McAlister, selected by the Ravens in the 1st round of the 1999 draft, was released by the Ravens today.
I have mixed feelings about this.
McAlister was a 10 year veteran, who made 3 Pro Bowls, and the organization believed in enough to sign him to a 7 year $55M dollar extension in 2005.
On the other-hand, while I believe McAlister grew-up from his initial days with the team, he still had bouts of immaturity, and never quite lived-up to his physical talents.
From all off-hand accounts, it seems clear that his move to the Injured Reserve this past-year was less about his knee-injury, and more about his non-existing relationship with Coach Harbaugh.
I would have hoped that both parties could have met and found common ground, which would have allowed them to move forward.
Since that did not occur, give the Ravens credit for making this move now.
By releasing McAlister now, the Ravens are giving Chris as much time as possible to catch-on elsewhere before cap-room is spent.
I wish the best for McAlister going forward, and believe he should one day have a spot in the Ravens Ring of Honor.
For the present, the Ravens save $8M in cap-room, and this further cements the need for a CB in the Draft or Free Agency.
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.