Baltimore Ravens: 3 players they will miss in 2017

Jan 1, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Baltimore Ravens right tackle Rick Wagner (71) defends against Oakland Raiders defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (97) at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 37-33. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Baltimore Ravens right tackle Rick Wagner (71) defends against Oakland Raiders defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (97) at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 37-33. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Rick Wagner

Out of all the loses, right tackle Rick Wagner could prove to be the biggest. The 2013 5th-round pick has developed into one of the best young tackles in the NFL. But the problem with that? The demand for offensive line man is huge in free agency.

To be fair, there was really nothing the Ravens could do. They did not have the cap space to keep Wagner, especially with the money he was demanding. It is now the second season in a row that they have lost one of their key offensive lineman. In 2015 it was guard Kelechi Osemele, who is now an All-Pro with the Raiders.

The Ravens are left finding a replacement for Wagner and it hasn’t proved to be easy. They have options in-house like Alex Lewis, but he slots in better at guard. James Hurst has experience there, but hasn’t played particularly well when given the opportunity. The last two options would be two undrafted free agents in Stephane Nembot and De’Ondre Wesley.

Next: How C.J. Mosley Can Win Defensive Player of the Year

The possibility of adding a free agent is there, but it all depends on cap space. Right now, it seems the Ravens are focused on adding a wide receiver over an offensive lineman.