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UPDATE 4:16 p.m. ET — The Baltimore Ravens have now traded Alex Lewis to the New York Jets.
In an interesting turn of events, the Baltimore Ravens have released their 2016 fourth-round pick, LG Alex Lewis.
LG Alex Lewis appears to have been released/waived from the Ravens. pic.twitter.com/9UWeTs2C5a
— Kyle P. Barber (@BB_KylePBarber) August 5, 2019
Many were under the impression that he may compete with Jermaine Eluemunor, James Hurst and 2019 rookie Ben Powers for the starting left guard position, but according to The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec, the team was frustrated with Lewis’ decision to rehab away from the facility.
A breakup between Alex Lewis and Ravens seemed inevitable before camp. Lewis rehabbed away from team and Ravens clearly weren’t pleased. But with left guard such a question mark, figured they’d try and make it work. Not so.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) August 5, 2019
A great point has also been made by WNST’s Luke Jones, who points out Lewis was going to make $2 million this season. According to overthecap.com, the Ravens save the $2 million and are left with only $123k in dead money from his prorated bonus.
Lewis was scheduled to make just over $2 million in the final year of his contract and didn't thrill the team by rehabbing from shoulder surgery on his own. Timing is mildly surprising with the uncertainty at left guard, but circumstances were ripe for this to happen. #Ravens
— Luke Jones (@BaltimoreLuke) August 5, 2019
The Ravens front office appears serious when it comes to a ‘team-first’ attitude this past week. They often give draft picks a benefit but both WR Jordan Lasley and Lewis have been cut before the expiration of their rookie deals.
Rather than being released, the Ravens have managed to trade Lewis to the New York Jets for a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Jets have acquired Ravens G Alex Lewis for a conditional seventh-round pick in 2020. He was on the verge of being released. More depth for O-line. Injury-prone. Career starts: 18.
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 5, 2019
The Jets have acquired Ravens G Alex Lewis for a conditional seventh-round pick in 2020. He was on the verge of being released. More depth for O-line. Injury-prone. Career starts: 18.
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 5, 2019