The Ravens have many free agents heading into the off season. Some will be back, some might head to Indianapolis with new head coach Chuck Pagano and others will be poached by other NFL teams.
The Ravens will have a tough road ahead of them as they try to determine which players are expendable and which they need for the future.For many players it is not only their play on the field that will weigh in the minds of the front office but their salary, age and who Baltimore has developing behind them.
Another factor could be their special teams contributions. Special teams was a low point for the Ravens this season and the team is not in a position to be passing on anyone that can contribute in this area.
After the jump is a list of the Ravens free agents and what exactly their status with the team means. From BR.com
Unrestricted Free Agents
LB Brendon Ayanbadejo
Age: 35; Seasons: 9
2011 Stats: 35 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 pass deflections; 9 special teams tackles
Ayanbadejo is a key veteran on the special teams unit and has grown as a linebacker, particularly in pass coverage.
C Matt Birk
Age: 35; Seasons: 14
2011 Stats: 16 games plays/started
Birk had a fine season in the middle, and was yet again an anchor on the line. He was also relatively injury free after having problems with his knees the year before. Birk is considering retirement.
G Ben Grubbs
Age: 27; Seasons: 5
2011 Stats: 10 games played/started
The 2007 first-round pick has been a consistent starter from nearly the get-go, and earned his first Pro Bowl trip this season despite missing six games to a toe injury. Grubbs is putting his faith in his agent to put him in the best position for next season.
C/G Andre Gurode
Age: 32, Seasons: 10
2011 Stats: 13 games played/5 started
The backup veteran lineman started in place of Grubbs at left guard. He did admirably considering he had never played there before.
LB Jarret Johnson
Age: 30; Seasons: 9
2011 Stats: 56 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 3 pass deflections
Perhaps the team’s most underrated player, Johnson is a key figure in running the defense and stuffing the opponent’s rush. He would like to return to Baltimore, but understands there’s youth behind him.
LB Edgar Jones
Age: 27; Seasons: 5
2011 Stats: 3 special teams tackles
Signed in early November to play special teams, Jones fit in well. Jones has spent parts of five years being a versatile tool for Baltimore, playing on both offense and defense.
LB Jameel McClain
Age: 26; Seasons: 4
2011 Stats: 16 starts, 84 tackles, 1 sack, 5 pass deflections, 1 interception
In his second full season as a starter, the former undrafted free agent took on an even larger role when he stepped up for Ray Lewis, who went down with a toe injury.
DT Brandon McKinney
Age: 28; Seasons: 6
2011 Stats: 12 games, 14 tackles, 1 forced fumble
McKinney is a big-bodied run stuffer who played behind second-year nose tackle Terrence Cody. He’s quick for his size of 6-foot-2, 345 pounds.
S Haruki Nakamura
Age: 25; Seasons: 4
2011 Stats: 15 games, 12 tackles, 2 pass deflections, 9 special teams tackles
The scrappy Nakamura has been a special teams ace since he came into the league. His versatility to play some nickel cornerback and safety has led to time on defense.
DE Cory Redding
Age: 31; Seasons: 9
2011 Stats: 15 games, 11 starts, 43 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 2 pass deflections
In his two years in Baltimore, Redding has become a leader on the defense. The veteran had perhaps his best season since 2006, when he had eight sacks for Detroit.
RB Ray Rice
Age: 25; Seasons: 4
2011 Stats: 16 starts, 291 rushes, 1,364 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns; 76 receptions, 704 yards, 3 touchdowns
One of the premier offensive weapons in the league, Rice is the player Baltimore’s offense largely revolves around. The two-time Pro Bowler showed a knack for breaking longer runs this year. Rice is hoping for a long-term deal, but has said he would accept the franchise tag.
TE Kris Wilson
Age: 30; Seasons: 8
2011 Stats: 15 games, 4 special teams tackles
His time in the sun came on a touchdown reception against Houston in the playoffs, but for the most part Wilson was a positive influence on Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta and special-teams contributor.
S Tom Zbikowski
Age: 26; Seasons: 4
2011 Stats: 14 games, 4 starts, 23 starts, 1 sack, 7 special teams tackles
A starter early in the season before Bernard Pollard took over full-time, Zbikowski has filled in well in his brief starting stints. The boxer is a hard-nosed player.
Restricted Free Agents: LB Dannell Ellerbe, RB Matt Lawrence, CB Lardarius Webb, CB Cary Williams
For restricted free agents, the Ravens have the chance to offer them a tender, attached to a draft pick. If another team wants to sign them, Baltimore would first be able to match that offer. If it choses not to, the other team would have to forfeit the corresponding draft pick to the Ravens in order to sign the player.
Exclusive-Rights Free Agents: LS Morgan Cox, CB Danny Gorrer, LB Sergio Kindle, LB Albert McClellan
An exclusive-rights free agent has two or fewer years of experience and no negotiating rights. If the Ravens make them an offer, they must accept it or be released.