Ravens GM Eric DeCosta prioritizes offensive line development after key departures

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta understands that building the team’s offensive line remains a priority

The Baltimore Ravens are undergoing an offensive line rebuild, losing three starters from their 2023 team to free agency and trades. Gone are John Simpson, Kevin Zeitler, and Morgan Moses, and Baltimore will need to figure out how to replace them as the offseason continues.

When speaking at Derrick Henry’s introductory press conference after the running back signed with the Ravens, Baltimore general manager Eric DeCosta discussed the state of the team’s offensive line. He mentioned that it’s always been a priority, and the team’s mission is to build it out over the next few weeks.

“That’s aways going to be the priority, is the offensive line. In 2008, when we hired [head coach] John [Harbaugh], one of the first things he said to me was, ‘We need a big, strong, physical, athletic offensive line,’ and that’s never really changed. So, that will be the mission in the coming weeks to build that out. I think we’re on our way. We have a good plan. We’re fortunate that this draft class is pretty good from that standpoint. I don’t want to call it historically strong, but it looks like a very strong crop of offensive linemen. I say this every year, but as a wise man once said, ‘We don’t play games until September. We’ll be ready.'”

Baltimore will likely add a few offensive linemen in the 2024 draft, as the position has plenty of quality prospects this year. However, they could also turn to veterans on the free agent market, something they’ve already done with the signing of Josh Jones.

Morgan Moses says he played through torn pec in 2023

Morgan Moses says he played through torn pec in 2023

Morgan Moses is back in New York after the Jets acquired the right tackle from the Baltimore Ravens earlier this offseason. “I’m truly happy to be back in New York,” Moses told the media Thursday.

Moses also revealed an interesting injury nugget from last season. Moses said he suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Week 4. He still went on to play 14 games for the Ravens last season in helping Baltimore claim the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs and give quarterback Lamar Jackson his second career MVP award.

Moses said he said had surgery six weeks ago and that he feels great. He’s “looking forward to playing with two arms” this season and says he’s “100 percent planning to be ready for training camp.”

Moses is expected to slide right in at the right tackle position for the Jets as one of three new starters on the offensive line, joining new left tackle Tyron Smith and new left guard John Simpson. Moses played in all 17 games with 16 starts in 2021 before signing a three-year deal with the Ravens in free agency before the 2022 season. New York inherits the last year of that contract and owe Moses a $5.5 million base salary for 2024.

As long as Moses stays healthy, which he has been available for almost every game in his career, the right tackle position is set for 2024. That toughness from Moses will bring a much-needed demeanor to the Jets’ front in what is a make-or-break season.

10 pending free agents the Ravens should not re-sign

We’re looking at ten pending 2024 NFL free agents that the Baltimore Ravens should not re-sign

Baltimore faces an offseason of change after Mike Macdonald bolted for the Seahawks job. Anthony Weaver landed the Dolphins’ defensive coordinator job, and 26 players, headlined by Patrick Queen, are set to be free agents.

Justin Madubuike landed the franchise tag, leaving Baltimore -$9 million over the salary cap ahead of the early tampering period.

With an urgent offseason underway, we’re looking at ten pending free agents who shouldn’t return.

Ravens need more from OT Ronnie Stanley in 2024 if he remains with team

The Ravens need more from offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley if he remains with the team in 2024

The Baltimore Ravens saw offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley struggle mightily at times during the 2023 season. He gave up big plays and didn’t look fully healthy after suffering an ankle injury early in the year, which could have impacted his play.

“The offensive line is always going to be something that we stress here. We’re going to continue to look at that every single year. Particularly as you get older, it gets tougher and tougher for guys to stay healthy. And unfortunately, Ronnie [Stanley], no fault of his own, he has had a series of injuries that have hurt him [and] hurt his performance – the ankle and then a series of knee injuries. So, that’s definitely been a factor. I love Ronnie, he’s still a talented player. I think this is going to be a big offseason for him getting himself healthy [and] getting himself strong again [and] coming back in good football shape. We’ll make all those personnel decisions over the coming weeks [with] what we decide to do. But as far as the position in general, I definitely think … Coach [John Harbaugh] said this in 2008 when we interviewed him. He says, ‘We’re always going to have to have a strong physical big offensive line,’ and that’s kind of bled into the culture of this place and who we are as an organization, and we’re going to continue to do that.”

Baltimore will need more from Stanley in 2024, assuming he’s still with the team. Releasing Stanley with a post-June 1st designation would free up $15 million in cap space, which would help add more players or bring back their own. However, head coach John Harbaugh expressed his confidence in Stanley, saying the injuries played a big factor in his performance.

Ravens salary cap: Positional breakdowns and financial outlook ahead of NFL free agency

Here’s an early look at the Baltimore Ravens’ salary cap, positional breakdowns, and financial outlook ahead of 2024 NFL free agency

The Ravens voided four contracts on Monday, accruing $8.3 million in a dead salary cap hit.

Baltimore will enter the 2024 NFL free agency with urgent decisions to make on Justin Madubuike, Patrick Queen, and 20+ other unrestricted free agents.

The Ravens have about $5 million in salary cap space and the No. 30 overall pick in April’s NFL draft courtesy.

With the new league year quickly approaching, we’re looking at Baltimore’s salary cap, with a positional breakdown and financial outlook before free agency.

Ravens 9 biggest needs ahead of 2024 NFL free agency

We’re looking at the Baltimore Ravens nine biggest needs for the 2024 NFL offseason

The Ravens have concluded their 2023 season, and the focus now shifts to what’s shaping up to be a franchise-altering offseason for general manager Eric DeCosta.

Baltimore is 20th in the NFL in cap space, with $7.3 million available, and there will be critical decisions regarding several vital contributors and two All-Pros. And they’re spending about $120+ million plus on the offensive side of the football.

PFF recently did an early ranking of the top 50 free agents for 2024, and John Harbaugh’s squad had four players make the list.

With the new league set to begin, we’re looking at the Ravens nine biggest needs entering the 2024 NFL offseason.

6 toughest decisions for Ravens GM Eric DeCosta this offseason

We’re looking at the six toughest offseason decisions for Baltimore Ravens GM Eric DeCosta ahead of the 2024 NFL free agency period

The Ravens have concluded their 2023 season, and the focus now shifts to what’s shaping up to be a franchise-altering offseason for general manager Eric DeCosta.

Where things currently stand, the Ravens are expected to have roughly $7,328,828 in cap space via OverTheCap, the 20th most in the NFL.

That number could grow if the team opts to part ways with some expensive contracts (perhaps Ronnie Stanley and Marlon Humphrey.

The Ravens have 48 players currently under contract for the 2024 season; we’re looking at the six most challenging decisions facing GM Eric DeCosta.

7 potential salary cap casualties for the Ravens in 2024

We’re looking at seven Baltimore Ravens who could be potential salary cap casualties ahead of the new league year and NFL free agency

The Baltimore Ravens’ has officially concluded with the Chiefs Super Bowl win, and the focus now shifts to what’s shaping up to be a franchise-altering offseason for general manager Eric DeCosta.

Where things currently stand, the Ravens are expected to have roughly $7,328,828 in cap space via OverTheCap, the 20th most in the NFL.

That number could grow if the team opts to part ways with some expensive contracts (perhaps Ronnie Stanley and Marlon Humphrey.

The Ravens have 48 players currently under contract for the 2024 season; we’re looking at seven potential pre-free agency casualties per the Over The Cap transaction table.

Early look at the 15 biggest salary cap hits for the Ravens in 2024

We’re looking at the Baltimore Ravens 15 biggest salary cap hits for the Baltimore Ravens in 2024

The Baltimore Ravens have concluded their 2023 season, and the focus now shifts to what’s shaping up to be a franchise-altering offseason for general manager Eric DeCosta.

Where things currently stand, Baltimore is expected to have roughly $7,328,828 in cap space via OverTheCap, the 20th most in the NFL.

That number could grow if the team opts to part ways with some expensive contracts (perhaps Ronnie Stanley or Marlon Humphrey.

Currently, the Ravens have 48 players under contract for the 2024 season.

Here’s a look at the 15 biggest cap hits via Over The Cap. 

How different will the Ravens’ defense look under new DC Zach Orr?

We’re looking at five ways the Baltimore Ravens defense will look different under new defensive coordinator Zach Orr

The Ravens quickly replaced Mike Macdonald as defensive coordinator, promoting inside linebackers coach Zachary Orr.

Orr, who played for the Ravens from 2014-2016, is a fast-rising star in the coaching ranks.

The 31-year-old Orr has been on the Ravens staff since 2017, save for one season with the Jaguars and Urban Meyer in 2021.

An undrafted player from North Texas, Orr was forced to retire because of a neck/spine condition. During his final season in 2016, Orr had his best year, finishing with 133 tackles, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries.

The Ravens introduced Orr to the media on Tuesday, and with the former NFL linebacker firmly entrenched, we’re looking at the multiple ways this defense will look different.