As expected, the Ravens slapped their franchise tag on Terrell Suggs. Now, fellow LBs Ray Lewis and Bart Scott are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents, free to test the market.

Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said if the team can’t agree to a new contract with LB Terrell Suggs by Thursday, it will use the franchise tag on him, the Baltimore Sun reported.

The Ravens released cornerback Chris McAlister, freeing up $8 million against the salary cap to use to try to re-sign linebackers Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs, according to a team official.

Pending free agent Terrell Suggs has made it clear his first choice is to remain in Baltimore.

Despite a sprained shoulder that left Terrell Suggs questionable for the AFC Championship Game, the Ravens’ linebacker will play today in Pittsburgh.

The Ravens’ rugged defense could be without one of its top playmakers Sunday. And it’s not LB Terrell Suggs.

CB Samari Rolle, who made an interception during last week’s divisional-round victory over the Titans, hasn’t practiced all week because of a thigh injury and was listed Friday as doubtful for the AFC Championship Game against the Steelers.

If Ray Lewis is the free agent to watch this offseason, then Baltimore’s linebackers are the one unit to monitor.

Not only is Lewis a free agent, but so are Baltimore linebackers Terrell Suggs and Bart Scott.

As much as Baltimore wants to keep all three, it is going to be difficult to do.