Ravens Pro Bowl defensive end Michael McCrary said he will go into free agency after the 1999 season if the team doesn't extend his contract before the season starts Sept. 12.
According to Ozzie Newsome, the Ravens' vice president of player personnel, the team is in the preliminary stage of discussions for re-signing McCrary, who has one season left on a three-year contract worth $2.5 million in 1999. McCrary had surgery on his right knee March 11 and had been ordered off his feet for four more weeks.
McCrary would not go into the specifics of a possible desired deal and his agent, Michael George, did not return phone calls to his office. But McCrary said he has never negotiated with a team during the regular season during his six-year career.
"The regular season is a time for football, not for negotiating," said McCrary, 28. "I want to be 100 percent focused on football, that's what they pay me for. Some teams say the player isn't negotiating, it's the agent, but the agent has to come to me before we can reach an agreement on the contract.
"I like Baltimore and I would like to stay here. But if we don't reach an agreement before the season, then I have to hit the free-agent market. Any smart businessman would do that. I'm not saying I wouldn't give Baltimore the chance to match the offer because I would, but my preference would be to get a deal done before the season started."
It likely would not benefit the Ravens to allow McCrary to become a free agent. Several of the league's other top defensive ends, such as Seattle's Mike Sinclair, the New York Giants' Michael Strahan and Arizona's Simeon Rice, are in negotiations for new contracts or in the final season of their previous deals. One deal might set a market price that could be too high for the other clubs.
"I've already talked with Sinclair and Strahan," McCrary said. "I'm anxious to see what they'll get and I'm pretty sure they're watching my situation."
Newsome said: "I believe this organization has a commitment to getting the deal done as soon as possible. We've talked to him [George] recently and about coming to Baltimore to have discussions. Right now, there has been no date set."
The Ravens also need to make a statement to some of the team's veterans. During the 1998 regular season, the Ravens re-signed Pro Bowl players Ray Lewis, a middle linebacker, and receiver/returner Jermaine Lewis to extensions.
The Ravens didn't re-sign center Wally Williams, offensive tackle Orlando Brown, tight end Eric Green and defensive tackle James Jones during the off-season. Jones, a team leader who signed with the Detroit Lions, was considered by club officials as the only significant loss.
Last year, the 6-foot-4, 270-pound McCrary put together his finest season. He finished with 14 1/2 sacks -- second in the AFC -- and ranked second on the team with 102 tackles, including 68 solo.
Newsome said he is not concerned about McCrary's previous knee problems. Since joining the Ravens in 1997, McCrary has had four arthroscopic knee surgeries.
Team doctors repaired torn cartilage in McCrary's right knee on Dec. 29, and then found damage to the left knee's joint lining surface after McCrary complained about the injury after the Pro Bowl in early February.
"I've had several conversations with Bill [Tessendorf, trainer] about his medical condition, and he doesn't feel there are any major rehabilitation problems," Newsome said. "What McCrary has going for him is work ethic and a desire to be the best in the league."
The Ravens are also negotiating with right guard Jeff Blackshear, who has one year left on his contract worth $1.5 million in 1999.
One more year
Ravens players with one year left on their contracts:
Player Pos.
James Atkins G
Jeff Blackshear G
Donny Brady S
DeRon Jenkins CB
Michael McCrary DE
Jeff Mitchell C
Tony Siragusa DT
James Roe WR
Bennie Thompson S
Keith Washington DE
Larry Webster DT
Pub Date: 3/30/99