from the Baltimore Sun:

Wide receiver Derrick Mason abruptly announced his retirement Monday, a decision that surprised and confused the Ravens.

Mason, 35, the Ravens' No. 1 receiver, was entering the final year of his five-year, $20 million contract and was seeking an extension. The Ravens publicly said they were agreeable to a new contract, but no deal was imminent.

Mason's retirement would leave a huge void at wide receiver and mark a drastic setback for a team that reached the AFC championship game. But it's still unclear whether Mason intends to follow through with his retirement.

"This is a decision that I've made," Mason told ESPN News. "If I do change my mind, it won't be because of the Ravens. It'll be because of some other things - my family and talking with other people. I still got to talk with some coaches over there. As far as financially, I don't think they can do anything to sway me."

COMPLETE ARTILCE

Fantasy Football, NFL baltimore ravens, derrick mason