The Baltimore Ravens may look to acquire some talented free agents ahead of their 2023 playoff push. The team are currently on a three-game win streak and boast a record of 6-2, putting them atop the AFC North.
With a postseason appearance more than likely, General Manager Eric DeCosta could look to the free agent pool to bolster his roster. Despite numerous stars being linked to Baltimore at the trade deadline, the team failed to execute on any of their rumored targets. As such, acquiring effective free agents could be key to Baltimore’s Super Bowl aspirations.
5 Ravens Free Agent Targets to Boost 2023 Playoff Hopes
J.D. McKissic
It was clear that Baltimore were keen to add to their running back room at the trade deadline. They displayed significant interest in Josh Jacobs and also had a deal for Derrick Henry that was vetoed.
The Ravens’ desire for another running back was justified. While Gus Edwards and Justice Hill have been effective as a one-two punch, the team could do with more depth at the position. With J.K. Dobbins out for the year, grabbing an extra running back would take the load off Edwards and Hill.
J.D. McKissic would be a good fit for Baltimore given his pass catching prowess. Unlike Greg Roman’s offense, Todd Monken has placed an emphasis on using running backs as receivers. McKissic is a strong receiving back and would thus offer a similar skillset to Hill and Keaton Mitchell.
Greedy Williams
The Ravens signed veteran Ronald Darby, who has been a revelation so far. Truthfully, Baltimore’s entire cornerback room has been solid. Brandon Stephens, Arthur Maulet and Rock Ya-Sin have been solid while Marlon Humphrey remains an all-star player.
With that said, cornerback depth will be key. Humphrey had some injury troubles at the start of the year and the team could do with some youth. As such, Baltimore could take a flier on Greedy Williams, formerly of the Cleveland Browns.
Ndamukong Suh
Ndamukong Suh is said to be taking his time over his decision. The Ravens have already reached out to the 36-year-old, but nothing has been inked yet.
The Ravens defensive line has been solid. They have benefitted greatly from the strong performances of Michael Pierce and Justin Madubuike. However, as is always the case in the trenches, there is no such thing as too much depth. Suh would offer some Super Bowl experience and would figure to be a rotational piece on the defensive line.
Robert Quinn
Like Suh, Robert Quinn profiles in a similar way. However, there are questions about whether Quinn is still an effective NFL pass rusher. Quinn is two years removed from an 18.5-sack season but, in 2022, he managed just one sack.
Quinn would offer Baltimore a bit of versatility. He would likely be deployed as an outside linebacker and a 3-4 defensive end. Like Suh, he also brings Super Bowl experience having played for the Philadelphia Eagles last season.
Jason Pierre-Paul
DeCosta brought in Jason Pierre-Paul when they were desperately in need of pass rush help last year. He surprised many and was effective in limited snaps.
At 34, Pierre-Paul will most definitely be looking to win a third Super Bowl. The Ravens present a good opportunity this year. With Pierre-Paul’s familiarity with Mike MacDonald’s scheme, he would be a smart add if the team are in desperate need of a starter.
Have a game, Jason Pierre-Paul! pic.twitter.com/bz54atKHI7
— PFF BAL Ravens (@PFF_Ravens) November 20, 2022
Other Baltimore Ravens Free Agent Targets Ahead of a 2023 Playoff Push
Carlos Dunlap is another name to watch after he was released by the Kansas City Chiefs. While Dunlap is no longer the player he once was, he would still offer excellent experience and decent value as a designated pass rush specialist.
Andrew Norwell is probably the best free agent guard currently. The Ravens’ offensive line has been a bit banged up, meaning they could look to dip into the free agent pool for extra depth. John Simpson has been the team’s starting left guard this season, but he has been the offensive line’s weakest link. While Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu would likely be trusted to step up if Simpson’s form continues to dip, Norwell would also be a smart add to increase the competition.
Marcus Williams has had his fair share of injury struggles over the past two years. While Kyle Hamilton and Geno Stone have been quietly elite, the team could bolster their safety depth with a decorated player in the form of Logan Ryan.
Baltimore have been interested in T.Y. Hilton before. Hilton would offer a skillset as a possession receiver that Baltimore do not really have currently. Odell Beckham Jr.’s production has been underwhelming and Rashod Bateman has been a divisive figure. Hilton would offer a skillset between the two of them with reliable hands and decent run-after-catch ability. While Hilton is at the twilight of his career, he could still offer some valuable snaps.
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