My Baltimore Sun colleague Mike Preston put his football hat back on Monday and reported that the Ravens will likely release veteran running back Willis McGahee. According to Preston's source, the Ravens' brain trust decided during their recent evaluation meetings that they wouldn't bring back McGahee -- and his $6 million salary -- for the 2011 season.
It is hard not to see this one coming, though the potential release has little to do with his performance the past couple of seasons. Paying $6 million to a backup running back is unjustifiable, especially when you're trying to retain a Pro Bowl fullback who is willing and capable of taking on a larger role as a ballcarrier.
McGahee has been a productive player over the past two seasons, rushing for 924 yards and scoring 20 total touchdowns in that span. But Ray Rice's star has simply been brighter.