BREAKING: Ravens Release Veteran WR in Effort to Trim Roster Down

On Saturday, the Baltimore Ravens fell to the Green Bay Packers in their preseason finale, 30-7. Baltimore opted to rest the entirety of their starting lineup and most key backups, including sitting ailing veteran wideout Russell Gage. However, the Ravens will release Gage on Monday before making his team debut.

Gage signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2022 offseason. The Ravens were in line to take a $1.15 million cap hit with Gage on the roster, but they will eat $167 thousand in dead cap instead.

Baltimore Ravens: Release WR Russell Cage

Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Ravens trade rumors, Baltimore Ravens wide receivers, Baltimore Ravens Courtland Sutton. Courtland Sutton trade, Courtland Sutton, Courtland Sutton Ravens — Nov 7, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; General view of the Baltimore Ravens helmets during the warm-ups before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports (Baltimore Ravens TE)

On Monday, the Baltimore Ravens parted ways with veteran pass-catcher Russell Cage before the beginning of the 2024 season. Gage missed the 2023 campaign after suffering a torn patellar tendon early last season. Additionally, Gage also suffered a brutal neck injury during the 2022 season, resulting in the wideout being stretchered off the field and sent to a local hospital.

The #Ravens have released veteran WR Russell Gage, source said. He was originally signed in early August.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 26, 2024

Gage joined the Ravens late this offseason but failed to stand out during training camp and the preseason. The 28-year-old also suffered injuries during his short time with the AFC North club, leading to notable absences during practice and preseason games.

Russell Gage: Looking For New Team

USATSI 19168468 168410494 lowres — Oct 2, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Russell Gage (17) runs with the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

With the Baltimore Ravens releasing Russell Gage on Monday, the veteran wide receiver will now look to join his fourth team in as many years ahead of the regular season kicking off in early September. Gage, a fifth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, began his career with the Atlanta Falcons, where he spent his first four seasons. Following a reserve role as a rookie, Gage became a complementary piece of the offense in 2019, catching 49 passes for 446 yards and a score. Gage had a career year in 2020, recording 72 receptions for 786 yards and four touchdowns. In his final year with Atlanta, the LSU product snagged 66 receptions for 770 yards and four touchdowns.

Gage signed a three-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ahead of the 2022 season, collecting 51 receptions for 426 yards and a career-high five touchdowns. However, back-to-back significant injuries sidelined Gage for the 2023 season, with the wideout electing for free agency last March.

Baltimore Ravens: WR Depth Chart

Baltimore Ravens, Zay Flowers — Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) looks on from the field prior to the AFC Championship football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Wide receiver Russell Cage will be just one of many roster-cut casualties for the Baltimore Ravens in the upcoming days. Baltimore must reduce their team to a 53-man roster by Tuesday evening. Rookie Devontez Walker, free agent signing Anthony Miller, former quarterback Malik Cunningham, free agent signing Deonte Harty, and four-year NFL vet Tylan Wallace will likely compete for more prominent reserve roles. Walker, a fourth-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, has struggled this offseason but is fresh off a 921-yard, 11-touchdown campaign during his final year with the North Carolina Tar Heels. Meanwhile, Wallace has shown promise during the preseason, recording four receptions for 105 yards and one touchdown in three exhibition games.

The Ravens will enter the 2024 season, leaning on the wideout trio of Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and Nelson Agholor. Flowers will enter his second NFL season following a stellar rookie campaign. Flowers recorded 914 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games last season.