Which Free Agents Will Stay, Which Will Go?
The 2024 offseason promises to be a challenging one for Ravens GM Eric DeCosta, arguably his most daunting to date while at the controls of team personnel decisions. Recently, there have been several articles about the Ravens’ twenty-two (22) Unrestricted Free Agents (UFA) (plus, OBJ) and the prospects of their return. At Russell Street Report, we’ve decided to pool our resources – and our different areas of expertise – to provide a different treatment of the Ravens’ pending free agents.
[Ravens Current Salary Cap Situation]
FREE AGENTS:
WR Odell Beckham, Jr. (UFA – Sort of):
2023 Key Stats: 14 games (6 starts); 35 Receptions; 565 yards (16.1 ypr), 3 TDs; 41.3% Snaps.
Analysis (Dev Panchwagh): A lot was made of OBJ’s 1-year deal being worth $15 million and how absurdly overpaid he was. Although it’s hard to argue against the dollar figure sentiment, OBJ’s impact was legitimate, even if the numbers don’t exactly support that claim. He was a sounding board for the younger WRs – Zay Flowers in particular. His professionalism and clutch playmaking ability was also on display. He made some key catches in important moments and drew several PIs to set up the offense. All in all, OBJ may not have been what he was when he last played with the Rams, but he wasn’t too far off the mark, and he still has something left as a possession receiver.
2023 Contract: 1-year, $15M deal (earned an additional $1M via incentives).
Cap Implications (Brian McFarland): The Ravens and Beckham reworked his contract in early January which removed the void date from his contract and added a $50M salary in 2025 that becomes fully guaranteed on the 2nd day of the 2024 league year (March 14th at 4:00). Needless to say, that’s not going to happen! So, if an extension is not reached before then, Beckham will be released. By moving the decision date back to after the beginning of the league year, the Ravens can now use a Post-June 1 release designation, which would split the $11.068M in dead money between 2024 ($2.767M) and 2025 ($8.031M). Re-signing Beckham won’t cost the $15M it did last year, but Beckham will likely still get a deal averaging $5-8M per year.
Tony’s Take (Tony Lombardi): I thought the OBJ signing in 2023 was a joke – initially! How could the Ravens justify the absurd number ($15M) for a guy who spent more time on the trainer’s table or along the sideline than he did on the field? But during the season, we began to see why the Ravens made the investment. The intangibles that Dev alludes to were real. The arc of his maturation as a man, undeniable. His leadership, worthy. And let’s not forget that the team’s investment in Beckham helped bring Lamar Jackson back to the bargaining table.
Speaking of which, a bargain is the only justifiable way to bring OBJ back. Quantifying that bargain is a challenge. Can OBJ see the intangibles the Ravens provide the way they did in him? That’s a big ask from a WR of his pedigree. Thanks for the memories, Odell. Wishing you all the best in the endeavors that lie ahead for you outside of Charm City.
DE Jadeveon Clowney (UFA):
2023 Key Stats: 17 games (15 starts); 43 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 19 QB hits; 56.4% Snaps.
Analysis: Clowney was a revelation. It almost gives you Benjamin Button vibes. A former No.1 pick who seemed to play his best season as a pro. Clowney benefited from Mike Macdonald’s scheme and the coaching staff, whom he had previous ties with. However, Clowney was also healthy and played with a relentless energy he didn’t play with in Cleveland. His production was no fluke. When he’s locked in and playing at a high level, there aren’t too many players more disruptive and able to create pass rush opportunities, and he was consistently a menace to opposing offenses.
2023 Contract: 1-year, $2.505M (earned an additional $2M via incentives).
Cap Implications: Clowney signed a shockingly small deal with the Ravens last August and then proceeded to have perhaps the best season of his career. He won’t come as cheaply this time around. Now in the later part of his career, he might be at the point where he only gets 1-year offers, but coming off a 9 ½ sack season, it’s going to be far more than $2.5M. Look for Clowney to sign a 1- or 2-year deal averaging between $7-10M per year.
Tony’s Take: If Brian’s forecast of a one- or two-year deal at $7-10M is spot-on, the Ravens need to find a way to bring Clowney back. $5.5M of that total is sitting in the pocket of Tyus Bowser and should be exhumed immediately by parting ways with the 28-year-old, 2017 2nd-round pick who hasn’t sacked the quarterback since December 11, 2022, and has just 2 sacks in the last 760 days.
Dev pointed out Clowney’s relentlessness, and that commands attention. In part that added attention oftentimes placed Justin Madubuike in winnable one-on-on situations. It’s possible that the Ravens will sink $22.1M in 2024 cap space to retain Madubuike for the year. Why make that investment in “BK” without an edge presence like Clowney? Thinking that Odafe Oweh and/or David Ojabo can fill Clowney’s shoes is like U2 replacing The Edge and expecting the same sound. Pay the man!
Many GMs are approaching this free agency as the RBs, LBs, and safety markets to be similar to the past. Lower deals than we may imagine. Depressed market for those positions. A lot of one year deals.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 7, 2024
RB Dalvin Cook (UFA):
2023 Key Stats: 1 playoff game (0 starts); 8 carries, 23 yards (2.9 ypc), 0 TDs.
Analysis: Cook’s time with Baltimore was all of one playoff game. Mysteriously, he did not even get an attempt against the Chiefs in the AFC Championship. The reality is Cook looked pretty good in the few chances he got in the Divisional game against Houston. It would have been nice to see him get more snaps, because he did not at all look like the washed up older back that he was labeled as in New York.
2023 Contract: Playoff contract only.
Cap Implications: It will be interesting to see what kind of market materializes for Cook, especially given the number of top-flight FA RBs. It seems likely that Cook will need to take a 1-year, “prove it” deal to show that his poor 2023 season was a fluke.
Tony’s Take: I’m a Dalvin Cook fan. I think he can make explosive plays in the run game and short passing game, and therefore the “prove it” deal that Brian suggests can work in the Ravens favor given their tight cap situation. A combination of Cook, Justice Hill, Keaton Mitchell and a rookie-to-be-named wouldn’t be so bad. If Cook can accept a 1-year, vet minimum deal with incentives, I say go for it!
CB Ronald Darby (UFA):
2023 Key Stats: 16 games (7 starts); 28 tackles, 7 PDs; 38.1% Snaps.
Analysis: Like Clowney, Darby was a revelation of sorts in his time with the Ravens. Darby has been a solid corner in this league, but coming off a torn ACL he suffered late in the 2022 season, it was hard to tell how ready he really was. He ended up being a critical piece to the secondary, having to start nearly half the games. As an outside corner, Darby was physical and played the sidelines well. He was rarely out of position. Just a steady presence whenever Macdonald needed it, especially when the rest of the unit battled injuries.
2023 Contract: 1-year, $1.7M deal (earned additional $500K via incentives).
Cap Implications: Darby was signed during training camp and started the season in a reserve role, but after playing well down the stretch, he’s likely earned a decent bump in salary. Darby seems like a player the Ravens would like to retain and a 1-year deal in the $3-4M range seems like a reasonable deal for both sides. The sizeable increase in the 2024 Salary Cap may be helpful in re-signing mid- to lower-tier free agents like Darby.
Tony’s Take: The Ravens need corners given the free agent statuses of Darby and Arthur Maulet. Darby was impressive down the stretch for the Ravens. Just a good perimeter player who tackles extremely well. With him on one side and Brandon Stephens on the other, it allows Marlon Humphrey to move inside where he is a better playmaker. It could also soften the blow of Maulet’s potential departure. It will be a good day for flockers if Darby re-signs.
RB JK Dobbins (UFA):
2023 Key Stats: 1 game (1 start); 16 games on IR.
2022 Key Stats: 8 games (8 starts), 9 games on IR; 92 carries, 520 yards (5.2 ypc), 2 TDs; 21.5% Snaps.
Analysis: Dobbins’ time in Baltimore has been a true enigma. Health has robbed the former second-round pick of his truest potential. And yet when he plays, even in his one start against the Texans in Week 1, he can be truly electric. A firestarter for the offense – his energy is infectious. He combines elite contact balance and deceptive acceleration to gobble chunk yards. He’s also been a really good fit for the running scheme, whether it’s been zone or power. It will be interesting to see how the team proceeds with him because they would know best how much he has left.
2023 Contract: Final year of 4-year, $4.729M deal; $1.823M 2023 Cap Number.
Cap Implications: Coming off 3 injury plagued seasons, Dobbins is likely going to have to sign an incentive-laden “prove it” deal. Whether that’s in Baltimore or elsewhere remains to be seen, but Dobbins seems like a guy who may need a change of scenery.
Tony’s Take: It’s tough to invest in a player who lacks availability. Dobbins has played in just 24 of a possible 67 regular season games (35.8%). When asked about the Ravens running back situation at The Combine, amongst other things, head coach John Harbaugh said this about Dobbins: “J.K.is floating around out there.” That’s hardly a ringing endorsement. JK absolutely needs a change of scenery. And he’s about to get one.
WR Devin Duvernay (UFA):
2023 Key Stats: 13 games (13 starts); 4 receptions, 18 yards (4.5 ypc); 12.1% Snaps.
2022 Key Stats: 14 games (13 starts); 37 receptions; 407 yards (11.0 ypr); 61.8% Snaps.
Analysis: Duvernay was for a time Eric DeCosta’s lone Pro Bowl selection. Those days are now long gone. As a return specialist, there is no question what his value is, in particular as a kick returner. He’s been one of the best in the game. He combines electric straight-line speed with good balance and power after contact. However, as a receiver, the results have been more mixed than anything else. Some of that has to do with how he has been used in the offense. He’s never been a shifty or elusive guy, but his hands are reliable, and he’s always a big-play threat.
2023 Contract: Final year of 4-year, $7.626M; $4.525M 2023 Cap Number.
Cap Implications: Duvernay’s role in the Ravens’ new offense decreased greatly in 2023. He still has value as a kick returner, but with a tight salary cap, that may be a luxury for the Ravens in 2024.
Tony’s Take: The Ravens were generous to bring Duv back at $4.525M in 2023. Very generous! He’s stiff in the hips and that challenges him as a route runner. And let’s face it, the league has practically legislated the KR position out of football. Someone else on the 53-man roster can assume this part-time job. Duvernay is a good guy, but his skill set is rather obsolete. The NFL is a tough business but it’s time to move on. And in Duv’s case, it has been that way for over a year.
RB Gus Edwards (UFA):
2023 Key Stats: 17 games (9 starts); 198 carries, 810 yards (4.1 ypc), 13 TDs; 47.1% Snaps.
2022 Key Stats: 9 games (4 starts); 87 carries, 433 yards (5.0 ypc), 3 TDs; 14.5% Snaps.
Analysis: Gus “Bus” had a prolific season when it came to touchdown punches and overall efficiency, especially as he took on more of the workload after Dobbins’ injury. Gus was the key difference in an offense that was more successful in the red zone on short-yardage plays, as offensive coordinator Todd Monken entrusted him to win those battles. He still has enough juice to be a breakaway threat too. The question is, how much wear did he take on with more carries and touches overall?
2023 Contract: Final year of 3-year, $12.384M deal; $2.794M 2023 Cap Number.
Cap Implications: Edwards set a career high in carries, yards and touchdowns in 2023, but saw a drop in yards per carry by almost a full yard. The Ravens were not able to reach an agreement with Edwards before his contract voided in February causing $1.84M in dead money to hit the Ravens’ Cap. That doesn’t necessarily preclude the Ravens from re-signing Edwards, but does seem to indicate that the parties could not reach an agreement on Edwards’ value.
Tony’s Take: This is a tough one given the value Edwards has provided. The cost of production has been extremely favorable but there are whispers about Gus’ knees that are cause for concern and that may be why the two sides couldn’t close the negotiating gap and overcome the voidable option in 2024. Gus apparently believes he’s worth more than whatever the Ravens offered. Maybe he’ll return after testing the market – one that hasn’t been veteran RB-friendly. Look for Gus to sign on with a team later in the summer. But it won’t be in Baltimore.
LB Malik Harrison (UFA):
2023 Key Stats: 14 games (8 starts); 21.3% Def Snaps; 73.5% ST Snaps.
2022 Key Stats: 17 games (8 starts); 17.0% Def Snaps; 64.9% ST Snaps.
Analysis: Harrison’s career seemed in limbo before Macdonald took over as DC and found a way to plug him in on early downs as an edge setter from the SAM position. The ingenuity from Macdonald really served the former ILB well. He made a number of big “little” plays, resetting the edge to redirect plays inside. He also played with better instincts and a trigger. Harrison has always been a physical cog who can blow blocks up – the consummate dirty worker a defense needs as part of the rotation.
2023 Contract: Final year of 4-year, $4.201M deal; $1.309M 2023 Cap Number.
Cap Implications: Harrison’s free agency will be interesting to watch. There may be a better market for Harrison than anticipated. Not that Harrison is going to break the bank, but he may well get an offer elsewhere that will price him out of Baltimore. If not, he seems like a strong candidate to return.
Tony’s Take: A prototypical role player and special teams contributor who seemed to play faster during his second season in Macdonald’s system. He provides value but does have a low ceiling and therefore he’ll ultimately be measured by the Ravens franchise-spanning axiom – right player, right price. If his cap number is similar to 2023’s, he’ll be back.
QB Tyler Huntley (UFA):
2023 Key Stats: 5 games (1 start); 203 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs; 7.6% Snaps.
2022 Key Stats: 6 games (4 starts); 658 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs; 24.45% Snaps.
2021 Key Stats: 7 games (4 starts); 1081 yards, 3 TDs, 4 INTs; 30.03% Snaps.
Analysis: Huntley remains one of the best backup quarterbacks in the league, but fortunately for the Ravens, his number only had to be called on once in a meaningless game against the Steelers. Otherwise, Huntley is capable of moving a team along, keeping them on schedule if they need 3-4 starts. He is never going to wow as a starter, but he’ll be plenty efficient, especially to get the ball out on time, and he can make plays with his legs when called on.
2023 Contract: 1-year, RFA tender of $2.627M.
Cap Implications: Huntley’s been a solid-enough back-up QB but might look to find a team that provides him with a better opportunity (both in terms of playing time and money). The Ravens late season waiver claim on QB Malik Cunningham seems to indicate the team is preparing to move forward without Huntley.
Tony’s Take: Unlike my colleagues, I’m not a big fan of Huntley, particularly if it will cost even more to keep him. The Ravens brought in Cunningham for a reason. Cunningham accepted employment in Baltimore presumably because he was promised time as Lamar’s backup and not as some gadget player in New England. The jig is up, the news is out…and so too is Tyler.
QB Josh Johnson (UFA):
2023 Key Stats: 0 games (0 starts).
Analysis: Johnson is the consummate pro as a backup QB. He has played practically with every team in the league. That knowledge and ability to pick up any offense can be valuable. As deep insurance for Jackson, Johnson has served the team well but you pretty much know exactly what you are getting with him.
2023 Contract: 1-year, $1.165M deal.
Cap Implications: Johnson has played what seems like the last decade on a series of 1-year, minimum salary deals. If the Ravens decide to carry 3 quarterbacks in 2024, Johnson would again appear to be a perfect fit to fill the veteran back-up role.
Tony’s Take: Johnson is like an old reliable piece of luggage. Maybe you don’t use it as much because it’s not the shiny, colorful new style, yet you hang on to it just the same, just in case. I look for JJ to be back at some point, perhaps as late as July.
DT Justin Madubuike (UFA):
2023 Key Stats: 17 games (17 starts); 56 tackles, 13 sacks; 33 QB hits; 65.3% Snaps.
2022 Key Stats: 17 games (16 starts); 42 tackles, 5.5 sacks; 9 QB hits; 56.5% Snaps.
Analysis: One could make an easy argument that Madubuike was the most dominant player on defense in a season filled with dominant, star power play on a historically great unit. The interesting part about Madubuike is the jump he made in production from 2022 to 2023. Was it a fluke? To me, it was a clear combination of getting the snaps he simply wasn’t getting behind Calais Campbell, and the coaching he got from Macdonald and pass-rush guru Chuck Smith. When he’s lined up against an opposing lineman one-on-one, he can win a variety of ways, including with sheer force or with an array of moves. It all added up to a special season but one that is not beyond Madubuike’s talent and upside when he’s clicking.
2023 Contract: Final year of 4-year, $6.325M deal; $3.015M 2023 Cap Number.
Cap Implications: The Ravens have used the Franchise Tag on Madubuike. This will ensure that Madubuike is a Raven in 2024. Hopefully the Ravens and Madubuike can reach a long-term deal to secure his future in Baltimore beyond 2024. But, to do so, the Ravens are going to have to pay handsomely, as Madubuike is likely going to be seeking a deal that averages $22-25M per year. With Miami DT Christian Wilkins set the hit the FA market next week, Madubuike’s value will likely be set by whatever deal Wilkins gets (or better or worse, from the Ravens’ perspective).
Tony’s Take: Interior pass rushers don’t fall off trees. When you get one, you keep him. And so, the Ravens will, but for how long? The guess here is that by training camp, BK will get his long-term deal securing his financial future.
CB Arthur Maulet (UFA):
2023 Key Stats: 14 games (3 starts); 37 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 INT; 35.2% Snaps; 39.7% ST Snaps.
Analysis: Maulet was one of the most interesting high-performers you really didn’t see it coming from. He’s a great example of how the right fit in the right scheme can make all the difference. Macdonald exploited his ability to blitz and play downhill. There wasn’t much responsibility for Maulet to cover down the field. His ability to disguise and play in the slot, especially so Macdonald’s packages could be less predictable, were major advantages for the defense as a whole. In addition, like Darby, Maulet is someone who will line up and hit, giving the secondary added physicality.
2023 Contract: 1-year, $1.08M deal; $1.08M 2023 Cap Number.
Cap Implications: Maulet played well last year while playing on a 1-year minimum deal. Much like Darby, he’s certainly a player the Ravens would like to have back, so it’s going to come down to what type of offers Maulet gets elsewhere and whether the Ravens are willing to meet that price to retain him.
Tony’s Take: Maulet seemed to enjoy his time in Baltimore and as Dev indicated, he played his role well. He’s a feisty player at his best from the slot but a liability when exposed in coverage downfield. I don’t think the Ravens can fit both Darby and Maulet into their cap without making sacrifices elsewhere. Maulet’s price might be driven up by Macdonald in Seattle. I’ll take Darby over Maulet all day long and if I’m right and the Ravens can only keep one, Arthur will be the odd man out. It’s that simple.
C Sam Mustipher (UFA):
2023 Key Stats: 9 games (2 starts); 17.9% Snaps.
Analysis: Mustipher was yet another pick up in free agency who paid dividends, if not for a short span of two starts. Still, his ability to step in for Tyler Linderbaum early in the season was significant, especially because the club could keep Patrick Mekari at tackle to help with early injuries to that position group.
2023 Contract: 1-year, $1.01M VSB deal. $897,778 2023 Cap Number.
Cap Implications: Mustipher played last season on a Veteran Salary Benefit deal. He’s not likely to get offered more of that this year and is the kind of free agent that probably won’t be signed until after the NFL draft. Mustipher’s return to Baltimore will likely hinge on whether the Ravens draft a player capable of being the back-up Center.
Tony’s Take: Sam will be brought back to fight for his job during camp. The Ravens will find an UDFA to compete with him. May the best man win.
LS Tyler Ott (UFA):
2023 Key Stats: 17 games.
Analysis: Ott is in the, “if you don’t hear from him” camp, that’s the best case scenario. Snaps weren’t exactly an issue for the kicking game last season so he was doing his job.
2023 Contract: 1-year, $1.08M VSB deal; $940K 2023 Cap Number.
Cap Implications: Ott filled in admirably last season after incumbent Long Snapper Nick Moore was lost for the season due to injury. With Moore slated to return in 2024, Ott will need to find another opportunity elsewhere.
Tony’s Take: If you have the genetics in your family to produce a boy who can grow to 6 feet or taller, take him out in the backyard and practice long-snapping over and over and over. It’s a career that can yield 10 years of $1M+ per annum if he’s quiet, as Dev suggests. Tyler Ott-a be aiming for his 10th season, albeit elsewhere in 2024.
LB Del’Shawn Phillips (UFA):
2023 Key Stats: 17 games (1 start); 7% Snaps; 79.3% ST Snaps.
2022 Key Stats: 16 games (0 starts); 1 Defensive Snap, 56.4% ST Snaps.
Analysis: Phillips remained a key cog on special teams. His ability in particular for the coverage units is something the team values and he continued to be an asset for the unit.
2023 Contract: 1-year, $1.11M deal.
Cap Implications: A valuable member of the team’s special teams, Phillips is again looking at receiving a minimum salary deal. Given how strongly the Ravens value special teams’ play, Phillips is a good bet to return.
Tony’s Take: Phillip’s Seafood is a place that our family would visit in Ocean City, Maryland during my childhood. There’s still one in downtown Baltimore. There will still be a Phillips in downtown Owings Mills come September. And his name is Del’Shawn.
LB Patrick Queen (UFA):
2023 Key Stats: 17 games (17 starts); 133 tackles, 3.5 sacks; 99.6% Snaps.
2022 Key Stats: 17 games (17 starts); 117 tackles, 5.5 sacks; 96.7% Snaps.
Analysis: Queen had his best season in the NFL and he did it in a variety of ways. He impacted the run game with his ability to attack sideline-to-sideline. He attacked quarterbacks as an anvil in Macdonald’s sim pressure assault. He was also outstanding in space to rip up screens and perimeter passes. Playing next to Roquan Smith, you saw Queen really feed off his energy and see the game better than ever. His instincts can be flat out impressive, and he’s as imposing a linebacker as there is in the league.
2023 Contract: Final year of 4-year, $12.162M deal; $3.869M 2023 Cap Number.
Cap Implications: Queen is likely to get a deal that averages between $16-20M per year. While the Ravens would certainly love to have Queen back, he’s surely priced himself out of town. Knowing that Queen was likely going to leave this offseason, the Ravens drafted LB Trenton Simpson in last year’s draft.
Tony’s Take: Queen was outstanding on and off the field in 2023. He deserves every penny he’s earned. But the man stroking his next check is not named Stephen J. Bisciotti. A 3rd-round comp pick will be welcomed by DeCosta in April of 2025. Unfortunately, the Ravens can’t save the Queen.
G John Simpson (UFA):
2023 Key Stats: 17 games (17 starts); 99.4% Snaps.
Analysis: Simpson was a player the team picked up the year prior and essentially stashed, knowing the upside was he could be a starter in this league. He ultimately fit the bill. Although penalties were his downfall in many ways, Simpson did anchor the run game well. As a down blocker especially, he would get pretty good movement for a guy his size. The issue with Simpson is that he’s not a plus athlete and you worry if he’s always going to be overmatched. He’s a “get by” kind of starter and might be better served as an ace backup.
2023 Contract: 1-year, $1.01M deal.
Cap Implications: Simpson played well enough to earn a decent raise over last year’s minimum salary deal. He’s certainly not going to come anywhere near breaking the bank like Ben Powers did last year, but he’s still likely to receive more than the Ravens are willing to pay (if they want him back).
Tony’s Take: When John Harbaugh and Eric DeCosta said that they planned on rebuilding the offensive line, it starts at the guard position. Starting for a (13-4) team and one that ranked 6th overall on offense and 1st overall in rushing offense, probably earns you a raise from an offensive-needy team. Simpson was a good stopgap when the Ravens needed one. Now, they need more than a stopgap.
S Geno Stone (UFA):
2023 Key Stats: 17 games (11 starts); 44 tackles, 7 INTs, 9 PDs; 82.1% Snaps, 48.8% ST Snaps.
2022 Key Stats: 17 games (7 starts); 38 tackles; 41.26% Snaps, 69.84% ST snaps.
2021 Key Stats: 15 games (1 start); 21 tackles; 20.04% Snaps, 59.49% ST snaps.
Analysis: The rise of Geno Stone is one of the coolest stories of the 2023 season, let alone a story for the Ravens. His instincts and football IQ have never been in question. He is a student of the game and sees the field in a unique way, and it showed with how he was able to pick off so many passes. While other players might have him beat in the range department, Stone is simply a step ahead. As a former seventh-round pick, Stone has far exceeded any expectations and he is deserving of whatever payday comes his way.
2023 Contract: 1-year, $1.76M deal (earned additional $250K via incentives).
Cap Implications: Coming off of a career year, Stone is in line for a sizeable raise and may well get a deal that averages in the $6-9M per year range. While the Ravens would certainly like to retain Stone, he, like Patrick Queen, has likely priced himself out of Baltimore.
Tony’s Take: Geno’s play in 2023, sank his chances to return to Baltimore, like a stone.
DE Brent Urban (UFA):
2023 Key Stats: 17 games (3 starts); 3 sacks; 264% Snaps.
2022 Key Stats: 16 games (0 starts); 0 sacks; 24.2% Snaps.
Analysis: Urban remained an important rotational piece on the defensive line, especially in the red area and short-yardage scenarios. His ability to overpower at the point and destroy plays was vital in those high-leverage moments. Even though he is getting up there in age, you would be hard pressed to find a defensive end with his length and sheer size to impact plays with limited snaps.
2023 Contract: 1-year, $1.165M VSB deal; $940K 2023 Cap Number.
Cap Implications: Urban is in line for another VSB deal ($1,377,500 total deal, will count $1,152,500 on Cap). It seems likely that Urban and the Ravens will reunite.
Tony’s Take: Michael Pierce and Urban provided some of the finer moments for the YouTube-based Ravens Wired this season. They’ll get a chance for an encore performance in 2024.
DE Kyle Van Noy (UFA):
2023 Key Stats: 14 games (3 starts); 9 sacks; 41.9% Snaps.
Analysis: Perhaps the most incredible of all the free agent wins the team and EDC had, was Van Noy, who has said over and over, he was sitting on the couch before the Ravens gave him a contract. It was inexplicable for Van Noy to have the type of production he had but like Clowney, he was a glove-like fit in Macdonald’s defense. One of the smartest players on the team, the wily veteran always seemed to make one or two big plays in each game – whether that was a tackle for loss, a tipped pass on a third down or a timely pressure. He was a complete outside backer for the defense, but his pass-rush skills were uncorked in Macdonald’s defense. He played physical and was terrific in the stunt/twist pass rush games the defense employed.
2023 Contract: 1-year, $1.4M deal (earned additional $100K via incentives).
Cap Implications: Van Noy, who will turn 34 before next season, clearly still has some gas left in the tank. He will likely sign another 1-year deal, but coming off a 9-sack season, he probably won’t have to wait as long to find a home this offseason. A deal in the $3-5M per year range seems likely. Depending on how the draft goes, a reunion in Baltimore seems possible.
Tony’s Take: Like Darby/Maulet, Clowney/Van Noy is an either/or situation. I can’t envision a scenario where both return to B’more. I really enjoyed Kyle’s short season as a Raven, but my money is on Clowney coming back, not Van Noy.
CB Daryl Worley (UFA):
2023 Key Stats: 12 games (2 starts); 10.7% Snaps; 50.5% ST Snaps.
2022 Key Stats: 8 games (1 starts); 5.9% Snaps; 20.4% ST Snaps.
Analysis: Worley was a bigger contributor at the end of the 2022 season but he was unable to overcome injuries to contribute more in 2023, at least as he made his transition from corner to safety. He remained a presence while playing special teams. His versatility and savvy keep him in the mix as valuable depth for the secondary.
2023 Contract: 1 year, $1.165M VSB deal; $765,556 2023 Cap Number.
Cap Implications: Worley, like Brent Urban, seems like a good bet to return on another VSB deal ($1,377,500 total deal, will count $1,152,500 on Cap).
Tony’s Take: Unless the Ravens load up on secondary picks in the draft, there’s no reason not to expect Worley back in purple and black.
CB Rock Ya-Sin (UFA):
2023 Key Stats: 14 games (1 start); 24.1% Snaps.
Analysis: RYS’s entire season really boiled down to the game he had against Cincinnati in Week 2. Making a pivotal pass break up on Ja’Marr Chase in the end zone, he displayed some of that physical tackling ability that made up a big part of his game. After that play and that game, the story never remained the same. RYS was more notorious for his penalties and inability to locate the ball in coverage more than anything else. Truly disappointing considering that he seemed to be such a good fit for the defense given his zone coverage versatility, physical play at the line and willingness to throw his body around.
2023 Contract: 1-year, $4M deal, $2.4M 2023 Cap Number.
Cap Implications: Coming off of a poor season, Ya-Sin is likely looking at signing a 1-year Veteran Salary Benefit (VSB) deal to try and rebuild his worth.
Tony’s Take: From the start of training camp, RYS looked like a liability in coverage. He couldn’t cover a corpse with a blanket much less the Ravens reserve receivers. To opposing quarterbacks, RYS was an acronym for Rock Your Stats. In retrospect, the former Colt was EDC’s only 2023 free agent blemish. Hopefully he is overpaid by an AFC North rival.
G Kevin Zeitler (UFA):
2023 Key Stats: 15 games (15 starts); 87.3% Snaps.
2022 Key Stats: 16 games (16 starts); 93.7% Snaps.
Analysis: The loss of Marshal Yanda was tough to absorb at the time, but when the team added Zeitler in 2021, he helped stem the tide. He has always been a rock-solid performer, but for the first time in his career, he was finally recognized as a Pro Bowler. Deservedly so. Zeitler is one of the best pass protectors in the game who can handle stunts, exchanges, and other exotic looks. He plays technically sound and is also so precise in the run game. Even at the age of 33, he was playing at a really high level without any noticeable drop off from earlier in his career.
2023 Contract: Last year of 3-years, $22.5M deal. $5.207M 2023 Cap number.
Cap Implications: Zeitler will already count on the Ravens’ Cap as $4.268M in dead money due to his contract voiding last month. This does not preclude the Ravens from re-signing Zeitler, but given that they weren’t able to reach an agreement before the void date, it would appear that the Ravens and Zeitler were unable to find common ground on his value. The only way that will change is if the market shows that the Ravens were closer to Zeitler’s market value than Zeitler and his agent.
Tony’s Take: I thought the Ravens would extend Zeitler during the 2022 season. I then thought they’d do it prior to the 2023 season. And then I thought they’d do it before the $4.268M voidable option came due. Strike three. I’m out. And I think so too is KZ.
