Matt Elam, a highly disappointing former first-round pick for the Baltimore Ravens, wasn’t likely to garner much attention on the free-agent market next month – safeties credited with one tackle on defense in nine games rarely do.
But Elam’s NFL career may have ended early Sunday morning in Miami.
According to Miami-Dade police records, Elam was booked into a city correctional facility at 3:45 a.m. He is facing multiple charges: possession of more than 20 grams of cannabis (a felony), possession of cannabis with intent to sell or deliver, possession of a controlled substance, and reckless driving.
Police said they pulled Elam over for reckless driving and while searching his car discovered 126 grams of marijuana as well as 3 grams of oxycodone.
Elam was the 32nd overall pick in 2013, out of Florida. The Ravens declined to pick up his fifth-year option last year, meaning he will be a free agent on March 9.
He started 15 games as a rookie, but only 11 in 2014 after losing his starting spot. Elam missed the 2015 season to a torn biceps, but also was suspended for one game by the NFL that year for substance abuse (since he was on injured reserve, he was docked one game’s salary). He dealt with a knee injury last year, and much of his time on the field was on special teams.
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