5 Players Ravens Must Move On From In 2017

Dec 7, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens strong safety Matt Elam (26) reacts against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. Ravens won 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Here are the 5 players that the Ravens need to move on from after the 2016-2017 season.

The Baltimore Ravens franchise is one that has thrived on the presence of veteran players. Players such as Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Matt Stover played the majority of their career with the team and produced big numbers. They led the Ravens to many playoff appearances and a couple of Super Bowl wins as well.

The Ravens thrive on finding older players, deemed past their prime, and giving them another shot. In most cases, it has worked out. Wide receiver Anquan Boldin came to Baltimore for 3 seasons and was the Ravens best offensive target. After leaving the Ravens in 2012, Boldin is still producing at the wide receiver position with the Detroit Lions.

While general manager Ozzie Newsome always seems to work his magic in the free agency market with veteran players, there are some on his team that need to go. Poor signings and draft picks have added up dead money. This prevents the Ravens ability to sign key players in the off-season. There comes a certain point when these players and the team must move on.

Elvis Dumervil

Since joining the Ravens, Elvis Dumervil has seemed to be worth every penny, except for this season. After signing with the team as a free agent in 2013, the Dumervil and Suggs combo has been deadly. His best season came in 2014 when he matched a career high with 17 sacks. He was also able to produce a solid season in 2015, where the Ravens struggled as a whole. Injuries had not been much of a concern since he joined the team, but offseason foot surgery has kept him sidelined this season.

The 2016 season has frustrating for Dumervil. His foot surgery in the offseason has left him sidelined longer for than expected. There was thoughts that he would return early in the season, but that has not been the case. He has not played in a game this season and the defense has not seemed to miss him. The Ravens defense has excelled this season, recently holding the Cleveland Browns to only 144 total yards. Linebacker Albert McClellan has stepped into the starting role and performed well.

Even if Dumervil does come back healthy, I cannot see Dean Pees rushing him back in. Yes it would be nice to have his talent and presence on the field, but the defense is playing well without him. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. It is already concerning enough that Dumervil has missed this much time and there’s a chance he might not even play at all this season. If the defense continues to play this way without Dumvervil, it gives more of a reason for the Ravens and him to part ways.

Devin Hester Sr.

An interesting move by the Ravens in the off-season that sparked some life into the fans. The Ravens signed Devin Hester to a 1-year $4 million dollar deal. Hester is arguably the best kick/punt returner of all time. Since the absence of Jacoby Jones, the Ravens have not had the same production at the return spot. Experiments with Michael Campanaro and Kaelin Clay seemed to be short-term solutions to a long-term problem.

Hester’s season so far has been a disappointment to say the least. The Ravens have had no plan to use him in the receiving game and the return game is abysmal. The Ravens have missed out on Hester’s prime and it is time to move on. He has only eclipsed one 20+ yard kick return and has fumbled 4 times. There are punts that could easily be picked up and returned, but Hester is letting them roll right past him. Not only does this look bad on him, but it puts the offense in bad field position.

The Ravens have other viable options that they can try at the return game for a cheaper price. Michael Campanero is currently on the practice squad and could make his way back to the 53 man roster soon. 6th round draft pick Keenan Reynolds is also on the practice squad and is another option the Ravens could use. I do not expect Ravens would re-sign Hester and would not be surprised for them to cut him before the season is over. He has not lived up to the hype and is not worth the $4 million that the Ravens are paying him.

 Dennis Pitta

This may be an unpopular opinion, but it needs to be said. After producing a career best 7 touchdowns in 2012, the Ravens were very high on Pitta. The team then rewarded him with a 5-year $32 million dollar contract in 2014. Hip injuries sidelined Pitta until this season and there was question if he would ever play football again. A once go to option for Joe Flacco has seemed almost non-existent.

Looking head, the Ravens have too many options at the tight end position. Other than Pitta, who is 31 and Ben Watson, who is 35, all of the other tight ends are under the age of 24. Crockett Gilmore has shown potential, but lingering injuries have kept him sidelined for most of the season. Maxx Williams is currently on injured reserve and Nick Boyle is serving a 10 game suspension.

With young talent on the roster in the tight end position, I cannot see the Ravens sticking with Pitta much longer. Pitta has already broken his hip twice and is an injury liability. While it may not be a fan favorite move, it would be a logical decision. Benjamin Watson has been sidelined with an Achilles injury all season, but should return next year. He can still be the veteran leadership the Ravens need at that position and for a lower price tag.

Matt Elam

The 4th year safety was drafted by the Ravens 32nd overall in 2013, but has had a disappointing start to his career. He is finally back on the roster, after being activated off of the injured reserve list. Elam has not shown the difference maker potential that the Ravens had hoped. He is entering the final year of his contract this season and has a lot to prove. The Ravens will have the ability to exercise a 5th year on his contract if they choose to.

Out of the five players on this list that the Baltimore could move on from, I think that Elam is the likeliest candidate. The Ravens brought in Pro Bowler Eric Weddle on a 3-year deal over the off-season and he has emerged as one of their best defensive players. It is very unlikely Elam will see much time on the field if Weddle continues to play well.

I believe Elam is one of the biggest busts in Ravens history. The team had hoped that Elam could be the replacement to the Ed Reed era, but injuries and poor tackling have been the focus of his young career. He has only intercepted one pass in his time with the Ravens. Elam still has potential if he is able to stay healthy, but I think his tenure with the Ravens is much overdue.

Kamar Aiken

Aiken is coming off of a breakout season in 2015, but has not produced those same numbers. He caught for almost 1,000 yards and had five touchdowns last season. The addition of Mike Wallace and the return of Steve Smith have pushed Aiken to the side. His production has dropped off completely. He has logged only 171 receiving yards through 9 games this season and he is an unrestricted free agent after this season.

In my opinion I have just have not seen enough from Aiken this season. His production from last season came because of all the injuries. He was the only legitimate option that the Ravens had at receiver. Breshad Perriman has seemed to emerged as the 3rd receiver and has potential to be a #1 receiver in the future.

Similar to the return situation, the Ravens still have Michael Campanaro and Keenan Reynolds on their roster. Campanaro showed some production while playing in the slot last season before injuries occurred and it is too early to see what the Ravens will get from Reynolds. Rookie Chris Moore has also showed some flashes of potential this season. This would be a tough decision for the Ravens to move on, but Aiken is not producing the numbers that they expected him to.