The struggling Baltimore Ravens are making moves to try to improve the NFL's eighth-worst pass defense, adding three cornerbacks while cutting veteran pass-rusher Jason Babin and former starting cornerback Rashaan Melvin on Tuesday.
This shake-up comes after Cleveland Browns journeyman quarterback Josh McCown threw for 457 yards and two touchdowns against Baltimore and Ravens nickelback Will Davis suffered a season-ending knee injury.
To address cornerback, the Ravens signed veteran Shareece Wright (Chargers and 49ers) and promoted Asa Jackson and Charles James from the practice squad.
Wright, 28, was available because the San Francisco 49ers cut him after he requested his release last week. He was inactive for the first three games of the season and wanted to go somewhere he could receive more playing time. The Ravens play the 49ers on Sunday. Wright started 27 games for the San Diego Chargers over the last three seasons.
The Ravens cut Babin after his ineffective 23 snaps against the Browns. Ravens coach John Harbaugh made it known how upset he was over Babin's offside penalty in the fourth quarter, which likely sealed his fate.
Babin had been signed Sept. 15 to replace Terrell Suggs, but Babin looked like he didn't have much left. The improved play of rookie Za'Darius Smith also led to Babin's release.
Melvin's release comes nine months after he started for the Ravens in the playoffs. He filled in for Lardarius Webb in the preseason but struggled with consistency and staying healthy. Melvin hadn't played since getting benched against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3.
The Ravens now have seven cornerbacks on the 53-man roster: Webb, Jimmy Smith, Kyle Arrington, Tray Walker, Wright, Jackson and James.
