find themselves in a less-than-stellar cap situation. This led to rumors that Baltimore might move on from a few of its aging veterans.
According to former Ravens receiver and current NFL Media insider Steve Smith, the Ravens are set to release five-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Elvis Dumervil.
https://twitter.com/89SteveSmith/status/839558302229008392
The biggest surprise here is not that Dumervil is going to be released. It’s that his former teammate is the one breaking the news. Newly hired by the NFL Network, Smith just recently broke the news that the San Francisco 49ers were releasing Torrey Smith. He obviously has connections within the league.
As it relates to Dumervil, he put up just three sacks in an injury-shortened 2016 season that saw the veteran play in a grand total of eight games. The veteran was set to count $8.4 million against the cap in 2017. By releasing him, Baltimore saves $6 million in cap room.
Unfortunately, that money won’t be used on starting right tackle Rick Wagner, who has reportedly agreed to sign with the Detroit Lions (more on that here).
Though, it could help the team retain fellow impending free agent Brandon Williams.
At 33 years old, it’s highly unlikely Dumervil will be in line for a long-term contract in free agency. He will, however, be in high demand as a situational pass rusher on a short-term deal. The veteran has recorded 99 career sacks in 11 seasons.