:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53634365/627689580.0.jpg)
The Baltimore Ravens have released longtime defensive back Lardarius Webb, according to Jeff Zrebiec’s sources:
The Ravens have released safety Lardarius Webb, per source.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiecsun) March 10, 2017
The Webb move seemed inevitable after the Ravens signing of Tony Jefferson. Move creates $5.5 million of salary cap space.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiecsun) March 10, 2017
Webb has played every season of his eight year career in Baltimore. A third round pick in the 2009 draft from Nicholls State, Lardarius earned a lucrative contract 6-year $52 million contract extension for his stellar coverage and ballhawking at cornerback in 2012. Unfortunately, a series of knee and back injuries sapped his ability in recent seasons.
A true team player, Webb agreed to restructure his contract in both 2014 and 2015. His release will save the Ravens $5.5 million in salary cap space in 2017. It would not be surprising if the Ravens elect to bring him back to Baltimore at a reduced salary.
After transitioning to safety full time last season, Webb worked through some early season struggles to make respectable contributions for the Ravens 9th ranked pass defense. His 2016 stat line was 73 tackles, five pass breakups, one sack and one incredible interception against Miami.
His professionalism and experience will be missed in the Ravens locker room. Webb joins Elvis Dumervil, Shareece Wright and Kendrick Lewis as veterans the Ravens have cut this week. These moves should create enough disposable salary cap space for the Ravens to pursue a couple more free agents before the draft. Offensive line, wide receiver, pass rusher and cornerback appear to be the biggest team needs at this juncture of the offseason.