The worst-case scenario for the Baltimore Ravens is set to happen. With free agency less than a week away, guard Marshal Yanda is going to retire, according to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. The decision immediately alters Baltimore’s priority list this offseason, putting finding Yanda’s replacement at the very top of their list.
Though Yanda played in his 13th season last year, he was still one of the best offensive linemen in the league. He showed his trademark ability to bully defenders on the field while being a quiet giant off it. Yanda had entered this offseason telling reporters that he didn’t know if he’d retire or not and would take his time to make the decision.
Baltimore’s biggest need had been at pass rusher and it still remains a key they’ll have to sort out this offseason. But given the Ravens’ run-first offense, finding a plug-and-play option at guard becomes perhaps their most pressing need now with Yanda’s retirement.
Baltimore has a few options on the table, including from within their own roster. Players like Ben Powers, Bradley Bozeman and even James Hurst could be replacements for Yanda. The Ravens could also look to free agency or early in the draft to hopefully find an immediate upper-tier heir to Yanda. Regardless, it will be difficult for Baltimore to replace Yanda’s production on the field given his Hall of Fame resume to date.
The plus side to Yanda’s retirement is that it will free up an estimated $7 million on the Ravens’ salary cap this offseason, according to Over The Cap. That extra capital could help Baltimore towards finding Yanda’s replacement or signing other free agents to bolster other holes in the roster.
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