Baltimore Ravens: What Free Agency Moves Could They Make?

BaltimoreRavens.com's John Eisenberg is right—the Ravens have been quiet this offseason, almost too quiet. He characterizes this period as the calm before the storm and that the team has some big moves planned for free agency, which begins later this afternoon.

I agree with Eisenberg that the Ravens are going to make at least one bold move, either later today or through the end of the week. The question is just what that move will be.

The Ravens haven't done much to tip their hand as far as their offseason strategy, so that means we need to make some educated guesses based on what we know about the team's cap situation and roster needs.

The Ravens need to make additions at wide receiver, and free agency could be a good source of talent. The bulk of their receiving corps is young so veteran leadership is something they're likely looking for, especially after cutting Lee Evans after his lone season in Baltimore.

Baltimore has somewhere in the area of $13 to $14 million in cap space to work with depending on the source, which means they won't be going after some of the more expensive free agent receivers on the market like Vincent Jackson or Mike Wallace.

However, some second-tier players could prove valuable to the Ravens if they can be had at the right price. If the Ravens do add a free agent receiver this offseason, it could be Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garçon, Robert Meachem or even Eddie Royal, who has special teams talent as well.

Garçon or Meachem would be the best bets, but considering Garçon recently turned down a five-year, $35 million deal to stay with the Indianapolis Colts, the Ravens could find themselves priced out unless Garçon is willing to negotiate. Meachem would be more affordable.

The Ravens could make a move to pick up a free agent running back, but they'd need to tread carefully. Contract negotiations with franchise player Ray Rice are ongoing, and if the Ravens push for a well-known name at the position, it could sour the talks.

Bleacher Report's John Jenkins mentions former Raven Le'Ron McClain could be a good candidate to return, and he's just the kind of non-threatening free agency addition that could boost their running back corps.

McClain could both serve as a backup to fullback Vonta Leach and for Rice and his familiarity with the Ravens offense makes him an enticing addition who will likely come with an affordable price tag.

The boldest thing the Ravens could do in free agency is make a move for a veteran quarterback to compete with backup Tyrod Taylor to ensure starter Joe Flacco has some worthwhile depth behind him.

Taylor is talented, but young and still developing as a professional player. An experienced quarterback provides insurance behind Flacco as well as another mentoring hand for Taylor.

Chad Henne isn't an option, considering he's reported to be worth as much as $5 million this year, but Brady Quinn, Rex Grossman and Trent Edwards are among the numerous free agent quarterbacks hitting the market, all worthy of a backup gig.

The Ravens need to use a good chunk of their cap space to retain some of their own free agents as well as work on contracts for some of their biggest offensive stars. However, look for them to make at least one significant addition in free agency, even if those one or two players aren't the biggest of names.

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