Ravens Release WR Slaughter

August 31, 1999 / 9:10 PM EDT / CBS/AP

The Baltimore Ravens released veteran wide receiver Webster Slaughter on Tuesday, getting down to the league-imposed 65-man roster limit.

Meanwhile, Pro Bowl defensive end Michael McCrary remained absent from camp, frustrated with his efforts to negotiate a contract extension with the Ravens. McCrary, who had 1 1/2 sacks last season, left the Ravens before their exhibition game against Carolina on Saturday in Baltimore.

McCrary has practiced sparingly with the Ravens since the beginning of training camp while recovering from offseason knee surgery, but he was expected to play in Friday's preseason finale against the New York Giants.

"We're trying to make progress as best we can, we're not going to comment on it anymore," first-year coach Brian Billick said. "As of right now, there's nothing to report."

Slaughter, who turns 35 in October, was signed in June and was one of a large number of receivers the Ravens took to training camp. Billick cited Slaughter's experience and the fact he coached Slaughter at San Diego State as prime reasons for signing the 13-year veteran.

However, Slaughter was unable to distinguish himself during training camp and caught just three passes for 11 yards in the preseason.

"It was very tough," Billick said. "And he handled it with the typical class and professionalism that is Webster Slaughter. He was great for us while we were in camp. He was great for those young players. It's tough because he was a good friend, but he understands the nature of the business."

Slaughter's career began in 1986 when he was drafted in the second round by Cleveland and played for the Browns through the 1991 season. Slaughter also played for the Houston Oilers, Kansas City, the New York Jets and San Diego.

After catching at least 30 passes for over 400 yards in his first 11 seasons in the NFL, Slaughter did not play in 1997 and made just eight catches for 93 yards with the Chargers last season.

Slaughter has 563 career receptions for 8,111 yards and 44 touchdowns.