The 2023 season has just ended, and on March 13, the 2024 campaign will open its doors. DNA of Sports therefore takes this opportunity to offer you an overview of the different franchises during the offseason. Which players to keep and cut? Which free agents to extend? Which recruits to observe? Here are some ideas, franchise by franchise. In the spotlight today, the Baltimore Ravens.
The best team in the regular season, the Ravens impressed in 2023. However, they fell short in the conference final against the future champions. With a workforce rich in talent, the future looks promising. But with several important players at the end of their contract, Baltimore must manage an offseason littered with pitfalls.
The captains
1. Lamar Jackson (QB)
2. Roquan Smith (LB)
3. Kyle Hamilton (S)
Named MVP for the second time in his career, Lamar Jackson has reestablished himself among the cream of NFL quarterbacks after a few seasons disrupted by physical problems. More precise, more prolific, and always devilish with his legs, Jackson is the number one asset of the Baltimore attack.
His defensive counterpart is Roquan Smith. For his 2nd season with the Ravens, the former Bear shone brightly. At the top of his game at age 26, Smith is simply the best linebacker in the league. Captain of the squad, he is the essential link and the barometer of the defense.
Behind him, a young player is gaining more and more importance. For his second season in the NFL, Kyle Hamilton has established himself as a reference in his position and a major player in the Purple squad. Excellent in coverage, effective in disrupting the pocket, it is versatile and complete. At only 22 years old, the future belongs to him.
The undesirables
– Tyus Bowser (OLB)
– Rashod Bateman (WR)
Only 9 games played in 2 seasons, including the year 2023 completely blank, Tyus Bowser missed the train of renewal of the Baltimore defense. The Ravens can save more than 5 million by releasing the 28-year-old from his last contract.
Selected in the 1st round of the 2021 draft, Bateman was supposed to become Lamar Jackson's number one target. The one who would help the quarterback take a step forward in the aerial game. Three years later, the receiver has never had better than 515 yards in a season. And this, during his rookie year. He offers the performance of a backup receiver and not that of a starter. If the possibility of exercising its 5th year option no longer even arises, the franchise can even cut the experiment short immediately and save itself a few millions which will be more useful elsewhere.
The summer man
Odafe Oweh (Edge)
It was announced during his draft, Odafe Oweh was a project and needed time to fulfill his potential. Three seasons later, the player still remains an enigma. Little impact in his role as pass rusher, the former Penn State player struggles to assume and confirm his status.
With the probable renewal on this defensive front which shone so much in 2023, Oweh will be expected at the turn next season. Whether his 5th year option is activated or not, the next few months will be decisive for Odafe Oweh's contractual future. Either he plays his last year in Baltimore and shines to land a big contract elsewhere, or he will have a 5th year and he will have to shine in 2024 to be in a strong position to negotiate next offseason. In both cases, Oweh must change dimension to ensure a bright future.
The main free agents
1. Justin Madubuike (DL)
2. Patrick Queen (LB)
3. Kevin Zeitler (OL)
4. Jadeveon Clowney (OLB)
5. Geno Stone (S)
Others: Odell Beckham (WR), Gus Edwards (RB), JK Dobbins (RB), Rock Ya-Sin (CB), Ronald Darby (CB), Trayvon Mullen (CB), Daryl Worley, Devin Duvernay (WR), Malik Harrison (LB), Ty Huntley (QB),
The price of their success this season is that the Ravens have a squad rich in talent, and a significant number of these talents are reaching the end of their contract. Baltimore benefits like all other franchises from a salary cap clearly increasing which gives them more flexibility when deciding on the future of their players.
First on this list is Justin Madubuike. A solid player since his debut, he exploded in 2023. With 13 sacks, he was the spearhead of a relentless defensive front. At 26 years old, the player is now one of the best defensive linemen. If he becomes a free agent on March 13, he will be one of the most coveted names of the spring. If negotiations do not progress quickly, the player has the ideal profile for a franchise tag. Almost similar analysis for Patrick Queen, who with Smith forms the best linebacker duo in the NFL. To keep it, the team will also have to line up the zeros on the check.
As a legitimate title contender, the Ravens will need to keep their best players to continue their quest. Adjustments to their payroll to be able to maintain their workforce are necessary sacrifices. But not everyone will be able to come back. Zeitler, Clowney or Beckham may have to wear another jersey in 2024 unless they put in the effort to get a ring.
The Top 5 needs
1. Running back
2. Cornerback
3. Receiver
4. Defensive tackle
5. Tackle
The running game has been Baltimore's offensive signature for several years. However, no runner emerges among the NFL captains. JK Dobbins has never lived up to expectations mainly due to his recurring injuries. While Keaton Mitchell showed some encouraging flashes, the young runner was injured and will miss the start of the season. A number one running back is the offseason priority to maintain a productive running game and take pressure off Jackson. And prevent him from running too much himself.
Zay Flowers had a successful rookie season and his chemistry with his quarterback is evident. But the aerial game can still be improved. A possession receiver is missing, capable of fighting on contested balls or in traffic.
On the other side of the ball, Baltimore may be the least permissive squad in the NFL, but the team needs reinforcements. Whether opposite Marlon Humphrey or on the defensive line, quality and rotation are expected, especially with the number of players potentially starting.
Target
Derrick Henry (RB)
After 8 years of good and loyal service, Derrick Henry's future will be written outside of Tennessee. It is time for him to join a contender in order to bring his talent and his power to win the supreme title. That's good, the Ravens need reinforcement in the position, and above all need certainty and a sure value.
With his 9,500 yards and 90 touchdowns, Henry is the best runner of his generation and the most productive. Not always helped by a Titans line with some wanderings, imagining him behind the always diligent Baltimore line is enough to make one salivate. Or terrify if you're a defensive coordinator.
New blood
Ennis Rakestraw (CB)
Looking for depth at the position and a player who can be the counterpart of Marlon Humphrey, the Ravens could consider considering the cornerback position in the 1st round.
It's the name that's been rising in recent weeks. Ennis Rakestraw excels in man-to-man coverage. If his statistics are not impressive, it is because the Missouri player knows how to completely shut down his opponent to the point that the ball is rarely thrown in his direction. Able to play outside or inside, Baltimore's staff could maximize his versatility.
Other picks: Troy Fautanu (OL), Troy Franklin (WR), Darius Robinson
