11 pass rushers the Ravens could target in free agency

The Baltimore Ravens desperately need help getting after the quarterback, especially if they lose Matthew Judon. These 11 players could help

Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Markus Golden

Golden appeared to be an ascending star with the Arizona Cardinals after posting 12.5 sacks in his second season with the team in 2016. Unfortunately for him and the team, injuries and scheme changes limited him to just 15 games between 2017 and 2018. He was not particularly productive in these games either, with just 2.5 sacks to go with six tackles for loss and 10 quarterback hits.

But, reunited with his old defensive coordinator James Bettcher with the New York Giants in 2019, Golden began to look like his old self. Golden had 10 sacks, 13 TFLs and 27 quarterback hits in 2019. Only five players had more quarterback hits than Golden last season.

Bettcher is out with the Giants after the good ship Shurmur and all who sailed in him were cast adrift following the 2019 season. And while Golden appears to still have some interest in returning to New York, he may find himself in demand on the open market, including from Baltimore.

Golden will be 29 heading into the season and this may be his last chance for a big payday. Plus the chances of playing for a genuine contender like the Ravens may appeal after two years plying his trade on NFL cellar dwellers.