Linebacker Jake Ryan will be looking for his third team in just a few months. Less than two months after agreeing to terms with Ryan and roughly a month after officially inking the deal, the Baltimore Ravens have decided to waive the veteran linebacker, according to the team’s Twitter account.
While it’s somewhat shocking to see a player waived so quickly after being signed, Baltimore remedied their woes at linebacker through the 2020 NFL Draft. The Ravens used their first-round pick on LSU linebacker Patrick Queen, while also picking Malik Harrison in the third round. With L.J. Fort signed to an extension late last season, Baltimore seemingly has their top linebackers already on the roster. The Ravens also have quite a bit of depth with Chris Board and Otaro Alaka returning from last year, as well as a few UDFAs signed following the 2020 NFL Draft.
When initially signed, Ryan was figured to be experienced depth for Baltimore. When healthy, Ryan was productive over three years with the Green Bay Packers. However, Ryan went on injured reserve in each of the last two seasons, playing just two games since the start of the 2018 season. With two new starting-caliber linebackers added to the Ravens’ roster and the experience Fort brings to the table, Ryan was clearly expendable.
Waiving Ryan will save Baltimore $845,000, according to Over The Cap. While not a ton of money considering the 2020 salary cap is set at $198.2 million, it does bring the Ravens up to $9.15 million available still, according to OTC. It will also open up a spot on Baltimore’s 90-man roster, paving the way for another signing at a position of more need.
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