Last week in this column it was suggested that the Ravens may consider releasing LB Jameel McClain due to his continued unavailability stemming from a neck injury suffered late last season.

It now appears that the team and McClain had another option in mind.  NFLPA records indicate that McClain has taken a $1.5M reduction in what was to be his $3M base salary for this season.  His base salary now stands at $1.5M.

McClain’s 2013 Cap number had been set to be $4.2M, but will now be $2.7M.  It is unknown at this time if any other adjustments were made to his contract or whether incentives were added to this year that would allow McClain to earn some or all of that $1.5M back.

This adjustment likely reflects the reality that McClain will start the season on the Reserve/PUP list, meaning that he will be out for at least the first six weeks of the season.

It is also very possible that the team approached McClain with the option of taking a pay cut or facing being released.

While it has been very clear that the Ravens have planned on having McClain return, the reality they faced was a having a very tight Salary Cap come September and having McClain eating up $4.2M in Cap space while being unable to play.

This new agreement allows them to retain McClain for the future while also lessening the impact of having him start the season on PUP.