Ravens 2018 free agency: What you need to know

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 17: Danny Woodhead
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 17: Danny Woodhead /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next
OWINGS MILLS, MD – MAY 05: Head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens speaks with general manager Ozzie Newsome after a practice during the Baltimore Ravens rookie camp on May 5, 2013 in Owings Mills, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
OWINGS MILLS, MD – MAY 05: Head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens speaks with general manager Ozzie Newsome after a practice during the Baltimore Ravens rookie camp on May 5, 2013 in Owings Mills, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

The Baltimore Ravens begin their trek to a new season in 2018. The first step is free agency and here’s everything you need to know.

While Super Bowl 52 marked the end of the 2017 season for the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots, the Baltimore Ravens were one of the 20 teams who got an early start on their offseason. The Ravens failed to make the postseason for the third year in a row and the seat has officially turned hot in the Charm City.

This is one of the most important offseason for the franchise. At a standstill, another year of mediocrity could call for an entirely new look inside the organization. But for now, the Ravens believe they have the tools to make a postseason run and will continue to improve the roster this offseason. Before the draft rolls around in late April, the free agency period kicks off.

The Ravens are projected to have around $10.5 million in cap space. That ranks 27th of the 32 teams and there won’t be much wiggle room for Ozzie Newsome to work with. Roster cuts and restructured contracts will provide some relief but the Ravens aren’t expected to be huge spenders this offseason, which is a problem given their needs.

Here’s everything you need to know for the Ravens entering free agency.

Free agency dates

March 12th: Teams can begin to contact or enter contract negotiations with agents of players expected to become unrestricted free agents. However, any deal cannot be completed until March 14th.

March 14th: At 4 P.M. ET, all 2017 contracts expire and free agency period begins. Teams are able to sign or trade players.