High-caliber talent remains on the free agent market, including a few former Ravens, who could contribute for a team pushing for a championship. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox links a few Baltimore could consider this offseason.
“Yannick Ngakoue is a fairly one-dimensional edge defender, as run support has never been his strongest attribute. However, the 29-year-old has been consistently good at getting after opposing quarterbacks,” Knox wrote. “The Ravens, who employed Ngakoue for nine games in 2020, should also be interested. While defensive tackle Justin Madubuike led Baltimore with 13 sacks last season, Jadeveon Clowney led the edge-rushing rotation with 9.5 sacks. Baltimore retained Brent Urban and Kyle Van Noy this offseason, but it has yet to replace Clowney. Ngakoue could help fill that void.”
Charles Leno Jr., Offensive tackle
“At this point in his career, Leno should be an affordable option well-suited to fill an insurance role for a playoff hopeful,” Knox wrote. “The Ravens might also want to consider Leno as insurance behind Ronnie Stanley. Ankle injuries ended Stanley’s 2020 and 2021 campaigns prematurely, and the 30-year-old battled a knee issue for much of 2023. Baltimore is primed for a Super Bowl push but will already have a new starter at right tackle in rookie second-round pick Roger Rosengarten. Losing Stanley for any length of time could prove disastrous. Baltimore also happens to now employ Washington’s 2023 offensive line coach, Travelle Wharton, as its assistant offensive line coach.”
Calais Campbell, Defensive line
“Calais Campbell is 37 years old, but he’s still one of the best available defenders at any position. Capable of rushing the quarterback from the edge or stonewalling running backs as a down lineman, the six-time Pro Bowler is a productive and versatile playmaker,” Knox wrote. “Campbell, who played for the Ravens from 2020 to ’22, is another pass-rusher who would make sense for Baltimore. While Mike Macdonald is no longer the defensive coordinator, new defensive coordinator Zach Orr was a Ravens linebackers coach in Campbell’s final year with the franchise. Baltimore is seeking a Super Bowl in 2024 and needs a deeper pass-rushing rotation.”
“Simply put, the gap between Simmons and the rest of the safety market is quite substantial,” Knox wrote. “That’s why Simmons should be high on the Ravens’ wish list. Baltimore has two solid starters in Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams, but it regularly used a three-deep rotation in 2023. The Ravens, who lost Geno Stone in free agency, are apparently looking to maintain that formula and have been hunting for more safety depth. The Ravens recently brought in Jamal Adams for a visit. However, Simmons’ status as a deep playmaking safety makes him an even better fit for Baltimore.”
