The day after the Ravens' season ended in a divisional-round loss to the New England Patriots, veteran defensive end Chris Canty said he needed some time to contemplate whether he planned to return for his 11th NFL season.
Canty had just finished a season where he fought through injuries, including a staph infection in his wrist that put him in the hospital. A month later, the Ravens have not been informed of a final decision for next year and they aren't rushing Canty as he contemplates his future.
"I haven't spoken with Chris since the season was over," Head Coach John Harbaugh said during Tuesday's season-review press conference. "I think he was thinking about what his future held and whether he was going to play going forward. So, I haven't spoken with him about that."
From a business perspective, Canty is still under contract if he decides to return next season. He's entering the final season of a three-year deal that he signed with the Ravens before the 2013 season. He will reportedly count $3.2 million against the cap.
Canty has been a quality starter and leader in the locker room the last two seasons. He had 33 tackles, a forced fumble, two passes defensed and a half sack in 11 games last year.
If Canty does decide to retire, then the Ravens will likely turn to young defensive ends Brent Urban and Kapron Lewis-Moore to fill his shoes. Both players showed potential in training camp before suffering season-ending injuries and spending the year on injured reserve.
