Birk Retiring

**LouisianaRaven** · 02-22-2013, 12:36 AM

https://twitter.com/ravensinsider/st...41448182927360

**wickedsolo** · 02-22-2013, 12:51 AM

Not surprised. Sucks about the dead money, but glad to see him go out on top.

One of the greatest centers in the last 15-20 years. Birk was dominant in his prime.

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**RavenScallywag** · 02-22-2013, 04:42 AM

With the utmost respect I say...Thank Goodness.

It was basically a given that he wasn't going to come back, simply because the money we'd save on him was needed. And if he decided to come back and went to play for another team, it would just be awkward.

That said, I think we don't give him enough credit for how he played this last year. We all have the memory of Wilfork flattening him during the AFC Championship last year. But he got healthy this year and really did hold his own at Center. We can only hope Gino Gradkowski is ready to step up to the next level

And now, Mr Ed Reed, please see this and ponder...

**Paintballguy** · 02-22-2013, 05:15 AM

I'm glad this happened. Time for the Delaware connection to hook up. Gino and joe

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**kronusthebonus** · 02-22-2013, 05:23 AM

What does this do for cap space?

**wickedsolo** · 02-22-2013, 05:26 AM

Originally Posted by kronusthebonus

What does this do for cap space?

IIRC, Ravor put some info out on here that we'll be saving a couple of mill against the cap, but there will be dead money implications.

**wickedsolo** · 02-22-2013, 05:27 AM

Hope Gino Gradkowski soaked up as much information as he could from Birk.

I think Gradkowski will be fine. He did a nice job against Cinci.

**RavenScallywag** · 02-22-2013, 05:29 AM

Originally Posted by wickedsolo

IIRC, Ravor put some info out on here that we'll be saving a couple of mill against the cap, but there will be dead money implications.

EDIT - I had only figured for 2013, but his contract went through 2014...

So according to http://russellstreetreport.com/raven...dbye-for-some/, we would see a savings of just above 2 mil, with 1.4 mil in dead money against the cap.

**pslholder96** · 02-22-2013, 05:39 AM

Originally Posted by RavenScallywag

EDIT - I had only figured for 2013, but his contract went through 2014...

So according to http://russellstreetreport.com/raven...dbye-for-some/, we would see a savings of just above 2 mil, with 1.4 mil in dead money against the cap.

Not quite following so the 2M savings against the cap includes the 1.4M in dead money?

**kronusthebonus** · 02-22-2013, 05:43 AM

I am hoping a full offseason of hitting the weights, watching film of Birk and Juan Castillo on board, Gradkowski can step up and at least be twice the physical presence that Birk was. Obviously, it will take him a long time to match wits, but we've seen flashes of why the Ravens drafted him.

**Justlovemybirds** · 02-22-2013, 05:47 AM

Good luck in retirement!

According to Hensley the Ravens asked Gino to get stronger this past season with the intention of taking over for Birk.

Either they go into the season with him and Stephens(?) or they draft a guy for depth and competition.
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**Paintballguy** · 02-22-2013, 05:54 AM

We will save 2 mil in cap space.

Birk's cap figure: 3,450,000
Dead money: 1,400,000
Savings: 2,050,000

**kronusthebonus** · 02-22-2013, 05:59 AM

Every bit counts!

**GOTA** · 02-22-2013, 06:16 AM

Originally Posted by Paintballguy

We will save 2 mil in cap space.

Birk's cap figure: 3,450,000
Dead money: 1,400,000
Savings: 2,050,000

Exactly. They Ravens don't save his whole cap value because of the dead money but they still save $2 million so it ends up in the Ravens favor this year.

**Raven Werewolf** · 02-22-2013, 06:24 AM

I don't know if this turns into the appreciation thread but I'll put it here anyway. Thanks Matt. Represented well on and off the field. Besides that it can only help towards facilitating Joe's deal.

**wickedsolo** · 02-22-2013, 06:31 AM

I wonder if Birk would have any interest in coaching?

I'd love for them to part with Andy Moeller and have Birk be Juan Castillo's assistant.

**Ravenswintitle** · 02-22-2013, 06:47 AM

class act and I will always be grateful for his contributions here. Remember when he played the whole year with a gash on the bridge of his nose that opened up every game? Tough, smart guy and I wish him the best in retirement.

This is just the first move for a team that will look a lot different next year

**pslholder96** · 02-22-2013, 06:49 AM

Originally Posted by wickedsolo

I wonder if Birk would have any interest in coaching?

I'd love for them to part with Andy Moeller and have Birk be Juan Castillo's assistant.

Now that would be a perfect fit in my opinion. Someone who is already close and familiar with the OL schemes and personnel. He's already mentioned frequently in the past how much he loves being here

**NC Raven** · 02-22-2013, 06:54 AM

Class act, great player for us. I was amazed at how well he played this year, since last year it pretty much looked like he was close to done. Really was a driving force on this Super Bowl team, and deserves a lot of credit for that. Sad to see him go, but I recall him saying he hardly ever got hurt, didn't even tape before games, etc., so perhaps a wise move to go out on top, and healthy.

**I Touchdown There** · 02-22-2013, 06:59 AM

Originally Posted by NC Raven

Class act, great player for us. I was amazed at how well he played this year, since last year it pretty much looked like he was close to done. Really was a driving force on this Super Bowl team, and deserves a lot of credit for that. Sad to see him go, but I recall him saying he hardly ever got hurt, didn't even tape before games, etc., so perhaps a wise move to go out on top, and healthy.

Thank, you Matt! You're a class act and a great role model...something that can't always be said for NFL players. Enjoy retirement; you've more than earned it!!