The Ravens reportedly tried to trade up in Saturday's NFL Draft in order to select quarterback Matt Ryan, according to the Baltimore Sun. Baltimore ended up taking Joe Flacco with the eighteenth pick in the draft, and the general opinion has been that he needs some time to grow before starting as the team's quarterback. "I think we accomplished that. Hopefully, next year at this time, we can look back on this draft and feel really good about it. I think we will," said Eric DeCosta, the Ravens' director of college scouting.

The Raiders traded cornerback Fabian Washington to the Ravens in exchange for a fourth-round pick on the second day of the NFL Draft on Sunday, according to the Contra Costa Times. Washington was a first-round pick back in 2005.

Ravens quarterback Steve McNair will announce his retirement from the NFL on Thursday afternoon, according to the Baltimore Sun. The 13-year veteran was hoping to keep his career going, which made news of the announcement surprising. He has been a regular at the team's practice facility lately as well, but likely has grown frustrated with a history of injury issues.

Ravens' kicker Matt Stover sent a letter to ESPN's Chris Mortensen on Wednesday clarifying what he send in an e-mail obtained by the company, according to ESPN.com. In the letter, posted in its entirety on ESPN's web site, Stover explains that it was not his intention to "oust" Gene Upshaw, the current leader of the players' union.

The Ravens and linebacker Ray Lewis are discussing an extension as he enters the final year of his current deal, according to the Baltimore Sun. "If he becomes a free agent next year, I think the Ravens would probably outbid other teams," team owner Steve Bisciotti said Monday. "We know Ray's value more than the other teams. We know the leadership he brings to the team. We know the commitment and the effort he gives to winning," he added.