Big decisions are ahead for the Ravens, so their offseason “won’t be sleepy.”
Lamar Jackson helped the Baltimore Ravens, who had an incredible regular season, all the way to the AFC Championship game. The main plot point of the previous offseason was Jackson’s future because there was a genuine chance Lamar might sign with another team. But fortunately, everything worked out and there was no turbulent offseason for the Ravens. Associated content However, as more doubts linger over the team, the franchise finds itself in yet another uncomfortable situation this offseason. Considering the abundance of free agents, roster requirements, and salary cap constraints, it will be fascinating to observe how everything pans out.
Given what was at stake—Lamar Jackson’s future—the previous offseason “loomed as one of the most important in franchise history,” according to NFL.com. “Yet the Ravens still have a lot of work ahead of them even after that was resolved. In addition to dealing with 25 free agents, they’ll be breaking in a new defensive coordinator and need to determine which offensive pieces they can still rely on in the future.”Jackson will keep the Ravens at or near the top of the league, and by August they always seem to be in decent or better shape, but don’t expect a lazy offseason in Baltimore. They simply cannot afford to re-sign DT Justin Madubuike and RG Kevin Zeitler; they cannot afford to hold all of their pending free agents.
Given that Zeitler’s future at offensive tackle is uncertain and fellow guard John Simpson is expected to join him in free agency, the offensive line needs to be given top priority. Although wide receivers and running backs provide depth, there are concerns regarding age, fit, and injuries. Jackson will keep the Ravens at or near the top of the league, and by August they always seem to be in decent or better shape, but don’t expect a lazy offseason in Baltimore. It’s a big list to go through.
The Ravens have always been adept at navigating through difficult situations, so they will need to do so once more this offseason. Signing Justin Madubuike would probably mean the end of Patrick Queen’s career as a Raven, but he cannot be allowed to leave the team via free agency. It seems like there is only room for one, even though both would demand a substantial salary. Both Simpson and Zeitler, two starters on the offensive line, could be lost, and Nelson Agholor and Odell Beckham Jr., two free agents, could be absent from the receiver room as well.
Erica DeCosta, general manager, said he “has a plan” for the many free agents, but the reality is that Baltimore cannot retain them all. Who then does he bring back, and who does he not? Related: Baltimore’s Expensive Salary Cuts During the Offseason It will be interesting to see how all of this plays out in the upcoming months, as the Ravens appear to be poised to win their first Super Bowl since 2012. However, NFL.com is correct—it won’t be a “sleepy” offseason in Baltimore given the number of coaching changes that have already occurred, as well as the problems with free agents and roster gaps that need to be filled.
