Right Off Russell

The last Ozzie Newsome talked to the press about his ability to re-sign linebackers Ray Lewis and Bart Scott, he didn’t have any answers.

“I can’t answer that question.  We’re making progress. We’re continuing to talk.”

In the meantime, that progress might have been greatly helped with word from the Sporting News is that the team has cut off talks with Center Jason Brown, meaning that the first “domino has fallen” according to Albert Breer.

According to an NFL source, the club has informed center Jason Brown that he is not in their plans for the 2009 season.

Brown, who turns 26 in June, is expected to garner immediate, strong interest from four or five clubs when the NFL’s free-agency period opens at 12:01 a.m. Friday. Brown started in ‘06 and ‘07 at guard for the Ravens, before moving to center to replace Mike Flynn last season.

The move to let Brown leave allows Baltimore to focus on its two free-agent linebackers, Bart Scott and Ray Lewis.

Negotiations are ongoing with both players — with the expectation that the Ravens will be able re-sign one, but not both — and are expected to run up to midnight, when the club will lose exclusive negotiating rights.