It appears as if the Ravens offseason motto is going to be “Competition”.
Head coach John Harbaugh alluded to the possibility that some positions remain open for starting jobs in 2014 including the punter’s job.
“Sam is our Punter and a really good one,” Harbaugh stated at this morning’s offensive football insight clinic.
“It certainly doesn’t rule out the possibility of us bringing in someone to challenge him though.” Harbaugh added.
Koch, who will turn 33 before the 2014 season has been mentioned as a possible cap casualty this offseason due to his $2.2 million in base salary he’s scheduled to earn this season.
As our resident capologist Brian McFarland pointed out, a pre-June 1st release of the veteran Koch would save the Ravens just $1.6 million in salary cap space  however the team would have to absorb $1.2 million in dead money.
One other possibility for the organization is a post-June first release which would save the Ravens a hefty $2.2 million in cap space and just $600,000 in both 2014 and 2015 in dead money.
Harbaugh’s comments this morning aren’t too shocking considering Koch’s up and down 2013 season.
While Koch did improve as the season wore on, his 27 punts inside the 20-yard line were his 4th lowest since 2006 despite posting career highs in punts (90) and punting yards (4,138) last season.
Harbaugh also pointed out that the right tackle position could face stiff competition throughout the next couple months.
“The right tackle position could come down to the young guys.” Harbaugh remarked when asked about who would play the position.
Currently Rick Wagner looks like the odds on favorite as the Ravens head into their voluntary offseason workout programs, which can begin April 21 around the league for teams without new head coaches.
Harbaugh did say Jah Reid and even Ryan Jensen (at guard) were still in the mix along with Wagner.
Not exactly the depth that will excite fans, however the draft will likely provide the Ravens with more options at the right tackle position.
For now it’s business as usual at the Under Armour Performance Center as the staff will concentrate on preparing for the draft and welcoming the players back shortly.
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