Ravens: 4 free agents who would instantly improve the roster

Ravens, Justin Houston Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Ravens, Justin Houston Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ravens Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The Ravens could sign Melvin Ingram

Another veteran pass rusher who the Ravens could consider signing is Melvin Ingram. Ingram has been one of the NFL’s best edge rushers for close to a decade now, but he finds himself in the twilight of his career.

That said, he’s certainly still an effective player.

While his stat sheet might not be indicative of it, Ingram remained a productive pass rusher last season despite failing to record a single sack in seven games.

The longtime Chargers edge rusher finished with a PFF grade of 72.3 which ranked 27th at his position. In fact, his 76.3 pass-rush grade actually ranked top-20 out of all edge defenders.

Ingram is still a good player, even if he isn’t the perennial Pro Bowler that he once was.

Adding Ingram would allow rookies like Odafe Oweh and Daelin Hayes the opportunity to grow into their roles in the defense. After all, Wink Martindale’s scheme notoriously asks a lot of its outside linebackers.

Ingram played in a 3-4 front for most of his career with the Chargers and should have no trouble adapting to Baltimore’s scheme.

If the Ravens want to add a veteran pass-rusher before the start of the season, they could do much worse than Melvin Ingram.