Baltimore Ravens: Five Potential Free Agents For A Ravens' Super Bowl Run

On the day when the New York Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers will battle in frigid conditions for a trip to Dallas, Ravens fans will turn away from their televisions around 6:30 EST.

Maybe they'll clean the garage, read a book, or have a family board game night (whatever that is). But more than likely they will think about what their Ravens can do to be great next season.

Regardless of what happens with the CBA, there is going to be an NFL draft in April and rather than discuss unproven rookies, I want to address a few of the free agent signings that would make the most sense for Baltimore. This slideshow highlights several key additions that could take the Ravens to the promised land next season.***

***Disclaimer: I passionately hope that the NFL can avoid a lockout in 2011. This will be my only acknowledgement of the possibility that there might not be football next year.

Pass Rusher: Tamba Hali, Kansas City Chiefs

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 09: Linebacker Tamba Hali #91 of the Kansas City Chiefs hits the ball out of the hands of quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 9, 2011 in

I think the picture above says it all. The Ravens need to add another pas rusher to help Terrell Suggs, who had a monster year. Hali is that guy. He terrorized the Ravens in the playoffs this year and had 14.5 sacks. He will have a large price tag on his head after a career season, but the Ravens might be willing to pay. Hali would make opposing QBs quiver.

Other Notable Pass Rushing Free Agents:

Ray Edwards: Minnesota Vikings

Matt Roth: Cleveland Browns

Richard Seymour: Oakland Raiders

Jason Babin: Tennessee Titans

Cornerback: Johnathan Joseph, Cincinnati Bengals

David Maxwell/Getty Images

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 10: Jonathan Joseph #22 of the Cincinnati Bengals almost intercepts a pass intended for Alvis Whitted #87 of the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter on December 10, 2006 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Beng

I know. Ravens fans are going to be screaming for Asomugha. But Asomugha will be the top unrestricted free agent this offseason. Joseph is well acquainted with the Ravens, having played for the Bengals in his first four seasons. The former first-round pick is bigger than any of the Ravens' corners at 5'11" and 190 lbs, and has tremendous ball skills. Is he the shutdown corner that Asomugha is? No. Would he be a significant and important signing for the Ravens? Absolutely. 

Other Notable Conerback Free Agents:

Ike Taylor: Pittsburgh Steelers

Antonio Cromartie: New York Jets

Drayton Florence: Buffalo Bills

Carlos Rodgers: Washington Redskins

Fullback: Naufahu Tahi, Minnesota Vikings

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 6: Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball as teammate Naufahu Tahi #38 guards during the second quarter of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 6, 2009 in Gle

A fullback? Really? While I understand your disdain, Le'Ron McClain has essentially declared his desire to move on and the Ravens need a fullback who understands his role. With two very skilled runners in Ray Rice and Willis McGahee, Baltimore needs to find a dependable fullback who can clear out linebackers and safeties. Tahi is huge (254 lbs.) and has demonstrated his worth by blocking for Adrian Peterson in Minnesota. This would be like buying the best new tires for your car. Not a glamorous purchase, but extremely important.

Other Notable Fullback Free Agents:

Vontae Leach: Houston Texans

Heath Evans: New Orleans Saints

Vertical Threat: James Jones, Green Bay Packers

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: James Jones #89 of the Green Bay Packers scores a 20-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter against Atari Bigby #20 of the Atlanta Falcons during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011

A great deal of press was dedicated to the Ravens' improvement at wide receiver during the 2010 offseason. The additions of Anquan Boldin and T.J. Houshmandzadeh gave Joe Flacco skilled, reliable receivers who could move the chains. What they didn't give this offense was a downfield threat. I personally think that cliched moniker is overemphasized, but it's a must in a Cam Cameron offense. Jones would not need to be the number one receiver in Baltimore and would assume a role similar to where he is now in Green Bay. Jones can make big plays downfield and would come relatively cheap.

Other Notable Field Stretchers:

Devin Aromashodu: Chicago Bears

Santonio Holmes: New York Jets

Jacoby Jones: Houston Texans

Offensive Tackle: Matt Light, New England Patriots

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 12: Julius Peppers #90 of the Chicago Bears rushes against Matt Light #72 of the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on December 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Patriots defeated the Bears 36-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty

Question: What does Tom Brady have that Joe Flacco doesn't?

Answer: Besides a couple of Super Bowl rings and MVP trophies, Brady has one of the most consistent offensive lines in football. Matt Light is a cornerstone of that line and could be the most important pickup of the Ravens' offseason.

The Ravens allowed six sacks to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the game last week. As I noted in my last slide, Cam Cameron's offense depends on later developing vertical routes that stretch the defense. If the offensive line struggles in pass protection, however, the quarterback can become vulnerable to pressure. Light would solidify the Ravens' outside and be a major improvement to a beleaguered unit. The addition of Light would allow the Ravens to shuffle their personnel around at the offensive line to improve their overall protection. This is going to be key if Baltimore expects to make a legitimate Super Bowl run in 2011.

Other Notable Tackle Free Agents:

Jamaal Brown: Washington Redskins

Jermon Bushrod: New Orleans Saints

Sean Locklear: Seattle Seahawks