OWINGS MILLS, Md. – A year after leading Lamar Jackson’s MVP campaign with the mantra “Big Truss,” Mark Ingram will be released by the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday, league sources against ESPN’s Adam Schefter said.
Ingram, 31, was a healthy scratch for four of the Ravens’ last five games this season, including both playoff games. The Ravens will create $ 5 million in salary cap by releasing the 10-year veteran.
A Pro Bowl player in 2019, Ingram didn’t have the same explosiveness this campaign, and he was slowly pulled out of the Ravens game plan, finishing with a career-low 72 carry. Baltimore ended the No. 1 rush in the NFL by relying on rookie JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards.
Ingram said goodbye to the Ravens on social media on Monday, calling the team “ a first-class organization. ”
Ingram posted on Twitter: “I love the real in the herd nation who supported me and showed me luv! My blood brothers, what Ain understood needs to be explained. The best still stands, can’t wait! Look how God works. #GodWins #BigTrussForever. “
Thank you Mr. Bisciotti and the Ravens for a first class organization. I like the real in the flock nation who supported me and showed me luv! My blood brothers, what is understood? Ain needs to be explained. The best still comes first, I can’t wait! Watch how God works.#GodWins #BigTrussForever pic.twitter.com/Hx0GZrSIrz
– Mark Ingram II (@ marksram21) January 19, 2021
A first-round pick by the Saints in 2011, Ingram spent his first eight seasons in New Orleans, reaching the Pro Bowl in 2014 and ’17. He signed a three-year $ 15 million deal with Baltimore in 2019, immediately injecting a lot of energy and leadership into the locker room.
Ingram won 1,018 yards and scored 10 touchdowns in his first season with the Ravens, defending Jackson’s run for the NFL MVP by exclaiming, “Big Truss!” in news conferences after the game. Teammates have explained that “Big Truss” means trust and belief, a phrase that says “I’ve got your back.”
In 2020, Ingram lost his runway mid-season and Dobbins, the player who replaced him, continued to mentor.
“Mark is an incredible guy – a big brother to me,” said Dobbins at the end of the regular season. He still texts me every day. He is still happy for me every day. He really helped me through the process, taught me things to help me be mentally prepared, to stay locked in. He’s just a great guy. ‘
Ingram would make $ 5 million by 2021, the last year of his contract.