Derrick Mason retires

Derrick Mason, who has led the Ravens in receiving in each of the past two seasons, has announced his retirement from football via JOCKlife.com.

“I have had a tremendous career and I played for two great teams, I had fun. In my career, I have been able to do everything but win a Super Bowl. I’ve had the opportunity to play on great teams and with great players. After 12 years, I have seen it all and done it all,” Mason stated. “Right now, I am content with the decision I am making. All good things come to an end and I am ready to see what else life has to offer.”

“I have been thinking about this since the season ended. Emotionally I am just not that enthused. I have not been that enthused to get up and work out…it was getting to that point. This decision has nothing to do with the contract situation; I have made enough money, more than enough money. Emotionally there are things that are more important. It’s time right now. I don’t know what’s going to happen from here, but it’s going to be really nice to see what life has in store for me. …”

Although Mason has announced his retirement, he hasn’t submitted his official retirement papers yet as the Baltimore Ravens point out.

“For any player to retire, he has to send a letter to the NFL stating this,” [Ravens Sr. VP of Public and Community Relations Kevin] Byrne said. “Derrick Mason has not done that.”

The loss of his good friend Steve McNair is likely impacting his decision some in addition to his stated lack of enthusiasm.  How much is due to McNair?  Who knows?  But its emotional impact is likely at its highest right now.

Whether or not the Ravens can talk Mason out of retirement remains to be seen.  If Brett Favre has taught us anything, it’s that “retired” doesn’t always mean “retired.” Plus, if you mince words, Mason used the phrase “right now” when he said he’s “content with the decision I am making.”

With the expectation of having Mason back this year, the Ravens balked at the cost of pursuing a big-time receiver such as Brandon Marshall and Anquan Boldin.  However, they were rumored to be interested in both of those receivers.

Some potential free-agent receivers out there include Marvin Harrison, Matt Jones, Marty Booker, etc.

Without Mason or any off-season acquisitions going forward, the Ravens top two receivers will be Mark Clayton, who led the team in receiving in 2006, and Demetrius Williams.

I predicted a breakout season – or, at least, a return to his 2006 production level – for Mark Clayton early last month when I named four Ravens’ players to have a breakout season.

In either case, it’s time for Clayton, Williams and Marcus Smith to step up.

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