According to The Baltimore Sun, Derrick Mason has retired.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bal-derrick-mason-0713,0,4346245.story
This just brings about a waive of initial reactions.
Mason has just gone through the emotional death of his long-time friend Steve McNair. It is perfectly understandable that football is the last thing on Mason’s mind.
Mason had requested a contract-extension earlier in this off-season. He stated at the time, that without an extension, he would consider retiring. No extension was provided, and Mason saw that the Ravens did little to help augment the receiving core. Would it surprise anyone if Mason was willing to come-back if a 2 year extension was now offered?
I can not blame the Ravens for not forcasting the possible retirement of Mason, but I can fault the organization for not doing more to help the receiving core. While this announcement comes out of left-field, is has the same effect of losing a receive to long-term injury during camp. You have to have back-up plans, and the Ravens are left with little options.
D. Williams has played a total of 16 games the past two seasons. There was question about much you could depend on him as the 3rd WR in 2009. Now he has to step-up and be a consistent starter?
Do the Ravens now agressively pursue Denver’s Brandon Marshall, or Arizona’s A. Boldin? If so, both teams know the current desperation level of Baltimore, which means the price only goes up.
If Mason stays committed to being retired, and the Ravens can not add another weapon, the entire offensive approach will have to change. Instead of relying more on Flacco’s arm during his 2nd-year, the Ravens will have to be even more committed to a close to the vest, ball-control oriented, rushing-offense.
If Todd Heap, and LJ Smith can not help Mark Clayton move the chains, a year with great hope could turn very quickly.
I would caution Raven fans to not totally over-react. I believe you will see more to this story in the days to come, and I think the odds are at-least 50/50 that Mason returns. However, if Mason stays retired, you can hate the timing of the announcement, but save the anger for the Ravens for not doing more to help augment the receiving core.
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.