The Baltimore Ravens or Kansas City Chiefs may pursue Super Bowl linebacker cut candidate, Damien Wilson this upcoming season. According to a report, the veteran may be fighting for a roster even though he was able to re-sign a new contract with the team this offseason. The linebacker is in his second stint with the Cowboys after spending some time with the Chiefs in his NFL tenure and winning a ring while at it. However, the source believes his special teams experience could give him the leverage to win a roster spot but anything can happen if he’s falling off the depth chart.
Wilson is by no means old but he does provide a team with championship experience and knows how the big stage works. His only best season with the Cowboys was in 2018 where he was able to rack up 37 tackles, one sack and one fumble while starting seven games for them. In the Super Bowl season with the Chiefs, he was able to contribute 81 tackles and 1.5 sacks while starting 16 games. He won’t be a starter anymore in the league but he does provide a valuable experience for any team that needs depth for cheap so he isn’t the biggest name if he becomes available.
The Ravens are still looking for a linebacker since losing Patrick Queen this offseason to their rival the Cincinnati Bengals. They may have Roquan Smith but they need someone alongside him for one season to take over until they can find their future linebacker who can help in the long-term. However, the Chiefs could add him to a young group full of defensive athletes like Leo Chenal, Drue Tranquill and Nick Bolton. He could be a valuable veteran to come back to help reinforce this group.
Ravens, Chiefs May Pursue Super Bowl Linebacker Damien Wilson
Next Possible Teams
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have been doing a lot of work to improve their offense to make Bryce Young comfortable this upcoming season. However, they may need one last kick on the tire for their defense if they want to give Young extra snaps. This means that even though they’re signing Jadeveon Clowney, they need someone like Wilson that’s going to last longer. Clowney is only on a one-year deal but it might be cheaper to keep Wilson around to keep the linebacker group reinforced.
Shaq Thompson is a nice piece that’s going to last the defense around but there’s nobody behind him that’s proven to be reliable. Wilson would automatically fill those shoes and can come in rotation for Thompson or Clowney. The Panthers may be able to win on the offense side of the ball but they need to be able to apply pressure for their defense.
New Orleans Saints
Even though they were able to extend Pete Werner this offseason, they still need a veteran to help accommodate this linebacker group. Demario Davis is getting older so this means it’s time for the Saints to start thinking about the future. He isn’t retiring anytime soon but the hope is that he can stay healthy since he’s already 35 this year. New Orleans could add Wilson in the mix as depth if they feel like an older linebacker group isn’t what they want for the long term.
Los Angeles Chargers
Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack may be coming back on new contracts to help the team’s salary cap situation but good things don’t always stay forever. Sooner or later, they’ll have to decide who’s worth keeping around and pay them for the rest of their career on a new deal. This means it would open up a hole for a new linebacker to step in and Wilson is affordable at their rate.
