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.
06-11-2013, 11:06 AM
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Ravens release Vontae Leach
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