Baltimore Ravens: Potential Free Agents to Target

Even though the Baltimore Ravens signed Earl Thomas and Mark Ingram, they could still look at a couple of free agents left on the market.

With the loss of Eric Weddle (who signed with the Los Angeles Rams), the Ravens make a splash move for a younger and faster free safety in Earl Thomas (Seattle Seahawks) that can complement Tony Jefferson at strong safety. Baltimore signed him to a 4-year, $52 million dollar deal as he is now the 4th highest paid safety in the NFL. The Ravens last year had the best defense and could boast the best secondary this year with their safety duo and cornerback group.

The Ravens also signed Mark Ingram (New Orleans Saints) to a 3-year, $15 million dollar deal as he fits what they want to do as a power running offense. Ingram can do a little bit of everything other than running between the tackles (like catch passes and pass protect) as a combination of him and Gus Edwards/ Kenneth Dixon improve this running back group nicely.

These two signings fill the needs of safety and a running back at this time as they can focus on an edge rusher, wide receiver, and interior offensive line as their primary needs now. With a few cuts that happened prior to the free agent period, the Ravens could snag an impact player in free agency still. Here are a few players they could target at prime positions that can make an instant impact that would fill big needs.

Edge Rusher

As of now; the Ravens have Matthew Judon, Tyus Bowser, and Tim Williams at edge rusher. The need for a pass rusher is now one of the priorities as a veteran like Justin Houston opposite of Judon would help the defense immensely. The 30-year-old former (Kansas City Chiefs) was shopped the last couple months but was released a few days ago due to his contract. He was dealing with injuries the past couple years but still has 18.5 sacks combined the last two years with the Chiefs.

The Ravens could replace their longtime edge rusher Terrell Suggs (who signed with the Arizona Cardinals) with Houston as an instant starter. But if Houston is too expensive, I would not rule out Nick Perry as a potential option as he was cut from Green Bay as the Packers doubled-down on edge rushers in signing both Preston Smith (Washington Redskins) and former Baltimore Raven Za’Darius Smith. Perry hit double-digit sacks once (11) in 2016 but was not consistent or healthy enough in their rotation.

Inside Linebacker

The Ravens could be interested in the recently cut Zach Brown, the former inside linebacker from the Washington Redskins. The 29-year-old was one the trade block before his release but could be an option for Baltimore to replace C.J. Mosely (who signed with the New York Jets). Brown is a fast middle linebacker that has a lot of productivity (had 223 combined tackles total the last 2 years) and can be a starter still in the NFL.

Even though he took a slight step down in production last year, he is still one of the better off-ball linebackers as he is good against the run and the pass. Depending on his cost, he would be a great signing and would fit nicely with Patrick Onwuasor and Kenny Young. If the Ravens want to get a cheaper option at inside linebacker, middle linebacker Brandon Marshall (Denver Broncos) is currently a free agent.

Wide Receiver

With the Ravens cutting Michael Crabtree last month and John Brown signing with the Buffalo Bills, their need of receivers should be one of the priorities this offseason once again. While they should draft a few in the draft, Baltimore is known for signing veteran receivers so they could be interested in Jordy Nelson (Oakland Raiders). The 33 year old has certainty lost a step but he is a slight upgrade from Crabtree, who had a ton of drops last year with Baltimore.

Nelson had a better season with the Raiders then he did in Green Bay the year before as Oakland signed a trio of receivers this free agency (including Antonio Brown, Tyrell Williams, and J.J. Nelson). Another option that could seem like a Ravens type move is signing 32-year-old Pierre Garcon (San Francisco 49ers) as his option was not picked up. Garcon was dealing with injuries the last few years but is another possesion receiver (like Nelson) that the Ravens lean toward in free agency.

Offensive Line

Center

The Los Angeles Rams did not pick up John Sullivan’s 2019 option, making him a free agent. If the Ravens want to upgrade from Matt Skura, they could sign the 33-year-old center. He would bring a solid foundation next to Marshal Yanda and would improve the offense if they decide to sign him on a cheap deal. Stefen Wisniewski is also another center that is not getting picked up on his 2019 option by the Philadelphia Eagles as he was benched last year and served as a backup role. While both are more known for their pass blocking ability, both are cerebral enough to potentially make an impact for a year or two as starters and have the versatility to play guard if need be.

Offensive Guard

The interior offensive line is a weakness right now as Alex Lewis/ Bradley Bozeman/ Jermaine Elumenor are all in play for a left guard for now. James Hurst has the versatility to play left guard but upgrades could be used in the guard/ center spot. If the Ravens want to implement with their power run scheme, they could target interior offensive line early in the draft as well if they do not sign anyone in free agency, as there are not that many options out there in the market.

The former Tennessee Titans offensive guard Quinton Spain could be a potential starter at left guard. The 28-year-old could intrigue the Ravens if they do not want to go after veterans like T.J. Lang (Detroit Lions), Josh Sitton (Miami Dolphins), or Andy Levitre (Atlanta Falcons). Josh Kline was also cut from the Titans and has experience at left guard. Kline is older (29) and decided not to accept a pay cut to stay in Tennessee as they signed Rodger Saffold (Los Angeles Rams) in free agency.

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