After starting 16 games at right tackle last season the Baltimore Ravens have decided not to pick up Austin Howard‘s 2018 option.
More moves on the offensive line for the Baltimore Ravens. They re-signed James Hurst to a four-year, $17.5M deal yesterday and now another domino begins to fall.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has reported that the Ravens are not picking up the option for right tackle Austin Howard.
The #Ravens are not picking up the option for RT Austin Howard, source said. A right tackle who started 16 games is on the market at a very thin position.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2018
Howard was brought in to replace Rick Wagner after his departure in free agency last offseason. The veteran inked a three-year, $16M deal with the Ravens as they found their answer at right tackle for the 2017 season. While he wasn’t a premier starter, Howard provided stability on an offensive line that was filled with inconsistencies due to injury.
The Ravens structured Howard’s contract for this exact scenario. He was never thought to be the long-term answer but rather a bridge starter. Releasing Howard saves the team $3M with minimal dead cap problems. That’s much-needed money as the team continues to look for help on the free agent market.
It is a bit surprising to see Howard released after just one season. The Ravens don’t have a bonafide starter at right tackle set in stone. James Hurst is better suited on the interior while Alex Lewis is an injury liability until proven otherwise. Lewis is also a possible candidate to replace Ryan Jensen if he departs in free agency.
Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Ebony Bird first-round picks
All signs could point to the NFL draft, a place where the Ravens have had success finding starting-caliber offensive lineman. The need for a wide receiver in unquestioned but the offensive line can’t be ignored, even in the first round. Pairing Ronnie Stanley with former Notre Dame teammate Mike McGlinchey is a possibility at No. 16. The team could also find depth in the mid-later rounds.