Harbaugh: "We're going to go with the younger guy"

August 14, 2010 6:24 PM by Dan Kolko View Comments

Why did the Ravens waive veteran long snapper Matt Katula today?

Head coach John Harbaugh says it's simply because the team is comfortable with the younger long snapper on their roster, undrafted rookie Morgan Cox.

Katula spent the last five seasons with the Ravens, but he didn't see any game action in Thursday's preseason opener. All the reps went to Cox, in what in essence was a final audition for the job.

"Our young snapper, Morgan Cox, we wanted to see him in a game situation," Harbaugh said. "He's been doing a real good job throughout the offseason and throughout training camp. But you never want to make a move until you know in a game. And he did a nice job.

"We're comfortable he can be our snapper. So, we're going to go with the younger guy."

In addition to the Ravens' comfort level with Cox, his price tag also makes him a more attractive option.

The Tennessee product comes significantly cheaper than Katula, who was entering the third year of a five year contract. He was set to make $730,000 this year.

Katula battled tendinitis in his elbow last year that led to a few off-target snaps. He insisted he was fully healthy this offseason.

Harbaugh confirmed that, saying that Katula's health did not play a factor in his release.

"Matt's a very good snapper," Harbaugh said. "There's no question he can do it in this league. There's a couple things he's still working on, cleaning up from last year. We had a younger guy that looked good, and sometimes that's the nature of the business.

"But talking to Matt this morning, he understood, and I'm very confident that he'll be snapping for somebody this year."

One of the friendliest guys in the locker room, Katula will surely be missed by teammates, and I know he'll be missed by media members. Here's hoping he catches on somewhere else.