The Baltimore Ravens knew the time would come when they wouldn’t be able to afford their roster of rising talent. That time is now. Between the salary cap hit of Lamar Jackson’s contract and the young talent that was now due for a new contract… speculation on the Ravens next move is in full effect. According to @RavensCapSpace, the team has about $11 Million in cap space (while OverTheCap says $12.5 MM). Free-agent negotiating begins at 12 p.m. ET on Monday, March 11 and we’ll start to see things come into focus.
Ravens Offseason Speculation:
Word on the street is Gus Edwards isn’t likely to return, but General Manager Eric DeCosta says they’re still in talks with Gus to bring him back for the 2024 season. So I guess he’s saying there’s a chance! The Ravens have younger, less pricey talents in Keaton Mitchell (recovering from a torn Achilles) and Justice Hill, but they need more than two running backs on the roster. The Bus often split the backfield with Hill, and the team occasionally relied on veterans Melvin Gordon (now waived) and Dalvin Cook. What is certain is that the Ravens RB Room is a hot, hot mess.
JK Dobbins‘ future is still up in the air, although his name was part of the Eric DeCosta update saying they’re still in talks. Dobbins is recovering from a season-ending Achilles tear and has posted to social media that he’s running again. That’s a good sign for his return, but Dobbins has yet to play a full season. He’s been incredibly injury prone and as much as we love him, he may need to move on.
Odell Beckham Jr. was the Ravens most expensive free agent signing in 2023 with a one-year $15 Million deal. He did make a positive impact on the team both in the locker room and on the field. It’s been said that he was a mentor to younger players like Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. He certainly had some game-winning catches throughout the season as well, but can the Ravens pay the veteran receiver again? That’s still to be decided, but the odds are not in his favor, as it makes more sense for the Ravens to use that cap space to keep the younger, Rashod Bateman.
Veteran receiver, Nelson Agholor has signed a one-year extension, although the terms have not been publicly released. Although Agholor finished the season with fewer targets and receiving yards than Odell Beckham Jr. did, he played 124 more snaps.
Defensive Speculation:
BREAKING: A new deal has not been reached with DT, Justin Madubuike, and he has received a franchise tag. General Manager, Eric DeCosta says, «Had a great season for us. He’s a valued player on the team, and we’re hopeful that we can get a long-term deal done.” Despite not being able to come to an agreement, I’m glad that we’re keeping Madubuike on board, as he is an effective member of the team.
The Ravens hope to hold on to LB, Jadeveon Clowney. And it appears that this is likely to happen. Clowney’s agent told Coach Harbaugh that he’s the happiest he’s ever been at the end of a season. Clowney matched his career best last season with 9.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 9 tackles for a loss in yardage. He’s been quoted as saying on the Ravens website, «I was looking forward to coming to work every day.» Clowney was under a one-year $2.5 Million contract and is still receiving dead money from the Cleveland Browns. Things look to be moving in a positive direction here, especially with how motivated Clowney seems.
The most bleak news in all of this speculation is that of LB, Patrick Queen. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell wrote an article ranking Queen as one of the top linebackers in the league and projected his potential annual salary to be $16 to $18 Million. He set a career-high in tackles this last season (133), was elected to the Pro Bowl for the first time, and was named to the All-Pro Second Team. Queen’s 5th-year option was declined in May of 2023, so it seems clear that he’ll be moving on to a team that can afford him despite his great season with the Ravens.
That’s where we’re at! Is there something you’d like to add? Reach out to me on the app formerly known as Twitter @KellyInPhoenix. If you liked this article, check out my last piece on potential draft moves for the Arizona Cardinals.
