6 Ravens players who could be cap casualties this offseason

1. Alejandro Villanueva, OT, Ravens

Of all the players on this list, Alejandro Villanueva is the most likely to be released this offseason. Signed as a hopeful stop-gap at right tackle, Villanueva started just one game on the right side before stepping in for the injured Ronnie Stanley at left tackle.

Playing his natural position again, there was hope that Villanueva could perform admirably protecting Lamar Jackson’s blindside. But ultimately, he was mostly a liability.

Villanueva’s $9.25 million cap hit is projected to be the fifth-highest on the Ravens roster entering 2022. However, Baltimore could save $6 million by simply releasing him.

It’s hard to imagine they don’t go in that direction.

The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec recently reported that it was “likely” the Ravens would cut ties with Villanueva this offseason to free up additional cap space. And how could you blame them?

Villanueva was a below-average starter in 2021 and the Ravens have other options at offensive tackle. Ronnie Stanley is set to return, Patrick Mekari was extended, and Ja’Wuan James remains a wild card.

Not to mention, it’s highly likely the Ravens address the offensive line early in the 2022 NFL Draft, perhaps even with the 14th overall pick.

The Ravens don’t need Villanueva, and they definitely don’t need him at his current price tag. This one feels like a foregone conclusion at this point.

Don’t expect Alejandro Villanueva to be on the Ravens roster at the start of next season.