The Baltimore Ravens have suffered massive losses early in the 2024 NFL offseason, with teams around the league raiding a significant portion of the Ravens coaching staff. As Baltimore looks to fill the voids, it may also overcome the departures by adding more talent through NFL free agency.
Before the Ravens even begin bringing in outside help from the pool of NFL free agents, they’ll have to make decisions on some of their key players. Starters Gus Edwards, Patrick Queen, Jadeveon Clowney, Geno Stone, Justin Madubuike, Josh Simpson and Kevin Zeitler are all impending free agents.
- Baltimore Ravens cap space 2024: $5.138 million
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It’s widely expected that Zeitler, Queen and Odell Beckham Jr. may not return to the team in 2024. Baltimore will also be challenged to retain Madubuike and Stone because of the heavy interest both defensive stars are expected to draw in NFL free agency. However, around the NFL, some are confident Baltimore will make its own splash on the open market.
NFL executives who spoke with ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler shared their belief that the Ravens will target a ‘running back with pedigree in free agency’ to further support the offense next season.
If Baltimore chooses to bring in a proven running back, which would be fairly unusual for a front office that routinely finds starters in the NFL Draft, this would be the year to do it. Among the top free-agent running backs this offseason are Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, Tony Pollard, Josh Jacobs and D’Andre Swift.
Barkley’s contract demands make a deal with Baltimore unlikely and it’s possible Jacobs could be out of the team’s price range. However, that would still leave Henry, Pollard and Swift as viable options.
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Regardless of which running back the Ravens might pursue, offensive coordinator Todd Monken will still likely use a committee approach with his backfield. Keaton Mitchell excelled in his rookie season, averaging 8.4 yards per carry on 47 touches and he showed flashes of playmaking ability as a pass-catching back.
Having lost defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and likely losing multiple starters on the defensive side of the ball, the Ravens may use this offseason to upgrade their offense to account for potential defensive regression in 2024.
