Roster Management Begins in Baltimore

Overtime Heroics Editorial

1864 days ago

Nobody knows how the 2020 NFL season will pan out because of COVID-19, but for the Baltimore Ravens today marks the start of training camp. The NFL and NFLPA agreed to cancel pre-season games, along with a move to cut rosters to 80 players. The roster management has already begun for the Ravens.

Baltimore have announced in recent days the release of a number of players, along with some veterans who have decided to opt-out of this season. The Ravens are already down to the maximum of 80 players, but will no doubt have further roster moves to make before the season begins.

Roster Moves Begin With UDFA Releases

Baltimore first announced last Saturday the release of defensive end Michael Onuoha. Onuoha was an undrafted free agent signing in 2019 who spent the season on the practice squad. The signings of Calais Campbell of Derek Wolfe along with the drafting of Justin Madubuike made Onuoha expendable.

Monday saw another round of roster moves primarily on the offensive line. Guards Evan Adams and Daishawn Dixon along with tackle R.J Prince were all released. Kicker Nick Vogel was also cut. Baltimore had 16 offensive linemen signed, so they were able to cut these depth options.

All four players were recent UDFA signings. R.J Prince spent last season on the practice squad. Adams, Dixon and Vogel were all 2020 UDFA signings.

R.J Prince Baltimore Ravens roster management 2020 — *R.J Prince was the only player released with any experience, spending 2019 on the Ravens practice squad. All players released will struggle to find another NFL home. Photo: Mitchell Leff/Getty*

Veterans Opting Out of Season

Veterans De’Anthony Thomas and Andre Smith have both opted out of the 2020 season because of COVID-19 concerns. Both had signed one-year deals, but will now collect $150 000 for voluntarily opting out.

Smith will prove the biggest miss for Baltimore. The 33-year old provided depth at tackle, a position where they lack viable options. Rookie Tyre Phillips is their only backup now.

Thomas was projected to be the kick-returner this season, but will now sit out the season. He was a mid-season signing last season after being released by the Kansas City Chiefs. Rookie wide receiver James Proche is now the favorite to take on kick-return duties.

*De’Anthony Thomas was the Ravens kick-returner but will now step aside in 2020 because of concerns over Covid-19. Photo: Baltimore Sun*

Roster Moves Show Need at Tight End

Along with the news of various roster moves on Monday, Baltimore announced that tight end Jacob Breeland will miss the 2020 season. The UDFA signing was favored to make the final roster in the third tight end role.

His senior year at Oregon was cut short with a torn ACL, which will now rob him of his rookie year. Baltimore is now short at tight end, with only UDFA’s Charles Scarff and Eli Wolf available. Both are developmental prospects. Some have now speculated whether the Ravens will sign a veteran presence to help fill the void left by trading Hayden Hurst.

Jacob Breeland Oregon Ravens roster management — *Jacob Breeland looked set for the third tight end role in Baltimore, but will now likely rehab via the Practice squad for 2020. Photo: ESPN*

That wraps up this latest Ravens article, if you have any thoughts on it let us know in the comments below. For the latest sports news follow the home page here and the specific NFL page here. Also, be sure to check out the forum page here for 24/7 sports discussion.