Owings Mills, MD (Sports Network) - The Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens
have released veteran safety Bernard Pollard, while also bringing back
defensive backs James Ihedigbo and Chris Johnson on one-year deals.
A seven-year NFL veteran, the hard-hitting Pollard played two seasons with the
Ravens, playing in 29 games with 26 starts. He led Baltimore with a team-high
98 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 a forced fumble.
"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,"
Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "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."
Ihedigbo, a six-year veteran, posted 19 tackles and one sack for the Ravens
during the 2012 campaign, while Johnson, who was signed by the Ravens midway
through the 2012 season, saw action in four regular season games, recording
seven solo tackles and one forced fumble.
The Sports Network