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Ravens designate Ray Rice as franchise player

Ravens’ Ray Rice led NFL in yards from scrimmage in 2011. (Associated Press)
Ravens’ Ray Rice led NFL in yards from scrimmage in 2011. (Associated Press)

Ray Rice has been designated the franchise player of the Baltimore Ravens, who hope to buy some time while negotiating a long-term contract deal for the standout running back.

Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said, “Our goal is to keep Ray Rice a Raven.”

Rice was selected to the Pro Bowl for the second time after a 2011 season in which he amassed an NFL-best 2,068 yards from scrimmage.

Baltimore also terminated the contracts of wide receiver Lee Evans and cornerback Chris Carr. Newsome says “this does not close the door on them coming back to the Ravens.”

Additionally, Baltimore put running back Ricky Williams on the reserve/retired list.

Steelers cut two

The Pittsburgh Steelers continued their offseason roster purge, announcing veteran linebacker James Farrior and defensive end Aaron Smith will be released before the next league year begins March 13.

Around the league

Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte has received the franchise tag from the Chicago Bears. Forte came into last season looking for an extension, but did not reach an agreement with the Bears. … Kicker Mike Nugent has been designated the Cincinnati Bengals’ franchise player. Nugent can negotiate with another team, but if Nugent agree to terms with someone else, the Bengals could retain him by matching the offer. … Kicker Phil Dawson, who has been with Cleveland since its 1999 expansion season, will spend another year with the club after the Browns decided to use their franchise tag on the 37-year-old. … The Washington Redskins have placed their franchise tag on tight end Fred Davis, who was suspended for the last four games of last season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. … The Arizona Cardinals have placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on defensive end Calais Campbell. The Cardinals can continue to negotiate through July 16. … The San Francisco 49ers used the franchise tag for safety Dashon Goldson. … The Atlanta Falcons placed the franchise tag on CB Brent Grimes, assuring he will receive more than $10 million if he signs the tender.