Happy Friday, Flock Nation! It’s March 11, the two-year anniversary of the retirement of Ravens legend Marshal Yanda. At the time, we all lamented the loss of a surefire future Hall of Fame offensive lineman, but I’m not sure anyone quite realized the impact that Yanda’s departure would have in Baltimore.
Two years ago today, Marshal Yanda officially retired from the NFL after an illustrious 13-year career that included
– 8x Pro Bowls
– 7x All-Pro selections
– 1x Super Bowl championshipHere’s a video that the Ravens made in his honor
🎥: @Ravens pic.twitter.com/WNgwumR6Tf
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) March 11, 2022
The offensive line has struggled in the two seasons without Yanda – remembering that they were also missing Ronnie Stanley for much of both – though Kevin Zeitler was able to stabilize the right guard spot in 2021.
Perhaps the return of Yanda’s onetime teammate, Ryan Jensen, could do the same at center in 2022.
The Ravens’ 2022 schedule did just get harder with the blockbuster Russell Wilson trade. The Broncos will come to Baltimore this season having solved their biggest problem, which was especially glaring during last year’s 24-7 loss to the Ravens.
The Ravens host Russell Wilson and the Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium next year? pic.twitter.com/oy9TE7VXzU
— RAMEY (@HoodieRamey) March 8, 2022
Luckily, the Ravens did just fine in their last matchup against Wilson, holding him to a season-low 65.2 passer rating in 2019, with a pick-six by the recently-acquired Marcus Peters to cap it all off.
Another ex-Seahawk could be playing in Baltimore next year as well, but unlike Wilson, it could be for the Ravens. That would be All-Pro inside linebacker Bobby Wagner, who’s rumored to have drawn early interest from the Ravens following his release earlier this week.
A massive market is developing for former #Seahawks’ All-Pro LB Bobby Wagner, league sources say.#Dolphins, #Ravens, #Chargers, #Broncos, #Rams, #Cardinals, #Niners and #Cowboys (Dan Quinn loves him but they’re short on cash) are all very interested in @Bwagz.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 10, 2022
ILB isn’t thought to be a major position of need, but signing Wagner would lock down the middle of the Ravens defense and likely boost Patrick Queen’s development in 2022. This would be a classic Baltimore signing – it wouldn’t count against the comp pick formula – but if Wagner wants market-level compensation, the cap-strapped Ravens likely couldn’t afford him.
Another potential acquisition is Cowboys right tackle La’el Collins, who has reportedly been put on the trade block. His cap hits for the next three years ($15, $15, $13 million) are affordable for a starting-caliber right tackle, and the Ravens have the draft capital to get a deal done.
The #Cowboys are having active trade conversations centered around starting OT La'el Collins, sources say. A mainstay since 2015, Collins is due $10M this coming year and there is interest from other teams.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2022
Collins doesn’t have NFL experience at left tackle, so the Ravens would still need another contingency plan there, but having right tackle solidified for the first time since Stanley’s 2020 injury would go a long way in protecting Lamar Jackson.
Enjoy your weekend, Flock!
