Should the Ravens Sign Pro Bowl Edge Rusher After Surprise Release?

The NFL offseason often brings a mix of surprising decisions, including unexpected player releases that make waves throughout the league. The recent surprise release of a Pro Bowl-caliber edge rusher has prompted many to ask if the Baltimore Ravens should be in the mix to sign him. While there are a multitude of factors to consider in answering this question, the short answer is yes—the Ravens should absolutely consider signing the released edge rusher. However, it’s essential to delve deeper into why this might be the case by evaluating the Ravens’ needs, the player’s fit with the team, and the long-term implications of such a move.

1. The Ravens’ Current Defensive Needs

The Baltimore Ravens are historically known for their strong defense, and their edge rush has always been a key component of their defensive identity. The team has consistently been one of the league’s top units in terms of both rushing the passer and overall defensive efficiency. However, in recent years, the Ravens’ pass rush has been somewhat inconsistent, especially as their key players have aged or been sidelined by injuries.

In 2024, the Ravens finished with 44 sacks—good for a middle-of-the-pack ranking in the league—but their pass rush didn’t generate the same level of fear as other top teams. Outside linebacker Odafe Oweh, who the Ravens selected in the first round of the 2021 draft, showed flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency. Similarly, veteran Justin Houston has been a solid contributor but is now on the back end of his career and may not provide the same level of explosive playmaking for much longer.

While the Ravens have some promising young talents like Oweh and David Ojabo, they could still benefit from adding a more experienced, proven edge rusher to give them the added depth and impact they need to be a true contender.

This is where the recently released Pro Bowl edge rusher enters the picture. By signing a player with established success at the NFL level, the Ravens could significantly bolster their pass rush. Whether it’s for a few key seasons or as a mentor to younger players, adding a Pro Bowl-caliber talent would certainly help the Ravens’ defense take the next step.

2. The Player’s Proven Track Record

One of the most compelling reasons the Ravens should consider signing the released edge rusher is his established track record of success. A Pro Bowler with a long history of high-level production and impact plays would immediately elevate Baltimore’s pass rush. While some of the specifics around his release may be murky—whether it was due to salary cap issues, locker room concerns, or declining performance—there is no denying that the player has performed at an elite level in the past.

For instance, if the player in question is someone like Chandler Jones, who had been released by his previous team, he would be a prime target for Baltimore. Jones has accumulated multiple double-digit sack seasons and remains a dangerous edge rusher capable of disrupting opposing quarterbacks. His ability to change the course of a game with one well-timed sack or forced fumble makes him an attractive option.

Furthermore, his presence would not only help the Ravens’ defense in terms of pass rush, but it would also relieve some of the pressure on their secondary. The Ravens’ defense already boasts talented cornerbacks like Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters, but a consistent pass rush could allow those players to shine even brighter by giving opposing quarterbacks less time to make throws.

3. Fit Within the Ravens’ Scheme

The Ravens’ defense, under defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, is known for its versatility, blending multiple schemes and formations to keep opposing offenses guessing. The team often deploys a hybrid defense, mixing 3-4 and 4-3 fronts depending on the situation. This flexibility allows the team to tailor their approach based on the strengths of their personnel, and an edge rusher with a diverse skill set can be a key piece of this scheme.

A Pro Bowl-caliber edge rusher would fit seamlessly into this scheme. Players like this often bring a well-rounded skill set, capable of both rushing the passer in traditional 4-3 base defense and standing up as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 front. Whether it’s rushing from a two-point stance or attacking as a defensive end, a top-tier edge rusher would give the Ravens a multifaceted threat capable of creating havoc from various spots on the field.

Another advantage is the possibility of using the edge rusher in specialized pass-rushing situations. The Ravens have had success with rotational defensive fronts, keeping fresh bodies on the field to attack quarterbacks late in games. If the Ravens were to bring in a veteran edge rusher, they could allow him to focus on those high-impact situations, saving his legs for critical moments while developing younger players like Oweh and Ojabo.

4. Veteran Leadership

In addition to his on-field performance, a Pro Bowl-caliber edge rusher would also provide valuable leadership in the locker room. The Ravens are a team with a rich culture of defense, and a veteran with significant postseason experience could bring the kind of wisdom and mentorship that the team’s younger defensive players would greatly benefit from.

If this player is a Pro Bowler with years of experience, they would likely be well-versed in how to handle the ups and downs of an NFL season, including how to stay healthy, keep mentally sharp, and adjust to different offensive strategies. For someone like Oweh, who is still developing, this kind of guidance could be invaluable. Having a veteran edge rusher around could help speed up the development of the younger players, helping them learn how to read offenses, anticipate quarterbacks’ moves, and develop their pass-rushing technique more effectively.

5. Salary Cap Considerations

The main obstacle in signing a Pro Bowl-caliber edge rusher would likely be the salary cap. The Ravens have a history of being able to manage their cap space well, but adding a high-priced veteran could be difficult if they’re already tight on funds. If the edge rusher is released due to a bloated contract or cap considerations, the Ravens may have an opportunity to sign him at a discounted price, especially if the player is motivated to prove himself after a surprise release.

Alternatively, the Ravens might consider restructuring other contracts to free up space or even offer a short-term deal with incentives based on performance and playing time. With the right contract negotiations, signing the veteran edge rusher could be feasible without breaking the bank. The Ravens would likely only pursue a deal if they believed the player could be an immediate difference-maker.

6. Long-Term Implications

While signing the edge rusher would certainly improve the defense in the short term, it’s important for the Ravens to consider the long-term implications as well. If the edge rusher is nearing the end of his career, his performance may start to decline within a year or two. In this case, the Ravens would need to plan accordingly, ensuring they have other pass-rush options in place for the future.

This might mean continuing to develop younger players like Oweh and Ojabo, while also keeping an eye on the upcoming draft for potential edge-rushing prospects. If the edge rusher is viewed as a short-term solution, the Ravens should ensure that any long-term development of their young players doesn’t get derailed in the process.

In summary, the Baltimore Ravens should seriously consider signing a Pro Bowl-caliber edge rusher following his surprise release. His addition could bolster the pass rush, provide valuable leadership, and fit well into the Ravens’ defensive scheme. While salary cap considerations and the player’s age are potential obstacles, the Ravens have a history of making savvy moves in free agency and could find a way to bring in this type of player at a reasonable price. Ultimately, signing a top-tier edge rusher would enhance the Ravens’ chances of making a deep playoff run and provide a significant boost to their already strong defense.