Lardarius Webb posts a thank you message to the Ravens and the fans on Instagram.

A few days ago, the Baltimore Ravens announced the release of one of their longest tenured players on the roster in defensive back Lardarius Webb. Webb was drafted by the Ravens in the 3rd round of the 2009 NFL draft out of Nicholls State University in Louisiana. Webb would become one of the team’s younger and better players on defense for the first three years of his career. His progression was coming along nicely, and after the 2011 season where he notched five interceptions, morale on Webb and his future was high. Unfortunately, after signing a 6-year extension worth up to $50 million that offseason, Webb tore his ACL for the second time in his career (the other being in his rookie season) in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys. Webb would go on to miss the team’s road to the Super Bowl that year.

For the next four years, Webb, while still solid, would be hampered by injuries and would never really go back to what he was in 2011. Webb did play two full seasons in 2013 and 2016, while also playing 15 games in 2015. Last season he was moved from cornerback to safety and formed a very formidable duo with Eric Weddle. Despite the injuries, Webb was still a big leader in the locker room and an all around good guy in the community. So it comes as no surprise that Webb would show his appreciation and love to the Ravens organization and to the fans with class and dignity. Below is Webb's post on Instagram:

With Webb gone, only Marshal Yanda, Joe Flacco, Justin Tucker, Morgan Cox, Sam Koch, Dennis Pitta, and Terrell Suggs remain on the roster from the 2012 Super Bowl team. Webb's road started off as a promising one that turned into a lot of bumps and bruises along the way, but he never quit and always gave it his all whenever he stepped onto the field.

At the introductory press conference for Danny Woodhead and the player that has taken Webb's spot on the roster, Tony Jefferson, general manager Ozzie Newsome left the door open for a potential return for Webb. Webb coming back might help because they can simply move him back to cornerback and he can provide depth at the position. It all depends on the kind of market that Webb is receiving in free agency.

The moniker for the team is "Play like a Raven", and there is no denying that Webb certainly played like one for eight seasons, and he will continue to do so wherever he lands next.