ESPN predicts Ravens could sign former No. 2 overall pick in free agency coup

The Baltimore Ravens face the very real possibility of losing two of their best pass rushers in free agency. The Justin Madubuike ongoing drama is being made even worse by the possibility of also losing Jadeveon Clowney.

With so many big names hitting the open market, the odds of a Clowney return may not be as favorable to Baltimore as some fans may have liked. The Ravens need to get backup plans fully ironed out, as Clowney will be a hot commodity.

Baltimore continued to refurbish their reputation as a breeding grown for veteran resurgences. Between Kyle Van Noy exploding as a pass rusher and Clowney's 9.5 sacks tying a career-best mark for the three-time Pro Bowler, Eric DeCosta could take a big swing on a talented reclamation project.

ESPN's Matt Bowen (subscription required) projected the Ravens to sign former Washington Commanders No. 2 overall pick Chase Young. After starting to get back on track in 2023, Young might be a quality target for a contender who has a history of taking underperforming edge rushers and breathing new life into them.

ESPN projects Ravens will sign Chase Young in free agency

Young looked as good as advertised in his rookie year, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year while using his two-way skills to lead a one-legged Alex Smith and a defense-first Washington team to a division title. Young recorded 1.5 sacks in 12 games between 2021 and 2022, as debilitating injuries hurt his athleticism.

Young recorded 7.5 sacks as both a solid starter in Washington and ace rotational lineman during the San Francisco 49ers' championship run. Young played some quality football in the Super Bowl, and he started getting to the quarterback at a clip similar to what he was putting up in DC.

The former Ohio State star is in a unique position, as he is a former No. 2 pick with a history of being an impact playmaker who might need to swallow his pride and take a one-year "prove it" deal. The same mindset that helped the Ravens get Clowney on a cheap contract could help Young, who was born and raised in Maryland, land in Baltimore for pennies on the dollar.

Young is too talented to miss out on a starting role, and his playoff performance suggests that heading to a contender could be exactly what he needs. The potential for another Pro Bowl season is there, and Baltimore might be the place for him to rediscover himself.