Inside linebacker Arthur Brown heard from a teammate during Tuesday's practice that there were reports the Ravens were putting him on the trading block.
But Brown got some comforting words as he came off the field.
"Somebody from the staff came up and told me that it was just a rumor, that there was some interest and they would listen, but I wasn't necessarily on the block," Brown said.
Brown said it's somewhat flattering that there's interest, but didn't put much stock in it.
"As far as I'm concerned, I'm still here," he said. "I'm planning my preparations accordingly."
Brown, a second-round pick a year ago, played in 14 of 16 games last year, appearing on special teams and third downs in limited defensive packages. He made 15 tackles, 0.5 sacks and forced one fumble.
He was left on the Ravens' inactive list in the regular-season opener against Cincinnati. Brown said he didn't get an explanation for why he was inactive.
"It's a long season, so it's really all about progression," he said. "Right now we have to focus on Pittsburgh, so I take it one day at a time."
The Ravens traded up six spots to grab Brown at No. 56 in the second round of the 2013 draft. They were impressed with his speed and sure tackling. Brown is good in coverage and is a strong blitzer.
But Brown said after his rookie season that he had trouble picking up the Ravens’ complex defense. Head Coach John Harbaugh said during the offseason that understanding those schemes would take him to a starting role. He said he expected Brown to claim it this season.
That was before the Ravens drafted inside linebacker C.J. Mosley in the first round, however. Mosley beat Brown out for the starting gig opposite veteran Daryl Smith. With Smith signing a four-year contract this offseason, it appears the Ravens are set long-term.
Still, Brown is a player the Ravens have groomed, and they have expressed excitement about his potential.
The Ravens wanted Brown to add some bulk to his shorter frame to help him better take on 300-pound blockers, and Brown did that. He ended last season weighing about 228 pounds and put on seven pounds of muscle this offseason. Brown also improved dramatically with the mental part of the game.
During training camp, Defensive Coordinator Dean Pees said Brown had "improved light years from a year ago."
The Ravens have a lot of depth at inside linebacker this year. In addition to Smith, Mosley and Brown, they have Albert McClellan (one of the team's best special teams players), undrafted rookie Zachary Orr and Josh Bynes, who is on the practice squad but has starting experience.
