The Baltimore Sun calls free agent OLB Paul Kruger a "luxury" the Ravens "can't afford to retain."

Kruger put on a pass-rushing show in the playoffs, racking up 4.5 sacks, including two on the biggest stage in the Super Bowl. He's likely to command a contract greater than $40 million, and Baltimore isn't set up to pay it with Joe Flacco needing a new mega-contract. Kruger has said he'd like to be back with Baltimore, but at this time, there are no talks scheduled with the team.

ESPN Cleveland calls Ravens free agents Paul Kruger and Dannell Ellerbe "obvious targets" for the Browns.

If the Ravens are forced to use the exclusive franchise tag on free agent Joe Flacco, they will not be in a position to sign either of their high-profile defenders. The Browns could "double dip," strengthening their defense while weakening a division rival. Kruger is the top rush linebacker on the market and would fit nicely in new DC Ray Horton's hybrid 3-4 scheme. Ellerbe is penciled in as Ray Lewis' replacement at inside linebacker.

Free agent OLB Paul Kruger amassed just 1.5 sacks across six games ahead of Terrell Suggs' 2012 return from Achilles' surgery, before closing out the season with 7.5 sacks across the final eight games with Suggs in the lineup.

Kruger also had 4.5 sacks in Baltimore's four playoff wins, all with Suggs aligned opposite him. It's worth debating whether Kruger's production was at least partially a product of Suggs commanding increased defensive attention. We fully expect 26-year-old Kruger to command a massive free-agent deal, but the sack statistics suggest he's more of a complementary than franchise pass rusher.

Impending free agent OLB Paul Kruger wants to return to the Ravens, but says "it's not up to me."

It's a pretty generic answer. "I just have to let it happen and let my agent do his job. I would love to be here, but it's not up to me," said Kruger. "I've never been through the process before." Kruger is wrapping up his rookie deal that saw him earn $615,000 in 2012. He's fully expected to command a long-term deal in the $35-$40 million range as he comes off a 13.5-sack season, including the playoffs. The Ravens may not have money for him as they attempt to lock up Joe Flacco.

J. Michael of CSN Baltimore says impending free agent OLB Paul Kruger "definitely" won't be re-signed by the Ravens.

Kruger posted regular season career-highs in tackles (42) and sacks (nine), and is reportedly seeking a contract in the $40 million range. His stock is on the rise after emerging on the national stage with a postseason flurry. Kruger graded out as a top-seven 3-4 outside linebacker in 2012 by Pro Football Focus. The Baltimore Sun suggests he could be a candidate for the franchise tag if the Ravens agree to a long-term extension with Joe Flacco before free agency.

Impending free agent OLB Paul Kruger hopes to re-sign with the Ravens.

"There's nothing I want more than to remain a Raven, but I haven't really thought about it," Kruger said. "It's an awesome place to play. I would love to be here." Emerging on the national stage with 2.5 sacks in the playoffs, Kruger graded out as the No. 6 3-4 outside linebacker in Pro Football Focus' regular season ratings. Kruger will be a candidate for the franchise tag if the Ravens can work out a long-term extension with Joe Flacco before the start of free agency.

According to CBS Sports' Jason LaCanfora, impending free agent OLB Paul Kruger is seeking around $8 million per year in his next contract.

Kruger fired his agents this week and is expected to sign with a major firm after posting career highs in tackles (42) and sacks (nine) this past season. With Ed Reed, Cary Williams, and ILB Dannell Ellerbe also scheduled for free agency, the Ravens aren't likely to get into a bidding war to re-sign Kruger, and appear set to let him test the open market. Kruger made just $615,000 in 2012, the final year of his rookie contract.

Ravens OLB Paul Kruger has generated four sacks in the past three games.

It's no coincidence that the Ravens have allowed just 14.5 points per during their four-game winning streak. Safety Bernard Pollard compares Kruger's athleticism to that of Vikings Pro Bowler Jared Allen. "Kruger's the most natural healthy pass rusher the Ravens have," said ex-Ravens scout Daniel Jeremiah. "He's got every tool you want to get to the quarterback consistently." In the final year of his rookie contract, Kruger's preference is to stay in Baltimore.

ESPN's Ron Jaworski, appearing on SportsCenter, noticed on tape that the Ravens are failing to generate much of a pass rush, which he attributes to the loss of Terrell Suggs (Achilles).

Paul Kruger, who has stepped in as Baltimore's "rush" linebacker, has yet to find himself on the stat sheet. Second-round pick Courtney Upshaw has just a half-sack. The Ravens have a respectable six sacks through two games, but four came in Week 1 against a Bengals team that was down big and allowed the Ravens to come right after them. Baltimore also lost an adequate pass rusher in Jarret Johnson to San Diego this past offseason.

Ravens OLB Paul Kruger (back) expects to return for Week 3.

Kruger was a late scratch for Sunday's game against the Eagles due to stiffness in his back. Rookie Courtney Upshaw started in his place. "I just wasn't ready," Kruger said. "I'll be ready for next week for sure."

Ravens declared OLB Paul Kruger (back) inactive for Sunday's game against the Eagles.

The Ravens are getting thin at the "rush" linebacker spot. Kruger was taking the spot of Terrell Suggs, who is on the PUP list thanks to an Achilles' tendon tear. Look for rookie Courtney Upshaw to get a big bump in playing time. Other Ravens inactives: WR LaQuan Williams, CB Asa Jackson, T/G Jah Reid, TE Billy Bajema, DE DeAngelo Tyson and DT Byron Hall.

Ravens LB Paul Kruger has been a "standout performer" in the early stages of training camp.

Paul Kruger is working as the Ravens' first-team "rush" linebacker, with rookie Courtney Upshaw on the strong side.

It appears Kruger is getting the first crack at replacing Terrell Suggs' outside linebacker snaps, with Pernell McPhee probably slated for the majority of Suggs' defensive end reps. Upshaw, the Ravens' second-round pick, is lining up as a starter across from WLB Jameel McClain with Ray Lewis in the middle. Kruger and McPhee are both candidates to lead the Ravens in sacks.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh says DE Paul Kruger is the "leading candidate" to replace Jarret Johnson at outside linebacker.

"I watched every one of (Kruger's) plays from last year ... he did a nice job in coverage, he set the edge well," Harbaugh said. "I believe Paul can do it. I think he will do it." A linebacker in college, Kruger actually replaced Johnson in nickel situations down the stretch last season, so the transition shouldn't be a terribly difficult one after he played exclusively end in 2010. Kruger notched 5.5 sacks in 2011.

Paul Kruger has been moved back to outside linebacker in base packages.

Kruger was drafted as a linebacker in 2009 but played defensive end exclusively last season. He'll still line up as an end in pass-rushing formations. Regardless, Kruger projects as a rotational backup behind Terrell Suggs and Jarret Johnson.

Ravens DE Paul Kruger expects to challenge for a starting role with "at least 50 percent" of the defensive snaps in 2011.

That's awfully ambitious for a player who managed just one tackle in 246 total snaps last season. The Ravens are reported to be on the lookout for a veteran pass rusher once free agency commences, which says a lot about their confidence (or lack thereof) in the 2009 second-rounder.

Ravens DE Paul Kruger (knee) returned to action Sunday with no tackles and one pass deflection.

It was Kruger's first game since spraining his MCL in Week 4. He's a rotational lineman behind Brandon McKinney and Cory Redding.

Ravens DE Paul Kruger (knee) admitted that he surprised himself when he was able to practice on a limited basis Thursday and Friday.

"In the last week, it's made leaps and bounds and progress," he said. Kruger, who was injured in Week 4 and expected to miss 2-4 weeks, is doubtful to play Sunday, but it sounds like he could be back for Week 7. The Ravens have a Week 8 bye, though.

Ravens DE Paul Kruger is expected to miss 2-to-4 weeks after suffering damage to the MCL in his left knee.

Kruger suffered the injury in the Ravens' Week 4 win over the Steelers. The injury is of a grade two nature, and shouldn't require surgery.

Ravens DE Paul Kruger said the left knee injury he suffered in the win over the Steelers isn't serious.

"I got dinged," he said. "I sprained my knee a little bit. I should be fine. I'll be all right." It sounds like the backup lineman should be fine, but we'll know for sure in the coming days.