Every move the Ravens have made so far this offseason

With the 2024 NFL Draft fast approaching, we’re looking at every move the Baltimore Ravens have made this off-season

The Ravens will look drastically different on both sides of the football field after undergoing massive changes in player personnel and the coaching staff.

Baltimore signed Justin Madubuike, one of the league’s best defensive linemen, to an extension. After inking Madubuike to a deal, Baltimore landed Derrick Henry for two years and $16 million.

However, 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.

With the NFL draft fast approaching, we’re reviewing every move Baltimore made this off-season.

Ravens HC John Harbaugh compares Josh Jones signing to John Simpson in 2023

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh compared the situation of offensive lineman Josh Jones to fellow offensive lineman John Simpson

The Baltimore Ravens haven’t made many additions during 2024 free agency, especially compared to their losses. While Derrick Henry has been their big splash, the team has made a few smaller moves, such as bringing in former Houston Texans offensive lineman Josh Jones.

Jones is looking for a fresh start and a place to prove his worth on the field. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh compared Jones’ situation to that of John Simpson, a former Baltimore lineman who was in a similar situation last offseason.

Both Jones and Simpson signed with the Ravens to try to revive their NFL careers after an inconsistent start.

Simpson parlayed his time in Baltimore into a $9M per year contract, and Jones is likely hoping his experience can be similar.

15 biggest salary cap hits for the Ravens in 2024 after first wave of NFL free agency

With the second wave of free agency heating up and updated signings, we’re releasing the Ravens 15 biggest salary cap hits according to Over The Cap. 

Change is always good for the soul, and after a stunning loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game, Baltimore has undergone a dramatic reconstruction that could pay off with championship dividends.

Changes hit the defensive coaching staff as Mike Macdonald accepted the Seahawks head coaching job, Anthony Weaver became the defensive coordinator in Miami, and Zach Orr was promoted from inside linebackers coach to defensive coordinator.

Baltimore signed Justin Madubuike, one of the league’s best defensive linemen, to an extension. After inking Madubuike to a deal, Baltimore landed Derrick Henry for two years and $16 million.

However, 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.

With the second wave of free agency heating up and updated signings of cornerback Ka’Dar Hollman, linebacker Chris Board, and offensive guard Josh Jones, we’re releasing the 15 most significant salary cap hits according to Over The Cap.

Ravens sign OL Josh Jones to a 1-year deal

The Baltimore Ravens have signed veteran offensive lineman Josh Jones to a one-year deal

On Thursday, Baltimore added more offensive line depth to the roster, signing Josh Jones to a one-year deal.

Jones played with the Houston Texans last season, making three starts, after coming over from the Arizona Cardinals.

Jones started 24 games over the past three seasons, playing both offensive tackle and right guard. He will add experienced depth to a retooled offensive unit.

Former Cardinals OL Josh Jones lands with Ravens

Jones was drafted by the Cardinals in 2020 and was traded to the Texans last year. Now a free agent for the first time, he signs with Baltimore.

Former Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Josh Jones has a new team in his first experience in free agency. According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Jones has signed with the Baltimore Ravens.

Jones was drafted in the third round by the Cardinals in 2020. In three seasons, he appeared in 47 games and started 21 at guard and tackle.

He was traded to the Houston Texans last year before the season along with a seventh-round pick in exchange for Houston’s fifth-round selection. After joining the Texans, he played in 13 games, starting three. He played in 227 offensive snaps in 2023 for Houston after 853 and 624 the previous two seasons for the Cardinals.

He is expected to be a depth player for the Ravens.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

 

Is the Texans offensive line even that bad?

The Houston Texans offensive line has been the most afflicted with injuries. Is the unit even that bad considering the circumstances?

One of the most optimistic units for the Houston Texans in the offseason has become arguably its most compromised throughout the first four weeks of the regular season.

The Texans made capital investments in the offensive line, but only right guard Shaq Mason has been the consistent starter. Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil appeared only in Week 1. Second-year Kenyon Green was placed on injured reserve ahead of the season opener, and right tackle Tytus Howard was place on a shorter term of IR.

Houston’s 2-2 start has been due to the cobbling together of backups and rookies in key spots.

According to Zoltan Buday from Pro Football Focus, the Texans are actually the 19th-best offensive line in the league, even with all of their challenges due to the attrition across the offensive line.

The Texans’ offensive line continues to defy expectations. Despite all the injuries and going up against the Steelers’ defense, the unit did not allow a single sack and ranked 10th in pass-blocking efficiency in Week 4.

Consider the Texans were able to register 10th-best in Week 4 in pass-blocking efficiency while rotating second-year Austin Deculus and sixth-year veteran Geron Christian at left tackle.

As the offensive line settles, whether due to coaching adjusting to the injuries or the intended starters returning, Houston should be a more competitive opponent going forward.

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Texans vs. Falcons Wednesday injury report: RB Dameon Pierce limited

The Houston Texans released their first practice report for Week 5 against the Atlanta Falcons, and running back Dameon Pierce was limited.

The Houston Texans released their first injury report for Week 5 against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Central Time at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (abdomen), safety Jimmy Ward (rest), and receiver Robert Woods (rest) were listed as non-participants.

Left tackle Laremy Tunsil (knee), tackle Josh Jones (hand), guard Shaq Mason (ankle), running back Dameon Pierce (knee), and cornerback Steven Nelson (rest) were listed as limited participants.

Houston had full participation from guard-center Michael Deiter (chest), tackle Tytus Howard (hand), punter Cam Johnston (calf), linebacker Denzel Perryman (hand), and cornerback Tavierre Thomas (hand).

While the Falcons did not have any players listed on the injury report for Wednesday’s practice, in-depth coverage on Atlanta can be found at the Falcons Wire.

Texans vs. Steelers Friday injury report: Laremy Tunsil and Josh Jones are out

The Houston Texans have ruled out Laremy Tunsil and Josh Jones for Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Houston Texans presented their final injury report ahead of their Week 4 encounter with the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Central Time from NRG Stadium.

Houston ruled out tackles Laremy Tunsil (knee) and Josh Jones (hand) as neither practiced all week. Joining the duo were linebacker Denzel Perryman (hand/wrist) and cornerback Tavierre Thomas (hand).

Center-guard Michael Deiter was downgraded to a non-participant in Friday’s practice, but was given the questionable designation.

Defensive end Jonathan Greenard (knee), cornerback Shaquill Griffin (foot), right guard Shaq Mason (ankle), and safety Jalen Pitre (chest) were full participants and had no designations for the game.

For the Steelers, offensive lineman James Daniels (groin) and punter Presseley Harvin (right groin) were ruled out against the Texans.

For more information on Pittsburgh’s injury report, check out the Steelers Wire.

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Texans’ offensive line depth, solutions to be tested in Week 2 against the Colts

The Houston Texans’ offensive line will be tested once more in the Week 2 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Can the depth step up?

HOUSTON — The offensive line position was considered one of the strongest units for the Houston Texans heading into training camp, but heading into the Week 2 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, it is as fragile as table chairs being held together by duct tape.

The Texans are expected to be without 2022 Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil on Sunday due to a knee injury. Tunsil was held out of practice for the majority of the week by the training staff.

That is a terrible blow to a unit that is already missing right tackle Tytus Howard (broken hand), left guard Kenyon Green (left shoulder), and centers Scott Quessenberry (ACL, MCL) and Juice Scruggs (hamstring). Howard and Scruggs are expected to return this season, while Quessenberry and Green will miss the entire 2023 campaign.

Tunsil’s injury may hinder what first-year offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik wants to accomplish by establishing the running game early and getting rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud comfortable in the pocket. Stroud was sacked five times in the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens.

With the lack of depth in the offensive line unit, the team signed offensive lineman Michael Deiter to the active 53-man roster and elevated Austin Deculus from the practice squad to the game day roster. Tackle Josh Jones is expected to move from the left guard position to left tackle to replace Tunsil.

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Texans coach DeMeco Ryans ‘happy’ with Josh Jones’ guard performance

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans was pleased with what Josh Jones showed at left guard against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1.

The Houston Texans aren’t where they would like to be with the offensive line.

Houston has lost three starters at left guard, center, and right tackle throughout the course of training camp and preseason. Instead of Kenyon Green at left guard, the Texans went with former Arizona Cardinals guard-tackle Josh Jones to take the former 2022 first-rounder’s place.

“With our offensive line, we’ve been shuffling guys a lot,” coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters Monday. “As you guys know, we’ve had multiple injuries on the line, and we’ve had to shuffle guys.”

Jones’ flexibility between guard and tackle gave him the advantage to plug at left guard, even though the Texans have been evaluating their line for position flex.

The former Houston Cougar saw his first action with the Texans amid the 25-9 loss to the Baltimore Ravens Sunday in Week 1 at M&T Bank Stadium.

“I thought Josh did a good job in his first time at guard,” said Ryans. “He hasn’t been with us long, so being in a tough spot for him, I thought he accepted the challenge, and he went out and he played good ball for us. So, I’m happy with what Josh was able to do for us on Sunday.”

As the Texans continue to cobble together solutions at guard — at least until Tytus Howard and Juice Scruggs return from injured reserve — Jones will have to do.

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