General manager Eric DeCosta, Ozzie Newsome’s successor, has grown increasingly aggressive in handing out contracts, and he’s now built a Super Bowl hopeful for 2023 and beyond.
The Ravens are 20th in the NFL in cap space, with $11.9 million available, and there will be critical decisions regarding several vital contributors and two All-Pros. And they’re spending about $120+ million plus on the offensive side of the football.
With the NFL combine ongoing and free agency just ten days away, we’re looking at Baltimore’s strong 2023 class.
Odell Beckham Jr., wide receiver
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 26: Odell Beckham Jr. #3 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates a first down reception against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second quarter in the game at SoFi Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Beckham signed a one year, $15 million guaranteed deal.
Beckham had 64 targets during his lone season in Baltimore, hauling in 35 catches, for 565 yards and three touchdowns.
Beckham Jr. could flourish playing opposite Garrett Wilson, while catching passes from Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets.
Nelson Agholor, wide receiver
Jan 20, 2024; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the second quarter of a 2024 AFC divisional round game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Agholor signed a one-year deal worth $3.25 million.
Agholor had 35 catches for 381 yards and four touchdowns on 45 targets. The former first round pick from USC has big play potential and could flourish in his second season with Lamar Jackson.
Geno Stone, safety
BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 31: Ravens safety Geno Stone (26) celebrates after defending a two-point-conversion play during the Miami Dolphins versus Baltimore Ravens NFL game at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Baltimore, MD. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Stone signed a one-year deal.
Stone was second in the NFL with seven interceptions despite not being a full-time starter, and he’s proven to be effective at safety, thanks to Kyle Hamilton’s versatility. Stone will have suitors on the open market, but Marcus Williams is injury prone, and you can never have enough good safety play.
If Baltimore doesn’t bring him back, he’ll flourish elsewhere.
Justice Hill, running back
Jan 20, 2024; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (43) runs the ball against the Houston Texans during the second quarter of a 2024 AFC divisional round game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Ravens re-signed Hill to a two-year, $4.5 million deal.
Hill set career highs in rushing attempts (84) and yards (387) for the second year and finished with three rushing touchdowns. Hill also exceeded his combined career total in targets (39), receptions (28), and receiving yards (206) and scored his first career receiving touchdown in 16 games.
Jadeveon Clowney, DE
Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is knocked down after passing the ball by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (24) in the AFC Championship football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Clowney had a career year with Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald.
Clowney ranked fifth in pass rush win rate among edge rushers, while logging a career high 9 sacks, along with 50 QB hurries, 10 QB hits and 69 QB pressures.
He also had career highs in pressure rate, pass-rush win rate and total pressures in a season.
Clowney fits the Ravens culture perfectly, but could follow Macdonald to Seattle.
Kyle Van Noy, LB
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 22: Kyle Van Noy #50 of the Baltimore Ravens defends during an NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium on October 22, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
arriving in Baltimore in Week 4, the 32-year-old Van Noy collected a career-high nine sacks.
Ronald Darby, CB
Dec 25, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Ronald Darby (28) reacts after being called for a foul during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
The 30-year-old was solid in relief of Marlon Humphrey, who missed extensive time, making seven starts and appearing in all but one game.
J.K. Dobbins, RB
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: J.K. Dobbins #27 of the Baltimore Ravens is tackled by M.J. Stewart #29 of the Houston Texans during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 10, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Dobbins is still rehabbing the Achilles’ tear that ended his 2023 campaign in a Week 1 win over the Texans.
Rock Ya-Sin, CB
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 06: Rock Ya-Sin #23 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on in the second quarter of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Ya-Sin contributed as a reserve cornerback last season, logging 13 tackles over 14 appearances.
Laquan Treadwell, WR
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 06: Laquon Treadwell #18 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on in the second quarter of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Treadwell had one catch for 16 yards last season.
Sam Mustipher, OL
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: Center Sam Mustipher #61 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on before playing against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium on September 10, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Mustipher, who had started 40 games at center with the Bears, signed with the Ravens in a reserve role.
The Owings Mills native filled in effectively for Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum for two games in September but was used sparingly after that.
More Free agency
