Baltimore Ravens: Key Areas to Address in the 2024 Offseason
The Baltimore Ravens, a team known for its resilience and competitive spirit, are facing a challenging offseason as they prepare for the 2024 Free Agency. The team’s management will need to make strategic decisions to ensure the Ravens remain competitive in the upcoming season. Here are the key areas they need to address:
Baltimore Ravens Offensive Line
The offensive line is a significant area of concern. With both starting guards, Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson, as pending free agents, the Ravens have tough decisions to make. Zeitler, a Pro Bowl right guard, has expressed his desire to return. If he does, the other spot could be filled with an internal candidate1. However, the tackle positions also require attention. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley’s injury issues and high salary cap cost, along with right tackle Morgan Moses’s potential offseason surgery, add to the complexity. The Ravens will need to evaluate their depth at these positions and consider whether they need to bring in new talent through free agency or the draft.
Outside Linebacker
Veteran outside linebackers Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy, both pending free agents, had career years in their early 30s. Their price tags have increased, and the Ravens will need to decide whether they can afford to keep them. The Ravens also need to consider the future of Tyus Bowser and the return of David Ojabo from surgery. Supplementing the youthful rushers on the roster with veterans will be crucial. The Ravens will need to balance their budget with the need to maintain a strong pass rush.
Wide Receiver
The wide receiver corps saw significant upgrades last offseason . With pending free agents like Odell Beckham Jr., Nelson Agholor, Devin Duvernay, and Laquon Treadwell, the Ravens will need to make some decisions. However, with Zay Flowers’ record-setting rookie campaign and Rashod Bateman logging a healthy season, the need isn’t as urgent this year. The Ravens will need to evaluate the development of their young receivers and decide whether they need to add more experienced players to the mix.
Running Back Free Agency
The Ravens may be interested in adding a veteran free-agent running back this offseason, with J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and Dalvin Cook as free agents. A Lamar Jackson/Derrick Henry backfield pairing would be interesting. Alternatively, bringing Gus Edwards back and pairing him with Justice Hill could be a cost-effective option. The Ravens will need to consider their offensive scheme and the skill sets of their current running backs when deciding who to pursue in free agency.
Secondary
The secondary is another area that could use some reinforcement. The Ravens have a strong starting lineup, but injuries have shown that depth can be an issue. Adding a few versatile defensive backs who can play both cornerback and safety would provide the team with more options.
Defensive Front 7
Defensively, interior defensive lineman Justin Madubuike should be the offseason priority after tying Kansas City’s Chris Jones with 15 sacks and finishing third among defensive linemen with 77 total pressures. The Ravens will need to consider whether they can afford to re-sign Madubuike and how his potential departure would impact their defensive line rotation.
In conclusion, the Ravens have a lot of work to do this offseason. They have several key players hitting free agency and a number of positions that need to be addressed. However, with careful planning and strategic decisions, they can address these needs and build a competitive team for the 2024 season. The Ravens’ front office has shown in the past that they are capable of navigating the complexities of the NFL offseason, and fans will be eagerly waiting to see what moves they make in the coming months.
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