At the same time, the Rams cut safety Keith Lyle , a seven-year veteran and longtime starter, to make room for Herring's arrival. The loss of Herring, who started every game over the past two seasons, leaves the Ravens without their starting safeties from 2000. Baltimore also is without starting weakside linebacker Jamie Sharper , who is fielding offers from a number of other teams. Baltimore likely will move backup safety Corey Harris , a versatile defender, into Herring's vacancy.
Herring provides the team youth and improved range in the secondary.
He had made an interception in the 34-7 Super Bowl victory over the New York Giants. It was an opportunity that we felt we just couldn't pass up. Lyle was originally a third-round draft choice in 1994. He started 16 games in 2000, finishing second on the team with 115 tackles. He added one interception, four passes defensed, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one touchdown, and two special teams tackles.