CB Gary Baxter and MLBer Hartwell FAs

BigChiefFan · 02-22-2005, 05:06 PM

February 22, 2005
TAGGED OUT

By Adam H. Beasley

As expected, the Ravens voided the final year of wide receiver Kevin Johnson’s contract and did not apply the franchise tag to any of their unrestricted free agents Tuesday.

Johnson, who now can sign with any team in the league, beat 12 of his former Ravens teammates to the open market. Cornerbacks Gary Baxter and Deion Sanders, linebacker Edgerton Hartwell and center Casey Rabach are among the dozen unrestricted free agents whose contracts will expire next week.

While none of this came as a surprise, there were some unexpected developments around the league over the past few days.

The Tennessee Titans underwent the biggest salary cap purge Monday, when they released six significant contributors, including receiver Derrick Mason.

The Ravens, who do not have a receiver older than 25, are clearly in need of a veteran wideout, and Mason is one of several big names expected to come available.

Mason caught 96 passes and seven touchdowns in 2004 for the Titans, who went 5-11. The 31-year-old’s production has improved in each of the last five seasons; Mason has averaged 81 receptions and nearly seven touchdowns per year over that span.

Elsewhere, the Steelers chose not to franchise Plaxico Burress, meaning the physical receiver will become available if the two sides do not agree on a deal by March 2.

The Ravens have first-hand experience of Burress’ potential. Burress caught six passes for 116 yards against the Ravens in the 2003 season opener, and had three for 97 and a touchdown late in the 2004 campaign.

The best season of Burress’ career came back in 2002, when he caught 78 passes for 1,325 yards and seven touchdowns.

The Panthers did not release Pro Bowl wide receiver Mushin Muhammad Tuesday, although that could still happen due to a substantial roster bonus he is scheduled to receive this offseason.

Raiders receiver Jerry Porter will not make it to the open market. Porter reportedly agreed to a long-term contract with the Raiders Tuesday, allowing Oakland to tag cornerback Charles Woodson again.

Finally, the Redskins could seek a trade for Redskins wide receiver Laveranues Coles, or release him outright. Bengals receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Patriots wideout David Patten will also become free agents if they are not re-signed by next week.

Johnson, 28, spent just one season with the Ravens. He caught 35 passes for 373 yards and a touchdown in 2004, all below his career averages.

In addition to four aforementioned Ravens, wide receiver Travis Taylor, guard Bennie Anderson, defensive end Marques Douglas, long snapper Joe Maese, kicker Wade Richey, linebacker T.J. Slaughter, quarterback Kordell Stewart and running back Jamel White will become free agents next Wednesday.

NOTE

The vast majority of the Ravens’ personnel department flew to Indianapolis Tuesday for the Scouting Combine, which begins Wednesday.

02-22-2005, 05:06 PM	Topic Starter
BigChiefFan MVP Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: In the Top 10 Casino cash: $9924205	CB Gary Baxter and MLBer Hartwell FAs February 22, 2005 TAGGED OUT By Adam H. Beasley As expected, the Ravens voided the final year of wide receiver Kevin Johnson’s contract and did not apply the franchise tag to any of their unrestricted free agents Tuesday. Johnson, who now can sign with any team in the league, beat 12 of his former Ravens teammates to the open market. Cornerbacks Gary Baxter and Deion Sanders, linebacker Edgerton Hartwell and center Casey Rabach are among the dozen unrestricted free agents whose contracts will expire next week. While none of this came as a surprise, there were some unexpected developments around the league over the past few days. The Tennessee Titans underwent the biggest salary cap purge Monday, when they released six significant contributors, including receiver Derrick Mason. The Ravens, who do not have a receiver older than 25, are clearly in need of a veteran wideout, and Mason is one of several big names expected to come available. Mason caught 96 passes and seven touchdowns in 2004 for the Titans, who went 5-11. The 31-year-old’s production has improved in each of the last five seasons; Mason has averaged 81 receptions and nearly seven touchdowns per year over that span. Elsewhere, the Steelers chose not to franchise Plaxico Burress, meaning the physical receiver will become available if the two sides do not agree on a deal by March 2. The Ravens have first-hand experience of Burress’ potential. Burress caught six passes for 116 yards against the Ravens in the 2003 season opener, and had three for 97 and a touchdown late in the 2004 campaign. The best season of Burress’ career came back in 2002, when he caught 78 passes for 1,325 yards and seven touchdowns. The Panthers did not release Pro Bowl wide receiver Mushin Muhammad Tuesday, although that could still happen due to a substantial roster bonus he is scheduled to receive this offseason. Raiders receiver Jerry Porter will not make it to the open market. Porter reportedly agreed to a long-term contract with the Raiders Tuesday, allowing Oakland to tag cornerback Charles Woodson again. Finally, the Redskins could seek a trade for Redskins wide receiver Laveranues Coles, or release him outright. Bengals receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Patriots wideout David Patten will also become free agents if they are not re-signed by next week. Johnson, 28, spent just one season with the Ravens. He caught 35 passes for 373 yards and a touchdown in 2004, all below his career averages. In addition to four aforementioned Ravens, wide receiver Travis Taylor, guard Bennie Anderson, defensive end Marques Douglas, long snapper Joe Maese, kicker Wade Richey, linebacker T.J. Slaughter, quarterback Kordell Stewart and running back Jamel White will become free agents next Wednesday. NOTE The vast majority of the Ravens’ personnel department flew to Indianapolis Tuesday for the Scouting Combine, which begins Wednesday.
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