Ravens Reacts: Five Players The Ravens Should Retain, and Five They Should Let Go As Free Agency Awaits Us!
The Ravens Should Let Go Of An All-Pro?!
Welcome back to another edition of ‘Ravens Reacts’, a Cool Sports Newsletter series made by a die hard Ravens fan! Free Agency begins in just about a week for the Baltimore Ravens, who even after franchising tagging star defensive tackle Justin Madubuike have many questions heading into the period. The Ravens have 22 other free agents, 11 of which I’d say had a huge impact on the Ravens 2023 success. And there are others who due to injury or lack of opportunity are also important to retain. However, Baltimore can’t keep everyone, as they need to actually let salary go now paying Madubuike over $22 million in 2024. So let’s look at five players Baltimore should retain, and five players they should let walk in free agency throughout these next few weeks!
Players To Keep
J.K. Dobbins
I’m been thinking about this one for a while. I just sat down a watched 20 minutes worth of J.K. Dobbins NFL highlights. The man is talented. And to be honest it makes perfect sense for Baltimore to bring back their former phenom tailback. Dobbins had as much talent as any running back in the league after a breakout rookie campaign, but now an ACL tear and Achilles tear have taken positive sparks in 2020 and 2022 and washed them away. It’s safe to say he’s faced more than the usual running back injury treatment, especially at just 25 years of age. So you’re probably thinking; why would Baltimore bring back a player back who they’ve clearly been able to succeed without? Here’s the thing, Baltimore can only get better. Dobbins was 7th in the league in rushing yards for the final seven weeks of the 2020 season…and he missed a game! Then in 2022, Dobbins returned and was amazing, leading the league in rushing yards in his final four games. Moral of the story, Dobbins is ELITE when he can stay on the field. And because there are many questions surrounding if he can do that, Baltimore can sign him to what I like to call a ‘one year-prove it’ deal. And Dobbins can be the Ravens RB1/Speed-back until Keaton Mitchell returns (if he does), and can maybe prove he still deserves a chance in this league. It’s a low risk, but super high reward for Baltimore to make this signing and keep Dobbins in Charm City.
Kyle Van Noy
Van Noy played terrific in his 14 games with Baltimore last season. Van Noy, a veteran and proven champion pass rusher totaled a career high 9 sacks in 14 games…at the age of 32. He was one of the huge reasons why Baltimore’s defense, but more specifically their pass rush, was the best in the NFL in 2023. Him and Jadeveon Clowney. And personally, I just need Baltimore to bring one of them back. Because having both in their surprising seasons in their later stages of their career was fantastic. And they need to bring one of them back to not put full-pressure on unproven pass rushers, the fear Baltimore had going into 2023 until Van Noy and Clowney stepped up. Why Van Noy? Well, he’s a winner, and has been more consistent. Van Noy has had just one season with less than five sacks since 2017. He’s reliable, plays smart, and is a proven champion and veteran in the locker room. I’d keep Van Noy around another year to help Baltimore possibly put a third ring on his finger!
Rock Ya-Sin
This one makes perfect sense. Baltimore’s secondary was one of the best in the NFL last season. But with Ya-Sin, Ronald Darby, Arthur Maulet, Daryl Worley and Geno Stone all free agents, Baltimore needs to bring back some of their key players to sustain some level of success and consistency in the secondary. Ya-Sin is a perfect player to bring back. Not even 28, Rock Ya-Sin went unnoticed last season with really no statistical value and you never heard his name…and that’s why Baltimore should bring him back. Ya-Sin was consistent. I can’t remember one game or even play where Ya-Sin messed up. He was a lockdown cornerback, and one of the more underrated defensive backs in the league. And he is a veteran. Arthur Maulet was great in 2023, and so was Ronald Darby to all pair next to Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Stephens. But if Baltimore is prioritizing one of them, they should bring back Rock Ya-Sin in 2024!
Kevin Zeitler
This is an obvious move for me. Baltimore is so thin at the offensive guard position. They drafted Ben Cleveland a few years ago, and he’s just never really developed into what was supposed to be a starter or anything close to it. Baltimore also had to save money by letting amazing guard Ben Powers head to Denver last year. Baltimore can not also allow Zeitler to leave. Kevin Zeitler did an amazing job protecting Lamar last season, ranking 2nd among all offensive guards in pass protection by PFF, only behind Chiefs starJoe Thuney. He also only made four penalties, and allowed just two sacks. Can he play better in the run department? Sure, but Baltimore also had the first ranked rushing offense so it clearly didn’t hurt the Ravens. Baltimore needs to retain their Pro Bowl offensive guard, and keep him as a key part of this offensive line.
Gus Edwards
I know I just mentioned bringing back J.K. Dobbins at the running back position. And I also believe Baltimore should bring back Gus Edwards. Yes that’s right: I don’t think it would be smart of Baltimore to go after a Derrick Henry type player. It will be too expensive, and there is not a running back without glaring weaknesses/concerns on the open market. So use Dobbins and Hill as speed backs, and bring back Gus as the power-back. Edwards has been Mr. Consistent in his time in the league. In every healthy season, Edwards has produced at least 711 yards, and just had a season where totaled career highs in yards (810) and touchdowns (13). Edwards will be a cheaper option, and has proven to be a huge piece on the number one rushing offense TWICE. Keep The Bus in Charm City!
Players To Let Walk
John Simpson
I know I just mentioned how the Ravens are really short-handed at guard, but Simpson is not the answer. The 26 year old was ranked the 49th best in the National Football League by PFF in 2023, and just didn’t add any value on the pass blocking or run blocking department. If I’m Baltimore, I’d let Simpson walk and draft someone else with an early pick, because Simpson does not add enough value for Baltimore to bring him back.
Geno Stone
This one hurts! I loved what Geno Stone did in 2023. Leading the AFC in interceptions with seven is not something to overlook. But it won’t be something we see again. This interception total is making him one of the more premier defensive backs in free agency. And considering Baltimore is currently paying a ton of money to Marcus Williams, and will need to pay Kyle Hamilton in just a few years, Baltimore should not put themselves in a position where they’re paying three safeties a whole lot of money, when in reality a player like Brandon Stephens or a younger defensive back could step into his role as ‘the very inconsistent guy who forces turnovers’. I love Geno, but Baltimore has to pick and choose, and I think it would be silly of them to pay Stone.
Patrick Queen
This is one is not a matter of wanting to. Patrick Queen simply can’t be in Baltimore right now. Baltimore is not only in a financial position to pay an All-Pro $15-20 million/year, they are needing to let go of some salaries just to make sure Justin Madubuike, Kyle Hamilton and other weapons will be here in a few years. Queen is amazing. But how much of his growth as a linebacker has been because of Roquan Smith? I’d say a decent bit. He’s a great linebacker, but Baltimore can’t commit near $200 million dollars to the position. Especially when the middle linebacker you do have locked up for the next half-decade may be the reason you’re 2nd team All-Pro is thriving. I have always loved Queen, and always will, put the Ravens simply can’t bring him back to Baltimore.
Devin Duvernay
Duvernay is not a huge piece to get rid of. But it is an interesting one. Just a few years ago, Duvernay was one of Jackson’s primary targets at WR and was an All-Pro for his ability as a returner. Baltimore mainly used him offensively on screen-plays, as well as on ‘Jet Sweeps’ and quick passes to receivers. But Baltimore now has that in Zay Flowers, who is taking on many roles offensively. And they’re deeper at the position in general. And at returner, we just saw Tylan Wallace (who has one year left on his deal) was a difference maker after winning a game on a punt-return earlier in the season. It may hurt for Baltimore to lose one of their more consistent and reliable weapons the past few years, but Duvernay’s abilities have ran its course in purple and black!
Odell Beckham Jr.
Let’s have an honest conversation with ourselves for a second…was OBJ really that good with Baltimore? He showed some huge bright spots like an 116 yard game against Cincinnati and a 97 yard game against Los Angeles. And you can say he was the main reason why Lamar Jackson decided to stay with the Ravens. However, he was very inconsistent, injury prone, and will once again demand more money than he deserves. Last season, Beckham was 19th in pay for a wide receiver, and 59th in yardage from a wide receiver. And about his playoff experience? Well, a 57% catch rate, 34 yards and no scores wasn’t quite what I was expecting! Look, Beckham was a leader and showed championship identity in the locker room. I will always be thankful he came to Baltimore and convinced Lamar to stay. But no. Beckham, especially for his probable price-range, should not come back to Baltimore in 2024!
Let me know what all of you think about any of these players, and if you agree or disagree with my takes. This is a huge time of year folks, and you’re going to see more and more Ravens content consistently throughout the next few weeks.
Signing off from the Flock, I’m Chase Coburn!
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