What Is Future Of 
Twitter about lost its mind when the Ravens announced they had released safety Will Hill … until about two hours later when ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Hill has been suspended 10 games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
Suddenly everything made sense.
This marks Hill’s fourth suspension since the 2012 season, the most of any NFL player since the 2012 offseason, according to ESPN Stats & Information. It will add up to missing 24 out of a possible 74 games, or roughly one-third of Hill’s NFL career.
General Manager Ozzie Newsome has often given players second, third, or, in this case, fourth chances. He did just that in 2014 when Hill was released by the New York Giants following his third suspension, two of which were reportedly marijuana-related.
"Ozzie had a lot of faith in me, and I had a lot of faith in him. That's my best friend right now,” Hill said at the time, via The Baltimore Sun. “To have me come here and help me with my life, it means a lot."
Newsome also gave Hill a reported two-year, $7 million extension last offseason, demonstrating even more faith in Hill. The 27-year-old safety wanted to reward the Ravens for their faith. He replayed in his head advice from his father, who said if his son received an extension that “all that off-the-field stuff has got to go.”
Eight months later, Hill was suspended again.
“That's why Hill's latest discipline from the league could be a career-ending one,” wrote ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. “[I]t could prove difficult for Hill to get another team to trust him, given his embarrassing track record.”
#Ravens SS Will Hill no shocker. Friends said he was smoking last offseason even as he was negotiating new deal with team.
— Jason Cole (@JasonColeBR) March 16, 2016
The move reportedly creates about $3 million in cap space.
The Ravens are expected to move forward with newly-signed Pro Bowler Eric Weddle and recently converted cornerback
While Hill graded as the 17th best safety in the NFL last season by Pro Football Focus, Gordon McGuinness noted that Hill also graded at No. 70 over the last eight games.
“He is a gifted safety,” wrote Hensley. “He is a hard hitter who can change games. Hill's two touchdowns with the Ravens – an interception return in New Orleans and off a blocked field goal in Cleveland – both won games.
“But the New York Giants, who signed him as an undrafted rookie, and the Ravens each released him following a suspension. Teams have shown that they'll take a chance on a player if the talent outweighs the trouble. Hill might have a hard team convincing teams of that going forward.”
It looks like Ravens outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw got his first bite in free agency.
Free agent and former Ravens linebacker Courtney Upshaw will be in New Jersey meeting with the Jets on Thursday. @NFLonFOX
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 17, 2016
The Jets entered the offseason looking to overhaul their linebacker position and they could have three new starters by the season opener. If they sign Upshaw, the team would be getting a durable player who sets the edge and is a powerful run-stuffer.
Every NFL team, including the Jets, wants to improve its pass rush, but Upshaw is not known for getting after the quarterback. He has five sacks during his four-year career, including two sacks last season when he had more opportunities after
Newsome acknowledged last month that it would be difficult to retain Upshaw.
“If we can bring back our full team from last year, we would. But we just don’t know,” Newsome said when asked about the 2012 second-round draft pick.
Compensatory Pick Update
Nobody cares more about compensatory picks than Ravens fans, so let’s get an update after several signings …
For the Ravens to get a potential third-round compensatory pick for losing offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele in free agency to the Raiders, they need Upshaw to sign elsewhere with a qualifying contract.
Also means that he won't qualify for a Comp picks, so Ravens need Upshaw or Canty to qualify to get 3rd back for KO. https://t.co/9ZwCUVU0nm
— Brian McFarland (@RavensSalaryCap) March 16, 2016
The Ravens’ signings of unrestricted free agents Weddle and tight end
Meanwhile, unrestricted free agent receiver
Safety and special-teams standout
Quick Hits
Signed, sealed, delivered. https://t.co/nPmwm3WpMb
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) March 16, 2016
A tribute to @Browns legend & @Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome on his 60th Birthday!
— NFL Now (@NFLNow) March 16, 2016
WATCH: https://t.co/Gock3ReS63 pic.twitter.com/uM9kmP4xRW
The Wizard has signed some impactful "old" players over the years. #InOzzieWeTrust #Ravens pic.twitter.com/zFRkzctJwe
— Patrick Gleason (@PMGleason) March 16, 2016
Mike Wallace's new deal is essentially a one year deal with option for 2017. Total guaranteed money is 4.5 million.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiecsun) March 16, 2016
Full breakdown of Mike Wallace's new deal below. Full details of all Ravens contracts -> https://t.co/GWO1CAzI2m pic.twitter.com/chM8mUTiZ2
— Brian McFarland (@RavensSalaryCap) March 16, 2016
Thought #Ravens might bring back Trawick on cheaper deal than low-round tender; instead, joins Osemele w/#Raiders #RavensTalk
— Bo Smolka (@bsmolka) March 16, 2016
ICYMI: One #Steelers fan got very mad when Eric Weddle didn't sign with his team https://t.co/2bEgX69hUe
— Russell St. Report (@RussellStReport) March 17, 2016
