Ravens waive Justin Bethel

[tsylvester]

Best special teams player, according to Harbs. Why did they let him go? To save a likely 4th round comp pick in 2020 draft.

 

So let me ask, why was a draft pick in the 4th worth losing a great special teams player and a secondary, minimal, player when the special teams have been struggling?

 

 

Was he worth a 4th rounder? Or is there a move coming? To make room for Jimmy? Or a defensive rush monster? We should stay tuned perhaps...

 

 

The Ravens have waived defensive back/special teams ace Justin Bethel, a move that gives Baltimore a likely fourth-round compensatory pick in next years draft.

 

Bethel had a team-leading six special teams tackles this season and was one of the Ravens best players on special teams after being signed as a free agent in March.

 

However, when the Tennessee Titans cut former Ravens defensive end Brent Urban over the weekend, it took away the fourth-round compensatory pick the Ravens were set to acquire for losing wide receiver John Brown during free agency.

 

If players signed the previous offseason are released by Week 10, they don't count against the compensatory formula. Head Coach John Harbaugh called it a "funky" rule.

 

Judgment has to be made for the future as well, Harbaugh said. Thats tough for us because, I told him, I think hes the best special teams player in the NFL, and hes playing that way. So thats going to be a blow, and were going to have to find a way to overcome that.

 

The Ravens also signed two players in recent weeks who have special teams experience, linebackers Josh Bynes and L.J. Fort. Once Patrick Onwuasor (ankle) returns to the field, it will keep all three fresher to help on special teams.

 

The 29-year-old Bethel played for the Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons before signing with the Ravens in March. Hes a three-time Pro Bowler as a specialist and signed a two-year deal.

 

In another roster move, the Ravens cut defensive tackle Jeremiah Ledbetter from the practice squad.

https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ravens-waive-special-teams-standout-justin-bethel

[vmax]

The have to have very good special teams play. One side of the ball can't carry the other. They need all 3 phases.