OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- The Baltimore Ravens are facing one of their most critical offseasons in recent memory after last season’s historic collapse. Baltimore became the first team in the past 19 years to go from being the No. 1 seed in the conference to failing to make the playoffs six weeks later.
The Ravens’ six-game losing streak to end the season included an ankle injury to quarterback Lamar Jackson, defensive struggles late in games and critical failed 2-point conversions. Baltimore is going to have to acquire impact players in free agency and in the draft to fill holes on a team that finished in last place for the first time in coach John Harbaugh’s 14 seasons.
"All you do is you think every single day, probably more than my [wife], Ingrid, would like for me to, about what we’re doing, where we’re going, what do we need to do?,” Harbaugh said. 'What’s the next step? What’s the best decision and what opportunities are we going to have? That’s kind of what you think about every second, driving somewhere, or just sitting around, or when you’re working, or working out, or watching tape."
Projected salary-cap space: $10.17 million
Top free agents: C Bradley Bozeman, DE Calais Campbell, NT Brandon Williams, FB Patrick Ricard, WR Sammy Watkins, S DeShon Elliott, CB Jimmy Smith, OLB Justin Houston, RB Latavius Murray, OLB Pernell McPhee, CB Anthony Averett and RB Devonta Freeman
Potential cut candidates: OT Alejandro Villanueva ($6 million in cap savings), CB Tavon Young ($5.845 million) and WR Miles Boykin ($2.54 million)
The big question: How do the Ravens get Jackson and their offense back on track? If you ask Harbaugh and general manager Eric DeCosta, it starts up front for Baltimore. In their season-ending news conferences, Harbaugh and DeCosta both indicated the offensive line is a point of emphasis -- and for good reason. When Jackson was the NFL MVP in 2019, he played behind one of the best lines in the NFL. When Jackson played behind a struggling line last season, he threw a career-high 13 interceptions and was sacked a career-worst 38 times. The Ravens’ top available free agent is center Bozeman, who could command a contract that averages $10 million per season. That might put Bozeman out of the Ravens' price range. DeCosta said the Ravens could add two offensive linemen -- perhaps at offensive tackle and center -- this offseason. Baltimore is expected to rank in the middle of the NFL in salary cap space once cuts are made and could have as many as nine picks in the first four rounds of the draft after compensatory picks are handed out.
Best-case offseason scenario: The Ravens solidify center and middle linebacker in free agency, address the other major needs (offensive tackle, defensive line and pass rush) in the first three rounds of the draft and find a way to keep Pro Bowl fullback Ricard. If Baltimore can’t re-sign Bozeman, the Ravens bring back Ryan Jensen and his nasty streak. The Ravens love signing other teams’ salary-cap cuts (because they don’t count against compensatory picks), and middle linebacker Bobby Wagner would represent a great fit if he is let go by the Seattle Seahawks.
Worst-case offseason scenario: The Ravens continue a less-than-stellar track record in free agency. Over the last three years, Baltimore has had as many hits (running back Mark Ingram II and guard Kevin Zeitler) as misses (safety Earl Thomas and offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva). There have been other additions -- Campbell, wide receiver Sammy Watkins and defensive end Derek Wolfe -- who’ve had disappointing production because of injuries. And, like many years, Baltimore could also get priced out of the market to retain their own young free agents like Bozeman, Ricard and Averett.
Early look at the NFL draft, from ESPN analyst Jordan Reid: With Calais Campbell and Brandon Williams both hitting free agency, it’s likely that the team undergoes a youth movement by retooling the defensive line. General manager Eric DeCosta could choose to spend early draft capital there. Finding an offensive tackle opposite Ronnie Stanley will also be another area that the team could address. The Ravens were decimated with injuries in the secondary last season, so improving depth there is also an option.
Top needs: DL, OT, S
Top pick: No. 14