Today the Ravens announced that four key veterans of the past few season will be released to free agency. Wide receiver Derrick Mason, running back Willis McGahee, tight end Todd Heap and defensive tackle Kelly Gregg will all hit the open market this Thursday.
Each player has at one point topped the depth chart at their position and left pleasant memories in fan's minds.
At age 36, the game has usually caught up with an NFL player, they themselves have physically slowed down and he finds himself incapable of competing at a top-notch level. Mason does not fit in this category. He finished last season with 802 receiving yards, a number that may signify a decline to the average eye, but is actually a testament to how undeniably good his route running and catching skills still are. In an offense where Anquan Boldin and Todd Heap competed with Mason for passes from Flacco and Ray Rice dilligently ran the ball and caught passes from backfield, a decrease in yardage from the previous year could have been just as much a sign of more equal distribution of the ball as it could have been a decrease in production. Regardless of what you want to believe, there will be a market out their for the veteran once he officially hits the market.
The Ravens signed Willis Mcgahee in 2007 as a replacement for the departed Jamal Lewis. In his debut as a Ravens, Mcgahee ran for over 1200 yards and score a rushing touchdown in seven consecutive weeks of the season. Never again did he tally up that many rushing yards in a single season but he did score 12 touchdowns in the 2009 season as one-third of the three headed monster, made up of fellow backs LeRon McClain and Ray Rice. Mcgahee's release was not a surprise to many since most of his reps have been taken by Ray Rice and his return would have costed the Ravens about $7 million.
Todd Heap's release, however, took me for surprise. Heap is the Ravens' all-time leader in touchdown catches and second all-time leader in receiving yards, behind Derrick Mason. Heap has proven to be a tough, resilient athlete during his tenure. He suffered several injuries during the 2010 season but remained a reliable target, finishing the season with 40 catches, 599 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. During the first three years of his career, Joe Flacco often looked in Heap's direction for a bailout when in trouble. At times it has led to drive saving first downs and other times game-changing mistakes. Number 86 has forever cemented his name and number in Ravens lore as a consistent receiving tight end and good locker room player.
For almost 10 years, Kelly Gregg has been known as a big stud holding down the Ravens offensive line. The 320 pounder was never a great pass rusher but always gave opposing run offensive trouble. The Ravens have remained a top-run defense for as long as Gregg has been around. Pairing up Gregg with 2006 first-round draft pick Haloti Ngata ensured the Ravens a sturdy presence up the middle.
The ironic thing is any of these four players could be signed back if he is willing to accept a lighter paycheck. These men were cut not simply cut because of their ages but because they are costly to keep. The organization has rookies to sign and free agents they are targeting; these players cost money.
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