Ravens 'Won't Have Sleepy Offseason' As Big Decisions Lie Ahead
The Baltimore Ravens made it all the way to the AFC Championship game after having a superb regular season, thanks in part, to Lamar Jackson.
Jackson's future last offseason was the biggest storyline as there was a real threat that Lamar could be on a different team. But alas, things worked out and the Ravens' potentially tumultuous offseason didn't eventuate.
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But now, the franchise finds itself in yet another unpleasant position this offseason as more question marks surround the team. With a huge number of free agents, coupled with roster needs and a salary cap squeeze, it will be an interesting watch to see how it all shakes out.
But despite all of that, NFL.com has Baltimore at No. 3 in their power rankings.
“Last offseason loomed as one of the most important in franchise history, given what was at stake: the fate of Lamar Jackson," NFL.com writes. "But even now that that's been settled, the Ravens still have a lot of work ahead. They'll be breaking in a first-time defensive coordinator, have 25 free agents to concern themselves with and must decide which offensive pieces they can still count on going forward.
"The Ravens always seem to be in decent or better shape by August, and having Jackson will keep them at or near the top of the league, but don't expect a sleepy offseason in Baltimore. They can't afford to keep all their pending free agents; even just re-signing DT Justin Madubuike and RG Kevin Zeitler could cost them quite a bit.
"The offensive line has to be a priority, with fellow guard John Simpson set to join Zeitler in free agency and the future at offensive tackle in question. Running back and wide receiver offer depth but also questions about injury, age and fit. The Ravens always seem to be in decent or better shape by August, and having Jackson will keep them at or near the top of the league, but don't expect a sleepy offseason in Baltimore.”
That is quite a list to get through.
The Ravens have always been good at navigating through troubled waters and this offseason, they will have to maneuver well again.
Justin Madubuike can't be allowed to walk out the door via free agency, but signing him likely means that Patrick Queen's time as a Raven could end. Both would command a sizable salary, and it feels like there is only room for one.
The offensive line could potentially lose two starters in Simpson and Zeitler and the receiver room that could be without Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor (both free agents) might also see change.
General manager Erica DeCosta stated that he "has a plan" for the numerous free agents and the truth is, Baltimore can't keep them all. So who do they bring back and who do they not?
Exactly how all of this shakes out over the coming months will be interesting as the Ravens seem to be on the cusp of breaking through for their first Super Bowl since 2012.
But, with several coaching changes already, coupled with free agent issues and roster holes that need filling, NFL.com is right, it will be anything but a "sleepy" offseason in Baltimore.
