Amy Sancetta/Associated Press

Pernell McPhee, who pred to be one of the more dangerous pass-rushers in the league last season, reportedly is leaving the Baltimore Ravens for the Chicago Bears.

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McPhee Reportedly Will Join Chicago Bears

Monday, March 9

Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun reported early details of McPhee's contract with the Bears:

Ravens veteran outside linebacker Pernell McPhee is joining the Chicago Bears on a five-year contract worth nearly $40 million, according to league sources. The deal includes nearly $16 million in guaranteed money, according to a source.

"McPhee was considered a luxury item the Ravens couldn't afford to retain as his four-year, $2.2 million rookie contract expires. The Ravens are dealing with a tight salary cap situation and have pressing needs at other positions," Wilson added.

Newsome Confirms Ravens Cannot Pay Market Value for McPhee

Tuesday, Feb. 24

Speaking with the media Tuesday, Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome had a telling quote about the future of McPhee with the team, per Wilson:

McPhee, 26, didn't start any games for the Ravens last year but proved to be a dominant situational pass-rusher. He recorded 7.5 sacks and graded out as Pro Football Focus' No. 2 3-4 OLB, per NFL.com's Chris Wesseling.

As Newsome made clear, the Ravens, who have Terrell Suggs, Elvis Dumervil and Courtney Upshaw who can play on the edge, simply could not afford to keep McPhee at that price without hurting the rest of the roster. According to OverTheCap.com, Baltimore is 25th in the NFL in cap space heading into free agency.