Baltimore Ravens

Notable players cut by the Ravens Friday include: RB Anthony Allen, S Omar Brown, LB Josh Bynes, LB Nigel Carr, WR Dorian Graham, NT Nicholas Jean-Baptiste, NT Ishmaa’ily Kitchen, DE Terrence Moore, QB Curtis Painter, WR Logan Payne, S Cyhl Quarles and OLB Chavis Williams.

The Ravens and nose tackle Ma'ake Kemoeatu agreed to a one-year deal. Kemoeatu, 33, began his career with the Ravens but did not play in the NFL last season due to Achilles' and knee injuries. "Maake will be given an opportunity to make our 53-man roster, and if he does, he will provide added depth on our D-line and help our ability to stop the run," general manager Ozzie Newsome said Wednesday according to The Sports Xchange.

The Baltimore Ravens moved the following players to injured reserve Monday in order to help meet the latest roster restrictions: linebacker Stevie Baggs (undisclosed); linebacker Darryl Blackstock (groin); defensive back Emanuel Cook (leg); and defensive lineman Ryan McBean (ankle).

Baltimore defensive back Asa Jackson was reinstated for Saturday's AFC Divisional Playoff game at Denver after serving a four-game suspension for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances. He failed to record a tackle in the Ravens' 38-35 victory.

The Ravens have signed quarterback Caleb Hanie to a two-year deal according to general manager Ozzie Newsome. He'll fit in on the depth chart behind Joe Flacco.

The Ravens promoted safety Omar Brown from the practice squad to the active roster Wednesday.

Notable Texans players either waived or released Friday include: tight end Logan Brock, defensive end Keith Browner, outside linebacker D.J. Bryant, nose tackle Hebron Fangupo, defensive end David Hunter, wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias, outside linebacker Delano Johnson, defensive end Mitch King, inside linebacker Shawn Loiseau, wide receiver Jeff Maehl, outside linebacker Rennie Moore and tight end Phillip Supernaw.

Baltimore defensive lineman Arthur Jones recorded 1 1/2 sacks on Sunday of Week 14 during an overtime loss at Washington. Jones finished the game with four tackles overall for the Ravens.

With the Ravens expected to have a big competition for spots on the wide receiver depth chart, assistant general manager Eric DeCosta touted Deonte Thompson as "a guy we think is going to be a good player" according to the Baltimore Sun. DeCosta also said the team was excited about Tandon Doss and that David Reed has "flashed in practice and made plays." DeCosta wouldn't rule out adding another veteran receiver before training camp.

Ravens running back Ray Rice told the Baltimore Sun he'd like to be a bigger part of the passing game. That's saying something -- he's caught more passes, 311 for 2,713 yards, over the last five years than any running back in the league. "Now that guys know that I'm a threat out of the backfield, I got to use my hands a little more," Rice said at Ray Rice Day, a free youth football clinic at Calvert Hall. "I get pushed a lot coming out of the backfield, and that's a sign of respect, but if I can get my hands and get out on pass routes and continue to get open for Joe Flacco."

The Ravens announced Thursday they reached an injury settlement with tight end Bruce Figgins (shoulder) and he was then released.

In addition to first-round pick Matt Elam and second-round choice Arthur Brown, notable players the Ravens drafted include Missouri Southern State defensive tackle Brandon Williams, Ohio State linebacker John Simon, Harvard fullback Kyle Juszczyk, Notre Dame defensive tackle Kapron Lewis-Moore, Elon receiver Aaron Mellette and Cal cornerback Marc Anthony.

The Baltimore Ravens moved the following players to injured reserve Monday in order to help meet the latest roster restrictions: linebacker Stevie Baggs (undisclosed); linebacker Darryl Blackstock (groin); defensive back Emanuel Cook (leg); and defensive lineman Ryan McBean (ankle).

With the Ravens expected to have a big competition for spots on the wide receiver depth chart, assistant general manager Eric DeCosta touted Deonte Thompson as "a guy we think is going to be a good player" according to the Baltimore Sun. DeCosta also said the team was excited about Tandon Doss and that David Reed has "flashed in practice and made plays." DeCosta wouldn't rule out adding another veteran receiver before training camp.

The Packers continued trimming their roster Friday in preparation for the regular season and released the following players: running backs Marc Tyler and Nicholas Cooper; defensive backs Anthony Levine and Otis Merrill; wide receivers Dale Moss, Diondre Borel, Tori Gurley and Curenski Gilleylen; defensive lineman Daniel Muir; and tight end Brandon Bostick.

The Ravens placed defensive back Anthony Levine on injured reserve Monday with a shoulder injury.

FOX Sports reports Friday that the Ravens have come to an agreement with quarterback Joe Flacco on a new contract. According to the report, Flacco has agreed to a six-year deal worth $120.6 million, which will make him the highest-paid quarterback in NFL history. He finished his fifth season in the league with a career-high 3,817 yards, while completing 59.7 percent of his 531 pass attempts. He scored 22 touchdowns, giving him four consecutive seasons with at least 20 scores. Flacco is officially expected to sign his new deal Monday.

With a playoff spot already locked up, the Ravens opted to rest their starters in Week 17 against the Bengals. Quarterback Joe Flacco played a couple of series Sunday, and then turned the reins over to Tyrod Taylor, a little-used second-year quarterback out of Virginia Tech. Taylor completed 15 of 25 passes for 149 yards in the game, while rushing for an additional 65 yards and a touchdown on nine carries. He did turn the ball over once, on an interception, in a 23-17 loss.

The Baltimore Sun reports Ravens defensive tackle Terrence Cody underwent hip surgery and will miss the Ravens' offseason activities. He is expected to make a full recovery in time for training camp.

Hip - Questionable for start of training camp

On Friday the Ravens placed the following players on injured reserve: TE Matt Balasavage, RB Damien Berry, LB Ricky Brown. TE Bruce Figgins and WR Tommy Streeter.

Ravens assistant general manager Eric DeCosta told the Baltimore Sun he expects tight end Eric Dickson to step up in 2013. "Ed Dickson made some big plays last year in the Super Bowl, really played his best football in the playoffs," DeCosta said. "We're excited to see him become what we thought he was going to be. We really think this is his chance to become a really good tight end in the NFL."

The Ravens announced Wednesday that they have signed tight end Billy Bajema. He's expected to fill the hole left by Dennis Pitta, who broke his hand and will miss the rest of the preseason.

The Ravens moved quickly on defensive lineman Marcus Spears and signed the veteran to a two-year deal Friday, just one day after he was released by the Cowboys. Spears spent the past eight seasons with Dallas after being selected with the 20th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft.

Writhing in pain in the fourth quarter of an early December loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs clenched his right arm as he ran into the locker room for further evaluation. In a year marred by injuries for the 2011 Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Suggs suffered a torn biceps against his bitter rival. Suggs missed just one game, before recording 16 tackles in his final six games of the year, including the postseason. Now after seeking a second opinion Suggs has opted to bypass surgery on his arm, the Baltimore Sun reported. Suggs wore a compression sleeve throughout the playoffs for added protection. The former Arizona State linebacker missed the first six games of the season with a partially torn Achilles tendon. “I'm a guy that doesn't normally doesn't get hurt and had two injuries this year that were supposed to sideline me for the rest of the year, but I just refused to accept that,” Suggs said days before the Super Bowl. “What drove me to work so hard was the possibility of being here. I knew we had a team that was right there on the brink, was always on the brink, so I just wanted to be a part of it. I didn't want to watch the season on the sideline and I definitely wanted to help my teammates reach this point.”

The Baltimore Sun reports the Ravens continued the renovation of their defense on Wednesday, signing former Raiders safety Michael Huff to a three-year deal worth $6 million. Huff played a few different positions in the secondary during his six seasons in Oakland, including both safety spots and an inside cornerback in sub packages. He eventually settled in as the starting free safety. But last season, they were forced to move him to cornerback due to injuries at that position. Make no mistake, though, Huff is with the Ravens to replace Ed Reed at free safety. The report says, "at the very least, Huff should be as solid as Reed would have been in coverage, though he does not have the same kind of instincts that the old ballhawk has."

In an interview with CBSSports.com, former Ravens teammate Anquan Boldin said receiver Torrey Smith is ready to step into the role as the No. 1 option in the passing game in his third year. "Definitely," Boldin said. "He hasn’t shied away from the moment. ... I think he’s ready to step into that role." Smith agrees with Boldin, who was traded to San Francisco this offseason. "I don’t view it any differently. My job is the same," Smith told CBSSports.com. "It’s not like I’m going to move in the slot where (Boldin) was doing most of the work. My responsibilities are still going to be the same on the outside. I’m just going out to go out there and be the best player I can be. I have higher goals for myself than anyone else. I’m excited about it. It’s a new challenge. Hopefully I’ll use what I’ve learned over these past two years and show everyone else that I can handle the load."

Ravens coach John Harbaugh told the Carroll County Times that cornerback Lardarius Webb is "on schedule, maybe a little ahead of schedule" with his rehab from a torn ACL. Webb is expected to be back by training camp.

Knee - Questionable for start of training camp

Speaking with the media Thursday, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said the knee injury suffered by defensive lineman Haloti Ngata in the Super Bowl wasn't serious. Ngata is expected to be ready for work.

Knee - Probable for start of training camp

Ravens linebacker Courtney Upshaw registered his first unassisted sack of the season and had two tackles during Baltimore's 16-13 overtime victory over San Diego in Week 12. Upshaw, a rookie out of Alabama, assisted on a sack in the season opener for his season total of 1.5.

The Ravens selected Kansas State inside linebacker Arthur Brown with the 56th overall pick in the NFL draft. Brown, a 6-foot, 242-pounder who served as a team captain with the Wildcats after transferring from Miami, totaled 100 or 101 total tackles in his two years at K-State with three sacks and nine passes defensed. Ravens assistant general manager Eric DeCosta calls Brown "a four-down linebacker who's very good in coverage."

The following players were cut by the Raiders Friday: LB Kaelin Burnett, K Eddy Carmona, WR Derek Carrier, WR Brandon Carswell, DE Hall Davis, TE Kyle Efaw, DL Dominique Hamilton, LB Chad Kilgore, WR Eddie McGee, RB Lonyae Miller, WR Roscoe Parrish, WR Travionte Session, LB Nathan Stupar and S Curtis Taylor.

Ravens kicker Justin Tucker turned in another solid performance as he connected on two field goals and four extra points against the 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII on Sunday. Tucker drilled a 19-yard attempt and a 38-yard shot -- all in the fourth quarter -- to hang on to a 34-31 victory.

In addition to first-round pick Matt Elam and second-round choice Arthur Brown, notable players the Ravens drafted include Missouri Southern State defensive tackle Brandon Williams, Ohio State linebacker John Simon, Harvard fullback Kyle Juszczyk, Notre Dame defensive tackle Kapron Lewis-Moore, Elon receiver Aaron Mellette and Cal cornerback Marc Anthony.

Knee - Questionable for start of training camp

The Baltimore Ravens moved the following players to injured reserve Monday in order to help meet the latest roster restrictions: linebacker Stevie Baggs (undisclosed); linebacker Darryl Blackstock (groin); defensive back Emanuel Cook (leg); and defensive lineman Ryan McBean (ankle).

The Baltimore Ravens moved the following players to injured reserve Monday in order to help meet the latest roster restrictions: linebacker Stevie Baggs (undisclosed); linebacker Darryl Blackstock (groin); defensive back Emanuel Cook (leg); and defensive lineman Ryan McBean (ankle).

The Falcons waived or released the following players on Friday: linebacker Spencer Adkins, tight end Lamark Brown (waived/injured), linebacker Rico Council, fullback Mike Cox, wide receiver Drew Davis, cornerback Dominique Franks, linebacker Jerrell Harris, wide receiver Marcus Jackson, cornerback Marty Markett, wide receiver Kerry Meier (waived/injured), running back Dimitri Nance, defensive tackle Conrad Obi, defensive tackle Micanor Regis, wide receiver James Rodgers, linebacker Pat Schiller, cornerback Peyton Thompson and safety Suaesi Tuimaunei and long snapper Joe Zelenka.

Ravens fullback Vonta Leach didn't get many chances to make an impact against the 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII. Leach had one carry for a 1-yard gain and caught just three passes for 10 yards in a 34-31 victory.

The Ravens announced Dennis Pitta has signed his one-year tender offer, keeping him in Baltimore purple for another season. He'll be eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2014 but before that CBSSports.com NFL Insider Jason La Canfora predicts Pitta will have a huge season. Calling him a bigger and faster version of Anquan Boldin, La Canfora sees Pitta lining up all over the place and "easily" posting double-digit touchdowns and get close to 1,000 receiving yards.

Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis has been activated off injured reserve Wednesday, reports the team's official site. Baltimore placed wide receiver LaQuan Williams on IR to make room for Lewis. That said, Lewis is expected to sit out the rest of the regular season, which constitutes the Week 17 game at Cincinnati.

The Baltimore Sun reports Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith underwent groin surgery Thursday and the team is hopeful he will be back at some point this season.

The Ravens agreed to terms with Elvis Dumervil on a multi-year contract, according to multiple sources. ESPN reports that Dumervil is expected to receive a five-year deal worth up to $35 million. Dumervil was set to stay with the Broncos when a fax snafu forced the team to release him before his contract would have been guaranteed. That opened the door for the Ravens to bring him in.

With the Ravens expected to have a big competition for spots on the wide receiver depth chart, assistant general manager Eric DeCosta touted Deonte Thompson as "a guy we think is going to be a good player" according to the Baltimore Sun. DeCosta also said the team was excited about Tandon Doss and that David Reed has "flashed in practice and made plays." DeCosta wouldn't rule out adding another veteran receiver before training camp.

Ravens safety Christian Thompson has been suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy, the Baltimore Sun reports.

Suspension - Eligible to return Week 5

In addition to drafting outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw, the Ravens spent three other picks on their defense in the draft. They took South Carolina State safety Christian Thompson, Cal Poly cornerback Asa Jackson and Georgia defensive tackle DeAngelo Tyson. Thompson is a former Auburn defensive back with good coverage ability and some long-term potential. Jackson is a speedy cornerback who plays tougher than his size suggests but needs some experience. Tyson is a big body expected to eventually help cram the run.

The Ravens placed rookie running back Bobby Rainey on injured reserve Tuesday because of a knee injury.

Aside from veteran receiver Deion Branch and long-time backup Brian Hoyer, the Patriots released the following players on Friday: safety Sergio Brown, receiver Jeremy Ebert, defensive lineman Marcus Harrison, receiver Jesse Holley, safety James Ihedigbo, fullback Eric Kettani, center Dan Koppen, linebacker Niko Koutouvides, defensive lineman Aaron Lavarias, safety Derrick Martin, tight end Alex Silvestro, linebacker Jeff Tarpinian, receiver Kerry Taylor, tight end Tyler Urban and safety Malcolm Williams.

The Ravens placed RB Matt Lawrence (concussion) on injured reserve Tuesday.

The Ravens terminated cornerback Domonique Foxworth's contract Monday after the veteran failed a physical. He had been on IR the past two seasons with a torn ACL. Foxworth played in 18 games with the Ravens totaling 64 tackles, four interceptions, 21 passes defensed and a fumble recovery.

On Friday the Ravens placed the following players on injured reserve: TE Matt Balasavage, RB Damien Berry, LB Ricky Brown. TE Bruce Figgins and WR Tommy Streeter.

The Ravens official team website reports the Ravens have re-signed safety James Ihedigbo to a one-year contract. Ihedigbo, 29, played in all 16 games for the Ravens last year and started three when strong safety Bernard Pollard was out due to a chest injury. He recorded 19 tackles and one sack, as well as six solo special teams stops.

The Ravens spent a pair of fifth-round picks on Texas CB Chykie Brown and Mississippi State DE Pernell McPhee. Brown, who missed four games in the 2010 season with a broken forearm, had two career interceptions with the Longhorns. The 6-foot-3, 280-pound McPhee started in all 25 games at MSU. He had seven sacks, caused two fumbles and deflected four passes.

More notable cuts from the Ravens Saturday: LB Josh Bynes, QB Hunter Cantwell, DT Lamar Divens, LB Tavares Goodman, DB Danny Gorrer, DT Bryan Hall, WR James Hardy, CB Talmadge Jackson, FB Ryan Mahaffey, TE Johdrick Morris, DB Mana Silva, DT Derek Simmons, WR Marucs Smith, CB Josh Victorian, LB Chavis Williams and DB Nate Williams.

Ravens assistant general manager Eric DeCosta told an audience at an event hosted by the Baltimore Sun that the team is "excited" about what Jacoby Jones could do for them as a No. 2 receiver opposite Torrey Smith. "We're very excited about Jacoby and the progress he made throughout last season," he said. DeCosta also spoke of other receivers on the roster stepping up and didn't rule out adding a veteran before the start of the regular season.

The Ravens signed cornerback Chris Johnson to a one-year deal.

Bernard Pierce isn't going anywhere as the backup to Ray Rice in Baltimore, but is he getting more credit than he deserves? After reviewing his film from late last season Pierce is indeed a physical runner but his burst isn't exceptional and he's not as electric as Rice. There's a reason why he's a backup. His stats are also misleading: Pierce saw very little work until Jim Caldwell became the offensive coordinator. He had 14 carries for 123 yards in a blowout win against the Giants with 78 yards coming on one run late in the game (he was stopped just short of scoring). He had another long run against the Colts in the Wild Card round, racking up 43 of his 103 yards in the fourth quarter to help the Ravens put up a score to put the game away. Pierce was a non-factor in the Ravens' other three playoff games. And of the 108 carries he had in the regular season, 22 came in a meaningless Week 17 game.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Albert McClellan will line up as an inside linebacker in 2013.

Ravens outside linebacker Michael McAdoo tore his Achilles tendon on Thursday and is expected to miss the majority of the 2012 season, according to The Carroll County Times. McAdoo underwent surgery following the injury. He spent the 2011 season on IR with a knee injury. McAdoo's injury all but forces LB Albert McClellan to move from inside to outside this season.

Ravens running back Anthony Allen had his finest game as a professional in Week 17 against the Bengals. With Ray Rice playing just a few series in order to rest for the playoffs, Allen received a career-high 10 carries. He rushed for 41 yards on those 10 carries, and found the end zone for the first time in his career, in a 23-17 loss.

Ravens defensive back Corey Graham made some big plays as he came up with two key interceptions during Saturday's AFC Divisional Playoff game at Denver. Graham intercepted Peyton Manning in the opening quarter and returned it 39 yards back for a touchdown. He also picked Manning off again in overtime, which led to the team's game-winning field goal. He registered eight tackles, deflected three passes and came up with two interceptions in a 38-35 double overtime win.

The Ravens selected safety Matt Elam with the 32nd overall pick in the NFL draft. A two-year starter with the Gators, Elam fills the hole left by the departure of Bernard Pollard, who was cut after the Ravens won the Super Bowl.

In addition to first-round pick Matt Elam and second-round choice Arthur Brown, notable players the Ravens drafted include Missouri Southern State defensive tackle Brandon Williams, Ohio State linebacker John Simon, Harvard fullback Kyle Juszczyk, Notre Dame defensive tackle Kapron Lewis-Moore, Elon receiver Aaron Mellette and Cal cornerback Marc Anthony.

In addition to first-round pick Matt Elam and second-round choice Arthur Brown, notable players the Ravens drafted include Missouri Southern State defensive tackle Brandon Williams, Ohio State linebacker John Simon, Harvard fullback Kyle Juszczyk, Notre Dame defensive tackle Kapron Lewis-Moore, Elon receiver Aaron Mellette and Cal cornerback Marc Anthony.

The Ravens announced they signed exclusive-rights free agent Damien Berry.

Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome announced that linebacker Rolando McClain has announced his retirement. McClain was arrested less than a month ago and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after a disturbance in Alabama. Less than two weeks before that arrest the Ravens signed McClain following his release from the Raiders. McClain has been arrested three times since being drafted by the Raiders in 2010.

In addition to first-round pick Matt Elam and second-round choice Arthur Brown, notable players the Ravens drafted include Missouri Southern State defensive tackle Brandon Williams, Ohio State linebacker John Simon, Harvard fullback Kyle Juszczyk, Notre Dame defensive tackle Kapron Lewis-Moore, Elon receiver Aaron Mellette and Cal cornerback Marc Anthony.

The Ravens placed linebacker Jameel McClain on injured reserve on Saturday with his neck injury. His season is now over. McClain had already been ruled out for Week 16 against the Giants. The team promoted outside linebacker Adrian Hamilton from the practice squad to take McClain's place.

The New Orleans Saints began paring down their roster Monday and released the following players: quarterback Luke McCown; tight end Jake Byrne; wide receivers Marques Clark, Kevin Hardy and Derek Moye; defensive backs Kamaal McIlwain, Cord Parks and Johnny Thomas; defensive linemen Remi Ayodele, Swanson Miller and Donavan Robinson; and linebacker Aaron Tevis.

The Ravens promoted linebacker Josh Bynes from the practice squad to the active roster Wednesday.

The Carroll County Times reports the Ravens plan to experiment with defensive lineman Pernell McPhee as an outside pass rush linebacker. He'll play D-line as well but John Harbaugh wants to see how he'll do in that role. "He’s an outside linebacker that can play defensive end," Harbaugh said. "He’ll be a defensive end/pass rusher in our even fronts, in our pass-rush schemes."

The Ravens' free-agent haul arrived as they signed cornerback Corey Graham, safety Sean Considine and re-signed fullback/special-teams stud Brendon Ayanbadejo and linebacker Jameel McClain.

The start of free agency has made for a tough few hours for the defending Super Bowl champion Ravens; Outside linebacker Paul Kruger signed with the Browns, and inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe is now a member of the Dolphins. But Baltimore wasted little time restocking the defense. The team has signed defensive end Chris Canty to a three-year, $8 million deal, according to the Baltimore Sun. Canty spent the last four seasons with the Giants after beginning his career in Dallas. The former fourth-round pick out of Virginia played in just nine games last season, but at 30 years old, he has a lot of football left.

With the Ravens expected to have a big competition for spots on the wide receiver depth chart, assistant general manager Eric DeCosta touted Deonte Thompson as "a guy we think is going to be a good player" according to the Baltimore Sun. DeCosta also said the team was excited about Tandon Doss and that David Reed has "flashed in practice and made plays." DeCosta wouldn't rule out adding another veteran receiver before training camp.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh told the Carroll County Times that linebacker Jameel McClain will see a special trainer in Los Angeles to evaluate a spinal cord contusion suffered last December. “We don’t for sure, but I’m approaching it like Jameel’s going to be out there for us, and it looks like he’s got a good chance to do that, a really good chance.”

Back - Questionable for start of training camp

The Ravens have released LB Brendon Ayanbadejo according to ProFootballTalk.com.

In addition to first-round pick Matt Elam and second-round choice Arthur Brown, notable players the Ravens drafted include Missouri Southern State defensive tackle Brandon Williams, Ohio State linebacker John Simon, Harvard fullback Kyle Juszczyk, Notre Dame defensive tackle Kapron Lewis-Moore, Elon receiver Aaron Mellette and Cal cornerback Marc Anthony.

The Ravens signed TE Jonathan Stupar and TE/FB Kris Wilson and released S Eugene Clifford and S Michael Ricks on Monday.