Ravens release Pollard

Owings Mills, MD – The Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens have released veteran safety Bernard Pollard, while also bringing back defensive backs James Ihedigbo and Chris Johnson on one-year deals.

A seven-year NFL veteran, the hard-hitting Pollard played two seasons with the Ravens, playing in 29 games with 26 starts. He led Baltimore with a team-high 98 tackles during the 2012 regular season, adding two sacks, six passes defensed and one interception in 13 contests. In four 2012 playoff games, Pollard produced 17 tackles, four passes defensed and a forced fumble.

"We needed to find a physical presence for our secondary when we lost Dawan Landry a few years ago, and we were fortunate to land a player like Bernard," Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "He was everything we hoped he would be: physical, tough and well-prepared.

"Bernard takes great pride in being ready to play -- and he does that year round. He was a good partner with Ed (Reed) on our backside, and he fit in well with our team. Like we say, 'He played like a Raven.' He helped us get to an AFC Championship and win a Super Bowl, and we thank him for all he did for us.

"There are many difficult decisions we make every offseason. They become even more difficult when they involve players who helped us get another Super Bowl trophy."

Ihedigbo, a six-year veteran, posted 19 tackles and one sack for the Ravens during the 2012 campaign, while Johnson, who was signed by the Ravens midway through the 2012 season, saw action in four regular season games, recording seven solo tackles and one forced fumble.