OWINGS MILLS, Md — After holding Eugene Monroe out of the first day of mandatory minicamp as they looked for a potential trade partner, the Baltimore Ravens officially released the oft-injured offensive lineman Wednesday.
As a result, Baltimore will reportedly save $6.5 million in cap space, but will have to deal with $2.2 million in dead money this year and $4.4 million in 2017. Monroe missed 17 games over the past two years because of an array of injuries.
Monroe became expendable when Baltimore drafted Notre Dame’s Ronnie Stanley in the first round (No. 6 overall) of this year’s draft as the long-term solution at left tackle. Stanley has taken snaps with the starting offense throughout offseason workouts.
“Ronnie has come in here and picked things up,” Ravens offensive coordinator Marc Trestman said. “He has shown that he certainly has the football intelligence to learn quickly. He doesn’t make very many mistakes; he is extremely coachable. His athleticism is showing on the field. It’s just the day-to-day process of getting better and growing and getting accustomed to the chaos of the National Football League, which is faster and different at times. Seeing the different things that he has seen defensively from a defense that is bringing everything in OTAs and now in mini-camp.”
Monroe underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum but deemed himself healthy enough to play earlier this week via his Twitter account. Baltimore, however, had other plans and decided to part ways with him.
In addition, Monroe has been outspoken about the benefits of medical marijuana for players, but the Ravens have not formally supported that stance, causing additional friction between the two sides. Ultimately, the Ravens released Monroe because of his inability to stay on the field.
–Baltimore outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil missed this week’s mandatory camp after undergoing foot surgery. However, Dumervil expects to be fully ready for training camp. “I feel a lot better and I’m excited to feel healthy again,” Dumervil said.
–The Ravens struggled with their pass-rush last season after linebacker Terrell Suggs suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in the season opener. Without Suggs in the lineup, teams were able to focus on fellow linebacker Elvis Dumervil, who was held to just six sacks. Dumervil is confident he will be more effective this season after setting the Ravens’ franchise-record with a career-high-tying 17 sacks in 2014. “Last season was brutal,” Dumervil said. “You have a model that you go by. You don’t feel sorry for yourself. You play every game that you can possibly play. It’s a difference between being hurt and being injured. There was a lot of stuff I was dealing with. I was hurting, but that doesn’t make me want to not play anymore. With that being said, it was something I saw in the offseason that I had to get done. I thought it was being hurt, but it was an injury. I was able to proceed to get that fixed so I could put myself in a position like I am now feeling great going into this offseason to get better.
–Safety Eric Weddle is making a huge impression on his new teammates with his veteran leadership skills and nose for the football. Weddle signed with the Ravens in March after spending the previous nine seasons with the San Diego Chargers. At this week’s mandatory camp, Weddle told reporters that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger tried to recruit him to play for rival Pittsburgh. “Big Ben and I go back a bunch of years,” Weddle said. “We have a great relationship. Obviously, we were talking throughout the whole process, and it didn’t end up (working out with the Steelers). I’m glad I’m here. I hope I get a bunch of wins against him, a bunch of interceptions, and maybe sprinkle in a couple touchdowns.”
–Last season was admittedly tough for, Weddle, who started all 13 games despite dealing with a groin injury. He is hoping to have a bounce-back season in Baltimore. “I’m happy to give everything I’ve got for this team, for a new opportunity, a chance to prove myself.” said Weddle, who made the Pro Bowl in 2011, 2013 and 2014. “It’s just a fresh beginning. My wife and kids just got out here (Monday) and it’s been a long eight weeks flying back and forth Thursday nights and coming back Sundays, but it was important for me to be here. Luckily, my family supports me. Now we’re all here, we’re entrenched in Baltimore, and we’re living here now full-time. I’m excited for this chance to be a Raven and give everything I’ve got to hopefully have a chance to win a Super Bowl.”