Ravens News 3/14: John Brown & Ryan Grant added, Woodhead cut, Howard gone, and more

Baltimore Ravens releasing RB Danny Woodhead - Kevin Patra

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday the Baltimore Ravens are releasing the running back for salary-cap reasons, per a source informed of the decision. Woodhead was set to earn $2.55 million in 2018. Cutting the running back saves Baltimore $1.8 million on the cap, per Over The Cap.

At 33 years old and with a lengthy injury history -- he played in only 10 games over the past two seasons -- Woodhead might have to wait out the market and a deep draft at the position to land on a squad for 2018.

This move had been expected as Woodhead managed only 47 touches last season. Danny’s contract will burden the 2018 salary cap with $1.5 million in dead money. Hopefully the Ravens have finally learned their lesson and will decide against signing old, injury prone players this time.

Ravens plan on moving on from RT Austin Howard after re-signing James Hurst - Jeff Zrebiec

Howard, who signed with the team early in last year’s training camp about a week after he was released by the Oakland Raiders, helped stabilize a position that had been a major question mark early last summer. However, the Ravens will likely decline his option about seven months after giving him a three-year, $15 million deal.

The expected move will open up $3 million in much-needed salary cap space for the Ravens, but it adds another question mark along the offensive line, which also could lose starting center Ryan Jensen in free agency.

Howard’s departure will tack on another $2 million in dead cap this year. The Ravens do not have a clear answer at the right tackle position, both Alex Lewis and James Hurst have struggled in previous opportunities at tackle. Perhaps Marshal Yanda will again kick out to tackle once he returns from his broken ankle?

Report: Ravens are picking up CB Brandon Carr’s option - Logan Levy

Brandon Carr, Jimmy Smith, Marlon Humphrey, Tavon Young, Maurice Canady, Robertson Daniel and Jaylen Hill are all under contract for the 2018 season. In addition, Stanley Jean-Baptiste is an exclusive-rights free agent.

Carr’s cap-hit for the 2018 season will be $7 million, per SpoTrac. Carr finished the 2017 season, after starting 16 games, with 12 pass breakups and four interceptions. It is worth mentioning, Pro Football Focus gave Carr a grade of 74.1 for the 2017 season, which was the 69th best cornerback last year.

Carr’s best trait may be his durability, particularly for a Ravens secondary that always seems to sustain injuries at cornerback. With multiple proven corners under contract, the team may consider moving Maurice Canady to free safety. He did receive some reps at safety last season, and would bring much needed speed to the position.

Ravens negotiating with WR John Brown - Dustin Cox

The Ravens have missed out on the top free agent receivers thus far, so Brown could very well be one of the best options available.

Brown, 27, played his first four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. He has a career total of 173 receptions, 2,515 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. In 2015, he had 1,003 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Since then, Brown has dealt with poor quarterback play on an offense that regressed as a whole.

John Brown' has reportedly agreed to join the Ravens on a 1-year, $5M contract. His game is similar to Tyreek Hill with bubble screen as well as vertical ability. However, his sickle cell trait remains a concern.

Ravens expected to sign WR Ryan Grant - Logan Levy

According to Rapoport, it is a four-year deal worth $29 million with $14.5 million guaranteed. Given Baltimore’s cap space, this is likely a backloaded deal. Grant will be entering his fifth season and his production is rather underwhelming.

In his first three seasons with the Washington Redskins, Grant recorded 39 receptions for 412 yards and two touchdowns. However, in his fourth season with Washington, Grant bursted onto the scene. He posted 45 receptions for 573 yards and four touchdowns.

If the numbers are accurate, Grant’s contract seems like a severe overpay. Nonetheless, Grant thoroughly outplayed Terrelle Pryor last season and maintains upside if he can secure an increased snap count.