Maliek Collins is an intriguing free-agent target for the Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens may seek roster reinforcements in free agency, where they could go after Houston Texans’ Maliek Collins to fortify their defensive line.

Collins has played on three different teams in the last three seasons, so why not play for a fourth?

The defensive tackle’s most productive years might just be behind him — back in his rookie year in Dallas, Collins recorded a career-high 13 quarterback hits and five sacks.

Collins may want to spend another year on the Texans, but if he and the club can’t come to a mutual agreement, Collins would be a highly coveted target in free agency.

Enter the Ravens.

PFF’s Brad Spielberger listed one free agent every NFL team should pursue this offseason and believes Baltimore’s defense could get a big boost with Maliek Collins:

"“Collins and Ravens 2020 third-rounder Justin Madubuike could be a solid young tandem operating as three- and five-techniques in defensive coordinator Wink Martindale’s multiple-front scheme. Collins has generated at least 25 quarterback pressures in five of his first six NFL seasons.”"

This article was written before Wink Martindale’s firing, so excuse Spielberger for that one.

The Ravens would gain a youthful upgrade to their defensive line with Maliek Collins

The Ravens do need help on the defensive line, and Collins would serve as a starting-caliber defender who could provide a more long-term solution.

The Ravens’ defensive line has held down the fort for many years, but it’s only a matter of time before their players’ ages catch up to them.

Calais Campbell and Brandon Williams were two of the team’s top defensive linemen this past season and will be turning 36 and 33-years-old, respectively, in 2022 (they will also become free agents).

As Baltimore prepares to rebuild its starting defensive line, the team would be wise to add a relatively young player in the 26-year-old Collins.

In 15 games in 2021, Collins recorded 2.5 sacks, seven quarterback hits, and 28 total tackles, proving he can still be a reliable member of their interior defense.

Regardless of who becomes the Ravens’ new defensive coordinator, Collins has shown he can adapt and play in a variety of defensive schemes.

Soon enough, Collins could find a loving home in Baltimore — the Ravens would be nothing but grateful for the upgrade in their defensive line.