Big decisions loom for the Baltimore Ravens top-ranked defense

The Baltimore Ravens 2018 defense was downright unmovable last season, but could it be in-store for a massive makeover this off-season?

The Baltimore Ravens defense last season was dominate at times. They finished first in total yards allowed per game and second in points allowed per game.

Among all sorts of outstanding performances, the team’s week six shutout over the Tennessee Titans stands out the most. During the game, the Ravens recorded a franchise record 11 sacks. The defense was also able to hold their own and control top offenses like the Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, and the Los Angeles Chargers.

Now, with only a few weeks till the new league year and 2018 Free Agency begins, the Baltimore Ravens defense has big-name free agents and veteran players with big salary cap hits. Change seems inevitable for one of the league’s best defensive units. Here’s the biggest names on the list and what I think could happen to them:

C.J. Mosley:

C.J. Mosley has been the model of consistency since the Ravens drafted him with the 17th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. The former Alabama inside linebacker has made the Pro Bowl four out of his five years with the team. Mosley’s intelligence and leadership skills are second-to-none across the league, as well.

Mosley is as professional as they come, and is the living definition of a “we” guy, not a “me” guy. The big question is if the Ravens want to pay him top inside linebacker money, a position where teams usually doesn’t put big money towards unless you an All-Pro type player.

It doesn’t help that Mosley isn’t overly flashy. He doesn’t put up huge sack or interception numbers, but he’s certainly towards the top-tier inside linebacker category. As a team that doesn’t have many blue chip players, the Ravens can’t afford to let a young Pro-Bowl player like Mosley walk.

My Prediction: The Ravens resign Mosley for a 4-5 year deal for $11-14 million per year.