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The Baltimore Ravens saw a couple of their key contributors on their defense depart during free agency. They lost C.J. Mosley, Terrell Suggs, Za'Darius Smith, and Eric Weddle. That leaves a few voids in the defense, but could the Ravens find their replacement for Mosley in the pool of the remaining free agents? It's possible with Jamie Collins sitting in free agency.
Collins was cut by the Cleveland Browns earlier this offseason after putting together a decent season in 2018.
Collins is heading into his seventh NFL season after spending three and a half years with the New England Patriots. He was traded to the Browns in 2016 midway through the season.
With the Patriots, Collins was becoming one of the best linebackers in the NFL. He was a very athletic linebacker that was able to be moved around on defense.
Bill Belichick liked using him as an inside linebacker, but he would occasionally let him loose to go after the quarterback. In his first three seasons, Collins had 9.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles, and three interceptions.
Surprisingly, the Patriots moved on from Collins by trading him to Cleveland after there were reports of the linebacker having character issues.
Since joining the Browns, Collins hasn't been as dynamic, but he is still a solid linebacker in today's league. The Browns have used Collins as one of their outside linebackers in their 4-3 scheme.
Collins would likely fit into the Ravens' 3-4 scheme more so as an inside linebacker rather than an edge rusher. This is due to his ability to be able to play the run and make plays in coverage.
With Mosley gone, there are big shoes to fill in the middle of the Ravens defense. In 2018, Baltimore boasted the number one defense—yardage wise—in the NFL.
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The play of Mosley, Suggs, Smith, and Weddle contributed to having the best defense in the NFL. So, how do you replace players like the following in 2019?
Through the draft, free agency, and the guys who are already developing on your roster. Thus, the Ravens should at least do their research to possibly bring Collins in for a visit.
He showed he can still be a talented linebacker in 2018 by racking up 104 tackles, four sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception. Adding him to the fold could be very beneficial for both sides.
Collins is likely looking for somewhere that could allow him to be himself as a player. Baltimore would be a perfect fit if he is fine with becoming an inside linebacker once again.
The Ravens are probably one of the few franchises that can get the most out of Collins. Regardless of the losses this offseason, Baltimore should still have one of the best defenses in football.
They were able to land Earl Thomas this offseason to replace Weddle. Baltimore will still boast a phenomenal secondary with Jimmy Smith, Marlon Humphrey, Tony Jefferson, and Thomas.
The front seven is also still talented with Matthew Judon, Patrick Onwuasor, Michael Pierce, and Brandon Williams. Adding Collins would strengthen this defense even further, which is why the Ravens need to try to sign the veteran linebacker.
