Huge Deal: Ravens Acquires a Top Versatile Talented Star In Major Groundbreaking Deal

With free agency fast approaching, analysts continue to speculate on potential team-player pairings. The Athletic’s Mike Jones predicted one free-agent target for each team and sees the Ravens pursuing Raiders safety.

“The Ravens have key decisions to make regarding their own roster, including left tackle Ronnie Stanley, who is set to hit free agency,” Jones wrote. “But when it comes to external additions, they need help in the secondary, where a lack of speed and playmaking ability hurt them. Moehrig would address a major need at free safety after recording 104 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and two interceptions for the Raiders last season.”

Many believe Baltimore will add a safety to allow All-Pro Kyle Hamilton to return to his versatile “Swiss Army knife” role after playing more as a traditional safety late last season.

Several mock drafts project the Ravens selecting a safety in the first round, while Moehrig and Jevon Holland are considered top options in free agency. A 2021 second-round pick, Moehrig has started 64 games for the Raiders and is ranked as the 11th-best free agent overall by ESPN’s Matt Bowen.

“An ascending player, Moehrig has tallied five interceptions and 12 pass breakups over the last two seasons,” Bowen wrote. “In 2024, he added five tackles for loss. He has the range to play deep and is a physical presence when stepping into the box.”

NFL Network’s Gregg Rosenthal ranks Moehrig 20th overall, noting that multiple league insiders emphasized he could be ranked even higher.

 

Pundit Says Darius Slay and Ravens Are Perfect Free-Agent Match

The Ravens are expected to strengthen their cornerback depth this offseason, and Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker believes veteran Darius Slay would be an ideal addition.

“While he likely won’t be available until after June 1, Slay is a great fit for Baltimore’s defensive system,” Locker wrote. “In Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr’s first season calling plays, the Ravens used Cover 1 on 23.8% of coverage snaps, the ninth-highest rate in the league. Slay excelled in that scheme during his 2024 resurgence, earning a 67.9 PFF coverage grade in single-high man—ranking 10th among qualified cornerbacks. He was also effective in zone coverage, posting a 76.8 PFF grade.”

At 34, Slay has shown some year-to-year inconsistency, but Locker views him as an affordable, veteran addition who wouldn’t prevent Baltimore from drafting a cornerback early.

Slay was previously close to signing with the Ravens two years ago before ultimately re-signing with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Jeff Zrebiec Ranks Ravens’ Biggest Offseason Needs

The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec outlined the Ravens’ top 10 needs heading into the new league year, with offensive tackle, cornerback, and edge rusher leading the list.

1. Offensive Tackle

If Baltimore can’t re-sign Ronnie Stanley, one of the top free agents available, they might shift Roger Rosengarten to left tackle after he played right tackle as a rookie. However, that would leave a void on the right side. With Patrick Mekari also hitting free agency, the Ravens lack a reliable swing tackle. The only other tackle currently under contract is Corey Bullock, an undrafted free agent who spent his rookie season on the practice squad.

2. Cornerback

Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins form a strong duo, but Baltimore needs another outside corner to replace free agent Brandon Stephens and add slot depth. T.J. Tampa, a fourth-round pick last year who saw limited action due to injuries, will get a chance to step up. Jalyn Armour-Davis could also factor in if he can stay healthy.

3. Edge Rusher

While this group has potential, its long-term outlook is uncertain. Kyle Van Noy, Odafe Oweh, and David Ojabo are all in the final year of their contracts. Van Noy, who exceeded expectations last season, has hinted at wanting a new deal. Oweh is also playing for his next contract, while Ojabo, with just four career sacks, could be on the roster bubble entering training camp. The Ravens must address both immediate depth and future planning at the position.

Derrick Henry Acquisition Ranked Second-Best Free-Agent Signing of 2024

The Ravens are known for being selective in free agency, but when they do make moves, they tend to be impactful.

A prime example is the signing of running back Derrick Henry, which Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame ranked as the second-best free-agent addition of 2024, trailing only the Eagles’ acquisition of Saquon Barkley.

“Henry and the Ravens agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal last offseason, and the partnership became one of the most successful in the league,” Verderame wrote. “Henry earned All-Pro honors after rushing for 1,921 yards, coming just short of becoming the first player ever to record two 2,000-yard seasons.”

Henry was the driving force behind Baltimore’s offense, helping the team secure the AFC North title. He also racked up 16 rushing touchdowns while averaging an impressive 5.9 yards per carry.

With his contract set to expire after the 2025 season, the big question now is whether the Ravens will extend him beyond his age-31 season. General Manager Eric DeCosta indicated at the Scouting Combine last week that he is open to the possibility of keeping Henry in Baltimore longer.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *