Ravens' 2024 Free Agents, Targets and Draft Needs After NFL Playoff Loss
The Baltimore Ravens had a magical run in 2023. Their defense was one of the best in the NFL, while their new-look passing attack flourished under offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
The result was a run to the AFC's No. 1 seed and another MVP award for quarterback Lamar Jackson. A decisive victory over the Houston Texans in the divisional round put the Ravens in the AFC title game. Unfortunately, their Super Bowl hopes were dashed when they lost to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday.
Now that Baltimore's run has ended, however, it's time to get back to work and start focusing on the 2024 offseason.
Head coach John Harbaugh and general manager Eric DeCosta have some difficult decisions to make this offseason—though thanks to Jackson's 2023 extension, they already have the most important piece figured out.
Let's take an early look at what's ahead for Baltimore in the upcoming offseason.
Free Agents
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Unrestricted Free Agents
WR Nelson Agholor
WR Odell Beckham Jr.
DE Jadeveon Clowney
CB Ronald Darby
RB J.K. Dobbins
WR Devin Duvernay
RB Gus Edwards
LB Malik Harrison
QB Tyler Huntley
QB Josh Johnson
DT Justin Madubuike
CB Arthur Maulet
CB Trayvon Mullen
LB Del'Shawn Phillips
LB Patrick Queen
G John Simpson
S Geno Stone
WR Laquon Treadwell
DE Brent Urban
LB Kyle Van Noy
CB Daryl Worley
CB Rock Ya-Sin
G Kevin Zeitler
Restricted/Exclusive-Rights Free Agents
S Ar'Darius Washington
Running it back with the same roster probably isn't an option for the Ravens in 2024. Baltimore is projected to have just $11.7 million in cap space, and several key contributors are slated to hit the open market.
Wideout Odell Beckham Jr. might not be the star he was early in his career, but he played a crucial role in the passing attack this season. Pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney revitalized his career with the Ravens, having arguably his best season as a pro.
Beckham and Clowney are both likely to see significant raises if they make their way back to the open market. Defensive tackle Justin Madubuike is also coming off a career year and will be one of the most coveted interior defenders in free agency. Linebacker Patrick Queen is facing a situation very similar to Madubuike's.
Important role players like Geno Stone and Rock Ya-Sin are also headed to market,
While J.K. Dobbins missed most of the year with a torn Achilles, he and Gus Edwards will potentially leave a hole in Baltimore's backfield. The Ravens will also have to decide whether to keep Pro Bowl backup quarterback Tyler Huntley or move in a different direction behind Jackson.
Potential Free-Agent/Trade Targets
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DeCosta isn't afraid to wheel and deal, which is how the Ravens landed linebacker Roquan Smith last season. Given Baltimore's cap situation, though, we may not see any significant trades this offseason.
This could change if a proven wide receiver like Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers becomes available. Aiyuk is entering the final year of his rookie deal and could potentially become a trade chip—though, according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner, the 49ers are unlikely to deal him.
DeCosta may not be a major player in the first wave of free agency, either. Expect Baltimore to again seek out bargains on short-term deals, an approach it used with players like Beckham, Clowney and Ya-Sin last offseason.
Players who fit this mold include wide receiver Tyler Boyd, running back Austin Ekeler, runner/receiver Cordarrelle Patterson and edge-rusher Leonard Floyd. The Ravens will likely consider any veteran who can still play at a high level and who is willing to sign a low- or mid-level contract.
If Huntley departs, Baltimore could also be in the market for a seasoned backup like Jacoby Brissett for former Raven Tyrod Taylor.
Most likely, we'll see the Ravens dedicate the bulk of their cap resources to retaining their own. Don't expect big names like Danielle Hunter, Tee Higgins, Mike Evans or D.J. Reader to make their way to Baltimore unless it's on team-friendly deals.
DeCosta should look to keep as many key contributors as possible while continuing to build the roster through the draft.
Draft Targets
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Baltimore's draft approach will probably hinge almost entirely on which players it is able to retain. The Ravens are talented enough to justify a best--player-available approach, but if standouts like Madubuike, Queen and Clowny depart, there will be critical needs.
Regardless of what the Ravens do in free agency, it's high time they add a capable young pass-rusher to the roster. After years of leaning on aging vets like Clowney, Justin Houston and Calais Campbell, the Ravens could benefit greatly from a sack artist on a rookie contract.
A prospect like Penn State's Chop Robinson could be a perfect target for Baltimore at the bottom of Round 1.
"Robinson might have the best combination of get-off and bend in this draft class. He's lightning-quick off the ball and very flexible in his lower body," Matt Holder of the B/R Scouting Department wrote.
If Madubuike departs, defensive linemen like Clemson's Ruke Orhorhoro and Texas' Byron Murphy II should be firmly on Baltimore's radar on Day 1 or early Day 2.
The Ravens should also consider a long-term solution at running back early in the draft. Their committee was serviceable in 2023, but a prospect like Trey Benson of Florida State or Wisconsin's Braelon Allen might finally solidify the position for Baltimore.
It wouldn't be a surprise to see the Ravens target a receiver early either. Beckham and Nelson Agholor could both depart, and the wildly inconsistent Rashod Bateman will likely be a free agent in 2025—the Ravens will have to make a decision regarding his fifth-year option this offseason.
While DeCosta finally hit on a first-round receiver with Zay Flowers, there's room for another talented young pass-catcher in this offense. He shouldn't dismiss the idea of targeting a pass-catcher like LSU's Brian Thomas Jr. or Oregon's Troy Franklin early.
Baltimore could also use some depth at cornerback and along the interior of the offensive line, so expect prospects like Clemson corner Nate Wiggins and Illinois lineman Isaiah Adams to also get early consideration.
The Ravens are slated to have seven 2024 selections, including a pair of seventh-rounders (Chuck Clark trade) and no sixth-round pick (2023 draft trade with the Cleveland Browns).
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