The Baltimore Ravens have released full-back Vonta Leach and linebacker Jameel McClain, the club's general manager Ozzie Newsome has confirmed.

The departures of Leach and McClain will free up an expected £3m in the salary cap, but Newsome said that the Ravens could consider bringing them back in the future from the free agency.

"Vonta and Jameel are two of our most important players over the last few seasons, helping us to the playoffs and giving the Ravens the Super Bowl win after the 2012 season," he told the club's official website.

"There could come a point later on when we would consider bringing back Vonta and Jameel. They are our types of players.

"Jameel is a Ravens success story who came to us as a rookie free agent. He changed positions from playing on the defensive line and outside to becoming a good inside linebacker and starter. People close to our team understand his commitment to being the best he can be and the leadership he gave on and off the field."

The Ravens won the Super Bowl in 2012.