Ravens Cut Heap, Mason, Gregg & McGahee
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Joy turns to harsh reality. The Ravens are poised to cut about $18 million to make room under the new salary cap. Among the casualties: veterans Todd Heap, Derrick Mason, Kelly Gregg and Willis McGahee. All become former Ravens when cuts are made official on Thursday.
Heap is the longest tenured Raven on offense. A 10-year tight end, he's entering the final season of his current contract that would pay him more than $4 million. Heap has the second most catches and receiving yards in Ravens history.
The Ravens have been grooming Heap's replacements. Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson were drafted last year.
The Ravens' top receiver of all time is Derrick Mason. He, too, will be a salary cap casualty when cuts are announced later this week. Like Heap, Mason would make more than $4 million this season.
It's possible for the players who get released to return to the Ravens at reduced pay, but they're also free to shop their services to another team.
Ravens players under contract can begin to report to Owings Mills Tuesday morning.
