On paper, the Ravens find themselves in a good cap situation. The team currently has $29 million in cap space. However, this number will fall drastically if (and when) the team is able to secure an extension for Lamar Jackson. To make room for Jackson’s extension (or tag), as well as some other key re-signings, the Baltimore Ravens have a few candidates that could be cut.
(Cap numbers provided by Over The Cap).
Top Five Baltimore Ravens Cut Candidates
Tier 1: Probably Gone
These players have large cap hits relative to the contribution they give to the team. As such, it makes sense to cut them and take the additional cap space. However, the team could also look to re-sign them on a cheaper deal or restructure their contract.
1. Chuck Clark
Chuck Clark is entering the final year of his contract. His cap number for 2023 currently sits at over $6 million. While Clark was a decent backup when Marcus Williams was out injured, the Ravens should look to move ahead with Williams, Kyle Hamilton, and Geno Stone as their top three options. Clark proved a liability in coverage on too many occasions and his exit would let the team give more importance to Stone, an underrated young safety. Cutting or trading Clark gives the Ravens around $3.5 million in cap space. However, if the team is keen to keep him around, they could extend him and save $2 million this year.
2. Malik Harrison
A former third-round pick, Malik Harrison serves as an integral part of the special teams unit and is part of the linebacker rotation. With Roquan Smith extended and Patrick Queen having a breakout year, it does not seem that Harrison will see a bump in playing time soon. While John Harbaugh values special teams greatly, Baltimore will be able to replace Harrison’s production fairly comfortably. The Ravens can save a little over $1 million by cutting Harrison.
Block Parties #AndFootball！@Leek_39
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— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 24, 2022
Tier 2: Probably Sticking Around
These players are significant contributors to the team but could still be cut if Baltimore finds itself very tight. It would be surprising, but not irrational if these players are cut this offseason.
3. Pat Ricard
Pat Ricard is one of the most recognizable fullbacks in the league currently. He was a Pro Bowler this season and was leaned on as a versatile weapon in some instances. With the Ravens looking to bring in a new offensive coordinator, it is unclear whether Ricard will stick around. He was a favorite with Greg Roman but, with the team looking to reinvent their offensive identity, Ricard could fall out of favor. Cutting Ricard before June 1st gives little benefit. However, the team could save just under $3 million if he is released after June 1st.
With that said, Ricard is a fanbase and locker-room favorite. Cutting him would be disruptive from a leadership perspective and his production last year suggests that the team ought to keep him around for at least one more year. Also, the team can save more money by cutting him next off-season ($4 million).
4. Calais Campbell
Calais Campbell is in an interesting contractual situation. At 36 years old, the defensive tackle’s cap number sits at a mighty $9.44 million. He remains an impact player for the Ravens and has been imperative in helping with Baltimore’s elite run defense this year. Should the Ravens cut him, however, they can save $7 million this year. Given his impact though, this seems unlikely. The probable move here is that the Ravens release Campbell and re-sign him to a smaller deal. Or Campbell receives a one-year extension to balance out his cap hit. Any extension could also include void years to further minimize the impact of Campbell’s cap hit on any given season.
5. Gus Edwards
The Ravens running back situation in 2022 was turbulent, to say the least. By the end of the season, when Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins were both healthy, the run game was humming. Thus, Edwards’ importance to the team has been proved. However, Dobbins is expected to be back to full health for the 2023 season and is projected to be the team’s featured back. As such, Edwards’ diminishing role may warrant his release.
Despite this, Edwards is still among the league’s best power backs. The team will likely look to keep him around for at least one more year given Dobbins’ struggles to stay healthy the last two seasons. Should Edwards be cut, he could save over $4 million. An extension would save the Ravens $2.6 million, however. Thus, they could give Edwards a short extension to balance out his cap hit instead of releasing him.
I've been seeing a lot of people writing about Gus Edwards being traded this offseason. I don't like this move because Gus is great and he's a big part of our offense. But cap wise it's interesting. I wonder if he could be a good value on a trade with Arizona for DeAndre Hopkins.
— Pedro H. Rhormes (@rhormes_) January 25, 2023
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