Baltimore wide receiver Anquan Boldin has been a playoff difference maker, catching 16 passes for 276 yards and three touchdowns through three postseason wins. But Sunday’s Super Bowl may be his last game in a Ravens uniform due to Baltimore’s forthcoming salary cap issues.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter stated on NFL Live Thursday that the Ravens currently project to be $5 million over the 2013 salary cap. And that’s before they address quarterback Joe Flacco’s contract situation, which at the very least will involve applying a $14.6 million franchise tag. At that point, Baltimore would soar to nearly $20 million over the cap.
The Ravens will soon face some difficult decisions, one being the future of Boldin. Releasing Boldin would free up $5.5 million in cap space, and Schefter said it “very well” may happen.
Cutting fellow receiver Jacoby Jones would create another $3.5 million in cap room.
Schefter also stated that Baltimore’s cap woes could cost the franchise an opportunity to re-sign impending free agent linebacker Paul Kruger. Kruger has been the Ravens’ best pass rusher this season. If Kruger hit the market, he’d be the top available “rush linebacker” in 2013 free agency.