The Baltimore Ravens had a few major additions in free agency and some losses, especially with their defense. They still have their pass-rushing interior defensive lineman Justin Madubuike, who re-signed to a big deal with the team. The 13-win team also retained veteran Kyle Van Noy as well.
But on the edge, the loss of Jadeveon Clowney will be sorely felt, along with a few defensive position coaches and their coordinator last year Mike Macdonald. He is now the head coach for the Seattle Seahawks with Zach Orr replacing him in Baltimore for the upcoming season.
For the Ravens, hoping for a breakout with Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo is fine but relying on them as potential starters heading into 2024 is concerning. It makes their edge rushers the worst position group on defense once again and could be the missing link for a good defense that needs to be great.
Baltimore Ravens Should Consider Reunion With Matthew Judon
With the recent news of Matthew Judon not being happy with the ongoing contract negotiations with New England for a new deal, the Patriots could shop him around. There have been conflicting reports of them giving the 31-year-old an updated offer recently but he left camp early after holding in.
The videos of him on the sideline at training camp arguing with new Head Coach Jerod Mayo don’t make the situation any better. This is according to The Athletic’s Senior NFL Insider Dianna Russini, with the four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher disgruntled with his current situation.
If Judon doesn’t get the offer he wants, a reunion with the team that drafted him is possible. Although the Ravens are strapped in the salary cap, with about $5 million according to Spotrac, Baltimore could use a player like him in their rotation and the draft capital wouldn’t be more than a mid-rounder.
Haason Reddick Potential Option if Available for Trade
If the New York Jets don’t resolve this Haason Reddick holdout situation sometime soon, he could be another trade candidate. They also have invested high draft capital in edge rushers, despite rookie Will McDonald IV not seeing that much playing time due to their depth.
The Philadelphia Eagles traded the 29-year-old this offseason for a conditional third-round pick, as they signed former Jets pass rush Bryce Huff in free agency. The All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher could be available if the Jets want to recoup some of the losses on their previous trade.
Since both edge rush trade options want to get paid, Judon may seem more of a realistic target for the Baltimore Ravens. Ultimately, the Jets will cave in eventually and pay their star pass rusher over the Patriots who paid a few of their own on defense besides the veteran.
Edge Rusher Could Use Some Improvement on the Roster
As of now, the Ravens have 33-year-old Van Noy starting and 25-year-old Oweh on the other side, with 24-year-old Ojabo coming back from multiple injuries the last two seasons. This will be a make-or-break season for both the young pass rushers.
Oweh is entering his fourth season as a former first round pick from 2021 and Ojabo has yet to stay fully healthy entering his third year as a former second round pick from 2022. Baltimore picked up Oweh’s fifth-year option this offseason but he will have to show consistency as a full-time starter.
He finished 2023 with five sacks, four tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles after missing multiple games due to injury. The Ravens also have third round rookie Adisa Isaac, who is currently on the non-football injury and illness list but was a college teammate to Oweh at Penn State.
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