3 things Ravens must do after very quiet Day 1 of NFL free agency
By Mike Luciano
On a wild first day of free agency in the 2024 NFL offseason, the Baltimore Ravens chose to sit on the sideline. While other wannabe contenders splashed the cash, the Ravens haven't been able to seal the deal on any big-name signings ahead of what promises to be a pivotal campaign.
The Ravens saw five of their free agents leave for greener pastures, with two of them in cornerback Ronald Darby and returner Devin Duvernay signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Starting running back Gus Edwards joined the Los Angeles Chargers, while safety Geno Stone broke their hearts by defecting to the Cincinnati Bengals. Guard John Simpson will suit up for the New York Jets.
The Ravens' lone move was bringing back linebacker Malik Harrison on a one-year deal. While this will improve their linebacker depth, it hardly moves the needle in a competitive AFC. The Ravens can be patient, but not so patient they let some of the biggest names in free agency pass them by.
If the Ravens can accomplish these three goals in the next few days, the fandom can head into the beginning of NFL Draft season and the annual summer malaise with extra confidence in what could be considered a championship-or-bust season. Failing to do so could help things get grim very quickly.
3 things the Baltimore Ravens must do after Day 1 of free agency
3. Free up cap space
The Ravens are just barely over the salary cap, and they onky have a few hours left to become cap-complient by the start of the new league year. The Ravens need to be prepared to lose a few more big names as they make way for new arrivals, with two names catching the eye of manay amatuer salary cap wizards.
Due to injury and the Ravens likely possibly star power at the defensive end spots, it seems like a foregone conclusion that pass rusher Tyus Bowser will be cut loose. His release could give the Ravens an extra chunk of change to either spend on a replacement or add a player at a skill position on offense.
The Baltimore Ravens need to make some cuts for cap space.
Getting rid of Ronnie Stanley has been discussed quite frequently over the last few months by Ravens fans, and it seems more likely now that the offseason is here. The Ravens are in prime position to draft and develop a new starting left tackle, likely one with less of an injury history than the overpriced Stanley.
Once these two moves are finalized, the Ravens should have a clearer picture of where they reside from a financial point of view. It'll be sad to see these homegrown talents go, but the Ravens can't afford to get caught up in their feelings as they try to build a contender.