One of the most effective functions of the Ravens front office has long been their ability to prey on 31 other franchises via cap casualties, as the team has the propensity to turn one mans trash into Baltimore’s treasure. 2018 will be no different, and so, let’s take a look at the most likely early season pink slips that can potentially lead to new ink on a contract with the Ravens.
So far, we’ve covered:
AFC West: Emmanuel Sanders (DEN), Derrick Thomas (KC), Travis Benjamin (LAC), Michael Crabtree (OAK)
AFC East: Charles Clay (BUF), Julius Thomas (MIA), Martellus Bennett (NE), Robby Anderson (NYJ)
AFC South: C.J. Fiedoriwicz (HOU), Margus Hunt (IND), Allen Hurns (JAC), DeMarco Murray (TEN)
ACF North: Brandon LaFell (CIN), Kevin Hogan (CLE), Vance McDonald (PIT)
NFC West: Mike Iupati (ARI), Mark Barron (LAR), Elvis Dumervil (SF) , Michael Bennett (SEA)
Coming back east, we’ll take a look at the Super Bowl LII champs, our beltway brethren, and the rest of the NFC East to see who the Ravens can possibly prey upon in the upcoming free agency period.
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys: WR Dez Bryant
The name may be bigger than the production on the field, but if the Cowboys decide Dez Bryant‘s $16.5M cap hit ($8.5M cap savings) isn’t worth hanging onto any longer? The 30-year-old wideout should be an intriguing target for the Ravens.
There’s no arguing that Bryant’s stats have fallen off in recent years, and surely, age is a major factor. But is it the only factor? Is the emergence of Zeke Elliott stunting Dez’s stats? Does Dak Prescott‘s style of play differ so much that it’s affecting Dez’s stats – stats that just so happen to to drop at the end of the Tony Romo era?
If I’m the Ravens I’m keeping a very close eye on this possible move…
New York Giants: WR Brandon Marshall
The Ravens were in the running to add Brandon Marshall last year, but ended up losing out to the G-Men, as Marshall wanted to stay in the New York market (remember, he had previously been with the Jets). This time around, Marshall may not have a choice. The Giants stand to save $5.1M by cutting the 33-year-old loose after a lackluster 150-ish yard, 2 TD, injury shortened season.
Should Marshall get cut, the Ravens could take another stab at him. He is only a season removed from 880 yards on 59 receptions. Still, the Ravens could look to Marshall as a WR3, and a big-bodied target that Joe Flacco could use. Not the ideal ‘splash’ the Ravens should pursue in free agency, but if he came cheap, allowed them to go after Jimmy Graham or Trey Burton, STILL add another *younger* FA receiver AND draft a guy in the top 3 rounds? Could be very, very ideal for Baltimore.
Philadelphia Eagles: WR Torrey Smith
THE PRODIGAL SON SHALL RETURN HOME!
For those about to comment on the political angle in regards to Torrey Smith… just save us all some time/eye rolling. Torrey was, is, and will always be, a fan favorite around town. His community involvement and general awesomeness as a person make up for his shortcomings on the field. Unfortunately, those shortcomings are the reason he’s potentially cut fodder in Philly. Torrey corralled only 36 passes for 430 yards & 2 TD in 2017, and carries a $5M cap hit into this season (option year 1). Should the Eagles cut him, they’d save all $5M, and it makes sense for them to do so.
Torrey reuniting with Joe Flacco, and then why the hell not, drafting D.J. Moore to double down on Terps in Baltimore?
I like it!
Washington Redskins: TE Jordan Reed
Look… I know the Ravens have already gone through their fair share of oft-injured Tight Ends. But a healthy Jordan Reed can be a scary weapon on any offense in the NFL.
So why would the Skins consider cutting Reed? A $10.1M cap hit becomes almost $5M in cap savings should he be released, and they simply cannot count on a guy like Reed who has missed a full season’s worth of games (16) in the past three seasons combined, including 10 games missed last season. Can the Skins really justify $10.1M if his injuries continue through 2018?
Just like a few of the other Tight End moves we’ve suggested, this would need to be paired with a rookie selection. At 27, Reed can still rewrite his career while continuing to kick names and take ass (or something like that), but his next deal would almost surely be a 1-2 year ‘prove it’ contract. The Ravens need long-term, guaranteed stability at the position, so this would be more of a complementary go-big-or-go-home scenario.
