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The Baltimore Ravens have beefed up their defensive line with the additions of Calais Campbell and Michael Brockers but they’ve yet to address their top offseason need at outside linebacker. Though the Ravens have used the franchise tag on Matthew Judon, last season proved Baltimore needs some ancillary help opposite him to create a consistent and effective pass rush without having to blitz as often.
With few pass rushers entering the market thanks to the franchise tag, the Ravens have been patient in the early days of free agency when trying to address the position. Now as we enter the second tier of free agents that are better bargains and often don’t count towards the compensatory pick formula, this is when Baltimore tends to be more aggressive. And with the Los Angeles Rams releasing outside linebacker Clay Matthews, they might have found their guy.
The Ravens were interested in Matthews last offseason, offering him more money than Los Angeles but ultimately being turned down. It’s a decision Matthews himself jokingly called a poor one, which points to some potential interest in joining Baltimore this offseason as long as the feeling is mutual.
Matthews is the textbook Ravens free-agent signing. Though he’s towards the end of his career at 34 years old when the 2020 season kicks off, Matthews was surprisingly productive last season for the Rams. He posted eight sacks and 28 total pressures in 13 games, which is actually better production than Judon on a per-game basis. There’s little doubt Matthews could help Baltimore’s pass rush this season, even if just as a rotational solution.
At this point in his career, Matthews isn’t going to get long-term contract offers. And Baltimore doesn’t need a long-term solution either with their attention likely turning towards finding pass rushers in the 2020 NFL Draft. But an incentive-laden short-term contract that would allow Matthews another shot at a Super Bowl at decent money should be pretty easy for Baltimore to put together. Matthews will have a chance to further increase his legacy (he’s 8.5 sacks away from 100 for his career) without having to necessarily play all three downs while the Ravens get the experienced pass rusher they so desperately need.
There are few situations in football that are seemingly built to happen but this is one of them. If Matthews and Baltimore are smart, they’ll figure out a way to get a deal done this time around.