As the NFL gets into the second month of free agency, you’re going to start seeing teams taking fliers on under-the-radar players and veterans. For a team like the Baltimore Ravens that lost a lot of talent and hasn’t added a whole lot of depth in response, this could quietly be a critical time.
Of course, most, if not all, of their attention will be shifted toward the 2026 NFL Draft. The Ravens are widely considered one of the best drafting teams in the league, and they’ll certainly look to continue that tradition. However, they’ll still need some proven veterans to contribute as role players in 2026.
A current free agent and former Raven may have revealed himself as a prime candidate to sign with Baltimore. Jadeveon Clowney has mentioned he still has a lot left in the tank and wouldn’t mind a return to Charm City.
“[The Ravens] take pride in their defense. I enjoyed the locker room. The guys that were in the locker room were an extremely fun group of guys,” Clowney said. “Definitely would be open to going back to Baltimore, playing with Lamar and them.”
Baltimore Ravens have every reason they need to bring Jadeveon Clowney back
Baltimore already made one big pass-rush addition this offseason. They inked Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million contract, adding 81 career sacks to a 30-sack unit from 2025. Still, outside of Hendrickson, Mike Green, and Tavius Robinson, they lack reliable options off the edge. Clowney could be the perfect addition. The front office would be silly not to entertain a potential reunion.
Clowney has aged like a fine wine. While he earned three Pro Bowl nods within his first five seasons, his play in his 30s has been especially effective. Back in 2023, Clowney totaled 9.5 sacks in his lone season in Baltimore. In 2025, he had a strong showing with the Dallas Cowboys, posting 8.5 sacks. He remains an above-average sack artist.
Even if the 33-year-old can’t continue that level of production, he’d be an effective depth piece to have around. The Ravens need another veteran they can lean on when the going gets tough, and he’s proven he can be depended upon in those situations. It wouldn't be a shock if head coach Jesse Minter wanted one more piece on the defensive front, and Clowney could be that guy.
Oh, and it also helps that just as Clowney would love to play alongside Lamar Jackson again, the two-time MVP would love a Clowney signing. He confirmed on X on Thursday.
Definitely
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) April 2, 2026
Ultimately, Baltimore could round out their pass rush room through this year’s draft. I mean, they have 11 picks, there’s almost no possible way they don’t take an edge rusher. If it ends up being early on, though, bringing back Clowney may not make sense. But if they don’t select one within the first two days, then Clowney would likely be on the table.