BALTIMORE (105.7 The Fan) -- The Baltimore Ravens are moving on from Pro Bowl safety Eric Weddle, who reportedly was released by the team on Tuesday evening.
Weddle, 34, was entering the final season of a four-year deal with the Ravens. His base salary was set to be $6.5 million and he could have earned up to $1 million in incentives. Weddle would have cost the Ravens $9.25 million against the salary cap; the team will save approximately $7.5 million with his release.
This comes on the heels of the Ravens not placing the franchise tag on 26-year old linebacker C.J. Mosley.
Weddle made three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances in his three seasons in Baltimore. He made 10 interceptions during his first two seasons and racked up 151 combined tackles in three years.
The veteran was beloved among defensive backs in Baltimore's locker room and was known as the maestro of the back end of the defense. Once Mosley was injured in Week 2 last season, Weddle took over the microphone duties -- barking out orders and getting players lined up correctly. Weddle's leadership helped Baltimore to a No. 1 ranking in total defense in 2018.
Baltimore could make a push for pending free-agent safety Tyrann Mathieu, per CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora. Mathieu, 26, has experience playing with Ravens strong safety Tony Jefferson with the Arizona Cardinals. He also provides the ability to line up in the slot if necessary. Mathieu has made 73 starts in 82 games played, totaling 13 interceptions through his career.
High-profile safeties Earl Thomas and Landon Collins also will be available in free agency.
Weddle initially said he would retire if the Ravens did not bring him back. However, during Pro Bowl festivities, he backtracked on his comments.
Ravens all-time sack leader Terrell Suggs will become a free agent, along with 2018 sack leader linebacker Za'Darius Smith and starting wide receiver John Brown.
In addition, Baltimore agreed to trade quarterback Joe Flacco to the Denver Broncos, handed a contract extension to cornerback Tavon Young, released veteran wideout Michael Crabtree and waived running back Alex Collins following his arrest last Friday.
By Kyle J. Andrews
