NFL Free Agency 2024: Is It Time to Worry About the Baltimore Ravens?

What happens when a team loses its second-leading rusher and top touchdown scorer, its second-leading tackler, and a performer who finished second in the NFL in interceptions?

It has been quite the mass exodus for the reigning AFC North champion Baltimore Ravens. Running back Gus Edwards is now a member of the Washington Commanders. Both linebacker Patrick Queen and safety Geno Stone stayed within the division, signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals, respectively.

Plenty of Departures

General manager Eric DeCosta obviously had a huge challenge ahead of him entering this offseason. The Ravens released wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and linebacker Tyus Bowser. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley joined the Cleveland Browns. The offensive line will be missing three starters from 2023 in left guard John Simpson (Jets) and Kevin Zeitler (Lions), both who left in free agency, while veteran right tackle Morgan Moses was dealt to the Jets.

Wait, there’s more. Big-play return artist Devin Duvernay signed a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips, who led Baltimore with eight special teams’ tackles, inked a deal with the Houston Texans. All three aspects of John Harbaugh’s club have felt the sting of free agency.

It’s safe to say that the mass exodus from Baltimore is somewhat surprising considering the pedigree of the franchise. Under Harbaugh, this has been a pretty consistent that has made more than its share of playoff appearances – five of those in the past six seasons.

Focus on the Positives

The cupboard remains far from bare. The team re-signed Pro Bowl defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, defensive end Brent Urban and slot cornerback Arthur Maulet. DeCosta struck it big with the addition of veteran workhorse running back and two-time NFL rushing champion Derrick Henry. The Ravens also just added linebacker Chris Board, cut loose by the Patriots earlier this year, as well as a pair of former Houston Texans in offensive lineman Josh Jones and defensive back Ka’dar Hollman.

The Ravens have made a habit out of drafting well, and it’s still very early in free agency. On the other hand, how many losses are too many? Keep in mind that defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald is now the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. Other members of his staff such as Anthony Weaver and Dennard Wilson are now defensive coordinators in Miami and Tennessee, respectively.

Again, the Ravens are a resilient organization. They won a division in which all four teams finished with a winning record in 2023, and the Browns and Steelers joined them in the playoffs. The weeks ahead should be fascinating for DeCosta, Harbaugh and a team that finished with the best record in the NFL this past season.