The Baltimore Ravens season ended prematurely, finishing the season 8-9 and in last place in the AFC North. The team had high expectations, especially after starting the season 8-3. But injuries and inconsistent play saw the Ravens lose their final six games of the regular season.
Former league MVP, Lamar Jackson, missed a number of games due to injury. Tyler Huntely did his best Jackson impressions filling in, but it wasn't enough to snap their losing streak.
Now heading into the offseason, Baltimore faces a lot of questions with the roster. There are a number of key players on the Ravens defense that are unrestricted free agents. They could potentially lose defensive end Calais Campbell, defensive tackle Brandon Williams and cornerback Jimmy Smith. Those would be huge losses to a team built on defense.
Here are some key free agents that the Baltimore Ravens should target this offseason.
*Watch every NFL game live with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
3 Free Agent Targets for the Baltimore Ravens
3. Defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi
If Baltimore ends up losing Campbell and Williams, they will certainly be looking for some interior line help on defense. Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi is young, athletic and versatile. He is coming off his best season to date, posting career highs in sacks with seven and tackles for loss with 16.
Ogunjobi finished his first season with the Bengals. He suffered an ankle injury during the wild card round of the AFC playoffs. However, it does not sound as though it will interfere with his ability to be ready for training camp next season.
Prior to this season, Ogunjobi played his first four seasons with the Cleveland Browns. So, he is very familiar with the AFC North and knows how to attack the opponents offensive lines. It makes too much sense not to go after Ogunjobi this offseason. If anything, the ankle injury might allow Baltimore to sign him on the cheap.
2. Safety Tyrann Mathieu
The Kansas City Chiefs superstar safety, Tyrann Mathieu, is set to become a free agent this offseason. The ball-hawking leader of the Chiefs defense would make a great fit with Baltimore.
Mathieu reminds me a little of longtime Ravens safety Ed Reed. Reed was more of a physical player who would make plays in the running game. But Mathieu is also always around the ball.
Mathieu is a three-time All-Pro selection, and helped the Chiefs to a Super Bowl championship two seasons ago. It would not be the easiest guy to fit under the cap, but Mathieu would be worth the investment. He is coming off another stellar season for Kansas City.
1. Wide Receiver Allen Robinson
The Baltimore Ravens have invested in the wide receiver position lately. But the early returns have not been as they had hoped. Marquise “Hollywood” Brown can stretch the field. But they are still lacking a second receiver that can make plays for Lamar Jackson.
Allen Robinson is coming off the worst season of his career. He finished with 38 catches for 410 yards, despite playing most of the year in 12 games. That would make Robinson attainable for a lot less than he has commanded in the past.
But the talent is still there. Robinson can stretch the field, but is also a good route-runner with good hands. The Chicago Bears have lacked at quarterback in the last few seasons. I believe that is a much stronger indicator as to why Robinson has struggled. He could thrive with Lamar Jackson in Baltimore.
Follow Us
Subscribe