Ever since dropping the AFC title game in heartbreaking fashion, some have wondered who the Baltimore Ravens will chase on the veteran market in an eager attempt to find “one missing piece.”
But a new listing from USA Today’s For the Win hints that the Ravens’ solid nest-building might render the free agency process relatively null despite some high-profile names (i.e. Odell Beckham Jr., Patrick Queen) going up for grabs. Baltimore is one of five teams included in a grouping for “teams who likely sit out” of the 2024 free agency fun.
Somehow, though, Baltimore’s inactivity could become the finest compliment of all.
“Unlike some of the other teams on this list, the Ravens are actually A-OK if they twiddle their thumbs at free agency,” Robert Zeglinski writes. “Outside of a few potential cosmetic changes, Baltimore is largely bringing back the same roster that captured the No. 1 overall playoff seed between both the AFC and NFC.
“That’s the price one has to pay to retain a franchise talent like world-wrecker Justin Madubuike. The Ravens are fine. They don’t have to do anything anyway.”
As mentioned, the Ravens have already made a sizable move, paying over $22 million to keep the sack-master Madubuike around before the true free agency chaos kicks off. While Baltimore probably has some work to do when it comes to continuity on the offensive line (John Simpson and Kevin Zeitler are poised to hit the market), Beckham and oft-injured rusher JK Dobbins are the only offensive skill players up for a new deal.
Others on the list are either placed there out of tradition (Green Bay) or dealing with inescapable cap woes (Dallas, Denver, New Orleans). Baltimore’s solid deals of the past, however, create a relatively boring present … which perhaps is the finest compliment one can offer general manager Eric DeCosta and Co.
It’s said that patience is a virtue. This time around, it might be a bit of a necessity for Ravens fans to get through this free agency session.
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