Grading every move Ravens made during first wave of free agency

Ravens sign Brent Urban, Malik Harrison to one-year deals

Urban has been a solid run defender for his entire career, and his ability to line up at multiple spots on the defensive line makes him uniquely valuable to Baltimore. The Ravens made it a priority to get him back in the fold for 2024, as he was one of the first moves this team made in the offseason.

Urban should be a predecessor to another move, but getting him back for a fairly effective price might be a better way to fill this very specific role than spending a mid-round draft pick on what amounts to a clone of him. Even at his advanced age, Urban can stuff gaps and let the team's linebackers make plays.

Grade: B+

Brent Urban and Malik Harrison are returning to the Baltimore Ravens

Harrison is likely going to be a backup once again. He will slot in behind third-round pick Trenton Simpson while the Ravens try to replace Patrick Queen after his Steelers defection. Due to his stylistic contrast with the second-year Simpson, Harrison could be a more impactful defensive player this season.

Harrison is not only a core special teamer, but he is a more traditional run-stuffing linebacker who has seen time when the Ravens need to slow down teams on the ground. Still a young player, Harrison showed enough in his specific role to earn a vote of confidence from new DC Zach Orr.

Grade: A-