READ ALSO……………………………………………
NFL Free Agency 2024: Should the Baltimore Ravens Be Concerned?……………
What happens to a club that loses its top touchdown scorer and second-leading rusher, its second-best tackler, and a player who was second in the NFL in interceptions?
For the Baltimore Ravens, who are now leading the AFC North, it has been quite the mass exodus. Gus Edwards, a running back, has joined the Washington Commanders. Safety Geno Stone and linebacker Patrick Queen both signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals, respectively, choosing to remain in the division.
Many Departures
Clearly, general manager Eric DeCosta faced a hard task coming into this summer. Linebacker Tyus Bowser and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. were cut by the Ravens. Tyler Huntley, the backup quarterback, signed with the Cleveland Browns. Three starters from 2023 will be absent from the offensive line: veteran right tackle Morgan Moses was traded to the Jets, while free agents John Simpson (Jets) and Kevin Zeitler (Lions) both left in free agency.
Concentrate on the Advantages
The cabinet is still far from empty. Pro Bowl defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, defensive end Brent Urban, and slot cornerback Arthur Maulet were all re-signed by the team. Derrick Henry, a seasoned workhorse running back and two-time NFL rushing champion, was a huge pickup for DeCosta. The Ravens have also acquired defensive back Ka’dar Hollman and offensive lineman Josh Jones, both former Houston Texans, along with linebacker Chris Board, who was released by the Patriots earlier this season.
The Ravens have established a practice of selecting highly in the draft, and free agency is still extremely early. Conversely, how many loses is too many? Remember that Mike Macdonald, the former defensive coordinator, is currently the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. Other members of his staff, Dennard Wilson and Anthony Weaver, are now defensive coordinators in Tennessee and Miami, respectively.
Once more, the Ravens are a tough team. In 2023, they emerged victorious in a division contested by all four clubs, and the Browns and Steelers joined them in the postseason. For DeCosta, Harbaugh, and a squad that ended the previous season with the best record in the NFL, the upcoming weeks should be exciting.