The Baltimore Ravens have one of the best rosters in the NFL heading into their season opener against the Buffalo Bills. There isn’t much left to do but go out and win on Sundays. However, there’s still plenty of talent on the free agent market if they feel a need to make a move early in the year.
One of the only positions where they may feel a need for an extra body is outside linebacker. Their top four of Kyle Van Noy, Odafe Oweh, Mike Green, and Tavius Robinson are electric. David Ojabo could also find success in a contract year, but if he disappoints yet again, they could search for his replacement in free agency. In that spot, they could bring in a familiar face.
Edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney has found the fountain of youth late in his career. He’s tallied 24 sacks in his last four seasons, proving to be a strong rotational pass rush option. With the 2025 season underway, he is still without a home, but Baltimore could be the perfect landing spot.
Ravens are one Jadeveon Clowney-sized move from becoming Super Bowl favorites
After the Philadelphia Eagles signed Za’Darius Smith on Friday, the edge rusher market should heat up. Just as the Eagles added a strong veteran pass rusher, the Ravens could look to catch up and do the same by adding Clowney.
Clowney has had success in Baltimore. While his 9.5 sack campaign in 2023 was not during defensive coordinator Zach Orr’s tenure, he has chemistry playing with Van Noy, Oweh, and Robinson. That group was elite, helping the Ravens total 60 sacks on the season, a mark that was good for first in the league, outpacing the Kansas City Chiefs by three sacks.
Clowney cashed in on that season, signing a two-year $20 million contract with the Carolina Panthers in the following offseason. After a 5.5 sack season in 2024, though, the Panthers cut bait with him. It was quite an underwhelming year from him, as he had just one sack in the first half, and although he rallied late with 4.5 sacks down the stretch, the Panthers felt they needed that money elsewhere.
The 32-year-old would fit in perfectly with Baltimore’s current rotation. He is familiar with the team’s outside linebacker coach, Chuck Smith, who arrived in 2023 right when Clowney had his resurgence, and would offer experienced play off the bench. He would be a luxury option for a team that doesn’t necessarily need his services, but it would significantly boost their Super Bowl odds.