After just one season in Baltimore, the Ravens are releasing veteran running back Danny Woodhead.
The Baltimore Ravens continue their cap purge. Not long after declining to pick up Austin Howard‘s 2018 option, the team is opening up more cap space. This time, it’s releasing a veteran out of the backfield.
Ian Rapoport has reported that the Ravens are releasing running back Danny Woodhead. As expected, the move is being made for cap reasons.
The #Ravens are releasing RB Danny Woodhead, source said, for cap reasons. A gritty dude hits the market and is up for another payday.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2018
It seemed like a smart signing at the time but the move never paid off. Injuries halted Woodhead’s presence on the field in 2017. Most of us saw this release coming after the conclusion of the season. Woodhead was an expected cap casualty heading into the offseason. It was just a matter of time until the release was made official.
On the Ravens’ opening offensive drive in Week 1 of the regular season, Woodhead went down with an apparent hamstring injury. He was placed on Injured Reserve and missed the entire first half of the season. After a Week 10 return against the Packers, the Ravens never reaped the full benefits of Woodhead’s production. He finished with just 256 total scrimmage yards in eight games and failed to find the end zone.
The Baltimore Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec reported that the Ravens talked about a pay altercation but it was never agreed on. The release now saves the team $1.75M in cap space this offseason.
Ravens talked about pay alteration for Woodhead. But couldn't agree to new deal. Door is now closed, but Woodhead hits free agent market. Release saves Ravens $1.75 million. Ravens will probably draft a RB, but have Alex Collins and Buck Allen and Kenneth Dixon returning.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) March 13, 2018
Interesting to note that Woodhead wouldn’t take a pay cut. He’s past his shelf-life as a runner but his versatility as a receiver always makes it an intriguing option for teams.
Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Ebony Bird first-round picks
Given his age and injury history, Woodhead has seen his better days. The Ravens are better off sticking young at the position with Alex Collins, Buck Allen, and a returning Kenneth Dixon. Allen essentially filled Woodhead’s role last season and was more productive doing it.