The Baltimore Ravens have released safety Michael Huff and defensive tackle Marcus Spears.

Both players are former first-round Draft picks and joined the Ravens during the off-season, but failed to make the desired impact with the reigning Super Bowl champions.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh revealed that he made the decision to cut both players for the good of the team as he looks to turn his side's ailing season around.

"[What] we'll always try to do is have as strong of a roster as we possibly can and to be as good a team as we possibly can be on Sunday," Harbaugh told reporters.

"We feel like these moves move us in that direction. We feel like these are the necessary moves that we need to make to be the best team we can be in all three phases. Any message beyond that is guys already understand those things.

"I really have high hopes for this team. I've told the players that. I really believe this team is really going to catch fire."

Safeties Omar Brown and Brynden Trawick have been promoted to fill the vacant roster spots.