The Ravens parted ways with a pair of veteran defensive backs Tuesday, marking their first moves in what will be a busy free agency period.
Baltimore terminated the contracts of cornerback Shareece Wright and safety Kendrick Lewis, clearing about $5 million in salary cap space.
Wright signed a three-year contract with the Ravens exactly one year ago, but had a tough 2016 season.
Baltimore re-signed him last year because he played very well in the second half of 2015, and the Ravens were hoping he could ride that momentum in forming a strong tandem with good friend and former high school teammate Jimmy Smith.
However, after a big game against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1, Wright struggled with his play and injuries early in the season. He was replaced as a starter in Week 6 by rookie fourth-round pick Tavon Young.
Wright stepped back into the starting lineup after Smith got hurt in Week 14. Wright finished with nine starts, 52 tackles and six passes defensed.
Lewis lost his starting job last season after being a starter for three teams over the previous six years. He was replaced by free-agent addition Eric Weddle and converted safety Lardarius Webb. Lewis was placed on injured reserve with a thigh injury on Oct. 22.
Lewis signed a three-year contract two years ago. He started 15 games and made 38 tackles in his first season. He hoped to add some playmaking to Baltimore's secondary, but didn't notch an interception over the past two seasons.
