The Philadelphia Eagles are the Tremendous Bowl LIX Champs and now the collective consideration of the 31 groups not celebrating a world championship has turned in direction of the 2025 NFL Season and Tremendous Bowl LX in Santa Clara, CA. Every should take care of a listing of free brokers and wage cap hurdles.
Sometimes, NFL groups expertise important turnover from one season to the following. Most groups will undergo roughly 20% roster attrition. Some gamers will retire; some will likely be reduce and by no means play once more; some will search greener pastures in free company. Trades can shake issues up much more, and naturally there’s the NFL Draft. Now that’s numerous shifting components, lots of that are influenced by how a staff chooses to handle its wage cap.
The brand new league yr begins on March 12 and at the moment, the Ravens, like all the league’s 32 groups, should be in cap compliance. Any of the staff’s free brokers will closely sway roster machinations. As for the Ravens, they’ve eighteen (18) Unrestricted Free Brokers (UFA) and two (2) Restricted Free Brokers. On this article, RSR’s Brian McFarland, Dev Panchwagh and Tony Lombardi will huddle collectively to offer a novel perspective to uncover how GM Eric DeCosta & Co. will deal with every of their pending free brokers.
[Ravens Current Salary Cap Situation]
RAVENS FREE AGENTS
WR Nelson Agholor (VOID)
2024 Key Stats: 14 video games (7 begins); 14 rec, 231 yds, 2 TDs; 37.8% Off Snaps.
2023 Key Stats: 17 video games (3 begins, 3 video games Inactive); 35 rec, 381 yards, 4 TDs; 51.7% Off Snaps.
Evaluation (Dev Panchwagh): Agholor (or “Nelly”) has been a steadying presence for the huge receiver room since his arrival final season. He’s provided some key performs in key moments. At occasions, the explosion he had in spades remains to be there within the open area and on downfield catches. Nonetheless, his worth is capped as a No. 4 receiver and the time might be proper to provide some younger guys like Tylan Wallace and Tez Walker extra of an opportunity.
2024 Contract: 1-year, $3.75M deal.
Cap Implications (Brian McFarland): Agholor is likely one of the gamers who got offers with void years in 2023 when the Ravens have been attempting to most their Cap flexibility to thwart off any potential provide sheets for Lamar Jackson. On account of these void years, there will likely be $3.283M in lifeless cash on the Wage Cap until Agholor is signed to an extension earlier than his deal voids on March Third.
Tony’s Take (Tony Lombardi): Nelly’s manufacturing dropped from 35 catches in 2023 to 14 grabs in 2024. He’s a pleasant veteran piece to have within the huge receiver steady however the emergence of Rashod Bateman as a extra reliable and accessible goal, diminishes the staff’s want for Agholor. The 4th or fifth receiver on the depth chart needs to be a developmental participant. That stated, the lifeless cash could persuade DeCosta to contemplate an extension. However hopefully, that’s nothing greater than a momentary lapse of reasoning. It’s time to get youthful and cheaper for a participant who does little on particular groups and had lower than a catch per recreation final season. It was as soon as, “Oh, Nelly!”. Quickly it will likely be “No Nelly!”
LB Chris Board (UFA)
2024 Key Stats: 17 video games (1 begin), 30 tackles, 1 sack; 14.8% DEF Spans, 80.5% ST Snaps.
Evaluation: Board’s return to the staff was largely successful. He remained a mainstay on particular groups. However he additionally offered defensive coordinator Zach Orr with a viable choice when second-year backer Trenton Simpson’s snaps have been diminished. Board rotated with Malik Harrison, largely in passing conditions, and added much-needed disguise method to spice up Orr’s stress packages.
2024 Contract: 1-year, $1,292,500 Veteran Wage Profit (VSB) deal.
Cap Implications: Board signed a VSB in 2024 and would seemingly be in line to signal one other such deal, be it in Baltimore or elsewhere.
Tony’s Take: Board was a pleasant stopgap piece when the Ravens struggled to defend any opponent’s intermediate passing recreation. He additionally offers worth on particular groups. The Ravens are seemingly to make use of draft capital on an inside backer however that shouldn’t threaten Board’s standing with the staff. That stated, there’s no have to rush to signal Board earlier than the draft until he agrees to a VSB deal with out assured cash.
G Ben Cleveland (UFA)
2024 Key Stats: 17 video games (0 begins); 14.4% Def Snaps.
2023 Key Stats: 16 video games (1 Inactive); 4.4% Def Snaps
Evaluation: Cleveland appeared poised to turn out to be the beginning proper guard when Kevin Zeitler moved on to Detroit. Nonetheless, in a coaching camp battle of kinds, it didn’t even appear to be Cleveland was ever within the equation. Though he nonetheless received some snaps in heavy packages as an additional lineman, Cleveland remained on the bench. It’s onerous to say why he wasn’t given a real likelihood. When he’s performed, Cleveland has been a stable go blocker and has proven respectable energy on the level. However he merely by no means put it collectively to seize a beginning job.
2024 Contract: Remaining yr of 4-year, $4.787M rookie deal; $1.5M 2025 Cap quantity.
Cap Implications: Cleveland is probably going going to search for a possibility to at the very least compete for a beginning job. As such, he’s more likely to be in line for a 1-year “prove it” deal, maybe with taking part in time incentives included.
Tony’s Take: John Harbaugh needed Cleveland and personally influenced the 94th total decide throughout the 2021 NFL Draft. Making issues worse, Cleveland was chosen 4 picks forward of Quinn Meinerz who has been a particularly stable participant for the Broncos and was named 1st-team All Professional in 2024. The previous Georgia Bulldog’s sentence in Harbaugh’s doghouse will lastly come to an finish. And if Harbs’ obvious disdain for the squirrel-eating big wasn’t sufficient to usher him out of city, his current DUI for blowing a .178 was the ultimate nail within the coffin of his profession as a Raven.
LB Malik Harrison (UFA)
2024 Key Stats: 15 video games (0 begins, 1 Inactive); 32.8% Def Snaps, 70.7% ST Snaps.
2023 Key Stats: 14 video games (8 begins); 21.3% Def Snaps; 73.5% ST Snaps.
2022 Key Stats: 17 video games (8 begins); 17.0% Def Snaps; 64.9% ST Snaps.
Evaluation: Harrison’s capacity to step in as a SAM backer and iLB due to accidents and Simpson’s ineffectiveness, helped to maintain the protection afloat. Though he was a legal responsibility in go protection, Harrison remained efficient taking part in downhill and setting the sting. He’s the participant who’ll throw his physique round, tackle blockers, and arrange rushers on stunts. There’s a place for gamers like Harrison who’re prepared to do the soiled work.
2024 Contract: 1-year, $2,742,500 deal (4-Yr Qualifying Contract).
Cap Implications: Harrison signed a 4-Yr Qualify Contract in 2024, which diminished his deal right down to $1,292,500. Harrison can be in line for such a deal once more if re-signed.
Tony’s Take: As talked about, the Ravens will most likely spend a draft decide on an iLB and once they do, it’s powerful to justify preserving each Board and Harrison. Board’s versatility makes him the higher selection though we have to be conscious that the Ravens usually permit the draft capital invested in a participant to find out their selection. Harrison was a 2020 Third-round decide. Board was undrafted. I nonetheless choose the higher athlete – and that’s Board.
WR Deonte Harty (UFA)
2024 Key Stats: Spent complete 2024 season on Injured Reserve (IR).
Evaluation: It was a disappointing season for Harty, who appeared to have the juice to play an element on offense down the sector and increase the return recreation. The previous All Professional returner seemed to be an excellent reply to the return-game, guidelines change from the league. All that promise went up in smoke earlier than the season even began. Harty by no means noticed the sector and chances are high, he’s not getting one other shot.
2024 Contract: 1-year, $1,292,500 totally gtd VSB deal.
Cap Implications: Harty signed a completely assured VSB deal in 2024 and would seemingly be in line to signal one other such deal. Provided that spent your complete season on Injured Reserve (IR), that’s more likely to occur elsewhere.
Tony’s Take: It pains me to say this as an Archbishop Curley graduate, however Harty, one other Curley alum, has received to go. The brand new kick return guidelines arrange higher for a reserve operating again than they do a small receiver. And as a punt returner, Deonte simply doesn’t have the juice. He lacks high finish pace, and his change of route abilities don’t align along with his dimension. Smaller gamers sometimes have higher quicks. Harty’s homecoming was intriguing. Sadly, it was short-lived and now, pointless.
WR Diontae Johnson (UFA)
2024 Key Stats: 4 video games (1 Suspended); 1 rec, 6 yards, 0 TDs.
Evaluation: The Diontae Johnson saga was extra cleaning soap opera than something worthwhile on the sector. Johnson had a handful of targets, and on his lone catch, he did not get out of bounds in a two-minute state of affairs. All that resulted within the former Steeler, Panther and now Texan wanting out. And the one cause he got here again to the Ravens was purely transactional so the staff might doubtlessly recoup a compensatory decide. A proficient receiver who can’t appear to get out of his personal manner.
2024 Contract: 1-year, $1.125M deal after being acquired through commerce from Carolina.
Cap Implications: Who is aware of what sort of deal Johnson will obtain after mainly sporting out his welcome with 3 staff in 2024. He clearly won’t be re-signing in Baltimore, however the Ravens will likely be crossing their fingers that some staff will consider they will rehabilitate him and signal him to a deal that averages over $3M per yr. If that’s the case, Johnson would qualify for the Compensatory Draft decide system as a UFA loss for the Ravens.
Tony’s Take: When Kansas Metropolis loses Marquise Brown or DeAndre Hopkins to free company (or each), the cap-strapped Chiefs will look for an inexpensive substitute with upside. Enter Diontae Johnson. Andy Reid doesn’t care when you’re a malcontent or a perp with DV points when you may also help his soccer staff. John Harbaugh alternatively, doesn’t share his former mentor’s capacity or willingness to remedy locker room cancers.
Photograph Credit score: Shawn Hubbard, Baltimore Ravens
QB Josh Johnson (UFA)
2024 Key Stats: 0 video games (0 begins).
2023 Key Stats: 0 video games (0 begins).
Evaluation: Johnson has discovered a spot because the backup quarterback for the Ravens. Extra an emergency choice than anything, he’s proven he may give the staff a spot begin. Thankfully, he didn’t see the sector as a result of Lamar Jackson prevented accidents. But it surely may be time for the staff to start out contemplating a backup who may give them extra if Jackson misses important time.
2024 Contract: 1-year, $1,377,500 totally gtd VSB deal.
Cap Implications: Johnson will likely be 39 when the 2025 season begins. Whether or not he needs to proceed to play and/or whether or not the Ravens need him to return, stays to be seen. If he performs in 2025, he’ll seemingly signal one other VSB contract.
Tony’s Take: Let’s be trustworthy, the aim of a backup quarterback in Baltimore is a bit like a hearth alarm. In case of emergency, break open glass. Johnson is only a heat physique. If the Ravens lose Lamar, they’ll seemingly lose. It’s that straightforward. However it could be good to have a youthful QB with mobility ready within the wings, who might at the very least assist the staff tread water till LJ returns and Timothy Leary or Devin Leary, no matter his title is, isn’t that man! BUT…if the Ravens can’t discover that youthful Lamar wannabe, and given their cap state of affairs they refuse to take a position far more than the veteran minimal at backup QB, don’t be stunned if No. 17 is on the sport day scorecard once more in September.
OT Josh Jones (UFA)
2024 Key Stats: 16 video games (0 begins); 4.1% Off Snaps.
Evaluation: When the Ravens signed Jones, he appeared like an honest wager to presumably compete for one of many beginning guard spots. He’s a participant who has positional versatility, like Patrick Mekari. As a backup, Jones gave the staff viable depth, and he noticed some motion in heavy packages as an additional blocker.
2024 Contract: 1-year, $1.79M deal.
Cap Implications: Jones was signed to be a back-up LT and because of Ronnie Stanley staying wholesome all yr, Jones hardly ever noticed the sector. His deal was for about $500K over the veteran minimal, so he would seemingly be in search of the identical kind of deal in 2025.
Tony’s Take: Jones’ versatility is fascinating – it’s a high quality the Ravens search in reserve offensive linemen. He’s a possible insurance coverage coverage if the Ravens fail to spice up their offensive line within the draft. But when I’m EDC, I’m not signing that insurance coverage coverage earlier than the draft until it’s cancellable. And by that I imply, it could’t embrace any ensures. If Jones calls for them, then wait till after the draft. Somebody of his caliber will likely be in search of work in late Spring. Jake from State Farm should postpone this insurance coverage coverage for a bit.
CB Christian Matthew (RFA)
2024 Key Stats: Spent your complete 2024 season on Injured Reserve (IR).
Evaluation: Matthew’s season was a wash, like Harty. And going ahead, the staff has different younger corners who they need to prioritize for growth.
2024 Contract: 1-year, $985K ERFA deal.
Cap Implications: The low RFA tender is $3.267M, which is clearly an excessive amount of for Matthew. As such, Matthew will likely be non-tender and maybe the Ravens will look to re-sign him to a minimal deal of $1.1M as a substitute.
Tony’s Take: Matthew has performed in a complete of 20 video games throughout his 3 seasons within the NFL. He’s bounced round to a few totally different NFL groups and he performed at 3 totally different schools earlier than being chosen by the Cardinals within the seventh spherical of the 2022 NFL Draft as a 25-year-old rookie. Groups are persistently lured in by his measurables – till they now not measure up. There’s a cause that he’s now a 28-year-old nook with little or no taking part in expertise. Possibly Christian is a follow squad candidate. Possibly he’s a camp invitee with no assured deal. Possibly we’ve spent extra time discussing him right here than he’ll spend on an NFL area in 2025.
OL Patrick Mekari (UFA)
2024 Key Stats: 17 video games (17 begins); 89.9% Off Snaps.
2023 Key Stats: 17 video games (7 begins); 51.6 Off Snaps.
Evaluation: Mekari began each recreation after being a profession utility man for the staff. He’s at all times given the teaching employees consolation figuring out he can play any place on the road and is a viable starter when wanted. As a beginning left guard, Mekari had his moments, significantly in go professional conditions. However the place he fell flat was driving defenders off the road to get motion within the operating recreation. That’s merely not Mekari’s recreation. And though he’s at all times been regular, the query is, is that adequate?
2024 Contract: Remaining yr of 3-year, $15.45M extension ($5.15M APY); $6.35M 2025 Cap quantity.
Cap Implications: It will likely be attention-grabbing to see what sort of affords Mekari will obtain. Up to now couple of years, the Ravens have misplaced Guards Ben Powers and John Simpson to FA offers that ended up being for lots greater than most anticipated. If Mekari follows go well with, it might very seemingly imply that he’s additionally headed out of city.
Tony’s Take: Any NFL staff would profit from a participant like Mekari, given the suitable circumstances. However as a full-time starter, his limitations rear their ugly heads. That was obvious in 2024. At 28, Mekari will seemingly look to at the very least match the deal he signed in 2022. I simply don’t see it occurring in Baltimore. It was a pleasant run for the previous California Golden Bear.
CB Trayvon Mullen (UFA)
2024 Key Stats: Spent complete 2024 season on Injured Reserve (IR).
2023 Key Stats: Spent complete 2023 season on the Non-Soccer Damage Checklist (NFI).
Evaluation: Mullen has been extra of a reclamation venture than anything. He’s at all times had the expertise however has barely flashed given accidents. He might stay within the combine, however it simply looks as if the staff is best off investing that point into different younger CBs.
2024 Contract: 1-year, $1.125M deal.
Cap Implications: Mullen, initially signed in 2023, has spent the final 2 years on NFI and IR. As such, he’s in line for one more minimal wage deal (if any).
Tony’s Take: You may’t assist the membership within the tub – and that’s precisely the place Mullen has been for 2 seasons. His abilities could pave the best way to a coaching camp invite, aka camp fodder. Nothing extra.
FB Patrick Ricard (UFA)
2024 Key Stats: 17 video games (6 begins); 1 TD; 39.2% Off Snaps.
2023 Key Stats: 17 video games (9 begins); 1 TD; 36.9% Off Snaps.
Evaluation: Among the best blockers within the league, interval, Ricard continued to be an enforcer for the Baltimore offense. Monken has discovered methods to deploy Ricard in a manner that provides blocking benefits in each the go recreation and the run recreation. He may give the road a lift as an additional blocker, for instance. However his true greatness is a lead blocker who can both devastate to cave within the again facet or lead a direct path on the entrance facet for Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson. He’s so good as a puller that you just nearly surprise why Monken doesn’t hold him on the sector greater than roughly 40% of the time. His worth is tough to quantify with numbers. However having a man who can knock the opponents on their asses, and so they should deal with it for 4 quarters is fairly priceless.
2024 Contract: Remaining yr of 3-year, $11.25M deal ($3.75M APY); $5.155M 2025 Cap quantity.
Cap Implications: Ricard was re-signed in 2022 to a deal that was for a lot lower than many had anticipated. This time round, with groups utilizing fullbacks much less and fewer, it needs to be simpler to succeed in an extension. A small pay elevate from the $3.75M yearly common of his prior deal will seemingly get the deal accomplished.
Tony’s Take: Ricard helps to form the character of the Ravens offense. Whereas as Dev signifies, his contributions are typically tough to quantify, Monken’s offense isn’t the identical with out Undertaking Pat. It’s time to increase the venture.
Photograph Credit score: Baltimore Ravens
WR/KR Steven Sims (UFA)
2024 Key Stats: Claimed on Waivers previous to week 17; 2 video games (0 begins).
Evaluation: Sims was introduced in as an emergency fill in for the return recreation and extremely noticed taking part in time within the playoffs given accidents to the WR place. As a chess piece who can do some harm within the open area, Sims is de facto near what Harty might have represented.
2024 Contract: 1-year, $1.325M deal.
Cap Implications: Sims, a late season waiver declare who didn’t actually do a lot of something to tell apart himself, is more likely to signal one other modest deal, most likely elsewhere.
Tony’s Take: Sims, at occasions whereas fielding punts, conjured up unsavory recollections of Lamont Brightful, even contained in the 10-yard line. Comparatively talking, Sims is a JAG. To place Sims in perspective, I’d take a wholesome Harty over him. And as said above, I’m prepared to maneuver on from him too.
OT Ronnie Stanley (VOID)
2024 Key Stats: 17 video games (17 begins); 98.1% Off Snaps.
2023 Key Stats: 13 video games (13 begins); 64.1%%
Evaluation: Stanley accepted a restructured, prove-it sort deal, and he got here by in a giant manner for the Ravens when the gamble actually wanted to repay. What was particularly spectacular is how usually the previous All Professional dealt with among the elite go rushers within the recreation (like Trey Hendrickson) with out assist. He appeared just like the Stanley of previous who has among the most nimble footwork within the league. Stanley was additionally agile and adept as a run blocker who offensive coordinator Todd Monken unleashed on pulls and traps. Total, he was near the participant he’s been at his absolute best and remained wholesome.
2024 Contract: 1-year, $7.5M restructured deal, after 5-year, $98.75M ($19.75M APY); $17.168M 2025 Cap quantity.
Cap Implications: The Ravens and Stanley agreed to a revised contract final yr by which Stanley took a $7.5M pay reduce. In return Stanley’s 2024 wage was assured and the 2025 yr was faraway from his contract. Given his damage historical past, the valuation for Stanley goes to be attention-grabbing. A 3-year deal for $16-18M a yr would appear to be in the suitable vary, however it solely takes one staff to mess issues up. That stated, current feedback by GM Eric DeCosta would appear to point that Stanley’s re-signing is, maybe, imminent.
Tony’s Take: 2024 was the primary time in his complete profession that Stanley performed a full season. The 31-year-old two-time Professional Bowler represents a signing conundrum. In 2024 he proved that he can nonetheless play to the extent of a close to $20M/yr participant however he’s missed a lot time that different GMs might view signing him to a profitable deal as a profession dying sentence. The damage historical past, his familiarity with the Ravens that appeals to his creature comforts, and his relationship with EDC will hold Ronnie on Lamar’s blindside. Sure Virginia, hometown reductions do exist. Let’s take Ronnie Stanley for instance…
CB Brandon Stephens (UFA)
2024 Key Stats: 17 video games (17 begins); 74 tackles, 11 PD’s, 2 INTs; 92.4% Def Snaps.
2023 Key Stats: 16 video games (16 begins); 70 tackles, 10 PD’s, 1.5 sacks; 93.1% Def Snaps.
Evaluation: Speak concerning the story of two seasons. One of many nice enigmas was the 2024 marketing campaign of Stephens. He was among the many absolute best corners within the league in 2023 and plummeted to one of many worst, primarily based on PFF and easily the efficiency itself. Groups picked on Stephens mercilessly. He couldn’t find the ball and his method wasn’t constant. Stephens competed however the outcomes have been nonetheless about as unhealthy as you possibly can get. The bodily expertise isn’t in query – he stays a freak who’s explosive and may beat up smaller receivers. He’s additionally expert within the blitz recreation and may play within the field. However the query is, is 2024 extra reflective of who he’s, or can he be salvaged?
2024 Contract: Remaining yr of 4-year, $6.589M rookie deal; $3.326M 2025 Cap quantity.
Cap Implications: Stephens appeared poised to money in with one other stable season in 2024, however issues didn’t go as deliberate. Now, as a substitute of an higher echelon deal ($15-20M/yr), Stephens is now seemingly a far lesser deal ($6-10M/yr) or maybe even a one-year “prove it” deal.
Tony’s Take: Stephens’ 2024 fell off a cliff. Maybe the lack of DB Coach Dennard Wilson was detrimental to Stephens’ trigger, triggering his precipitous decline after a really productive 2023. Possibly the return of Chuck Pagano to the defensive teaching employees might assist if Stephens sticks round. And perhaps it helps return B-Steve to his stage of play in 2023. However that thriller, that intrigue, makes Brandon a dangerous funding. Pagano might re-ignite Stephens’ innate abilities, however the inherent threat solely is sensible if the previous SMU Mustang accepts a cap-friendly, incentive-laden deal. If not, let another staff overpay whereas EDC counts his future comp decide chips.
Photograph Credit score: Baltimore Ravens
DE Brent City (UFA)
2024 Key Stats: 13 video games (0 begins, 4 Inactive); 0 sacks; 17.3% Def Snaps.
2023 Key Stats: 17 video games (3 begins); 3 sacks; 26.4% Def Snaps.
2022 Key Stats: 16 video games (0 begins); 0 sacks; 24.2% Def Snaps.
Evaluation: After a profitable comeback in 2023, the staff introduced again City for one more tour of responsibility in 2024. He remained a stable piece of the rotation, particularly in opposition to the run and on early down. Given his size and wingspan, City can also be a cog on particular groups on the sector blocking unit.
2024 Contract: 1-year, $1,377,500 VSB deal.
Cap Implications: City has been taking part in on a collection of 1-year VSB offers and can seemingly signal one other (right here or elsewhere).
Tony’s Take: City performs with an unusual pleasure and he fills a task at an affordable value. The Canadian native turns 34 in Could and is trying to deal with his twelfth marketing campaign within the NFL. If he and Michael Pierce each depart (rumors persist that Pierce could retire), Ravens Wired won’t ever be the identical. One other VSB deal please.
WR Tylan Wallace (UFA)
2024 Key Stats: 17 video games (0 begins); 11 rec, 193 yards, 1 TD; 24.8% Off Snaps; 56.4% ST Snaps.
2023 Key Stats: 11 video games (0 begins); 1 rec, 11 yards, 0 TDs; 1 PR TD; 5.8% Off Snaps, 35.5% ST Snaps.
Evaluation: It at all times looks as if when the staff will get the ball in Wallace’s arms, he comes by in a spectacular manner. Particularly when you think about these alternatives aren’t precisely plentiful. Wallace is as clutch because it comes as a returner and receiver. He’s received some Amon-Ra St. Brown to his recreation — actually harmful as a runner with the ball in his arms. Solely actual problem is methods to get him concerned when Zay Flowers has the same function within the offense.
2024 Contract: Remaining yr of 4-year, $4.165M rookie deal; $1.226M 2025 Cap quantity.
Cap Implications: Wallace’s return to the Ravens will seemingly hinge on curiosity from different groups, however the Ravens could have a bonus over different groups. Since Wallace has performed the final 4 years with the Ravens, he’s eligible for a 4-Yr Qualifying Contract. Below this rule, Wallace can obtain a wage that’s diminished by ~ $1.5M for Cap functions, permitting the Ravens to presumably outbid different groups whereas preserving Wallace’s Cap quantity cheap.
Tony’s Take: Wallace is a participant who most likely regrets being drafted by Baltimore, a spot the place receivers’ careers usually go to die. If the Ravens transfer on from Agholor, Wallace will get extra reps and as Dev factors out, he’s been productive when known as upon. It’s time to name upon him just a little extra. Time for EDC to leverage that 4-Yr qualifier benefit Brian’s mentions above, to maintain Wallace in purple and black throughout the 2025 season and past.
DB Ar’Darius Washington (RFA)
2024 Key Stats: 17 video games (10 begins); 64 tackles, 8 PD’s 1 INT, 1 sack; 64.2 % Def Snaps, 33% ST Snaps.
2023 Key Stats: 2 video games (1 begin); 11 tackles, 2 PD’s, 1 sack; 9.7% Def Snaps, 33% ST Snaps.
Evaluation: The story of Washington’s ascent to a beginning security was one of many true shining moments of the season. He gave the staff physicality and an aggressive set off they haven’t fairly had in a very long time. Washington was particularly good making tackles within the open area and gave the staff a relentlessness they lacked. His protection capacity wasn’t in any respect dynamic, however he’s a pit bull, particularly given his smaller stature. It was spectacular to see him go toe-to-toe with tight ends like Pat Freiermuth. At a time when the staff actually wanted somebody to step up and calm the again finish, Washington delivered.
2024 Contract: 1-year, $985K ERFA deal.
Cap Implications: Washington is definitely in line to obtain a RFA tender. However as a UDFA, there’s solely the suitable to match a proposal sheet with the low RFA tender (approx. $3.267M) and there’s no draft decide compensation. This may be very dangerous and presumably permit one other staff to craft a proposal sheet that’s tough for the Ravens to match. As a substitute, the Ravens could also be compelled to make use of the 2nd Spherical RFA tender ($5.351M). Whereas pricier, the 2nd Spherical tender would make sure that Washington returns in 2025. All that stated, a contract extension can be the most effective final result as it could include a 2025 Cap quantity that’s lower than the 2nd Spherical tender and it could safe Washington’s providers into the long run.
Tony’s Take: The Ravens wish to add a security, not lose one among their most efficient ones. Ar’Darius performs greater than his dimension and pound for pound is the staff’s greatest tackler. He’s like a poor man’s Tyrann Mathieu. Washington is an instinctive participant who has struggled to remain wholesome. That wasn’t the case in 2024. Hopefully the 2 sides land on a win-win deal that retains him round by 2026. I’m betting that they are going to.
Ar’Darius Washington v. Steelers, Week 16, 2024 (Photograph Credit score: Baltimore Ravens)
LB Kristan Welch (UFA)
2024 Key Stats: 15 video games (0 begins); 4.1% Off Snaps, 57% Def Snaps.
2023 Key Stats:
Evaluation: Welch was introduced again primarily for particular groups, though he’s nonetheless an attention-grabbing choice for pure play ILB snaps. Nonetheless, his impression remained minimal at greatest and it’s a surprise if he’s the kind of linebacker worthy of a devoted particular groups function.
2024 Contract: 1-year, $1.125M deal.
Cap Implications: Welch is once more signing a minimal wage deal.
Tony’s Take: If Welch returns, he’ll contribute in small methods. If he doesn’t, the Ravens received’t miss him all that a lot. Proper participant, proper value situation right here. Supply the minimal and transfer on if Welch is in search of extra.
CB Tre’Davious White (UFA)
2024 Key Stats: Acquired in Commerce previous to week 10; 6 video games (0 Begins; 1 Inactive); 34% Def Snaps.
Evaluation: When DeCosta traded for White, it was an afterthought for lots of people. The previous Invoice and Ram toiled away in LA, and it appeared like he may be on his final legs. However coming off an Achilles tear, DeCosta had the suitable instinct that he was poised to get higher throughout the again half of the season. White gave the staff an added shot within the arm as a rotational exterior nook. His capacity to deal with greater receivers like George Pickens significantly paid off within the crimson space and on boundary photographs. All in all, White’s brief time with the staff was successful and he may very well be a really perfect fourth CB for a staff in want of veteran stability.
2024 Contract: 1-year, $1.5M deal.
Cap Implications: White, who performed fairly properly down the stretch for the Ravens, is more likely to obtain a 1-yr “prove it” deal. Groups will need to see if his play with the Ravens was the true factor or if his poor starting to the season with the Rams was.
Tony’s Take: White is a boundary nook who is best in zone than man. His change of route abilities have diminished with damage and age. He’s now 30 and whereas he may very well be a stable reserve if utilized in a manner that aligns along with his declining talents, I’d be hard-pressed to provide him any greater than what he earned in 2024. And I’d solely decide to that after the draft.
2025 Ravens Wage Cap Preview
