OWINGS MILLS, Md. (May 11, 2005) -- The Baltimore Ravens released often-injured linebacker Peter Boulware to give the team some salary-cap relief.
The former Pro Bowl player missed the entire 2004 season with knee and toe injuries. He hasn't played in a game since late in the 2003 season against the Cleveland Browns, when he injured his knee. He suffered a turf toe during a November practice in 2004, and was placed on injured reserve.
The Ravens were unable to agree on restructuring Boulware's contract in negotiations with his agent, Roosevelt Barnes, ending Boulware's tenure with Baltimore after nine seasons.
The Ravens drafted Oklahoma defensive end Dan Cody in the second round and expect him to be a strongside linebacker, where Adalius Thomas started last season and recorded eight sacks.
Cody is expected to fill the situational pass rusher role initially slated for Boulware with Thomas starting.
"Peter has been a major contributor to the success of our organization both on and off the field," Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said in a statement. "As others who have departed this year, whether it has been by termination or free agency, we feel that Peter will continue to be a successful player in this league."
A first-round draft pick in 1997, Boulware is a four-time Pro Bowl selection and the franchise's career leader with 67 career sacks.
He led the AFC and was second in the NFL with a career-high 15 sacks in 2001, when he switched from linebacker to defensive end for the final six games of the season.
Boulware played with a shoulder harness to support his dislocated shoulder in 1999, and recorded 10 sacks. He was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1997 after getting 11 sacks.
