The Ravens have reportedly picked up veteran cornerback Brandon Carr's 2019 contract option, per ESPN's Field Yates.
The option includes a $4.5 million base salary and $1.5 million roster bonus. Carr would carry a cap hit of $7 million, per Spotrac.
Carr, 32, is a dependable and strong player on the field and model off it.
The Ravens' "Iron Horse" has never missed a start in his 11-year career – a streak of 176 straight regular-season games that is the longest of any defensive player in the NFL.
But what gets sometimes overlooked is just how well Carr has played in those starts.
Carr finished last season ranked as the 47th-best cornerback in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus. Over the past two seasons in Baltimore, he's had 101 tackles, 23 passes defensed and six interceptions.
Despite having Jimmy Smith and Marlon Humphrey last year, Carr was still a 16-game starter for a reason. Two weeks ago at the Combine, General Manager Eric DeCosta said he expected Carr to return.
"I love the way he plays," DeCosta said. "He's a great leader. He's a veteran presence. Plays really well for us at different spots, is versatile. The guy has never missed a game in his career. He's got every quality that you would want on your team."
There has been media speculation about Smith's future considering he carries a $15.85 million salary cap hit next season, according to Spotrac. That would be the second-highest number among NFL cornerbacks behind the Detroit Lions' Darius Slay ($15.93).
With Humphrey, Young and reportedly Carr locked up for 2019, the Ravens have at least a strong trio and would be even more stout with Smith back. Baltimore also has Anthony Averett, a fourth-round pick last year, Maurice Canady, Cyrus Jones and others as quality depth and potential breakout candidates.
Beyond his play on the field, Carr is a veteran leader in the locker room, on the practice field and in the community. He was the Ravens' Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee in 2018.
