9 best Ravens free agency targets remaining after Day 1
By Justin Fried
6. Ravens target: Linval Joseph, DT
The Ravens are looking for a new nose tackle this offseason, and veteran Linval Joseph could step right into the hole that the departures of Brandon Williams and Justin Ellis have left.
At 33-years-old, Joseph would be little more than a short-term fix. The 12-year NFL veteran has spent the last two years of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers, and while his best days are behind him, he’s still a reliable run-stopper.
That’s really all the Ravens are looking for too.
Joseph should come relatively cheap and would be an appealing one-year fix at nose tackle while the team explores other options in the draft.
5. Ravens target: Za’Darius Smith, OLB
Hayden Hurst isn’t the only former Ravens player that could reunite with the team this offseason. The recently released Za’Darius Smith appears to be on the Ravens’ radar.
Reports indicate that Baltimore is eyeing Smith and that a reunion could be in order in the near future. The 29-year-old broke out in Green Bay earning back-to-back Pro Bowl nods after finishing with 26 sacks in two seasons.
However, an injury-riddled 2021 campaign ultimately led to his premature release. The Ravens are obviously chomping at the bit to bring in back to Baltimore.
With an obvious need at outside linebacker, Smith would be a welcome addition and someone who can fill the Justin Houston role in their defense.