Marshal

Yanda

Baltimore’s third-round pick in 2007, Yanda hangs up his cleats as one of only three guards in NFL history to earn at least eight Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl victory, joining Larry Allen and Alan Faneca among that exclusive list. Having played all 13 seasons with the Ravens, Yanda, 35, will also be remembered alongside Hall of Fame LT Jonathan Ogden as one of the most important offensive linemen in franchise history. Yanda’s retirement creates $7 million in cap space as well as a glaring hole at right guard.

La Canfora hears Yanda will “take his time and make a decision on his own terms,” though all signs point to retirement for the 13-year vet. An eight-time Pro Bowler, Yanda showed he still had something in the tank this year, earning PFF’s No. 4 grade out of 82 qualified guards. The 35-year-old could be headed to Canton once his playing days are over. His retirement would free up $7 million in cap space.

Harbaugh added that Mark Ingram has a mild to moderate calf strain and also won’t play. There’s no reason for the Ravens to expose Jackson and company to any more unnecessary hits with the No. 1 seed already locked up. Robert Griffin will be joined in the backfield by Gus Edwards and Justice Hill.

Yanda was entering the final year of his contract, and there was speculation 2019 would be his final season in the NFL. This extension will not prevent him from retiring next offseason, but it does suggest he plans to keep playing a couple more years. The 34-year-old remains one of the best guards in the league.

Yanda had reportedly been mulling retirement. Going on 35, Yanda bounced back from a 2017 broken ankle to be one of the league’s best guards last season. The Ravens would have a pair of massive holes at guard were Yanda to hang up his cleats.

He dropped his 2012 salary to $700,000 and converted the remainder of his previous $4.5 million base into a signing bonus, which will be prorated through 2015. Yanda signed a five-year, $32.5 million blockbuster contract last summer. He proceeded to grade as Pro Football Focus’ No. 3 guard in the entire league.

Ravens RG Marshal Yanda also suffered a concussion and will not return. (They’re both listed as “doubtful,” but won’t be back.) Williams, the team’s starting right corner since early in the season, has been pushed for playing time recently by first-round pick Jimmy Smith. Yanda is the Ravens’ best O-Lineman.

Yanda was forced from Week 16 with “bruised ribs” and is looking like a long shot to be active with Andre Gurode capable of filling in at right guard. “I don’t know if it’s broken yet or not,” Yanda said. “We’ll find out. I can’t breathe real well right now. I can’t do deep breaths.”

Yanda played through the compartment syndrome and a rib injury late in the season. “My ribs are feeling good and my leg is feeling good, too,” said Yanda. “The bye week was huge. I’m going to practice today.” Despite playing at less than 100 percent, Yanda graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 3 overall guard in 2011, behind only Evan Mathis (Eagles) and Carl Nicks (Saints).

“There is no one tougher than Marshal,” said coach John Harbaugh. “That is a reflection of our whole team. He optimizes that, certainly.” Yanda made his first career Pro Bowl in 2011. He has a first-round bye to heal up.