The Baltimore Ravens could be ravaged by free agency if they don't play their cards right in the early stages. As good as Eric DeCosta can be at his best, he needs to pull off the best stretch of GM-ing in his career to keep Baltimore hanging with the Kansas City Chiefs at the top of the AFC.
The Ravens' top priority needs to be their own players, as big names like Justin Madubuike headline what has quickly become a very expansive class for Baltimore. Once they get their ducks in a row in that area, Baltimore must start perusing the rest of the league to find solid role-playing pieces.
The Ravens aren't the only team in the AFC North that is struggling to figure out how to keep their best players. The Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, in particular, could risk seeing their suffocating defense and high-flying offense (respectively) robbed of their skill by the open market.
Any one of these three players could make for a solid signing if Baltimore is unable to keep some of their best players. With the Pittsburgh Steelers only at risk of losing a handful of depth pieces, the Ravens would need to focus their efforts on their two opponents in Northeast Ohio.
3 AFC North rivals the Baltimore Ravens could sign in free agency
3. Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals might be willing to cut off some dead weight this offseason, as they need every dollar at their disposal to give Tee Higgins the high-end contract he is seeking. Awuzie, who has been replaced by draft picks like Cam Taylor-Britt and Daxton Hill, seems like a logical veteran to let go.
Awuzie has missed 14 games in the last three seasons, which will give some teams pause for thought. His play, when healthy, will ultimately determine what kind of deal he receives, and his role in what became a very stout Cincinnati defense under Lou Anarumo might be enough to help him land with a contender.
The Baltimore Ravens might sign Chidobe Awuzie
The beloved veteran is still sticky enough in man coverage to warrant a multi-year deal. While his age might limit him to an outside exclusive role in his next contract, he remains a quality cover corner. Baltimore's defense asks a lot of their cornerbacks, and it might be better to give him a more prominent role than burning draft capital on a young player.
The Bengals have their replacements, so a bidding war between them and Baltimore won't develop. Ronald Darby is a free agent, which could give the Ravens an opportunity to build a cornerback room headlined by their expensive top dog in Marlon Humphrey and supplemented by Awuzie and Brandon Stephens.
2. Sione Takitaki, LB, Cleveland Browns
While the Ravens will try to retain Patrick Queen in free agency, the most likely situation seems to be letting the high-priced free agent walk in free agency while replacing him with an internal replacement in former Clemson star Trenton Simpson. If Simpson is not ready to go, Takitaki might need to be on their radar.
After starting his career as a two-down thumper who was a complete liability in coverage, Takitaki has improved enough to where he can hold his own in coverage. Playing alongside Roquan Smith, arguably the best linebacker in the AFC, will make anyone who plays next to him look solid.
The Ravens must look at Sione Takitaki in free agency
Takitaki isn't a linebacker in the mold of what Baltimore has typically prioritized (namely speed over strength) in the last few years, but it's hard to imagine a former linebackers coach in Zach Orr not being interested in a player who has a nonstop motor with a vice-grip that brings down ball carries easily.
Losing Queen and Malik Harrison would be tough to swallow, but not so tough the Ravens should use a top-75 pick to draft a replacement. Rather, a player like Takitaki would allow Simpson to shine while also providing tremendous run defense and tackling ability without breaking the bank.
1. Tyler Boyd, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
The signing of Nelson Agholor might make it more unlikely than ever that Odell Beckham Jr. will return to the team in 2024. If the Ravens don't want to use any of their best draft capital on addressing the position, they need to look to free agency to add a veteran who can handle a sizeable workload.
Boyd recorded 67 catches for 667 yards and two touchdowns despite the Joe Burrow injury last season. While he may not be a guy who can challenge for 1,000 yards anymore, getting an experienced, crisp route-runner who can be the No. 2 to Zay Flowers would be a good use of their available funds.
The Baltimore Ravens could take Tyler Boyd from the Bengals
The veteran Boyd will turn 30, an age that has been the death knell for many receivers before him, in November. There's a huge degree of risk involved in bringing in a wideout hitting that barrier (look at the Panthers and Adam Thielen), but the Ravens would also be unwise to roll into 2024 with Agholor as the WR2.
Boyd was 11th in yards from the slot last season, giving him a clearly defined role and set of marching orders he could execute. Isn't signing Boyd on a cheaper one-year or two-year deal better than meeting Beckham's big asking price for what will likely be inferior production?