Linebacker Rolando McClain retires from NFL

Rolando McClain's brief time with the Ravens ended before it ever really started, with more arrests (one) than games played (zero). The 23-year-old linebacker announced his retirement from the NFL this afternoon, Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "Rolando let me know that he plans to retire from the NFL," Newsome said in a statement. "We have placed him on the reserve/retired list." Baltimore had ... read more

Ravens acquire center A.Q. Shipley from Colts

Always looking to create competition for starting jobs, the Ravens deepened the fight to be their starting center this morning. Baltimore acquired second-year center A.Q. Shipley from the Indianapolis Colts for a conditional 2014 draft pick. The deal is pending a physical. Shipley is a a 6-foot-1, 309-pound lineman who played in 14 games and made five starts for the Colts last year. He also ... read more

Ravens hire former Rams coach Spagnuolo as senior defensive assistant

The Ravens added one of the NFL's most respected defensive minds to their coaching staff Friday when they hired former Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo. Spagnuolo will serve as a senior defensive assistant under coordinator Dean Pees. He has spent 14 years as an NFL coach, with his last three jobs being Saints defensive coordinator (2012), Rams head coach (2009-11) and Giants defensive coordinator (2007-08). ... read more

Ravens announce signings of six draft picks, 14 undrafted free agents

The Ravens officially announced the additions of 20 players to their roster Friday, signing their bottom six draft picks and 14 undrafted free agents. The six drafted players to sign were fullback Kyle Juszczyk (fourth round), offensive lineman Rick Wagner (fifth round), defensive end Kapron Lewis-Moore (sixth round), center Ryan Jensen (sixth round), wideout Aaron Mellette (seventh round) and cornerback Marc Anthony (seventh round). Here's ... read more

McKinnie, Ravens agree to two-year deal (Lewis-Moore agrees, too)

The Ravens didn't use one of their top draft picks on an offensive tackle last week, and perhaps their latest move explains why. Baltimore agreed in principle to a new two-year contract with left tackle Bryant McKinnie, according to the team's website. McKinnie, 33, returns to the Ravens for a third straight season after a strange year where he came to training camp late, struggled ... read more

Kiper gives Ravens' draft class his highest grade (plus Newsome comments)

ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. released his draft grades today, and the Ravens were affixed atop the list as one of three teams awarded an A-minus for their draft haul. As a quick refresher, Baltimore selected Florida safety Matt Elam with its first-round pick, 32nd overall. The Ravens followed with Kansas State linebacker Arthur Jones in the second round and Division II defensive tackle ... read more

Ravens continue to add on final day of NFL draft (that's a wrap)

The Ravens started their third day of the draft with back-to-back fourth-round picks, taking Ohio State defensive end John Simon 129th overall and Harvard fullback Kyle Juszczyk 130th. Simon isn't a physical specimen for a defensive lineman, listed as 6-foot-1 and 257 pounds. But it's his intangibles that make him such a draw. He was just the eighth two-time captain in Ohio State history and, ... read more

Ravens take LB Arthur Brown in second round (and DT Brandon Williams in third round)

The Ravens saw Kansas State linebacker Arthur Brown still available as the later stages of the second round approached and pulled off a trade to make sure they nabbed him. Baltimore acquired the 56th overall pick from Seattle for their second-round pick (No. 62), as well as a fifth-rounder (No. 165) and a sixth-rounder (No. 199) this year. Hall of Fame elect Jonathan Ogden made ... read more