The end of every season brings about many uncertanties for veterans of the game.
Their love for the game is clearly evident but often they have a difficult decision to make, as their minds say they can still play but their bodies offer a different take.
One player that is contemplating whether or not he will return as a Raven and continue his career is defensive lineman Chris Canty.
“I’ve thought about it,” Canty stated when asked about retirement as he cleaned out his locker Sunday. “Obiviously the passion for playing on Sundays will never go away. I love this game. I love being a part of the National Football League, but obviously there’s another side to it. You have to think about about your future.”
Signed by the Ravens in 2013 via free agency to boost their run defense, the former Super Bowl Champion with the New York Giants played in 11 games during the regular season (13 including playoffs) recording 33 combined tackles (13 solo) and one forced fumble and was a critical component of the defensive front that dominated opposing run offenses in 2014.
Canty’s body has endured its fair share of abuse playing in the trenches. The former Ed Block Courage Award winner missed multiple weeks with an infection in his hand which required surgery.
“You have to think can your body take the pounding of going through a regular season and being able to stay healthy,” he said. “The last couple of years I’ve been banged up so it’s a situation where I’ll take some time away from the game, spend some time with my family and we’ll make a decision when we have to make a decision.”
The other side of the coin of a player returning is just how much the organization values a player. Such is the case for the Ravens front office regarding Canty, whose contract runs through 2015.
Per Russell Street Report’s salary cap guru Brian McFarland, Canty is set to make a base salary of $2.66 million and carries a $3.327 million cap number in ’15. A pre-June 1st release of Canty would save the Ravens $2.66 million with just $667,000 in dead money for next season.
Canty understands the business side of things when it comes to playing in the league.
“We understand the nature of the business and that’s why we tried to make the most out of the 2014 Baltimore Ravens and unfortunatley we came up a little short of our goal,” said Canty.
“I couldn’t be more proud of a group of men. The character of the guys in this locker room and the way they fought and overcame advesity, obstacle after obstacle. [The team] just kept showing up, just kept working, played their hearts out for each other, and that is the essence of a team. I’m just thankful to be a part of it.”
If the Ravens fail to bring Canty back this offseason they will look upon a young group of defensive lineman that are ready to take the next step.
Players such as Timmy Jernigan and Brandon Williams who played well in 2014 and a healthy return of Kapron Lewis-Moore and Brent Urban who both suffered season ending injuries in training camp are looked upon as the future defensive front of the Ravens.
Best of luck to you, whatever direction this offseason leads you to Chris.
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