One of the key challenges for the Baltimore Ravens this offseason is making decisions about a crucial offensive lineman and determining whether to retain Marcus Williams. However, one free agent stands out as a potential solution to their most pressing need.
Like many other NFL teams, the Ravens are in search of a reliable edge rusher to help propel them to a Super Bowl run. A potential bargain option could be Raiders pass rusher.
Raiders DE Malcolm Koonce could boost Ravens
Koonce suffered a season-ending injury before the 2024 campaign, raising questions about his impact in 2025. However, that uncertainty could make him a more affordable option in free agency.
Before his injury, Koonce showcased his potential with a strong finish to the 2023 season. He recorded eight sacks while starting 11 games for the Raiders. Former Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce had high expectations for Koonce in 2023, as noted on the Raiders’ YouTube page via Heavy.com.
“There are certain players you watch and think, ‘If just a couple of things fall into place, they could break out,’” Pierce said. “Malc is a prime example. Sometimes, a player gets put into a role that doesn’t fit him, but we found the right role for Malcolm. He’s a legitimate edge threat with the speed and explosiveness to turn the corner.” Koonce embraced that role, striving to be more than just a pass rusher.
“I’m just trying to make the most of my opportunities,” he said in a postgame interview on December 14, 2023. “I want to be a complete player—an all-around good football player, not just a pass rusher.”
His efforts paid off, as Pro Football Focus ranked his 81.5 pass-rush grade No. 14 in the NFL late in the 2023 season.
Ravens looking hard at the pass-rush market
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta indicated that the team could address its need for a pass rusher through the draft.
“It really comes down to the best player at the time,” DeCosta said. “If we’re picking at 27 and there’s an edge rusher who’s the best available, we’re probably going to take him. That philosophy applies to every round.”
DeCosta emphasized the importance of adding pass-rushing talent, noting that despite ranking near the top of the league in sacks last season, the Ravens must continue developing young edge rushers.
“It’s an important position,” DeCosta said. “We were maybe second in the league in sacks last year, but having a continuous influx of young pass rush talent—guys who can set the edge, play the run, and bring physicality—that’s a priority for us, for sure.”
Head coach John Harbaugh also stressed the need for toughness along the defensive front. “Game-wrecking defensive tackles—that’s kind of a big deal,” Harbaugh said. “Pass-pressuring defensive ends—that’s kind of a big deal, too.”