The Baltimore Ravens have cut free safety Eric Weddle, a source confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday.
Weddle, who turned 34 in January, has reached the Pro Bowl six times, including all three seasons in Baltimore. Considered the quarterback of the NFL’s top-ranked defense, he finished third in tackles with 68, but he didn’t record an interception for the first time since 2015.
He had one year remaining on his contract, and he was scheduled make $6.5 million. Baltimore created $6.5 million in cap space by cutting him.
NFL Network first reported that Weddle was released.
Coaches have talked about how Weddle’s value goes beyond statistics. Defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale referred to Weddle as a “football savant” for how he confuses quarterbacks by disguising coverages.
Weddle, a 2007 second-round pick, spent his first nine seasons with the Chargers before having a falling-out with the organization. He signed a four-year, $26 million contract with the Ravens in 2016, and he earned a $1 million incentive this season after he was named to the Pro Bowl and Baltimore reached the postseason.