The Baltimore Ravens must look to free agency to improve the roster, but Eric DeCosta must also be at the front of the proverbial line if players like Los Angeles Chargers star defensive end Khalil Mack becomes available via trade.
Former Ravens executive and new Los Angeles GM Joe Hortiz needs to strip the Chargers bare to get them under the salary cap. Only the Bills, Saints, and Dolphins are further over the cap than Los Angeles, which makes it even more imperative that expensive players like Mack are sent away.
A trade could be the best way for LA to go about both removing Mack and sending him to a place more equipped to win a championship. After showing that he can still be a top pass rusher in the league last year, Mack could make the Ravens very happy if they trade for him.
The Ravens need to consider giving up draft capital, as adding someone as old as Mack with his status as an impending free agent in 2025 looming overhead means he won't cost an arm and a leg. The Mack we saw last year on what is already an elite defense could make it tough for anyone in the AFC to knock the Ravens off their perch.
Khalil Mack's still got it 📈💥 pic.twitter.com/KJs21vV6bH
— PFF LA Chargers (@PFF_Chargers) February 21, 2024
This Ravens-Chargers trade would bring Khalil Mack to Baltimore
Mack recorded 17 sacks (including six in one game against the Raiders) and 88 pressures last season, showing that he's still got it at age 34. Assuming a bad contract like Ronnie Stanley gets cut, the Ravens could theoretically franchise Justin Madubuike, acquire Mack, and sign Jadeveon Clowney to create a tremendous defensive line.
A third-round pick in a draft where the Ravens still have their top two picks shouldn't be viewed as an untradeable asset when the goal for 2024 is a Super Bowl. Even if he doesn't hit 17 sacks again, adding a future Hall of Famer who could challenge for double-digit QB takedowns while defending the run well is never a bad idea.
With one year left on his contract, Mack may not be in Baltimore very long. The age concern might scare some in the Baltimore front office, as will the fact bringing him on will mean subtracting from areas of weakness to reinforce an area where the Ravens are already strong.
The Ravens must realize that it will take some titanic moves to knock Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs off the top of their perch in the AFC. If the Ravens can add Mack and one more receiver for Jackson, they should feel good about their chances.