After 12 seasons, 790 receptions, 52 touchdowns, and over 10,000 yards, wide receiver Derrick Mason is calling it quits. This shocking news comes less than 10 days after long-time friend and teammate Steve McNair’s tragic murder. Moreover, this comes just a few months after Mason lobbied the Ravens’ brass for a contract extension. Mason cites a lack of enthusiasm as the reason behind his decision.
Mason’s decision really puts this 2009 Ravens team in a tough spot. After addressing talent and depth issues in the defensive backfield the weak spot on this Ravens team shifted to a thin receiving corp. Many fans felt like we needed to add a deep threat receiver even with Mason still on the team. I was of the opinion that our starters (Mason and Clayton) were above average, Clayton due for a breakout year, and that we just needed a slot receiver to develop. I was not ready to hit the panic button…that has now changed.
Mason was a rare player, a workman-like receiver. He was also a consummate professional and Joe Flacco’s security blanket/developmental tool.
What will the Ravens do now? Are we at the mercy of the Cardinals and/or Broncos?
According to his agent, Lamont Smith, Mason came to this decision last Friday, but held the announcement out of respect for Steve McNair who was laid to rest over the weekend. Mason made his decision last Friday, yet was working out at Ravens’ headquarters just hours before he publically announced his retirement??? Mason’s decision; however, may not be completely finalized, “If I do change my mind, it won’t be because of the Ravens. It’ll be because of some other things – my family and talking with other people. I still got to talk with some coaches over there. As far as financially, I don’t think they can do anything to sway me.” Harbaugh, Ozzie, and company better have a serious heart-to-heart with Mason, maybe even lay a guilt trip on him…hell, they might need to get their beggar’s cup out.
If Mason does decide to make his retirement official the Ravens would gain $3 million of cap room.
~ Your sad sad Brother in the Nest, Pat Cary
Filed under: Baltimore, Football, NFL, Ravens Tagged: | Derrick Mason, Ravens
To all Raven’s fans…I feel terrible. This is truly a debacle as Mason has left you guys high and dry with ZERO leverage. Teams are going to show no mercy as the Ravens front office fires up the phone to bring in the cavalry. Brandon Marshall/Braylon Edwards/Anquain Boldin—S.O.S
I don’t know if it’s just wishful thinking, but apparently Mason’s decision is not 100% made. I obviously would welcome Mason back with open arms, but I would be wary about a key player whose heart isn’t completely in it. No one likes to practice, but in order to be successful, especially at 35 Mason will need to devote himself to football once again.
I know he’s no Mason and certainly no Marshall, but Marvin Harrison is still out there and could be the Ravens only feasible option.
I’m also a bit distressed that the long term Suggs deal, which 2 ½ weeks ago appeared to be a lock, isn’t likely to happen before the Wednesday deadline. The Ravens have reportedly offered Suggs Jared Allen money (6 years, $72.3M, $15.5M guaranteed), which apparently isn’t cutting it. I don’t fully understand the logistics of the possible uncapped 2010 season, but this delay in signing Suggs could be a strategic move.
Tough week to be a Ravens fan.
…My take on this as an outsider (Hail ‘Skins) is that Mason is REALLY struggling, internally, with the loss of Steve McNair. Let’s face it: when you go into the trenches with someone year after year, a tragic death puts everything in “perspective”. I think Mason is probably doing some serious soul-searching, wondering if he should stop and smell the coffee, wondering what football REALLY means to him at the end of the day, etc. We as fans forget these guys are ultimately just like us: human beings that go through the same ups and downs as the rest of us. Will Mason be back? Who can predict when the key variable is his own emotions and mind. But an abrupt retirement like that is clearly a reaction to his teammate and friend’s passing.
I have to agree with you Beagle; I think McNair’s death is the driving force behind Mason’s decision to retire.
the only good player the ravens had. one of those great skill position players out of the SEC, right pat? that’s the only conference that produces them. oh, wait….
Hilarious play on my name! Kudos for your comedic genius!
I’m assuming you’re referring to my blog about the Big Ten’s notorious lack of speed/quality NFL skill players. I’m also assuming you are a fan of the Bengals, Browns, or Steelers…maybe an envious Skins fan? To say that the Ravens had only one good player is absurd, so I’ll just ignore that comment.
I can’t disparage Mason’s underrated skills as a wideout (out of Michigan State), but he’s never been a burner.
Anyway, thanks for reading