Every year there are NFL players who no longer merit the contract they have based on injury, production or various other reasons. This year is no different, so we’ll take a look at some players who may be cut, and what the Ravens can save by parting ways.
One thing to keep in mind is that according to Spotrac, Baltimore comes into the offseason with approximately $15.2 million in adjusted cap space after rollover cap room from 2016. Around $6.5 million of that cap will be allocated for the rookie pool, so the Ravens should have around $8.7 million after everything is said an done. That’s not a lot in the NFL, so with some help from Spotrac, here are some of the players that may be shown the door to create more money
Elvis Dumervil
Elvis Dumervil’s cap hit for 2017 is $8.3 million. At age 33 that’s a lot of money to pay an outside linebacker who played in only eight games last year. The Ravens can save $6 million by cutting him, as he carries a cap hit of $2.3 million if released. The loss of Dumervil could hurt the team’s depth at the position, but he had become a situational player, so this is a move that could likely take place.
Mike Wallace
Mike Wallace is a player that many will go back and forth about. The former Pittsburgh deep-threat produced the first 1,000 yard receiving season for Baltimore since 2014, but was prone to disappearing at times. Wallace carries a cap hit of $8 million, but if the team declines his 2017 option they can save $5.75 million cutting his dead money to only $2.25 million. The team has until the first full week of March to pick up his option and if he’s still on the roster come Mar. 13 he will automatically receive a $1 million roster bonus. Because of the Raven’s need for a playmaker opposite of Breshad Perriman, I could see him coming back at a restructured price.
Lardarius Webb
Ladarius Webb carries a cap hit of $7.5 million in 2017, $5.5 million of which the Ravens can save if they release him. At age 31, Webb’s play last year was lackluster playing opposite of Eric Weddle. This one is any easy cut for me.
Dennis Pitta
Pitta is an interesting case. He is a 31 year old tight end on a roster that has a log jam at the position. Quarterback Joe Flacco and Pitta are reported to have an outstanding off the field relationship, but Pitta is potentially one hit away from paralysis after two hip injuries over the last few years. Pitta’s cap hit is $7.7 million but $3.3 million of that can be salvaged by cutting him. I would suspect that because of the loyalty and determination he has given the organization through the trying times, they will bring him back, but much like Wallace I wouldn't be surprised to see him restructure.
Benjamin Watson
Ben Watson counts for $4 million against the 2017 cap, $3 million of which can be saved if he is cut. At 36 years old and with Maxx Williams, Crocket Gillmore and Dennis Pitta on the roster, I don't see a scenario where the Ravens bring Watson back.
Shareece Wright
While watching tape for my Tavon Young piece (which you can read here) Shareece Wright was so bad that it was blatantly noticeable. Wright carries a cap hit of $5.3 million and $2.6 million of that can be saved by cutting him. This one is a no brainer for me. As much film as I’ve seen, I can't justify keeping him around.
Kyle Arrington
Kyle Arrington counts $2.7 million against the cap in 2017 and the Ravens can save $2.1 million by cutting him outright. Once again I think this is an easy decision to cut him based on his 2016 performance and his career overall. The draft is deep at the cornerback position and the team may look to add depth in free agency as well.
Conclusion
If the Ravens make all of these cuts they would save approximately $29 million, boosting their cap room to around $37 million after the rookie pool and adjusted cap. As I’ve stated, I don't believe that all of these players will be cut, but if they were to be, the Ravens would have a large chunk of change to address some areas of need in free agency.
All cap numbers via Spotrac
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