Ravens: 4 free agents the team could sign before Week 1
By Justin Fried
2. Ravens target: Roderick Johnson, OT
Back to the offensive tackle position with former Houston Texans offensive lineman Roderick Johnson. Much like Sharpe, Johnson could provide valuable depth to a Ravens offensive line that desperately needs it.
A fifth-round pick of the Cleveland Browns in the 2017 NFL Draft, Johnson missed his entire rookie season due to injury and ended up getting cut before he could ever play in a game.
The Texans scooped him up and he developed into a quality swing tackle over the subsequent years. In 2019, Johnson started three games and played in all 16 earning a Pro Football Focus grade of 66.8 that ranked 40th at his position.
Not bad for a backup offensive tackle who hadn’t started an NFL game prior to that year.
He returned in 2020 as Houston’s top backup tackle once again making three starts and appearing in 12 games. His PFF grade didn’t slip much either as he still finished with a 64.5 grade that would have ranked 52nd if he played enough snaps to qualify.
Despite his quality play, the Texans released Johnson last month as part of the team’s offseason exodus of talent. The 25-year-old has been quick to try and find work elsewhere working out with a number of different teams in recent days.
The Ravens should be one of those teams interested given his experience and recent reliable play.
Baltimore needs a dependable swing tackle. Right now, their best options are Phillips and Mekari (two players who wouldn’t be playing at their natural position) and practice squad members Andre Smith and Adrian Ealy.
It’s safe to say that Johnson would likely be an upgrade.