OTL: Ravens Bring Back Arthur Maulet

This time last week, we had the excitement of the Derrick Henry signing, but also had the looming stress of potential losses. Seven days later, a few of those dominoes have fallen, and on Tuesday, all the talk was about Kevin Zeitler:

Lions signing OL Kevin Zeitler to one-year deal. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/EXFzeYi2dJ

— NFL (@NFL) March 18, 2024

The 12-year veteran will be adding to an already strong Lions O-Line after a tremendous two seasons in Baltimore. Having played for the Bengals and Browns previously, Zeitler was well-versed in AFC North ball, and he seemed such a good fit with the Ravens that it’s hard to believe he wasn’t brought back.

Especially considering the now glaring need at Guard, why wouldn’t you want this guy returning?

Kevin Zeitler's time in Baltimore:

1,868 pass-blocking snaps
54 QB pressures allowed
6 sacks allowed

A brilliant run 🫡👏 pic.twitter.com/lhq7pj1EIz

— PFF BAL Ravens (@PFF_Ravens) March 19, 2024

Kevin Zeitler is an offensive lineman’s, offensive lineman. The embodiment of what it takes to be elite in the #NFL.

A true standard setter, he’ll be a massive miss in Baltimore! #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/YHW54cPHaW

— Nic Mason (@British_Raven19) March 19, 2024

Eric DeCosta and the Ravens front office have historically shown they’re more than capable of rebuilding the offensive line, but with little cap room and other holes on the roster, it’s fair for fans to wonder how likely a one-year rebuild of the unit is.

Ravens 2023 starting offensive line after one week of 2024 free agency

LT: Ronnie Stanley (Ravens)
LG: John Simpson (Jets)
C: Tyler Linderbaum (Ravens)
RG: Kevin Zeitler (Lions)
RT: Morgan Moses (Jets)

— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) March 18, 2024

But at the same time, Baltimore has a plan, and Brian puts good perspective on things here:

Ravens offseason:
It was always Mads>Queen
It was always farewell to Stone, Simpson, Duv, Dobbins, and Bowser.

EDC said he was rebuilding the OL. They clearly didn’t want Zeitler. They clearly didn’t want Moses.

Only guy/guys I’m worried about losing are Clowney and KVN

— Brian (@Bmore_Sports8) March 19, 2024

The good news is, in this year’s draft, there’s multiple first-round caliber prospects with Guard and Tackle flexibility, including Taliese Fuaga, Troy Fautanu, Graham Barton, and Jordan Morgan. Even still, though, fans will complain if they feel the Ravens are missing the ball here.

Andrew Hawkins talked about the impact these losses and the uncertainty across the O-Line could have on Derrick Henry’s performance:

"There's a higher chance of the signing of Derrick Henry not paying dividends unless [the Ravens] address the O-line in the draft."

👀 @Hawk pic.twitter.com/xzqkStsZ7u

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 19, 2024

As much as I trust the decision-makers, there’s plenty of reason for concern. And, as Yuri points out here, there’s little reason for Baltimore not to sign somebody. They squeeze all the juice they can out of this increased cap and the void years:

If the ravens are going to continue to borrow from future caps with void years then they need to be aggressive in filling out the roster

Come September if the roster has glaring holes then using void years/Signing Henry is pointless

— Yuri (@Yuri_Ravens) March 19, 2024

Unfortunately, there aren’t a great deal of linemen at the top of a dwindling free agent market, so perhaps the Ravens will look to fill holes elsewhere?

According to Sports Illustrated, Allen Robinson would be a good start:

Sports Illustrated lists the Ravens as a potential landing spot for WR Allen Robinson:

“Robinson is a big body at 6-2, 220 points and could be the right addition to Lamar Jackson.” pic.twitter.com/zkfcvT4hsL

— 𝗥𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝙇𝙄𝙑𝙀 (@LIVERavenNation) March 19, 2024

While I agree with it in theory, Robinson would be about as inspiring as Jeremy Maclin was, and unless the plan was for him to be WR5 with another being drafted, he isn’t what’s needed. All Robinson offers is a decent target on the outside or in the red zone, but he lacks the dynamic playmaking ability to thrive in today’s NFL.

Robinson aside, the Ravens did make one move I think will again be underrated, in resigning Arthur Maulet:

Free agent slot CB Arthur Maulet is re-signing 2-year deal with Baltimore Ravens, per source.

Maulet was a great late training camp signing for Ravens GM Eric DeCosta last summer. After a career year balling out at age 30, the physical Maulet is back in Baltimore on new deal. pic.twitter.com/4qlaLVLRfE

— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) March 19, 2024

While he is getting up there in age, Maulet shined for the defense late last season, and this is much, much needed depth. As Cole Jackson writes, this makes CB a slightly less pressing need:

Arthur Maulet is a HUGE signing.

Crucial depth and he came into his own in Baltimore.

Increases flexibility to get a developmental CB.#RavensFlock

— Cole Jackson (@ColeJacksonFB) March 19, 2024

Lastly, for fans of the real “football,” there’s a fun opportunity in August to watch some of the world’s best at the Bank:

FC Barcelona and AC Milan will play at M&T Bank Stadium this summer as part of the 2024 Soccer Champions Tour!

Sign up for the presale: https://t.co/z50FLB3yYy pic.twitter.com/GvVgkJwnfq

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) March 19, 2024

Keep growing the beautiful game!