Ravens release Terrence Cody

The Baltimore Ravens announced Friday that they are releasing backup nose tackle Terrence Cody, who is under investigation for animal cruelty.

A Baltimore County police spokeswoman said Cody has not been arrested. The Baltimore Sun reported that the animal cruelty case involves a dog.

Cody, a 2010 second-round pick, is nearing the end of a one-year deal with the Ravens and would have been an unrestricted free agent on March 10.

It was a week ago when Ravens coach John Harbaugh said the "threshold of tolerance" had changed after five players were arrested last offseason.

"It's a privilege to play in the National Football League," Harbaugh said on Jan. 10. "It's a privilege to be a part of the Ravens. There's a standard to uphold there, and we expect them to [do that]."

Cody, 26, wasn't expected to be re-signed as a free agent. Brandon Williams excelled in his first season as a starting nose tackle, and the Ravens have depth along the defensive line.

Last season, Cody played only one game after being on the physically unable to perform list for the first nine weeks of the season. His only season as a full-time starter came in 2011.