After flashing some Super Bowl potential in 2022, the Baltimore Ravens re-signings will be key to improving for 2023. They currently have the eighth most cap space in the NFL (over $27 million) and could make more with some cuts. With a lot of key contributors hitting free agency, it is imperative for the Ravens to keep their key pieces together.
Five Key 2023 Free Agents for Baltimore Ravens to Re-Sign
Tier 1: Must-Sign Players
1. Quartberack Lamar Jackson
Estimated Market Value: 5 Years, $260 Million ($52 Million Per Year)
As of right now, Lamar Jackson remains unsigned. He is Baltimore’s priority, and it is believed that the team is working tirelessly to work on a deal with him. The expectation is that he will be a Raven in 2023, whether that be through a long-term extension or the franchise tag. There were reports during the season that Jackson was unhappy with how the front office managed negotiations last year, but he seems intent on staying a Raven for life. The main source of tension is the amount of guaranteed money that Jackson should receive.
Re-signing Jackson is undoubtedly Baltimore’s biggest off-season dilemma. Should a deal be reached, the quarterback room would be much more settled. Jackson missed the final stretch of the season due to an injury. It demonstrated how important he was to Baltimore’s offense as they struggled in his absence. Many argued that his PCL injury was ultimately what derailed Baltimore’s playoff chances, a familiar story to 2021 when Jackson’s injuries limited the team’s playoff hopes. Are injuries a concern? Perhaps. However, the 2019 MVP has shown how integral he is to Baltimore (both on and off the field) that a mega extension is warranted.
2. Cornerback Marcus Peters
Estimated Market Value: 2 Years, $18 Million ($9 Million Per Year)
Whether the Ravens re-sign Marcus Peters is one of the team’s biggest offseason questions outside of Jackson’s future. Peters currently forms one of the league’s best cornerback tandems, playing opposite All-Pro Marlon Humphrey. At 30 years old, history tells us that Peters’ drop-off in production and performance is imminent. This is expounded by the fact that he missed all of 2021 through injury. The last time he played a full season was in 2019 when he was named a first-team All-Pro cornerback.
In 2022, Peters managed 47 tackles, two for loss, one sack, two forced fumbles, and one interception in 13 games. His Pro Football Focus grade was above average at 67.7. He is also one of the team’s leading locker-room voices and is credited with playing with a fire and intensity that motivates those around him. At the right value, it would make sense for the team to keep Peters around on a short deal. They could also look to find his heir in the draft.
3. Safety Geno Stone
Market Value: 3 Years, $6 Million ($2 Million Per Year)
Geno Stone was a heavily underrated part of the Ravens defense in 2022. When Marcus Williams was placed on injury reserved and Kyle Hamilton was battling growing pains, Stone stepped up. He accumulated 38 tackles, a forced fumble, and a pass defense but no picks. Despite the production being unimpressive, Stone managed a PFF grade of 71.4. As a rotational piece, Stone is excellent. He is also a reliable starter, meaning that the team can rely on him while trying Hamilton out in different positions to exploit his versatility.
Tier 2: Replaceable but Important 2022 Contributors
4. Offenisve Lineman Ben Powers
Market Value: 3 Years, $4.5 Million ($1.5 Million Per Year)
The Ravens offensive line was among the best in football in 2022. That is despite Ronnie Stanley’s prolonged absences and the various injuries they suffered at the tackle positions. Kevin Zeitler and rookie Tyler Linderbaum were excellent and among the biggest Pro Bowl snubs. Ben Powers may not have been as impressive as his interior counterparts, but he was excellent nevertheless. The 26-year-old played every game for the Ravens and recorded a solid PFF grade of 62.9.
Powers is a core part of the Ravens offensive line, but they have Ben Cleveland in waiting too. Cleveland, a former third-round pick, was an impressive prospect coming out of the draft. If the team believes he can step up, they could opt to let Powers walk and start Cleveland, while bolstering their guard depth in the draft or free agency. Thus, Powers would be a good re-signing, but the Ravens could potentially have a good backup plan.
5. Wide Receiver Demarcus Robinson
Market Value: 1 Year, $1.2 Million ($1.2 Million Per Year)
Baltimore desperately need wide receivers. This season, injuries and lack of depth meant that the team rolled with a starting three of Demarcus Robinson, Sammy Watkins, and James Proche in the playoffs. A splash is needed but, equally important, is keeping some of their key contributors. Robinson flashed some good performances for the Ravens this year. Indeed, in the absence of Rashod Bateman, he served as the team’s primary wide receiver.
On the season, the 28-year-old caught 458 yards and two touchdowns, notching a PFF grade of 64.9. At the very least, he offers veteran depth with starting quality. On a cheap and short deal, Robinson makes sense. The Ravens must, however, reassess their receiver options regardless.
Photo Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
