Dealing with Matthew Judon:
This is a tough one because almost everyone wants outside linebacker Matthew Judon to return. However, with Judon expected to earn a lot of attention in free agency, his price tag is likely going to be really high. We’ve predicted Judon will earn a deal worth $17 million per season, but it could easily go even higher if multiple teams get into a bidding war over him. If that happens, the Ravens aren’t likely going to be able or interested in re-signing him.
As I’ve written before, trading Judon might be the best option here for Baltimore. Letting him go in free agency would only give the Ravens a compensatory pick in return, which they could just as easily lose if they sign other impact free agents. Trading him for a first- or second-round pick seems feasible but even a third-round pick would end up being a good value since it would give Baltimore the best comp pick they could hope for without impacting the actual comp pick formula negatively.