NFL Free Agency: Who Might The Ravens Sign Now?

Nov. 25, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Arizona Cardinals safety Kerry Rhodes (25) against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Ravens have a long history of making free agent grabs or trades deep into the offseason on the cusp of the preseason. Some recent examples of Laste signings include Lee Evans and Brant McKinnie. John Harbaugh said recently that the Ravens were still “in love” with some of the remaining free agents, so who could they sign?

1. Vonta Leech, FB, Baltimore Ravens- at the top of the list is basically an in house player. The Ravens cut Leecha about a month ago to save cap space. Leech has found a very soft free agent market and the Ravens could end up being his best option as long as he isnt upset about the release. Leechs’ play time would go down in Baltimore, but he knows the system and the locker-room and if the Dolphins or Giants don’t offer more than the Ravens do, then a return could be very possible.

2. Brandon Lloyd, WR, New England Patriots- Let me start by saying that I am not a huge Brandon Lloyd fan. He is a decent player, but it isnt a myster as to why he is still on the free agent market. He is an older WR who wants more money and a bigger role than his talent indicates he should get. That said, if Lloyd would sign for somewhere near the vet minimum on a one or two year deal, he could be a good get and help the Ravens make up for the loss of Anquan Boldin.

3. Austin Collie, WR, Indianapolis Colts/Laurent Robinson, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars- Another WR(s). both of these guys have dealt with heavy concussion issues, especially Robinson, and they are big time risks. Both guys also have a ton of talent and ability and can play in the slot very efficiently. Jim Caldwell has a history with Collie stretching back to his time as a head coach in Indianapolis where Collie was drafted and has spent his entire career. This reuninon might be the most likely signing on this list.

4. Jacob Lacey, CB, Detroit Lions- Dont worry if you’ve never heard of Lacey, most people haven’t. Lacey is a nickel corner for the Lions until this free agency. Lacey isnt a big time player, but he is better than many people think and he could make an impact in the nickel role of Lardarius Webb is slow to return to start the season. Lacey struggled early in his career, but he played well in the back half of last season when he was transitioned to being a full time nickel slot defender instead of trying to match up on the outsides. He could come in and play 20-35 snaps per game at a reasonable price and a solid level of efficiency. Lacey has a lot of potential and at just 26 years old, he is just entering his prime years. He could be a steal.

5. Kerry Rhodes, S, Arizona Cardinals-It baffles me why Rhodes is still on the market. I understand he isn’t a guy who is going to solidify the safety position of your team or anything, but he is a very good player and, at this point, can’t be asking for that much money. The Ravens are a little thin at safety behind their starters, one of whom is a rookie, and could use a player like Rhodes who can play either safety spot and play it well enough to not have a huge drop-off if a starter were to get hurt. Rhodes would be one of the better backups in the league at any position and he would be a signing that could potentially pay huge dividends if one of the Ravens starters were to get hurt. Rhodes is coming off the best season of his career, but also just turned 31.

Have any others? let me know in the comments.