Terrence Cody might be at a crossroads in Baltimore.
The nose tackle, drafted in the second round of the 2010 draft, is in the midst of not only competing for a rotational spot, but potentially for a spot on the 53-man roster.
Cody's trying to overcome a couple of setbacks, too. He had two offseason surgeries, one on his hip and one on his elbow. With the additions of Chris Canty and Marcus Spears, Haloti Ngata has been able to move inside to play the nose tackle spot Cody once started at. He's also entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Cody's goal is to prove he can still play for Baltimore at a high level. But he's also aware that if he's not producing at the kind of level the coaches need, then he might be looking for employment elsewhere, whether it's next year or even at the end of this preseason.
"I feel like I really want to play for the Ravens for as long as I can," Cody said. "But if it's my time to go, it's my time to go."
Cody recorded 34 tackles in 2011 and was a mainstay at Baltimore's team facility the following offseason.
But his play dropped off a season ago as he lost his starting spot to Ma'ake Kemoeatu. He finished 2012 with 25 tackles, nine less than he had during the 2011 season.
Cody still believes he can contribute to the Ravens on defense. However, he doesn't have the luxury of little depth like he did in 2012. With Ngata moved inside to nose tackle, rookie Brandon Williams is capable of backing the position up, as well as playing three-technique defensive tackle.
If Cody is not re-signed after the season or let go after the end of the preseason, he won't take it personal. He understands that's a part of the landscape of the NFL.
"It's business," Cody said. "That's the only hard thing about it. You got to make decisions. Tough decisions."
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