There has been speculation that Derrick Mason could be using retirement as leverage for a new contract. When he first sought an extension in March, Mason said he didn't know whether he would return to the Ravens without a new deal and would "explore other options" if he didn't have one. He would have earned $3 million in 2009.
Lamont Smith, Mason's agent, confirmed in an e-mail to The Baltimore Sun that the 12-year veteran has retired. Mason, who played eight seasons with the Tennessee Titans and four with the Ravens, did not return phone calls from The Baltimore Sun.
Smith said Mason's decision had "little if anything to do with Baltimore's refusal to grant him an extension." The agent added that Mason would not be doing any interviews for the next two weeks.
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