Ravens 2023 Free Agents

The Baltimore Ravens 2022 season may be over but for the Ravens front office the works is only just beginning. The Ravens currently have 17 unrestricted free agents, with some big names headlining that list.

Heading into the 2023 offseason the Ravens are projected to have just under $29 million in total cap space. The question now becomes which unrestricted free agents are the Ravens willing to resign and which ones will have new homes in 2023.

Free agency opens March 15th so lets look at some of the Ravens notable free agents.

CB Marcus Peters

Marcus Peters returned in 2022 after suffering a season ending knee injury that forced the 30-year old to miss the entire 2021 season. While Peters overall production in 2022 wasn’t up to his normal standards, he still had a productive season playing in 13 games, totaling 47 tackles. While adding one interception and six pass deflections.

With Peters another year removed from is ACL injury and another year older questions surround if the veteran corner will return to Baltimore. It’s without question Peters brings intensity and heart to the Ravens defense, but the Ravens could be looking to take a top corner in this years draft, further putting Peters status on the team in danger. It’s unlikely other teams will break the bank to bring Peters in, but interest from other clubs with be there. The Ravens will likely look to give Peters a deal similar to that of long-time Ravens Jimmy Smith, but the question will be how much does Peters want to be here in Baltimore?

Edge Justin Houston

Justin Houston returned for his second year in Baltimore, and while his 2022 season had its highs and lows, overall he had the most productive season of any Ravens defender. Houston dealt with injuries throughout the year playing in only 11 games, but in those games he totaled 21 tackles, one interception, and a team leading 9.5 sacks.

Houston just turned 34 this January, and its uncertain if the four-time Pro Bowler wishes to continue playing or retire. Houston is another player that the Ravens would like to have back at the right price. His knowledge in the locker room to help a young edge rushing position group is important along with his ability to get to the quarterback.

If Houston wishes to play another year the Ravens will look for a very team friendly deal, likely the lowest offer Houston will receive on the open market.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson

The biggest free agent the Ravens have without question is quarterback Lamar Jackson. The Ravens and Jackson were unable to come to terms on a long term deal before the start of the season, and Jackson made the decision to cut off negotiations while the season started. Much speculation has been made as to the type of deal Jackson is looking for, but much of the hold up appears to be related to Jackson’s wish to get a fully guaranteed contract much like Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. Jackson, who is representing himself complicated things for the Ravens as they look to navigate through the contract.

Jackson played in just 12 games for the second straight year after going down with a sprained PCL and missing the teams final five games as well as their playoff game against the Bengals. Jackson has declined since 2019 throwing for his least amount of yards since 2019 and his second lowest amount of touchdowns in that same time. Jackson also rushed for his lowest total since 2019, rushing only 112 times for 764 yards.

Both GM Eric Decosta and head coach John Harbaugh were quick to say Jackson would be in Baltimore in 2023, but failed to elaborate on what it would take to keep him here beyond 2023. The Ravens are expected to place the exclusive-rights franchise tag on the 2019 unanimous MVP. This tag will keep other teams from negotiating with Jackson. However, its unlikely Jackson will play on the tag. The franchise tag for quarterbacks is expected to be near $33 million in 2023.

The franchise tag must be placed by March 7th and tagged players will have until July 15th to negotiate a new long-term deal. If Jackson and the team cannot work out a long term deal however by April’s NFL draft, it would not be a surprise to see the team look to move Jackson for a haul of picks.

Left Guard Ben Powers

Ben Powers entered the 2022 season unsure if he would once again find himself on the bench much like he his first three season in the NFL. But after a strong training camp, Powers got the start and never looked back having not only his best season, but was one of the best guards in the NFL. The 6’4, 338 Ib left guard only registered one penalty all year and regularly was graded as the best run blocking guard week-to-week.

While Powers was great for the Ravens in 2022 his great play will likely leave the Ravens no choice but to let him walk in free agency. Powers is expected to get a big contract, that the Ravens just cannot afford with other key players first in line to receiver contracts.

Defensive lineman Brent Urban

Brent Urban returned to Baltimore after spending his first four years of his career with the team before departing in free agency in 2019. Urban returned to have on of his best seasons. Urban mostly played as a rotational piece along the defensive line playing in 16 games, totaling 21 tackles, one sack, and six qb pressures.

With Calais Campbell and Michael Pierce’s future with the Ravens in jeopardy Urban will likely be back in Baltimore to add veteran depth to a young defensive that features Justin Madubuike, Broderick Washington, and Travis Jones.

Edge Jason Pierre-Paul

Jason Pierre-Paul signed with the Ravens heading into week three, as it became clear they needed help rushing the passer. Not much was expected from two-time Super Bowl champion, as many viewed Pierre-Paul to be a depth piece. But Pierre-Paul became a key force on the Ravens defense as he played in 14 game, totaling 26 tackles, three sacks, and also adding an interception. Pierre-Paul had 10 quarterback hurries and was a force in setting the edge in the run game.

Pierre-Paul who will be 34-years old next season has not hinted at retirement. If the Ravens are not able to retain Justin Houston Pierre-Paul could be very valuable to this Ravens defense in 2023.

Cornerback Kyle Fuller

Kyle Fuller looked poised to have a standout season before tearing his ACL in the Ravens week one matchup against the Jets. Fuller was filling in for an injured Marcus Peters and looked to have a major role in this defense even when Peters returned. Fuller has potential to help this Ravens defense, and will likely be back in Baltimore to add corner depth as he will be a 31 year old coming off a major knee injury in 2023.

Tight end Josh Oliver

Josh Oliver had the best year of his career in 2022. The former third-round pick of the Jaguars in 2019 returned to the Ravens after joining the team in 2021. For the first time in his career Oliver played in all 17 games catching 14 passes for 149 yards, while adding two touchdowns, his first two touchdowns of his career.

Oliver became the teams number two tight end behind Andrews and when given the opportunities shined. Oliver could very well return to Baltimore as they would like to keep the core of Andrews, Likely, and Oliver in tact.

Wide receiver Sammy Watkins

As injuries continued to mount at the receiver position, the Ravens turned to former Ravens Sammy Watkins. Watkins played in the Ravens final three regular season games after being released by the Green Bay Packers. Watkins in those three games had just three catches for 119 yards. Watkins added one catch for 12 yards in the playoffs.

While it would be unfair to judge Watkins for his lack of production in his short time with the team, having him return for 2022 was a desperation move as the Ravens receiver room dealt with injuries. It would be very unlikely for Watkins to be back in Baltimore in 2023, as they look to overturn the receiver room and get more production out of it.

Wide receiver Demarcus Robinson

Demarcus Robinson signed with the Ravens at the end of training camp after being released by the Raiders. Robinson’s role in the offense was to be added depth and be more of a WR3. But after injuries to Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay, Robinson soon became the Ravens leading wide receiver. Robinson was a reliable receiver, and while he did suffer some key drops throughout the year. He did play in all 17 games catching 48 passes for 458 yards, and two touchdowns. Robinson also added two catches for 49 yards, and a touchdown in the Ravens Wild-Card matchup.

Robinson is still fairly young as he wont turn 29 until September. The Ravens have made it a point to overhaul the wide receiver room, but it would be wise to have Robinson return as he seemed to flourish even in an offense that struggled in the passing game down the stretch.

Running back Kenyan Drake

Signed just before the start of the season Kenyan Drake became the lead back for the Ravens without Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins in the lineup. Drake played in 12 games rushing for 482 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Drake’s best game of the season came against the Giants in which he rushed for 119 yards on 10 carries and one touchdown.

Drake had some strong performances throughout the year, but was inconsistent failing to get over 10 yards in four games. As Edwards and Dobbins returned Drake’s snaps became limited and was a healthy inactive for the five games he did not play. Drake’s future in Baltimore is unlikely as he showed he can help other teams that don’t already have two lead backs.

Running back Justice Hill

Justice Hill has shown flashes in his short career, that shows he could be a rotational piece within this Ravens backfield. However, most of his career has been spent on special teams, but Hill has made the most of it becoming the Ravens best special teamer and one of the best gunners in all the NFL. It unlikely teams will break the bank for essentially a career special teamer to this point. Offensively this season Hill rushed 49 times for 262 yards, adding 12 catches for 58 yards.

In his few opportunities this season Hill fumbled twice making it hard for Harbaugh to trust him in crunch time even with Edwards and Dobbins still sidelined early in the season. The Ravens value strong special teams play and because of that it’s likely Hill will be back in Baltimore in 2023.

Other notable unrestricted free agents include left tackle Ju’Wuan James, edge defender Steven Means, linebacker Vince Biegel, cornerback Daryl Worley, and cornerback Kevon Seymour

The Ravens also have six restricted free agents. As a restricted free agent the Ravens would have the option to match any offer made by other teams to retain the player. If the Ravens do not wish to match an offer and a restricted free agent signs with another team the Ravens can be rewarded a compensatory pick in next years NFL draft.

Qaurterback Tyler Huntley, center Trystan Colon-Castillo, linebacker Kristian Welch, safety Geno Stone, linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips, and long snapper Nick Moore are the Ravens six unrestricted free agents.

Additionally the Ravens signed six players to reserve/future contracts. Wide receiver Shemar Bridges, defensive back Bopete Keyes, linebacker Jeremiah Moon, defensive tackle Rayshad Nichols, guard John Simpson, wide receiver Mike Thomas, fullback Ben Mason, and wide receiver Andy Isabella.