4 players along for one last ride with the Ravens
By Kristen Wong
3. Derek Wolfe
Justin Madubuike was expected to serve as Derek Wolfe’s replacement in 2021, but injuries saw the 24-year-old start just 11 games and record two sacks on the year.
In 2022, Madubuike may finally live up to expectations and muscle Wolfe out of a starting job.
Wolfe, on his end, has also suffered serious injuries and hasn’t played a snap since 2020. His best years were spent on the Denver Broncos, and he took a deal with the Ravens only after the Broncos quietly pushed him out.
In 2020 and in his first season in Baltimore, Wolfe played 14 games and posted 51 combined tackles, four quarterback hits, and one sack during a campaign marred by hip and back injuries. He recently dismissed talk of retirement, saying he “fully” intends on coming back to the Ravens this season, but his injury history and age is difficult to ignore.
Wolfe joins Campbell as two of the oldest members on the Ravens, and if one of them goes, the other might, too. Baltimore has been patiently waiting for a good time to rejuvenate its aging defensive line, and Wolfe’s inability to stay healthy coupled with Campbell’s decreased production only proves the team needs more young blood.
We wouldn’t be surprised at all if the Ravens want to move on from Wolfe by the end of the 2022 season, and the feeling might be mutual.