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Pollard's move is more surprising. The Ravens' starting strong safety had two years remaining on an extension last prior to last season but was released. Pollard led Baltimore, the Super Bowl champion, in tackles last season with 98 despite missing the last couple regular-season games. He had played the season, including the playoffs, with broken ribs suffered early in the year. "There are many difficult decisions we make every offseason," Ravens' GM Ozzie Newsome said. "They become even more difficult when they involve players who helped us get another Super Bowl trophy." At least one other former Boilermaker could also be moving this offseason. Chargers' linebacker Shaun Phillips is a free agent and it seems unlikely that he'll remain in San Diego, where he has spent all nine of his NFL seasons. After a season in which he led the Chargers with 9.5 sacks, he might have been one of the best remaining free agents available. Special teams ace Niko Koutouvides remains in New England, after the linebacker signed a oneyear deal; details were not disclosed. Kicker Carson Wiggs was signed by the Seahawks. Anthony Spencer is likely to stay at least another season in Dallas but probably longer. After signing the tender Tuesday, Spencer will make $10.6 million in 2013. The question is what position will Spencer play? He played outside linebacker in the Cowboys' 3-4, but under new coordinator Monte Kiffin, they'll change to a 4-3. That means more defensive end for Spencer, who led Dallas with 106 tackles last season and had 11 sacks. "In Monte Kiffin's defense they're going to play him in a seven technique, nine technique," former NFL GM Bill Polian told DallasNews.com. "He's going to be outside, upfield. "He'll thrive in that. That's what he did at Purdue. We were excited about him (while Polian was with the Colts) when he was coming out." j playing on sundays The following is a look at former Boilermakers in the NFL following recent signings. New England Patriots #90 LB Niko Koutouvides #50 DE Rob Ninkovich Dallas Cowboys #8 QB Kyle Orton #93 LB Anthony Spencer San Diego Chargers #61 C Nick Hardwick Washington Redskins #91 LB Ryan Kerrigan Tennessee Titans #66 OT Mike Otto Free Agents LB Shaun Phillips SS Bernard Pollard Seattle Seahawks #92 DE Cliff Avril #5 K Carson Wiggs Green Bay Packers #96 DE Mike Neal Jacksonville Jaguars #77 RG Uche Nwaneri Miami Dolphins #81 TE Dustin Keller New Orleans Saints #9 QB Drew Brees Philadelphia Eagles #67 Dennis Kelly GoldanDBlack express • volume 23, express 26 • 29