Ozzie explains recent moves in press release
Baltimore Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome explains some of the recent Ravens moves in a press release that was released last week. This includes the move to release Bernard Pollard.
The Baltimore Ravens have terminated the contract of vested veteran S Bernard Pollard, while also re-signing unrestricted free agents S James Ihedigbo and CB Chris Johnson to one-year contracts, general manager/executive vice president Ozzie Newsome announced Thursday.
“We needed to find a physical presence for our secondary when we lost Dawan Landry a few years ago, and we were fortunate to land a player like Bernard,” Newsome stated. “He was everything we hoped he would be: physical, tough and well-prepared. Bernard takes great pride in being ready to play – and he does that year round. He was a good partner with Ed [Reed] on our backside, and he fit in well with our team. Like we say, ‘He played like a Raven.’ He helped us get to an AFC Championship and win a Super Bowl, and we thank him for all he did for us.
“There are many difficult decisions we make every offseason. They become even more difficult when they involve players who helped us get another Super Bowl trophy.”
A seven-year NFL veteran, Pollard played two seasons with the Ravens, seeing action in 29 games (26 starts). He led Baltimore with a team-high 98 total tackles during the 2012 regular season, adding two sacks, six passes defensed and one interception in 13 contests. In four 2012 playoff games, Pollard produced 17 tackles, four passes defensed and one forced fumble.
Ihedigbo, a six-year veteran, posted 19 tackles (12 solo) and one sack for the Ravens during the 2012 campaign, his first in Baltimore. In his pro career, he has recorded 109 tackles and six sacks, adding two passes defensed.
Johnson, who was signed by the Ravens midway through the 2012 season (Nov. 11), saw action in four regular season games (one start), posting seven solo tackles and one forced fumble. He owns 164 tackles (147 solo), eight interceptions and four forced fumbles during his nine-year NFL career.
