One of the integral leaders of the Baltimore Ravens defence will not be back next season as it was announced that Eric Weddle has been released by the Ravens. The news comes just one day after the Ravens neglected to place the franchise tag on inside linebacker C.J. Mosley and is likely a move to free up money for the upcoming free agent period. Releasing Weddle will open up $7.5 million in cap space for the Ravens. He was set to make $9 million in the final year of his four-year deal.
Source: The #Ravens have cut Eric Weddle. Wow.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2019
Weddle is a two-time All-Pro and six-time Pro-Bowler, making the all-star game each of his three years in Baltimore.
Safety Eric Weddle Released by Baltimore Ravens
The cutting of Weddle will come as a surprise to some because he played pretty well again in 2018. Weddle, now 34 years old, registered a sack, two QB hits, 68 tackles, and three pass defences last season. The most alarming statistic, however, was that Weddle failed to register an interception on the season after grabbing six just a year ago. He also graded out as Pro Football Focus’s 10th ranked safety of 2018 and missed just five of his 78 tackle attempts.
Before coming to Baltimore, Weddle had a storied career as a San Diego Charger. He played nine years for the Bolts and racked up 70 pass defences, 6.5 sacks, 847 tackles and 19 interceptions. His relationship soured with the team after a couple of incidents and got his initial revenge when the Ravens defeated his former team 22-10 week 16 in Los Angeles.
Weddle initially said that if the Ravens were to release him he would walk away from football but something changed in his mindset just a few weeks back. “So, if (I’m released), we both move on, and we’ll see if I’ll play somewhere else or hang ’em up” Weddle stated according to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.
Last Word
General manager Eric DeCosta has been very clear about working diligently under the salary cap and moving on from Weddle was the third move to this offseason to continue to open up cap room. Michael Crabtree was also cut prior to the free agency period. DeCosta has also agreed to trade quarterback Joe Flacco to the Denver Broncos. The three moves have opened up a total of $22.67 million in cap space for the Ravens to use when the league’s new year begins March 13th.
The Ravens will now likely turn to the draft or one of DeShon Elliot or Chuck Clark to fill Weddle’s spot.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
