Report: Ravens to Release Willis McGahee, Todd Heap, Derrick Mason Once Calendar Permits

by Jesse Scardina on Mon, Jul 25, 2011 at 8:02PM

With the 2011 NFL season just hours into its session, some of the first reports of transactions are starting to leak out.

One of the first is the report that the Baltimore Ravens have informed running back Willis McGahee that he will be released once the calendar permits it, according to ESPN.com.

After gaining just 300 yards on 100 carries last year, McGahee has become expendable with Ray Rice breaking out.

The Ravens' fullback Le'Ron McLain is a free agent, but it appears the Ravens will look to re-sign him after the release of McGahee.

ESPN is also reporting that Baltimore will cut ties with two staples of the Ravens' offense, tight end Todd Heap and wide receiver Derrick Mason. Defensive tackle Kelly Gregg will also be cut.

Mason, who has played 15 seasons in the NFL, compiled 802 receiving yards and seven touchdowns last season. The 37-year-old has been with Baltimore since 2005, but was seen as expendable when the team acquired All-Pro receiver Anquan Boldin last season.

Heap caught for 599 yards and five touchdowns last season. The 11-year veteran had played for Baltimore his entire career.