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The Baltimore Ravens are one of the most overlooked teams in the NFL as free agency approaches. Despite numerous injuries to key players, the Ravens nearly managed to make their fourth straight postseason appearance. This offseason is a huge opportunity for general manager Eric DeCosta to improve the roster, both in free agency and the draft. The Ravens will likely be looking to make instant upgrades, as they believe that they are on the brink of championship contention. Here are three free agents that would help the Ravens take that step towards the Super Bowl.
Ravens Free Agency Targets
Eddie Goldman
The Ravens will be missing a couple of their defensive linemen from last season in 2022. Calais Campbell and Brandon Williams, who both played 13 games or more, are both set to become free agents. Baltimore will need to make a couple of signings to compensate for those losses. Campbell is nearly impossible to replace, but Goldman would do a decent job filling in for Williams. The six-foot-four, 320-pound lineman is coming off of a rough year, but he could bounce back well in the right role.
BREAKING: Eddie Goldman is being released by the Bears. Ryan Poles is cleaning house, how are you feeling about this? #Bears #BearDown #NFL pic.twitter.com/io4up5hUE2
— The Sick Podcast with Adam Rank (@sickpodadamrank) March 11, 2022
The Ravens wouldn't be asking him to do much pass-rushing, making his life a lot easier. Signing Goldman would give the Ravens the presence in the middle they need to continue their tradition of elite run defense.
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Rashod Hill
This definitely wouldn't be the most glamorous signing, but it makes a ton of sense. Hill has spent the last six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings as a crucial backup along the offensive line. He's proven that he can play either guard or tackle in a pinch, and do it serviceably. That's exactly what the Ravens should be looking for after injuries exposed the lack of depth on their offensive line in 2021. Hill can be a backup across four positions on the offensive line, effectively eliminating the need for more depth signings. He also won't demand a huge contract as a career backup. The Ravens don't have a ton of money to spare, so a small contract for a guy who fills the roles of several backups would be a slam-dunk signing.
Kareem Jackson
This is another unexciting signing, but it would massively improve Baltimore's defense. Starting safety DeShon Elliott is set to hit free agency and get paid well, leaving the Ravens short a defensive starter. Jackson is towards the back end of his career, but he proved himself to be a capable starter with the Denver Broncos in 2021. He's at his best playing in the box, a role the Ravens can certainly provide for him. He would also provide some veteran leadership to the several young safeties that Baltimore has on its roster. Former third-round pick Brandon Stephens was pressed into action as a rookie last year, and while he did show his potential, he also showed why he was picked in the third round. Jackson could help develop Stephens into a legitimate starter with time.
Signing Jackson is also a financially viable option. The Ravens only have about $15 million in cap space, so they have to spend carefully. A cheap one-year contract for Jackson seems like a perfect fit, as it gives Baltimore a starter for a fairly good price.
