Baltimore Ravens: Free Agency targets for each need

Here are the biggest needs for the Ravens heading into the 2020 offseason and some free agents Baltimore can target for each position.

The Baltimore Ravens are coming off a historic season, going 14-2 in 2019. But with another loss in the playoffs against the 9-7 Tennessee Titans, they will have to retool for a chance at the Super Bowl in 2020. Heading into free agency, the Ravens currently have around $32 million in cap space. After re-signing Chuck Clark last week, more extensions could be possible as they have invested in their players with general manager Eric DeCosta leading the way. Both Tavon Young (injury prior to 2019 season) and Marcus Peters (who the Ravens traded for with the Los Angeles Rams) were retained as both are key pieces in the secondary.

So far, he brought in more speed and power on the offense while retaining some secondary players as the strength of the defense. Last free agency, DeCosta made his mark with the signings of Earl Thomas and Mark Ingram. The Ravens do have more cap room this year to address their holes on the roster with free agency looming. Baltimore is undermanned at wide receiver, interior offensive line, interior defensive line, edge rusher, and inside linebacker. Here are some realistic options to fix their top needs as this is the list I would consider in free agency.

Offense

If Marshal Yanda retires, the right guard position would be a big need as their depth is lacking (Ben Powers is the current backup). But the Ravens need another wide receiver to pair up with Marquise Brown on the outside. Willie Snead is on a one-year extension as the slot receiver but with Seth Roberts and Chris Moore likely out, their receiver depth includes Miles Boykin and Jaleel Scott. The Ravens will likely double-dip this offseason at this position, through free agency and the NFL Draft.

For depth, they did bring back veteran offensive lineman Andre Smith, as James Hurst is suspended the first four games of the 2020 season. To emphasize their power run game, the Ravens gave Patrick Ricard an extension, as he found his niche with Baltimore on both sides of the ball. The offense can go even further with more talent around Lamar Jackson as they should focus on these pending free agents.

Wide Receiver

Emmanuel Sanders (San Francisco 49ers)

If the Ravens want a veteran receiver, I would advocate for the 32-year-old. Traded from the Denver Broncos to the San Francisco 49ers in 2019, he was still productive in terms of targets and can still make an impact on a team as the 2nd option. Sanders is not the burner he used to be but the Ravens could use his experience in their receiving core. Adding Sanders would giving them a consistent option as a possession receiver.

Robby Anderson (New York Jets)

Adding more size and speed should appeal to Baltimore as Robby Anderson fits the bill. With that combination, the New York Jets receiver has tons of potential if he does not cause a ruckus with his off the field issues. Even though there is a big risk with Anderson, he could be a good addition for the Ravens. The 26-year-old could be the receiver Baltimore is looking for as a dynamic option on the outside.

More NFL: Ravens Making Moves In March

Interior Offensive Line

Graham Glasgow (Detroit Lions)

The Ravens could upgrade in the interior of the offensive line with the run game featured in the offense. Matt Skura is a restricted free agent but he is recovering from a season-ending injury. Patrick Mekari did really well filling in as an undrafted rookie but Graham Glasgow has guard and center flexibility. The 27-year-old interior offensive lineman was a former starter for the Detroit Lions and would help out at two positions. Marshal Yanda is mulling his decision on retiring but if he does, this position becomes more of a priority.

Austin Blythe (LA Rams)

Another 27-year-old interior offensive lineman, Austin Blythe is another option depending on if Yanda plays out his contract. The 35-year-old veteran signed a two-year extension last offseason but is still playing at a high level. Blythe has started at center and guard for the Los Angeles Rams as he also has flexibility in the interior offensive line. Both Glasgow and Blythe are long shots but if Baltimore wanted to get a guard or center in free agency, these two would be good choices.

Defense

The Ravens have some decisions to make this offseason as Michael Pierce, Matt Judon, Patrick Onwuasor, Anthony Levine, and Jimmy Smith are all free agents. Some midseason pickups that are pending free agents include Josh Bynes, Jihad Ward, Pernell McPhee, Justin Ellis, and Domata Peko. L.J. Fort earned an extension as their defense will need to get more talent if some of these players are not brought back. They have many defensive needs as an interior defensive lineman, inside linebacker, and edge rusher are all gaps they need to fill in their defense.

Interior Defensive Line

Gerald McCoy (Carolina Panthers)

After the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cut Gerald McCoy, the 31-year-old interior defensive lineman was courted by the Ravens the last offseason. Instead, he was picked up by the Panthers, as he still had production in Carolina. Now a free agent again, McCoy could be an under the radar veteran pickup to help the interior pass rush for Baltimore.

Jarran Reed (Seattle Seahawks)

After a career year in 2018, Jarran Reed followed up with a disappointing 2019 with his suspension and lack of production in Seattle. The Ravens will need to look into the risk as a one-year wonder but they could be interested in the 27-year-old interior defensive lineman. Baltimore needs to look at any and all options on the defensive line as they have lacked pass rush from the middle the last few years.

EDGE

Everson Griffen (Minnesota Vikings)

With a voided contract, Everson Griffen could re-sign with the Minnesota Vikings or he could test the market as he should get enough suitors. The Ravens could use the 32-year-old pass rusher, as he was consistent even with fewer snaps. Last year, Griffen missed a few games due to a personal matter but he still was productive when he did get time on the field. If Baltimore wants a veteran pass rusher, this is a route they could go in during free agency.

Yannick Ngakoue (Jacksonville Jaguars)

If the Ravens do not resign Judon, this is the main pass rusher I would target. Disregarding the Maryland ties, Yannick Ngakoue could be expensive if he hits the market but with his production and age, the price is justified. The 24-year-old Jaguars edge rusher has had no less than eight sacks in his career with Jacksonville and would give the Raven’s consistency at the position. If Baltimore wants to make a splash in free agency, this is the player I would covet and try to bring in if he is available. Ngakoue was someone I wanted the Ravens to trade for before the trade deadline last season.

Linebacker

Kyle Van Noy (New England Patriots)

The Ravens could get a versatile linebacker in Kyle Van Noy, as the Patriots have a few linebackers that could leave in free agency. As an outside linebacker/ hybrid pass rusher, the 28-year-old would be a good veteran to have that could do it all. He had his career revitalized in New England and can impact the game wherever you put him. Van Noy can be used as a situational pass rusher while making plays as a run defender and coverage linebacker.

Joe Schobert (Cleveland Browns)

A tackling machine with the Cleveland Browns, Joe Schobert could get many looks if he enters free agency. The 26-year-old linebacker has the production (co-led the NFL in tackles in 2017) and is underrated in coverage. Baltimore needs consistency at linebacker, especially in the middle of their defense, and Schobert would help out immensely.

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Andrew Kim

Write about all things football; including the Baltimore Ravens (my favorite team), College Football, the NFL Draft, and other football related content.