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Baltimore Ravens: What’s next now without Earl Thomas

By Jake Lippman

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 20: Earl Thomas #29 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates a defensive stand against the Seattle Seahawks during the game at CenturyLink Field on October 20, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Baltimore Ravens top the Seattle Seahawks 30-16. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 20: Earl Thomas #29 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates a defensive stand against the Seattle Seahawks during the game at CenturyLink Field on October 20, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Baltimore Ravens top the Seattle Seahawks 30-16. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 22: Odell Beckham Jr. #13 of the Cleveland Browns trades cleats with Earl Thomas III #29 of the Baltimore Ravens after the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 22, 2019, in Cleveland, Ohio. Baltimore defeated Cleveland 31-15. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 22: Odell Beckham Jr. #13 of the Cleveland Browns trades cleats with Earl Thomas III #29 of the Baltimore Ravens after the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 22, 2019, in Cleveland, Ohio. Baltimore defeated Cleveland 31-15. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

Bottom Line:

Now that Earl Thomas is gone, the Baltimore Ravens most likely will use some sort of rotation this year at safety, with Clark playing every down he is available to play. Look for a veteran free agent signing. Besides, the guys mentioned there are a lot of options on the free agent market. Those options could include a reunion with Darian Stewart, Brynden Trawick, or Kai Nacua. they also could include guys like Eric Reid, Antoine Bethea, and Reshad Jones.

With options aplenty there are many options to be had and the current guys will be given the first crack at the spot. Look for at least one, maybe two options to be signed this week and for a competition to brew for the last few weeks of training camp. With opening day just 3 weeks away this is a scenario that the Ravens did not want to see occur, but Coach Harbaugh knows how to deal with these situations and will adjust. Look for Elliott to get a lot of playing time early in the season and for the team to load up on back up options. Players like Jimmy Smith and Anthony Levine should help fill the role but the Ravens definitely will look for extra help.

This makes Chuck Clark’s role on the defense that much larger and the Ravens must rely on him and the veteran core to help figure out how to move forward. As we wait for roster moves to be made let’s hope that Deshon Elliott can step into the role and Chuck Clark can continue his growth from past years. Look for this to hurt the defense early in the season but for the Ravens to adjust and find a long-term fixture this offseason.

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