Tag: Baltimore Ravens offseason

Ravens vs. Packers: Top photos from preseason finale at Lambeau Field

We’re looking at the top photos from the Baltimore Ravens preseason loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field

It’s only the preseason, but the Ravens will head towards the 53-man roster cutdown date with a sour taste after a 30-7 loss to the Packers at Lambeau Field on Saturday afternoon. Josh Johnson was 5-7 for 71 yards and one passing touchdown, while Michael Pratt led Green Bay in passing, going 8-12 for 80 yards and one touchdown. The Packers were dominant on the ground, amassing 193 rushing yards, as Ellis Merriweather led all ball carriers with 16 yards for 74 yards. The Packers held the ball for nearly ten minutes longer than the Ravens and out-gained Baltimore by 326 yards to 177 for John Harbaugh’s bunch. With Baltimore now turning its attention toward the Chiefs, here’s an instant analysis of the loss. ***

Ravens vs. Falcons: Top photos from Baltimore’s 13-12 win in preseason Week 2

We’re looking at the top photos from the Baltimore Ravens 13-12 win over the Atlanta Falcons in the preseason Week 2 matchup

Backup quarterback Josh Johnson was perfect on the afternoon, and rookie Emory Jones added a 56-yard touchdown throw to Dayton Wade in the second half to lift the Baltimore Ravens to a 13-12 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium.  The Ravens snapped a three-game preseason losing streak, while Atlanta had 343 yards of total offense but was 4-13 on third downs. Baltimore had another putrid day on the ground, rushing for 71 yards on 30 attempts.  With the team set to start preparation for the preseason finale, here are the top photos from the win over Atlanta. ***

Top photos from Ravens 16-13 loss to Eagles in preseason opener

We’re looking at the top photos from the Baltimore Ravens 16-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the preseason opener at M&T Bank Stadium

The Ravens returned to the field for live game action for the first time since their heartbreaking, 17-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game.

Baltimore hosted Philadelphia at M&T Bank Stadium, with both teams on similar arcs, and championship paths. Starting quarterback Lamar Jackson sat out along with key starters on both sides of the football.

Eagles kicker Jake Elliott made a 49-yard field goal with no time remaining to give the Philadelphia Eagles a 16-13 victory after Baltimore quarterback Emory Jones — who had just entered the game — was sacked and fumbled on the next play.

The recovery by Patrick Johnson gave Elliott his final opportunity of the night.

With Baltimore set to start preparation for the Falcons in the second week of the preseason, we’re looking at the top photos from Friday night.

***

Ravens training camp: Top photos from Day 5 of practice

We’re looking at the top photos from Day 5 of Baltimore Ravens training camp practices

The Ravens had a day off from training camp on Thursday but returned to the Under Armour Performance Center on Friday and Saturday for their first two full-padded summer practices. Lamar Jackson returned to the lineup after a medical evaluation for flu-like symptoms. At the same time, the team honored the late Jacoby Jones on the day that family and friends traveled to New Orleans for his funeral services. With Sunday’s practice quickly approaching, here are takeaways and notes from Saturday’s session. ***

Ravens initial 90-man roster arranged by uniform number ahead of training camp

Baltimore Ravens’ 90-man roster at the start of 2024 training camp

The Baltimore Ravens have officially reported to the Under Armour Performance Center for the start of training camp with the first practice scheduled for Sunday morning.

There will be starting jobs and roster spots up for grabs, which should make for some intriguing position battles throughout camp and the preseason.

Currently, the Ravens have 90 players on their roster, and that will be trimmed down to 53 ahead of the start of the regular season, and by August 27.

With training camp underway, here’s an updated look at the Ravenss’ initial 90-man roster at the start of training camp, organized by jersey number.

Projecting the Ravens offensive depth chart following the mandatory minicamp

Projecting the Baltimore Ravens offensive depth chart following the mandatory minicamp

The Ravens are still in the crux of a potential Super Bowl window.

Still, after changing the offensive line, running back, and wide receiver positions, the team will look drastically different on offense. Baltimore seemed to win the first wave of the free agency period after getting Derrick Henry for two years and $16 million. The talented running back could earn $20 million throughout the deal.

All wasn’t perfect, as the Ravens suffered significant free-agent losses. Patrick Queen (Steelers), Geno Stone (Bengals), and Gus Edwards (Chargers) were among eight free agents to sign elsewhere.

Baltimore also traded Morgan Moses to the Jets and released Tyus Bowser in a cost-cutting move.

We’re looking at an updated depth chart with the mandatory minicamp completed.

Starter — Lamar Jackson
2nd–Josh Johnson
3rd-Devin Leary

4th–Emory Jones

Tyler Huntley moved on in free agency, and Baltimore brought back Josh Johnson, while Malik Cunningham will continue to develop at the wide receiver position. Devin Leary was selected late in the draft and looks to be the backup for the future. Emory Jones offers potential as a developmental quarterback.

Starter-Derrick Henry
2nd-Justice Hill/Keaton Mitchell

3rd-Rasheen Ali
4th–Owen Wright

Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins are replaced by the legendary Derrick ‘King’ Henry. One of the biggest signings of the early free agency period, Henry gives Baltimore a star at the position.

Starter–Patrick Ricard

Starter–Nelson Agholor
2nd–Sean Ryan

Agholor re-signed with Baltimore on a 1-year deal prior to the start of free agency.

Starter–Rashod Bateman
2nd–DeVontez Walker/Tylan Wallace

Starter–Zay Flowers

2nd–Deonte Harty

Starter–Mark Andrews
2nd-Isaiah Likely
3rd–Charlie Kolar
4th–Scotty Washington

Starter–Ronnie Stanley

2nd–Patrick Mekari

Stanley will return at left tackle after restructuring his contract.

Starter–Sala Aumavae-Laulu/Josh Jones
2nd–Tykeem Doss
3rd–Tashawn Manning

With John Simpson signing with the Jets, Aumavae-Laulu could get the first shot at the starting left guard role.

Starter–Tyler Linderbaum

2nd–Nick Samac

Starter–Andrew Voorhees
2nd–Ben Cleveland

Voorhees missed the entire 2023 NFL season with a torn ACL but could start the season at right guard in place of a departed Kevin Zeitler.

Starter–Roger Rosengarten
2nd–Daniel Faalele

Morgan Moses was traded to the New York Jets. Baltimore could roll with second-round pick Roger Rosengarten or Faalele.

Ravens start 2021 offseason at No. 5 on TD Wire’s power rankings

The Baltimore Ravens have quite a few questions but a great core, putting them high on the latest NFL power rankings list this offseason.

It’s never too early for some NFL power rankings, especially when the Baltimore Ravens are one of the highest-ranked teams on the list. The Ravens start the 2021 offseason ranked No. 5 on Touchdown Wire’s early power rankings list.

Despite a hot-and-cold regular season, Baltimore found some footing at the end of the season and into the playoffs. They notched their first playoff win in the Lamar Jackson era, beating the Tennessee Titans in the Wild-Card round to advance to the Divisional round for the second consecutive season. While it’s unfortunate the Ravens couldn’t go further, there’s some light at the end of the tunnel, according to writer Mark Schofield.

Baltimore is still in position to make a run, with Jackson’s athleticism at the quarterback position and the pieces they have in place around him. The biggest question facing him and the rest of the Ravens offense is how they take the next step forward in the passing game. If they solve that riddle, the Ravens will be in position for perhaps an even deeper run into the postseason.

It’s not quite as simple as Schofield makes it seem but it’s a task that is certainly doable this offseason if Baltimore is smart. As I’ve detailed before, there are a handful of things the Ravens need to do to fix their passing attack, starting with improving the offensive line.

If there’s one thing the playoffs and even Super Bowl LV taught everyone, it’s that an offense’s success starts upfront. Both Jackson and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes were battered behind injury-ravaged offensive lines, taking away some of their best traits in the process. While there are other things Baltimore can do, including improving their route concepts and finding a possession receiver, giving Jackson more time to read the defense should see the Ravens’ offense flourish.

Unfortunately, Baltimore might actually be heading backward currently. Pro Bowl tackle Orlando Brown Jr. wants to be traded this offseason as he wants to continue to play at left tackle. But with Ronnie Stanley expected back next season, it’s a position already filled with amazing talent, leaving Brown the odd-man-out. With the offensive line already one of the bigger question marks the Ravens face this offseason, they could be in serious danger if they lose Brown and cannot adequately replace him.

As is the case with every power rankings list ever, things are subject to change. How Baltimore handles their situation with Brown and what they do both in free agency and the 2021 NFL draft will ultimately improve or decrease their standing on lists like these over the next few months. But for now, the Ravens are sitting pretty.

[listicle id=60432]

Matthew Judon thinks Ravens’ offseason additions are ‘huge’ for defense

The Baltimore Ravens added Calais Campbell and Derek Wolfe this offseason, and Matthew Judon is happy with what they bring to the team.

[sendtonews_embed video_id=”L7B7PCLR7M-758902-7498″]

The Baltimore Ravens went into this offseason with a pretty clearly defined mission. After getting run all over by the Tennessee Titans and being booted from the playoffs, Baltimore obviously wanted to revamp its defensive line and ability to defend the run. They took little time in addressing the issues this offseason and outside linebacker Matthew Judon is pretty happy with the results.

Before free agency even started, Baltimore pulled off a trade for Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Calais Campbell, inking him to a short contract extension to lower his cap hit as well. While a deal for former Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Michael Brockers fell through, the Ravens went back to free agency and picked up former Denver Broncos defensive tackle Derek Wolfe instead.

“I thought it was huge as a defense,” Judon said in a video conference with reporters Monday. “We kind of lost a couple of guys in the middle. Then we went and traded for Calais [Campbell] and then we signed Derek Wolfe in free agency.”

Though both are stout against the run, they also bring some upside as pass rushers too. The moves should give Baltimore an interior pass rush, something it’s lacked for years now while bringing even more experience to the roster.

“Both of those players, their resumes speak for themselves,” Judon continued. “They know how to get to the quarterback; they know how to make plays, and they also know how to make plays in big games. You don’t really need to talk about guys like that, because you just turn on the tape and you can see them.”

With the Ravens performing so well last year, they feel close to a Super Bowl. Those windows don’t stay open for long, and with Judon and Wolfe only signed through the 2020 season, Baltimore is betting on its newest defensive additions getting them over the hump to Super Bowl LV.

“I think they’re just going to fit in perfectly,” said Judon.

[vertical-gallery id=44750]

Ravens waive recently signed LB Jake Ryan

The Baltimore Ravens added two linebackers through the 2020 NFL Draft, making recently-signed LB Jake Ryan expendable.

Linebacker Jake Ryan will be looking for his third team in just a few months. Less than two months after agreeing to terms with Ryan and roughly a month after officially inking the deal, the Baltimore Ravens have decided to waive the veteran linebacker, according to the team’s Twitter account.

While it’s somewhat shocking to see a player waived so quickly after being signed, Baltimore remedied their woes at linebacker through the 2020 NFL Draft. The Ravens used their first-round pick on LSU linebacker Patrick Queen, while also picking Malik Harrison in the third round. With L.J. Fort signed to an extension late last season, Baltimore seemingly has their top linebackers already on the roster. The Ravens also have quite a bit of depth with Chris Board and Otaro Alaka returning from last year, as well as a few UDFAs signed following the 2020 NFL Draft.

When initially signed, Ryan was figured to be experienced depth for Baltimore. When healthy, Ryan was productive over three years with the Green Bay Packers. However, Ryan went on injured reserve in each of the last two seasons, playing just two games since the start of the 2018 season. With two new starting-caliber linebackers added to the Ravens’ roster and the experience Fort brings to the table, Ryan was clearly expendable.

Waiving Ryan will save Baltimore $845,000, according to Over The Cap. While not a ton of money considering the 2020 salary cap is set at $198.2 million, it does bring the Ravens up to $9.15 million available still, according to OTC. It will also open up a spot on Baltimore’s 90-man roster, paving the way for another signing at a position of more need.

[vertical-gallery id=47779]

Ravens salary cap 2020: Start of the offseason review

We take a closer look at where the Baltimore Ravens’ salary cap stands at the beginning of the 2020 NFL offseason and what they can do.

The Baltimore Ravens will be in a somewhat unfamiliar land this offseason. After years of being cash strapped due to large contracts and tons of dead money counting against them, Baltimore is expected to have a decent bit of room in their salary cap to use in free agency.

According to Over The Cap, the Ravens have $171.38 million in salary cap liabilities right now. While the 2020 NFL salary cap isn’t finalized yet, it’s expected to be between $196.8 million and $201.2 million. That means Baltimore should have around $25.42 million – $29.82 million in salary-cap space before making any moves.

Granted, that still places the Ravens in the bottom third of the league (No. 22 specifically). However, that’s a bit of an illusion since general manager Eric DeCosta has worked hard to ink players to contracts early. That includes cornerback Marcus Peters who was expected to be one of Baltimore’s top pending free agents this offseason before signing a three-year extension worth $42 million at the end of the season.

While the Ravens still have 21 pending free agents to deal with, including outside linebacker Matthew Judon, Baltimore doesn’t have nearly as many big holes on its roster as the rest of the league. Barring guard Marshal Yanda retiring this offseason, the Ravens really have two positions they’ll need to address in free agency and the draft.

Baltimore also has ways of creating additional salary cap space simply by cutting players already under contract. Safety Tony Jefferson, cornerback Brandon Carr and offensive lineman James Hurst are among the salary cap casualties many expect this offseason and would free up roughly another $15.75 million if cut, giving the Ravens as much as $45.57 million available in their 2020 NFL salary cap.

Of course, contract restructures and extensions could buy the Ravens additional cap space if needed as well. However, those would also create larger financial liabilities in the future that Baltimore would likely want to avoid if possible. Still, the option is on the table for the Ravens if they fall in love with a free agent or trade and need money quickly.

Baltimore might not be able to go on the type of spending spree we’ve seen from teams like the Cleveland Browns, but they have plenty of space to re-sign their key players and make moves for some of the top pending free agents this offseason. If they team that up with great drafting — something we’ve come to expect from the franchise — they’ll be in great shape for 2020 and beyond.

[vertical-gallery id=41579]