Ranking top available Free Agent Cornerbacks Ravens could target in 2024
Baltimore may need to make more additions to the secondary.
By Mike Luciano
Even if the Baltimore Ravens are unable to retain Geno Stone in free agency, their secondary is still full of stars like All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton, the ultra reliable Marcus Williams, and top cornerback Marlon Humphrey. After that, Baltimore might need one or two more big names in the fold.
Brandon Stephens is a solid CB2, but one more big name in the cornerback room could be worth its weight in gold. Luckily for the Ravens, the 2024 free agent class is full of veteran options who could be willing to sign a short-term deal for a Baltimore team hellbent on trying to win a Super Bowl.
The Ravens need to either make a big-name free-agent addition or spend one of their top picks in the 2024 NFL Draft on a corner. That player needs to either slide in as a solid No. 2 corner next to Humphrey or eventually get prepared to take over for him. These three could be Baltimore's best chance at improving relatively quickly.
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5. Steven Nelson, Houston Texans
Nelson has started all but four games in the last six seasons, establishing himself as a durable slot cornerback who came into his own as a turnover generator under DeMeco Ryans with the Texans. Nelson is fresh off recording four interceptions and knocked down the most passes (12) in any of his seasons since 2018.
Nelson can be a difference-maker, yet it's also unlikely that he will command more than $10 million anually. Nelson could be a target for Baltimore if they spend most of their free agent money on retaining names like Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy up front.
The Baltimore Ravens could target Steven Nelson in free agency
4. Chidobe Awuzie, Cincinnati Bengals
Awuzie could be on the move, as the Bengals invested heavily in their young defensive backs and will likely spend most of their money on reinforcing a very weak offensive line. The Ravens could use a veteran presence in the room, especially if he subtracts from a hated rival like Cincinnati.
When healthy, Awuzie is a sticky man-cover corner with a history of performing well against top competition. Awuzie, Humphrey, and Stephens are a solid trio to throw out there against the elite passing offenses in the AFC, and his veteran status could lead to him taking slightly less money when compared to what less competitive teams can offer.