The Ravens needed to make room on the roster to bring back cornerback Derek Cox after a brief time away from the organization.
To do so, the Ravens decided to part ways with a player that's been around for quite a while. On Tuesday, the Ravens announced that they have waived linebacker Josh Bynes.
Bynes wasn't going to be a starter in 2014. He would have provided some valuable and experienced depth at inside linebacker. He did start six games a year ago and appeared in 15 contests. He made the final tackle on special teams in Baltimore's 34-31 Super Bowl XLVII win over San Francisco.
Undrafted in 2011 out of Auburn, Bynes began his career on Baltimore's practice squad. He eventually earned some starting experience in 2012 when Jameel McClain suffered a spinal cord contusion that prematurely ended his season. Bynes has since been a regular defensive contributor since.
The move is somewhat surprising given the familiarity Bynes brings to the table. But it looks like the Ravens elected to go with the special teams upside that fellow inside linebackers Albert McClellan and Zachary Orr bring to the table.
Bynes has put out enough film that most likely another team should grab him. And if not, Bynes would likely be one Ravens injury away from receiving a phone call to re-join the team.