Ravens Release CB Justin Bethel

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Photo credit Photo Courtesy: USA Today

By Austin Medina  

Roster moves should always be in line with the future of an organization. The latest Ravens move is the exact representation of planning for the future.

We have released DB Justin Bethel from the 53-man roster and DT Jeremiah Ledbetter from the practice squad. pic.twitter.com/7lv0j5RUTW

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 21, 2019

Baltimore announced Monday that cornerback Justin Bethel has been released. Bethel, 29, has made a name in Baltimore for his prowess in special teams. The Ravens released Bethel in order to secure a fourth-round compensatory pick.

Head coach John Harbaugh had high praise for Bethel as he looks to find a new team.

"Justin Bethel unfortunately had to be released because of a funky rule the NFL has with these compensatory picks. A judgment has to be made for the future as well. ... I think he's the best special teams players in the NFL. He's playing that way. That's going to be a blow and we'll have to find a way to overcome that."

The move came about after the Tennessee Titans released former Ravens defensive end Brent Urban. The Titans release nullified the fourth-round compensatory pick (acquired by losing receiver John Brown). With the Ravens releasing Bethel before Week 10, they recouped the compensatory pick.

Bethel's stats may not indicate how important he has been in the special teams, but Harbaugh's praise emphasizes how sound Bethel has been for the Ravens. He led the special teams unit with six tackles.

Bethel’s journey continues elsewhere as the former three-time Pro Bowler looks to help a team in a variety of ways.