Ravens release Vontae Leach

[Dante84]

Looks like he wants to go to Houston. Would be nice to get him on our roster.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/93...houston-texans

The Baltimore Ravens released three-time Pro Bowl fullback Vonta Leach on Tuesday and re-signed tight end Billy Bajema.

A league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that the Ravens tried to trade Leach but were unable to find a taker. His agent, meanwhile, told a Houston television station that his client would like to return to the Houston Texans.

Lot Of Football Left?

Vonta Leach was the top-ranked fullback in the NFL last season and the best lead blocker for the second straight season, according to ProFootballFocus.com. In fact, he's ranked among the top three in four of the past five seasons.
Rating Block rtng
Leach Ravens 19.1 16.5
Rhett Ellison Vikings 14.8 12.2
Marcel Reese Raiders 14.8 7.2
Mike Tolbert Panthers 14.3 1.0
Darrel Young Redskins 9.3 6.6

"We've had lots of discussion in the past week with Vonta and his agent, and both parties agreed that it was best to terminate Vonta's contract," Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said in a statement.

"He played a significant role in helping us get to the AFC Championship Game in 2011 and win the Super Bowl last season. He added to our toughness and will to win, plus he provided leadership. He's a good football player. There could be an opportunity for him to return to the Ravens once he explores the free-agent market, and we could re-visit this before or during training camp."

Leach's agent told KRIV-TV in Houston that the Texans, who Leach played for from 2007-10, are at the top of the fullback's wish list and he would reach out to the team soon to see if they are interested.

"Obviously, which teams you have the best fit at," agent Ralph Vitolo told KRIV-TV. "The most logical fit and the smoothest transition to another team would be Houston because he's already been there.

"He understands the coaches, the scheme. He's worked with Arian Foster and the rest of the offensive line, so it would be a very smooth transition to go back to Houston."

It is unknown if the Texans, who signed veteran fullback Greg Jones earlier this offseason, would be interested in signing Leach.

More From ESPN.com

It should come as no surprise that the Ravens decided to part ways with Pro Bowl fullback Vonta Leach, writes Jamison Hensley. Blog

Leach, one of the NFL's best lead blockers, was due to make $3 million this season. The nine-year veteran made the Pro Bowl in each of the past two seasons with the Ravens.

Leach, 31, had indicated that his stint with the Ravens was over in a series of tweets Monday,

"Thanks ravens organization for a great two years," Leach wrote on his Twitter account. "I came here and did what we set out to do and that's win the Super Bowl. My time here is up but what we accomplished, we will be forever linked. Thank the fans for accepting me and my family to Bmore."

Leach has rushed for 749 yards and four touchdowns in 130 career games with the Ravens, Texans and Green Bay Packers. He also made the Pro Bowl in 2010 as a member of the Texans.

The reigning Super Bowl champion Ravens figure to give rookie fullback Kyle Juszczyk, a fourth-round draft selection this past April, the first opportunity to replace Leach.

[penbrook]

Originally Posted by ChiefsandO'sfan

Aaron Wilson ‏@RavensInsider 2m

Chiefs are another possibility for fullback Vonta Leach, per source. No visit scheduled yet at this time.

I just can't see Leach going anywhere but Houston.

[beach tribe]

Originally Posted by penbook

lgI just can't see Leach going anywhere but Houston.

They didn't re-sign him last time they had the chance.
Why would they now?
Doesn't seem like hes wanting to take a pay cut.
In other words, he's going to the highest bidder. Period.

[penbrook]

Originally Posted by beach tribe

They didn't re-sign him last time they had the chance.
Why would they now?
Doesn't seem like hes wanting to take a pay cut.
In other words, he's going to the highest bidder. Period.

Well if we sign him he's not gonna come cheap and remember we still have to have money to sign Fisher.

[Dante84]

we have plenty of slapdicks we can cut.

[ChiefAshhole20]

Even if he does go to Houston, that means they would cut Greg Jones, another top FB.

[penbrook]

Originally Posted by ChiefAshhole20

Even if he does go to Houston, that means they would cut Greg Jones, another top FB.

Nope Gary Kubiak said they would keep both. But he didn't sound like he was going to sign Leach.

[BossChief]

Originally Posted by mcaj22

well logically you'd think they would have been able to flip Arenas + that 5th rounder for Leach

and if we sign Leach that's basically what we would be giving up for him, so it's a wash regardless.

But the point is the efforts the Chiefs made in throwing numbers at the FB positions through draft pick, trades, UDFA, etc. You'd think they were exploring all options and knew a team like the Ravens were trying to dump the best FB in the league

Exactly.

[ChiefAshhole20]

Originally Posted by penbook

Nope Gary Kubiak said they would keep both. But he didn't sound like he was going to sign Leach.

That would be the dirtiest goalline package of all time

[BossChief]

Originally Posted by ChiefAshhole20

That would be the dirtiest goalline package of all time

Pump yo brakes, son.

[In58men]

@espn_afcwest: Chiefs hold initial talks with Vonta Leach http://t.co/fHv3f8n9vw

[BossChief]

Ok...

John Dorsey was the scout who helped bring Vonta Leach to the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2004.

So it is natural to think Dorsey, now the general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs, could have some interest in the fullback now that he is a free agent. The Baltimore Ravens cut Leach this week and has now been linked to the Chiefs and Broncos.

Leach's agent, Ralph Vitolo, said he talked to Dorsey this week and has not talked to the Broncos. Vitolo said Dorsey was “non-committal” but said perhaps the team could interest in Leach at some point. The Chiefs have several young fullbacks and I can see Leach getting a look if the Chiefs want a veteran presence the position.

[O.city]

Pouring this many resources into the FB position, when our DL and WR collectively look like mexican vomit outside of about 3 guys, doesn't seem to be a great idea.

[BossChief]

Originally Posted by O.city

Pouring this many resources into the FB position, when our DL and WR collectively look like mexican vomit outside of about 3 guys, doesn't seem to be a great idea.

This teams only chance at winning more than half it's games (which would be a tall order) is to field an elite running game and to give Alex Smith forever in the pocket.

Leach would help us do both of those things. I'd gladly flush the other investments we have made at FB to add an all pro guy.

[O.city]

Originally Posted by BossChief

This teams only chance at winning more than half it's games (which would be a tall order) is to field an elite running game and to give Alex Smith forever in the pocket.

Leach would help us do both of those things. I'd gladly flush the other investments we have made at FB to add an all pro guy.

While they do seem to be moving in this direction and we've had this argument before, I'll believe an Andy Reid lead offense is a run first type offense, when I see it.

[RunKC]

Originally Posted by O.city

Pouring this many resources into the FB position, when our DL and WR collectively look like mexican vomit outside of about 3 guys, doesn't seem to be a great idea.

Let's not act like their valuable resources or anything. A 6th round pick, a trade for Arenas or a signing this late isn't going to bring us a difference maker on the DL.