The Baltimore Ravens announced that it had just released wide receiver and return specialist Jacoby Jones from the team.
Jones is famously known for helping the Ravens secure the win during its Super Bowl XLVII match against the San Francisco 49ers, ESPN reported.
The 30-year-old athlete started his NFL career after being drafted by the Houston Texans in 2007. He played with the team for four seasons before joining the Ravens in 2012.
Jones renewed his contract with the team after signing a four-year contract last year. However, less than a year later, the Ravens decided to cut its ties with the wide receiver. Because of this, Jones will not be entitled to receive his $2.5 million salary for this year, according to NFL.com.
Following Jones' release, Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said during a press conference that letting him go now will give the athlete enough time to look for a new team and prepare before the free agency begins on March 10.
"We think he can still play on the NFL, and releasing him now allows him a better opportunity to land with another team," he told reporters.
Newsome then went on to praise Jones and highlight his major contributions to the Ravens. Particularly, the general manager talked about how Jones' performance led to the Ravens appearing at Super Bowl XVLVII in 2013 and winning the championship event.
The Ravens ended the match with a 34-31 win over the 49ers.
"We won't win Super Bowl XLVII without Jacoby," he said, "You immediately think of the touchdown Denver [Broncos] in the divisional round and then the big plays in that Super Bowl - the long touchdown from Joe [Flacco] and the kickoff to outstanding Raven, good teammate on and off the field."
Jones ended his 2014 NFL season with 2,733 career receiving yards and 7,200 total return yards.
