After letting John Simpson and Kevin Zeitler walk in free agency and trading away Morgan Moses, the Baltimore Ravens created a serious hole on the offensive line that would take multiple additions to fix. With Ronnie Stanley back and names like Andrew Vorhees in the projected starting lineup, Baltimore's line isn't exactly scary for opponents right now.
Keeping in line with many of their past offseason philosophies, Eric DeCosta and the front office were targeting young, high-upside players who have the versatility to play one of multiple spots on the line. That mindset led them to Josh Jones, who they brought into the Baltimore fold.
Jones, who has three robust seasons with the Arizona Cardinals under his belt and spent last season with the Houston Texans. Jones could serve as a valuable depth piece who could help guard against another Stanley injury, but he could just as easily slot in as the starting right tackle to replace Moses.
Welcome to Baltimore, @JoshJones_23❗ pic.twitter.com/pZu5rblzEN
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) March 21, 2024
Baltimore Ravens sign Josh Jones to replace Morgan Moses
Jones, who was widely expected to be a late first-round or early second-round pick in 2020 before falling to No. 72 overall, has filled in at both tackle spots and guard during his NFL career. In 144 pass-blocking snaps after being traded to the Texans last season, Jones only allowed one sack.
After spending most of last season on the bench for Baltimore, the Ravens seem to be banking on the potential of what he could be based on his three seasons in Arizona. With some light feet and skill in pass protection, Jones could thrive in a Baltimore offense that has turned players like Simpson into quality starters in the past.
The starting offensive line at the moment consists of Stanley at left tackle and Tyler Linderbaum at center sandwiched in between Vorhees at left guard and Ben Cleveland at right guard. Jones could be the starting right tackle, beating out a younger option in Daniel Faalele.
Jones is not going to be a game-changer for the Ravens, but bringing in a versatile lineman with a past history of being a solid pass protector on what should be a fairly cheap contract should be chalked up as yet another win for Eric DeCosta. This doesn't prevent them from drafting a tackle if they want to.