Ravens Trade For Washington, Release Rhodes

The Baltimore Ravens addressed their need at cornerback Sunday, but it didn't come in the draft. Instead, the Ravens traded a fourth-round pick to the Oakland Raiders for Fabian Washington. A first-round pick in 2005, Washington was expendable after the Raiders had traded for DeAngelo Hall. In three seasons with Oakland, Washington had 112 tackles and five interceptions. He was a starter his first two seasons before losing his job early last year. Even if Washington is unable to crack the Ravens' starting lineup, he will be a valuable nickel back, especially because so many AFC North teams use three receivers. "Guys know about our defense," general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "Their play gets elevated when they come to Baltimore. They realize they have to take their play to another level." Also, the Raiders released RB Dominic Rhodes today, after he was suspended half of last season for breaking the league's substance-abuse policy. The Raiders now have Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden as their runningbacks.