The Ravens have traded center Gino Gradkowski and a fifth-round 2016 draft pick to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a fourth-round 2016 draft pick.
Gradkowski started all 16 games during his second season in 2013, but was replaced by Jeremy Zuttah last year. The Ravens traded for Zuttah and signed him to a three-year extension through 2018.
With Zuttah on the roster, Gradkowski didn't start a single game last year. He was active for just eight contests. The former 2012 fourth-round pick out of Delaware was heading into his fourth season.
The Ravens have interior offensive line depth without Gradkowski. Both John Urschel, a rising sophomore fifth-round pick, and Ryan Jensen, a rising third-year sixth-round pick, can play center.
Baltimore immediately saves some salary-cap space with the move, as Gradkowski was slated to make $1.5 million in base salary, per Spotrac.
With the Ravens also likely get a better draft pick in 2016, General Manager Ozzie Newsome continues to build for the future through the draft.
Thank you to my @Ravens family for the great experiences and relationships I've built over the past three years. I loved my time there. — Gino Gradkowski (@GinoGrad56) April 1, 2015
