Josh Bynes Cut, Derek Cox Resigns

Aug 23, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Josh Bynes (56) prepares to tackle against the Washington Redskins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens resigned cornerback Derek Cox on Tuesday after he was initially cut on Saturday.  To make room on the roster, somebody had to go, and this time we saw inside linebacker Josh Bynes cut.  It was originally thought that the Ravens would wait until after Sunday’s game against the Bengals to resign Cox, which would have made his salary non guaranteed.

But according to Aaron Wilson at the Baltimore Sun, an AFC South team was interested in Cox, which made it necessary for the Ravens to move quickly.  The Ravens inked Cox to the same one year, $730,000 contract that he had originally received the first time he was signed.

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The release of Josh Bynes is a bit of a surprise after he filled in with the first team while starter Daryl Smith was injured in training camp.  Bynes started six games last season as well, recording 45 tackles and 3 pass deflections.  Ultimately he is losing to the game of numbers, as the Ravens are absolutely stocked at linebacker, especially after adding C.J. Mosley via the draft.

What is surprising is that the Ravens kept both undrafted rookie Zachary Orr and special teamer Albert McClellan over Bynes.  Bynes, who signed with the Ravens after going undrafted as well, has a lot more experience on defense, though isn’t as prolific on special teams.

Don’t be surprised if Bynes finds a new home quickly as a thumper on the inside.  There are quite a few teams out there that could use a versatile and solid presence at the position, and he should have plenty of suitors if he makes it through waivers.