Every offseason, some Ravens stay and some Ravens go.
Baltimore must create a priority list with their unrestricted free agents, and some players will be allowed to test the market.
That seems to be the direction outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw is headed, judging by General Manager Ozzie Newsome's comments Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine.
"If we can bring back our full team from last year, we would. But we just don't know," Newsome said when asked about Upshaw. "History will say we'll get some signed and some will go to other clubs. When that happens, I wish them well."
Upshaw has been a steady player on the Ravens defense over the past four seasons. The team's top draft pick in 2012 hasn't missed a single game. He started 11 games as a rookie, including Super Bowl XLVII, and has started all but six games since then.
Upshaw has embodied the defense's black and blue nature while doing much of the unit's unheralded dirty work. He's gained a reputation as one of the league's most physical and effective edge-setting run stoppers.
However, Upshaw has mostly shared his spot with Elvis Dumervil over the past two years, providing a 1-2 punch of run-stopping prowess and pass rush. Upshaw hasn't had much production as a pass rusher, notching just five sacks so far in his career.
Before Upshaw came to Baltimore, the Ravens watched another edge-setting outside linebacker Jarret Johnson* *leave in free agency.
Other Ravens draft picks who haven't gotten a second contract with the team in recent years include wide receiver Torrey Smith, outside linebacker Pernell McPhee, quarterback Tyrod Taylor, defensive tackle Arthur Jones, offensive tackle Michael Oher and outside linebacker Paul Kruger.
