Derrick Mason And Todd Heap To Be Released By Baltimore Ravens

The lockout hasn’t been over for more than a day and the Ravens are already taking casualties. Although players cannot be officially cut until Thursday, the Baltimore Ravens have already reportedly informed wide receiver Derrick Mason, tight end Todd Heap, nose tackle Kelly Gregg, and running back Willis McGahee that they will be cut.

Both Jamison Hensley of the Baltimore Sun and Brett Hollander of WBAL Radio have made these reports and the information seems reliable. Roster moves cannot be made until 4 PM on Thursday so this won’t become official until then.

These cuts will open about $19 million dollars in cap room. As sad as it is to release some long time Ravens, this cap space should allow the signing and resigning of some quality players.

These cuts do not hurt the team that much though. Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith, Tandon Doss, and David Reed will look to take the reigns of the receiving corp as long time veteran Derrick Mason will no longer be there. Ray Rice has sealed the starting running back position and resigning Le’Ron McClain is something that must be done to solidify the backfield. Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta are two younger guys that were drafted last year. They were both very impressive last year when they filled in for Todd Heap after injury. Ed Dickson should take the starting job now that Heap is gone. As for the defensive line, Kelly Gregg has not been used that much recently. Though his presence will be missed, he is replaceable. Haloti Ngata is already a space eater on the defensive line and I’m sure Terrence “Mount” Cody will take some snaps on the D-line.

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