3 overpriced free agents the Ravens were wise to avoid
By Mike Luciano
2. DT Justin Jones, Arizona Cardinals
The Ravens could always use more defensive line help, especially in an NFL that is placing more emphasis on that position than ever before, but this contract veered off into crazy town almost immediately. Jones was a solid starting tackle for the Chargers and Bears, but the Cardinals paid him above market value.
Jones inked a three-year, $31 million contract despite ranking 107th among defensive tackles in the eyes of Pro Football Focus. While he did pile up 7.5 sacks in two years, his overall impact on a Bears defense that was tissue-thin until Matt Eberflus took a greater hold of that unit suggests this deal could be a major bust.
The Baltimore Ravens didn't spend on Justin Jones.
While the Ravens don't have the deepest defensive line in the world with Jadeveon Clowney floating out in the aether, the teeth of this unit remains strong thanks to the experienced Michael Pierce on the line and mid-round pick Travis Jones desparate for an expanded role as a backup.
Overpaying slightly to get a schematic fit happens every single day in the NFL offseason, but the Cardinals may have paid eight figures to a player who has primarily been a below-average starter in the league. The Ravens spending their limited financial space on Jones would have been a widely mocked move.