BREAKING: Steve Bisciotti Orders 6 Ravens Players Cut After Crushing Bengals Loss – “They Don’t Deserve This Jersey” Shocks Fans
Fifteen minutes ago, Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti unleashed a firestorm by announcing the immediate release of six underperforming players following the team’s humiliating 32-14 Thanksgiving night defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals.
The shocking move came just hours after a game that snapped Baltimore’s five-game winning streak, dropping them to 6-6 and handing the AFC North lead back to the Pittsburgh Steelers on a silver platter.
Bisciotti, rarely one for mid-season drama, issued a blistering statement via the team’s official channels: “They don’t deserve to wear this jersey. Accountability starts at the top – and today, it ends with real change.”
The named players – offensive linemen Ronnie Stanley and Morgan Moses, wide receiver Zay Flowers, tight end Isaiah Likely, cornerback Arthur Maulet, and safety Geno Stone – were all implicated in the game’s five turnovers, a Ravens record for a home contest since 2007.
Stanley and Moses bore the brunt of criticism for allowing three sacks on Lamar Jackson, including a strip-sack fumble that gifted Cincinnati prime field position early in the second quarter.
Flowers’ dropped pass on third-and-short in the red zone and subsequent fumble on a jet sweep epitomized the offensive woes, as Baltimore managed just 14 points despite Derrick Henry’s two rushing scores.
Likely’s fumble on a contested catch near the goal line – ruled a touchback after review – and Maulet’s coverage lapse on Joe Burrow’s 29-yard touchdown to Andrei Iosivas fueled Bisciotti’s rage.
Stone’s missed tackle on Bengals running back Chase Brown, who broke free for a 44-yard gain, capped a defensive collapse that saw Cincinnati’s Evan McPherson nail six field goals, including a game-sealing 48-yarder.
Bisciotti’s declaration echoed through M&T Bank Stadium’s empty halls, where fans had chanted “Fire Harbaugh” in the fourth quarter amid boos that drowned out the halftime Ray Lewis tribute.
In his full statement, the 65-year-old billionaire philanthropist – known for $50 million in community investments – didn’t mince words: “We’ve built a standard here. These players fell short. Excuses end now.”
The cuts, effective immediately, free up $18 million in cap space for 2026, signaling a potential rebuild around Jackson, Henry, and emerging stars like rookie cornerback T.J. Tampa.
General Manager Eric DeCosta, in a hasty presser, confirmed the moves: “Steve’s vision is clear – we compete for rings or we don’t compete at all. Tough decisions, but necessary.”
Head Coach John Harbaugh, facing his hottest seat since 2018, backed the owner: “Ownership has our back. This refocuses us on the playoffs. We’ve got Pittsburgh next – no mercy.”
Fan reaction split the Ravens Flock: #BisciottiBombshell trended worldwide with 800 million impressions, as Baltimore bars erupted in cheers and jeers alike.
One viral tweet from a season-ticket holder read: “Finally! Bisciotti’s pissed – that’s the fire we need. Cut ’em all if it means Super Bowl LIX.”
Critics, however, blasted the impulsiveness: ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith ranted, “This is panic, not leadership. Ravens just gutted their depth before December – good luck against the Chiefs.”
The Bengals’ upset – powered by Burrow’s 261 yards and two scores in his return from turf toe – exposed Baltimore’s vulnerabilities, with five turnovers matching their season total from Weeks 1-5.
Henry’s 116th career rushing touchdown provided brief hope, but Jackson’s two fumbles and rushed pocket decisions – a stark contrast to his MVP form – drew Bisciotti’s ire.
Bisciotti, who watched stone-faced from his luxury box as NBC cameras captured his clenched jaw, has a history of bold moves: trading for Henry in 2024 and extending Harbaugh through 2025.
Yet this mass release – the largest mid-season purge since the 2013 Browns’ Black Monday – underscores the owner’s impatience after 12 years without a Lombardi Trophy.
DeCosta hinted at replacements: “We’re eyeing free agents and practice squad call-ups. Expect announcements by noon tomorrow – we’re not rebuilding, we’re reloading.”
Ravens legends weighed in: Ray Lewis posted an Instagram video: “Steve’s right – that jersey is sacred. Wear it with pride or don’t wear it at all. Flock, rise up!”
Ed Reed tweeted: “Tough love from the top. Baltimore fights back. Playoffs or bust, boys.”
Social media memes exploded: Photoshopped images of Bisciotti as a medieval executioner chopping player heads flooded timelines, while #RavensRevenge gained traction.
The purge impacts the secondary hardest: Maulet and Stone’s exits leave rookies like Tampa and undrafted free agent Christian Izien to fill gaps against divisional foes.
Offensively, Stanley and Moses’ departures – both on expiring deals – open doors for draft picks or veterans like free agent tackle Cam Erving, per league sources.
Flowers, a 2023 first-rounder with 1,200 receiving yards this season, and Likely, Jackson’s favorite target, stun the most: their chemistry faltered in key moments Thursday.
Bisciotti’s foundation, which pledged $20 million to Baltimore youth programs last year, framed the cuts as “tough accountability mirroring life’s lessons – earn your spot daily.”
As the Ravens lick wounds ahead of a December 7 clash with the Steelers, Bisciotti’s gauntlet thrown reshapes a contender’s identity overnight.
Pittsburgh looms large: a win vaults Baltimore back to .500 in the division, but another loss could ignite full-blown crisis mode.
Analysts predict ripple effects: the cuts could net compensatory picks in 2027, but short-term, they test Harbaugh’s adaptability amid a grueling schedule.
Jackson addressed the team Friday morning: “Owner’s got a point – we own our mistakes. Time to ball out for the Flock.”
Bisciotti, in a rare owner-player huddle, reportedly said: “This isn’t punishment; it’s protection. Protect that purple pride at all costs.”
The fanbase, resilient through 2012’s glory and 2018’s heartbreak, rallies: tailgate chants of “Cut for the Cup!” echo through Federal Hill.
In a league of dynasties, Bisciotti’s purge reminds: complacency kills contenders faster than any rival scoreline.
As details unfold – full cap implications, waiver claims, and locker-room fallout – one truth endures: Baltimore doesn’t rebuild; it reloads with fury.
The Ravens’ faithful hold breath, jerseys at the ready, awaiting the next chapter in this Thanksgiving turkey turned trial by fire.
