Ravens cut off talks with C Jason Brown

[Killer]

And the first domino has fallen.

According to an NFL source, the club has informed center Jason Brown that he is not in their plans for the 2009 season.

Brown, who turns 26 in June, is expected to garner immediate, strong interest from four or five clubs when the NFL’s free-agency period opens at 12:01 a.m. Friday. Brown started in '06 and '07 at guard for the Ravens, before moving to center to replace Mike Flynn last season.

The move to let Brown leave allows Baltimore to focus on its two free-agent linebackers, Bart Scott and Ray Lewis.

Negotiations are ongoing with both players -- with the expectation that the Ravens will be able re-sign one, but not both -- and are expected to run up to midnight, when the club will lose exclusive negotiating rights.


http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/rea..._c_jason_brown

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Gutting their O-line to try and keep RayRay?

ha ha!

[devilsdancefloor]

that is pretty funny that would take ray ray over a guy who is just coming into his own!

[lilyoder6]

that is suprising.. there starting center and young at that.. ravens are gonna miss him

[OneForTheToe]

Originally Posted by devilsdancefloor

that is pretty funny that would take ray ray over a guy who is just coming into his own!

Yes, if the Steelers had to chose between a 35+ former great linebacker and 25 year-old future great, they would probably plug in the linebacker's replacement and move on. If the Ravens keep their three linebakers they will be a Super Bowl contender next season. However, with or without cap, they are mortgaging their future.

[KeiselPower99]

I hope Lewis and Scott bolt as soon as the clock reads 12:01. They are getting rid of so many guys their is no way they will challenge us next year

[Edman]

Getting rid of the protection for your young franchise QB to sign an aging LB who dances a lot and another LB who talks just as much and only claim to fame is a blindside hit on a Quarterback?

Keep it going, Baltimore.

[The_WARDen]

Originally Posted by devilsdancefloor

that is pretty funny that would take ray ray over a guy who is just coming into his own!

maybe they were afraid that Ray Ray would stab them?

[Preacher]

OK... I know I can't be the first one to think this. . .

But of all the problems we have had. Does ANYONE think that it wouldn't be a SERIOUS upgrade to make an attempt at this guy? Hartwig could then be moved to left or right guard to try and get one of those positions. . . or cut, saving more cap space (though he doesn't take up a lot of cap space anyways).

Then we pick up one more OL in the draft. I LIKE starks at LT. Sign him long term, and we are 60 percent home on retooling our line.

[Steelman16]

Originally Posted by Preacher

OK... I know I can't be the first one to think this. . .

But of all the problems we have had. Does ANYONE think that it wouldn't be a SERIOUS upgrade to make an attempt at this guy? Hartwig could then be moved to left or right guard to try and get one of those positions. . . or cut, saving more cap space (though he doesn't take up a lot of cap space anyways).

Then we pick up one more OL in the draft. I LIKE starks at LT. Sign him long term, and we are 60 percent home on retooling our line.

Actually, I think that idea might work. I like Starks at LT too, but we need a RT extremely bad. Colon ain't the answer, and I find it hard to believe we'd resign him.

Did Hartwig ever play either guard position?

[KeiselPower99]

Originally Posted by Steelman16

Actually, I think that idea might work. I like Starks at LT too, but we need a RT extremely bad. Colon ain't the answer, and I find it hard to believe we'd resign him.

Did Hartwig ever play either guard position?

Maybe he did for Tennessee I cant remember. I do know he refused a move to guard for Carolina hence the reason he was cut by them.