Did the Ravens Have a 'High Risk' Offseason?

In an offseason that has been filled with more losses than additions thus far, the Baltimore Ravens head into the upcoming season with likely more questions than a potential Super Bowl contender would like. 

Bleacher Report described each team's offseason to this point with one word, and for the Ravens, theirs was characterized as "high-risk." 

"They've been lauded by many, but there's a chance Justin Madubuike is a one-hit wonder and Derrick Henry is toast," Bleacher Report writes. "Meanwhile, the offensive line took a hit. Risky with so much riding on Lamar Jackson's health."

Re-signing defensive tackle Justin Madubuike and signing running back Derrick Henry were easily the Ravens' biggest additions this offseason, but questions surrounding them are fair. Henry will be 30 years old heading into next season, and running backs rarely perform at a high level at that age. Madubuike only had 7.5 sacks through his first three seasons before his 13-sack campaign in 2023, which led to a 4-year $98 million contract extension. 

Baltimore also lost two pivotal players on its defense to division rivals. Safety Geno Stone, who was second in the league in interceptions, signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. Linebacker Patrick Queen, who had a career-high 133 tackles last season, signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

The architect of a Ravens defense that led the league in sacks (60), was tied for first in turnovers (31) and allowed the fewest points per game (16.5) in 2023 is gone as well, as former defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald left to become the Seattle Seahawks head coach.  

The Ravens' losses on defense may pale in comparison to who they've lost on the offensive line, though. The Ravens' offensive line lost three starters in free agency, with starting guards John Simpson going to the New York Jets and Kevin Zeitler signing with the Detroit Lions. Right tackle Morgan Moses will reunite with Simpson, as he was traded to the Jets alongside a fourth-round pick in exchange for a fourth and sixth-round pick. 

Quarterback and two-time MVP Lamar Jackson missed 10 games between 2021 and 2022 before playing the full season in 2023 outside of not playing in a meaningless Week 18 matchup against the Steelers. While Baltimore feels comfortable with its in-house options and who it could land in the 2024 NFL Draft, the offensive line will remain the biggest question mark.

If they hit on the players replacing who they lost this offseason, the Ravens may not miss a beat. But until then, describing their offseason as "high-risk" is a fair evaluation until we see how the Ravens look next season.