Who's Next? Baltimore Ravens Have Decision To Make Following Jadeveon Clowney's Signing with Panthers

With Jadeveon Clowney now with the Carolina Panthers, the Baltimore Ravens have a need at edge rusher with plenty of available players capable of helping.

The Baltimore Ravens are in a bit of a pickle.

They have just $12 million in cap space, needs along the offense, and a glaring hole at edge rusher. They thought bringing back three-time Pro Bowler Jadeveon Clowney would solve some of their concerns, but the former first-overall pick landed on a two-year deal with the Carolina Panthers instead.

Now, the Ravens have to re-adjust. Their need at edge rusher is still prevalent, but numerous available veterans could help the organization in 2024 which won't cost as much as Clowney. Let's go through some of the biggest names to keep an eye on.

Oct 30, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets defensive end Carl Lawson (58) reacts

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Randy Gregory

Gregory comes as an outside edge rusher that may not have the same kind of production to match Clowney's mark in 2023, but he'll be far cheaper. The former second-round pick has never put forth more than six sacks in a single season, and has just 3.5 over the last two seasons.

Helping lead a Ravens pass rush that led the league in sacks last year could help Gregory set himself up for a big year. At 31 years old, it's now or never for the Jacksonville native.

Carl Lawson

At his best and healthiest, Lawson is the kind of situational pass rusher who has the potential to rip apart any offensive gameplan. Back injuries have kept him from reaching his true potential, but in a defense that is predicated on pressure, the Ravens could be the perfect organization for Lawson to save his NFL career.

After all, if the Bengals and Steelers are poaching some of Baltimore's best players, why can't the Ravens do the same?

Shaq Lawson

Throughout his eight-year NFL career, the former first-round pick has never recorded 10 sacks, has bounced from team to team, and has struggled to carve out a consistent role in the league.

Baltimore is a place where edge rushers go to rejuvenate their careers, though, and a big reason why Lawson could be an excellent fit. Remember, with All-Pro defensive tackle Justin Madubuike already on the roster, the Ravens just need some competency on the edge to provide pressures and sack the quarterback. Lawson could provide that in droves.

There are plenty of other veterans the Ravens could look to target. A reunion with Kyle Van Noy is certainly a big part of that. But if Baltimore is looking to stay at the top of the AFC, Van Noy can't be the only pass rusher added.

That's why general manager Eric DeCosta has a major decision to make on his hands regarding the depth of the defensive line for the Ravens.