7 pass rushers the Ravens can sign after the Za’Darius Smith snub
By Justin Fried
The Baltimore Ravens find themselves scrambling for pass-rush help following the unexpected development with Za’Darius Smith. The former Ravens outside linebacker is no longer on his way back to Baltimore after their reported deal fell through.
All of a sudden, the Ravens once again have a pretty gaping hole at outside linebacker and their options to address the position in free agency are running out. There are still a few worthwhile targets, however.
Justin Houston and Pernell McPhee are free agents while Tyus Bowser is recovering from a torn Achilles leaving the Ravens dangerously thin at the position.
These seven players remain on the open market and could be targets for Eric DeCosta and company.
7. Ravens target: Trey Flowers
When the Detroit Lions signed Trey Flowers to a massive five-year, $90 million contract prior to the 2019 season, they hoped they were landing a player who would be a staple of their defense for years to come.
For various reasons, that never came to be as Flowers flopped in Detroit, due in part to two injury-riddled campaigns. After a promising first season with the Lions, Flowers played just seven games in 2020 and 2021 recording a grand total of 3.5 sacks.
Now a free agent again following his release, Flowers will be looking for a new home, and the Ravens could take advantage of the opportunity.
At just 28-years-old, Flowers should still have something left in the tank and it’s easy to see him fitting in with Mike Macdonald’s defensive system. The biggest question with him is health.