Baltimore Ravens: Making Moves in March
Nov 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) reacts to his sack of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) not pictured) in the second quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Ravens have been keeping busy, as they made a few trades and signed a few players in free agency to begin the 2020 offseason.
Free agency is still ongoing currently, as it started last week despite all the COVID-19 problems going on in the world. This has affected almost all sports at any level locally and globally, as most free agents are having a hard time signing with new teams (especially if they have any medical issues). Players and even organizational staff are very limited in going into the team buildings. Taking physicals and getting examined by team doctors have been hard to come by for newly signed players as of late.
The 12-4 AFC North champions are coming off a rough loss against the 9-7 Tennessee Titans, going one and out in the playoffs. I’m sure that is still stuck with them, as the Ravens are looking to retool to make a Super Bowl run for the upcoming season. Their biggest needs on the roster include inside linebacker, wide receiver, interior offensive line, and edge rusher. But before the draft occurs next month, Baltimore made a few moves in March that highlight their offseason so far.
Marshal Yanda
The first big move that happened to the roster was Marshal Yanda retiring, as the All-Pro offensive guard should be a Hall of Famer. He joins Johnathan Ogden as the best offensive lineman the Ravens have ever had. Yanda was the foundation of the offensive line in the last few years, protecting Lamar Jackson and leading the way for the best rushing attack in the NFL last season.
This leaves a big hole at right guard, as their interior offensive line takes a hit. Nobody will truly replace him next year but Baltimore needs to find a decent starter, whether it is on the roster or in the draft. They are hoping Ben Powers can step in right away but the Ravens will have to draft an interior offensive lineman either way. The rest of the interior offensive line group consists of Matt Skura, Patrick Mekari, and Bradley Bozeman.
Gold jacket career. š pic.twitter.com/0gpPbFavyO
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) March 10, 2020
Matt Judon
Even though there are still trade rumors about Matt Judon, he was franchise tagged and is on the Ravens right now. As the lead pass rusher for the Ravens last season, it was important to keep him and it is looking likely they will draft another edge rusher early to pair up with him. Behind him, Jaylon Ferguson and Tyus Bowser make up the depth chart as backups or situational role players. Both should see more playing time but more talent is needed at that position.
We have designated OLB Matthew Judon as our 2020 franchise player. pic.twitter.com/Jf7WN7CI7d
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) March 13, 2020
Calais Campbell
The Ravens made their first move before the start of free agency by trading for Calais Campbell. Giving up only a 5th round pick for a veteran pass rush like him (plus extending him) shows how good Eric DeCosta is already as a general manager. They lost Michael Pierce in free agency to the Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore lacked interior pass rush for the longest time. He should fit right in at defensive end next to Brandon Williams, who will play nose tackle as his natural position.
The #Ravens and new DL Calais Campbell are finalizing a 2-year new deal for $27M, sources say. It gives him $20 guaranteed after the trade from the #Jaguars. Itās not completely done yet, but sounds like it will be.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2020
Hayden Hurst
The Ravens now need a third tight end, as Mark Andrews and Nick Boyle have their defined roles with Baltimore. Hayden Hurst needed a change of scenario to show his potential and the Falcons are a good fit. Atlanta just lost Austin Hooper to free agency so he should be the top tight end target in a prolific downfield passing offense. Baltimore got good value with the 2nd round pick, as they have some draft capital to trade up if they want to.
Trade terms.
šAtlanta gets: Tight end Hayden Hurst and Ravensā 2020 4th-round pick.
šBaltimore gets: Falconsā 2020 2nd-round pick and Falcons 2020 5th-round pick.
As it turns out, the Falconsā fifth-round pick already has been sent to Jacksonville for Calais Campbell.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020
Chris Wormley
Before the Ravens made a play for Michael Brockers, which got turned down, they traded a depth interior defensive lineman in a rare in division trade. It was most likely due to freeing up some cap space for the future as they still need another interior defensive lineman (especially after Brockers turned down the offer from the Ravens). Daylon Mack, Jihad Ward, and Justin Ellis make up their defensive line depth while Patrick Ricard occasionally comes in to rush the passer. Both Ward and Ellis were brought back from last season.
Trade! The #Steelers are finalizing a deal to send a fifth-round pick in 2021 to the #Ravens for DL Chris Wormley and a seventh-round pick in 2021, source said. A rare intradivision trade. As @MikeGarafolo said, Wormley on the move.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 20, 2020
Jimmy Smith, Anthony Levine
Both were let go on the market but the Ravens made the smart move to bring them back. The secondary needed veteran depth (with Brandon Carr also not brought back) before their re-signing, as it is the strongest part of their defense. Jimmy Smith can play some safety and can give them depth as the 3rd outside cornerback on the depth chart. Anthony Levine is an excellent special teamer and can play the hybrid role of safety/linebacker.
The secondary looks to keep their success from last season, as Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters will lock down the outside receivers while Tavon Young is starting nickel cornerback. Chuck Clark takes over as the starter next to Earl Thomas, as Tony Jefferson was cut earlier and I would not be surprised if the Ravens draft another defensive back to develop.
Jimmy Smith contract is even better for the Ravens than what's been reported. It is actually 1 year with just $3.5m, guaranteed. With playtime incentives could earn an additional $2.5m if he plays a lot.
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 23, 2020
Derek Wolfe
Reportedly, the Ravens sign Derek Wolfe for a cheap prove it deal. Wolfe fits in as a defensive end and has had good production when he has been healthy. The Ravens had around $12-14 million in their salary cap, according to Over the Cap and Spotrac, so this was a good affordable signing. Now, Baltimore can prioritize on their other needs in the draft.
Even though there are a few big free agents left, this could be it before the draft.
Former Broncosā DE Derek Wolfe reached agreement on an 1-year deal worth up to $6 million with the Baltimore Ravens, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 28, 2020
Write about all things football; including the Baltimore Ravens (my favorite team), College Football, the NFL Draft, and other football related content.
