The Baltimore Ravens terminated cornerback Chris McAlister's contract Monday, it was announced by Ozzie Newsome, the team's general manager and executive vice president.
McAlister, a three-time Pro Bowl standout, played 10 seasons for the Ravens after being selected in the first round (10th pick) in the 1999 draft. A starter on the 2000 Super Bowl championship Baltimore team, McAlister produced 26 career interceptions, good for third place on the franchise's all-time list (behind safety Ed Reed, 43, and linebacker Ray Lewis, 28). McAlister also scored seven career touchdowns -- six by interceptions and one on a missed field-goal return, which set a then-NFL record for longest play (107 yards).
McAlister was due to make $8 million this year.
McAlister, who will be 32 in June, played in six games in 2008, starting five, before being placed on injured reserve with a knee injury on Nov. 11. Before being hurt, he intercepted three passes and made 19 tackles (17 solo).
"First, we want to thank Chris for all he did for the Ravens in the past 10 years," Newsome said in a statement released by the team. "He was a major contributor to many big wins, including the Super Bowl. To play the type of defense we have used here, you have to have corners who can cover one-on-one. He was one of the best at that for us. He was physical, and he could run with the best."
"All of us who had the opportunity to coach Chris for the first time this season have an appreciation for all the good things he did for this team through the years," Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said in the statement. "He'll be remembered by us and the fans as one of the best to ever play for the Ravens. He's a tough guy and loves football. He'll play again, and he'll play well."
Information from the Associated Press was included in this report
