Former Baltimore Ravens defensive end Chris Canty joined Glenn Clark Radio March 2, and he had some advice for defensive tackle Haloti Ngata.
Canty was released by the Ravens Feb. 27 as the team attempts to acquire more salary-cap room before the start of the league's free agency signing period March 10. Ngata's $16 million contract takes up the most salary-cap space for the Ravens in 2015, more than quarterback Joe Flacco ($14.55 million), cornerback Lardarius Webb ($12 million) and guard Marshal Yanda ($8.45 million), which had led to speculation Ngata may be asked to restructure his deal or even be released outright.
Canty and Ngata were teammates on the Ravens the last two seasons, and Canty's advice to Ngata was clear.
"You only have a certain amount of time to make a certain amount of money, and so you've got to maximize that opportunity," Canty said. "For me, it's all about the business. You've got to take care of that part of it. As much as you'd love to stay with one organization, as much as you'd love to finish your career where it started, that's not the reality of the salary cap era in the National Football League today. So, you've got to make as much money as you can while you can still play."
Like a businessman, Canty does not blame Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti or general manager Ozzie Newsome for the way his own situation played out.
"It is what it is," Canty said. "It's the business of the National Football League, so I appreciate my time in Baltimore. I'm thankful to Mr. Bisciotti and Ozzie for bringing me there. It was an awesome experience. I loved every minute of it."
Canty also doesn't rule out the possibility of working out a new deal with the Ravens.
"If I thought it was a mutually beneficial situation for both of us, I would definitely be interested in it," Canty said. "At this stage in my career, I want an opportunity to compete for championships, and if that opportunity presents itself again with the Baltimore Ravens, then I would definitely be receptive to it."
For more from Canty, including his potential post-football career paths, listen to the full interview here:
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