Getty ImagesThe Ravens backfield will probably look a lot different next year.
Backup running back Willis McGahee appears to be on his way out unless he takes a paycut from his $6 million salary.
Two time Pro Bowl fullback Le’Ron McClain is also headed for free agency if we don’t go back to 2010 league rules. Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun writes that McClain is “not expected to return” to the Ravens.
McClain has somewhat jokingly pushed for more carries in recent years and should get a nice contract for any team looking for a lead blocker. We wouldn’t totally rule out a return for McClain in Baltimore, if only because the Ravens may not want to have to fill two big jobs via free agency.
Getting a veteran backup to replace McGahee shouldn’t be so difficult in a buyer’s market.
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Le’Ron should’ve gotten more carries but with the addition of Boldin and Flacco being given more freedom to run the offense, there are only so many offensive snaps in a game.
Le’Ron had been the replacement for Ovie Mughelli who signed to be the highest paid fullback at the time with the Falcons. So we’ve had luck in finding someone else to block.
The first name on my list would be Lawerence Vickers from Cleveland.
I wish him luck wherever he goes (as long as he stays out of the AFC North)
Mike Preston also swore that McGahee wouldn’t return for the last two seasons. His opinion doesn’t carry much weight with me.
I think the Ravens need to bring back McClain. This year, they may actually cut McGahee. He’s set to receive a $6 million roster bonus. His bonus was only $1.5 last season, so it’s a fairly dramatic increase over the last two seasons.
If the Ravens cut McGahee, McClain would not only maintain his role as lead blocker for Rice but would also take over McGahee’s role as the short-yardage and goal-line back. Furthermore, cutting McGahee would free up enough money to justify resigning McClain.
McClain wants more carries and the Ravens need a lead-blocker for Rice. It’s a win-win.
We need to keep Le’Ron and give him the ball more, unless we are gonna pick up Vonta Leach and let him beat up everybody in front of Ray Rice.
If we let McGahee go, we should re-sign McClain to back up Rice and play some fullback at times. Really don’t want to see McClain go.
Le’Ron is coming to Oaktown to play with his cuz, Rolando and Coach Huey. He’ll add to Coach Jackson’s emphasis on a power rushing attack.
Le’Ron is of no relation to Rolando, but I’d sure love him in Oakland. Not much need though, Marcel Reese is the next amazing fullback in the NFL.
Steelers NEED McClain, we haven’t had a good FB since Merrill Hoge retired
If weaver cant come back he could block for the2012 best all around rb, shady mccoy !
i would love to have a fullback like that with the cowboys
Mike Preston reports…….
really, ok then I guess he is a shoe in to stay!
“McClain… should get a nice contract for any team looking for a lead blocker.”
Any team looking for someone to just block would be wasting their money. A team looking for a hard runner to pair with a scat back is the team that should be paying Le’Ron McClain.
If they drop McGahee, they’ll keep Le’Ron and he’ll get more carries because of it and both end up happy.
If they re-sign McGahee at 3-4 million or so, they’ll sign Vickers as the best pure blocker available and both end up happy.
Either way Ravens will be good to go.
Just wish Gaither could get his shizzle together so our O-line could dominate again.
Dont want to keep harping on this but Preston is a pariah at the Castle and he really has no clue whats going on there. His comments are no more valid than anyone on this board.
Expected to leave the Ravens??? what kind of nonsense is that?!?! If the Ravens Brass has any brain, they will find anyway they can to keep him around… and by all means…. USE HIM CORRECTLY! It is known that Cam Camerons playcalling and idiocy led to McClain not being used properly… he has SO many great skillz and NEVER misses an assignment… he is one of the main reasons the offense worked AT ALL last year… I see Willis going… but I see McClain stayign… HE BETTER! with all the talent we picked up… it would be the best choice! but STOP PUTTING up articles that you are NO SURE ABOUT! there is no proof whatsoever that he is leaving the Ravens… drives me crazy