The Baltimore Ravens have made a significant upgrade at their most lackluster spot: pass rusher. They acquired Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders on Friday, immediately transforming that abysmal 30-sack unit from last year.
After countless Crosby rumors, some of which involved the Ravens, fans are relieved to see Crosby touch down in Charm City. It feels like the perfect destination for the 28-year-old to continue his NFL career, as he'll be a leading star on the defensive line, while also competing for a Super Bowl.
While this is certainly a boost for Baltimore, there will be some talent leaving the building as a result. The Ravens have three edge rushers set to hit free agency in Kyle Van Noy, Dre’Mont Jones, and David Ojabo. For Jones, it’s looking extremely likely he’ll depart following this move.
Baltimore Ravens may have to let Dre’Mont Jones go after Maxx Crosby trade
Dre’Mont Jones was impactful in his short stint in Charm City. He was acquired for a conditional fifth-round pick after posting 4.5 sacks in the first nine games of the season with the Tennessee Titans. He was a key factor in the remaining nine games with the Ravens, and while he only totaled 2.5 sacks, he was by far the team’s most active presence off the edge. Now, it seems he’s preparing for an exit.
There’s a case where all three of Baltimore’s pending free agent pass rushers depart in the coming weeks. The Ravens may have a complete overhaul at that position group, headed by the addition of Crosby. However, Jones feels like the most obvious departure, given he’ll likely make more money than either Van Noy or Ojabo comfortably.
According to Spotrac, Jones is expected to sign a two-year contract worth around $20.6 million and a salary of $10.3 million. He would be a solid rotational option if he returned, but with a lot of money being tied up in Crosby’s contract, and other needs still needing to be filled, it may be best to let Jones make that money elsewhere.
Among the other areas that desperately need to be addressed are offensive guard, wide receiver, and cornerback. They could also find themselves in need of a center. While general manager Eric DeCosta offered a market-setting deal to Tyler Linderbaum, he has yet to accept. With that uncertainty and much more pressing needs in other spots now, Jones no longer feels like a big piece of the Ravens’ offseason plans.
There’s no way to rule out the 29-year-old’s return for sure, but the writing on the wall for his parting seems to be appearing.