Final Thoughts Before Starting Free Agency
At noon today, teams are officially allowed to contact and negotiate with unrestricted free agents. Before the starter pistol echoes, the media offered one last look at the Ravens’ biggest needs.
Kevin Patra, NFL.com: “The O-line upgrade is needed after last season’s wrestling thwarted the Ravens’ offensive plans. The internal O-line was already a requirement and with the departure of Alejandro Villanueva there was a problem with the capture.”
Jeff Zrebec, The Athletic: “The Ravens prefer to choose and develop their tackle, but this year they will probably have to get out of their comfort zone and spend some money on experienced starting caliber tackle. position further in the project.
Vassilis Lerikos, Baltimore Beatdown: “Based on last season’s performance, contract injury risk and attrition, offensive tackle is by far the top need and should be prioritized accordingly with a proven, above-average veteran added via trade or signing. “
Kevin Oestreicher, Ravens Wire: “The Baltimore offensive line has struggled in many ways in 2021, so it’s no secret that the team needs to improve their unit in the trenches. The division is on to dominance, but the need for an offensive line could become even greater if center Bradley Bozeman leaves.”
Dan Graziano, ESPN: “The Baltimore Ravens are expected to keep a close eye on offensive linemen, especially if they lose center Bradley Bozeman, who is expected to be a popular free agent target.”
As LFW noted on Thursday, moves made last week left them “dangerously thin” in position.
Justin Fried, Ebony Bird: “The Ravens currently have six cornerbacks on the roster and only two of them could get serious playing time in 2021. Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters should be back, but behind them the team’s full-back power chart is razor-thin. .”
Patra: Injuries left the Ravens corner team weak in 2021, highlighting the need to be younger on the outside after Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters. a young corner will strengthen the rear end early.”
Zrebec: “Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters are the only two reliable full-backs in their lineup.”
Anthony Thresh, PFF: Injuries left the minor Baltimore looking worse than they should have been, but the team still has room to improve. Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters will fill the two full-back positions, while Chuck Clark has played his all-around role well. , but the rest of the pack is gliding on thin ice.”
Oestreicher: The Ravens’ side players have had a lot of injury problems over the past few seasons. several full-backs are hitting free agents, as well as others that could potentially be cut.”
Estreicher: “Baltimore needs to strengthen its trenches not only in attack. The 2022 off-season could see massive personnel changes in the team’s defensive lineup with Kale Campbell, Brandon Williams and Justin Ellis ready to enter the open market.”
Michael Renner, PFF: The Ravens could very well solve this problem in several ways, but they did it by recruiting and developing linebackers like any team in the NFL.”
No renewal for Lamar Jackson leaves Ravens Limited
While the Ravens have significant needs, many have noted that the Ravens lack the space to make a serious bid for one or more high-profile free agents.
According to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, part of why they don’t have much cap space is due to the lack of expansion between the Ravens and Lamar Jackson.
“The lack of a new deal with Jackson limits what Baltimore can do as a free agent, which officially starts Wednesday,” Hensley wrote. “Signing Jackson to a long-term contract could expand his salary cap and create $8 million to $12 million in additional space that the Ravens can spend immediately.”
The Ravens released defenseman Taewon Young, and Villanueva retired last week to open up more cap space, but Baltimore is still short on space.