Former Ravens we’d love to see fail in the playoffs

The Baltimore Ravens don’t have too many regrets about players they let go or traded away in the past, but here are a few who they may harbor some bitterness toward in the postseason.

3. Za’Darius Smith

Remember the outside linebacker who snubbed Baltimore this past offseason? Current Vikings pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith has started every game for Minnesota in 2022 and has turned into very valuable asset indeed: in 16 games, he’s recorded 44 total tackles, 24 quarterback hits, five passes defended, and ten sacks.

He reneged on his verbal agreement with Baltimore last free agency, choosing to follow the money and get a bigger paycheck from the Vikings.

Minnesota may have secured a top seed in the NFC, but the Ravens hope Smith gets knocked out by the New York Giants this weekend.

2. Orlando Brown

This was a trade that was bound to happen. Brown had outpriced his stay following three productive years in Baltimore and was looking for a top-dollar extension. With a healthy Ronnie Stanley sliding back in at left tackle, Brown didn’t want to return to the right side, and the Ravens weren’t planning to pay him the kind of money he was looking for.

The Kansas City Chiefs and the Ravens reached a mutual agreement for Brown in April of 2021, and the Ravens shed no tears over losing a premier offensive lineman.

In the end, the trade worked out for both sides, and everybody got what they wanted.

Still, the Ravens don’t want to see Brown winning a ring in a Chiefs uniform.

1. Hayden Hurst

Considering the fact that the Ravens play the Bengals on Sunday, Baltimore really wants to see Hurst fail in the playoffs.

The former Ravens tight end joined Cincinnati prior to the 2022 season and has carved out a significant role as one of Joe Burrow’s favorite targets. Hurst had 52 catches for 414 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games and should continue to feature heavily in the Bengals’ offensive scheme, especially if opponents double-team Cincy’s elite wideouts.

The Ravens’ linebackers should have an answer for Hurst in the Wild Card game, but regardless, Baltimore want to see Hurst and the Bengals fail miserably this postseason.