The Baltimore Ravens haven’t been able to find a consistent pass rush over the last few seasons. They’ve been able to generate a bit of pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but their sack numbers haven’t been up to par with other Baltimore defenses of the past.
When looking at the Ravens’ outside linebackers, one player who is scheduled to hit free agency in the coming weeks is Pernell McPhee. The veteran has been a very solid presence both on and off the field for the team, but has seen his statistics and snaps decline in recent seasons.
McPhee spent the first four years of his NFL career with Baltimore before signing a big-money deal with the Chicago Bears. After his days in Chicago as well as a stop in Washington, he ended up returning to the Ravens in 2019, where he established a role for himself once again. However, in 2021 he only accumulated 14 tackles and one sacks in 10 games while missing some time due to an injury.
There are a lot of unknowns surrounding Baltimore’s outside linebackers. Tyus Bowser suffered a torn achilles in the the team’s Week 18 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. McPhee and Justin Houston are slated to be free agents. Daelin Hayes had an injury-riddled rookie campaign, and Jaylon Ferguson hasn’t given the franchise much through his first three years. At the moment, Odafe Oweh is the team’s best (and healthiest) player at the position, with the other five being unknowns.
McPhee is a veteran leader, and has embraced that role during his second stint with the franchise. However, it isn’t known whether McPhee wants to suit up for another year or whether he’s ready to hang up his cleats and retire. If he wants to play in 2022, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Ravens have some interest in him. However, the organization will likely explore all avenues to improve their outside linebacker room, and if they bring in more talent and don’t have a spot for McPhee, the veteran could find himself on a new team next season.