Every year, fanbases of different teams are clamoring for their front offices to bring in the “hot” free agents.
Guys like a Le’Veon Bell or a guy like Larry Fitzgerald are big names this year. You name the player, every fan has a wish; you also have to acknowledge the fact that it’s not always realistic. Of course, it would be great for the Baltimore Ravens’ run game to get a guy like Bell. But they would also have to say goodbye to Terrell Suggs, C.J. Mosley, and Jimmy Smith in the process.
Clearly, most free agent dreams of signing marquee names are just that; dreams. But if we could throw out the salary cap, throw out money, which free agents should Baltimore pursue? Here are five dream signings for the Ravens.
Dream Scenarios
Earl Thomas (S)– Now, this man turns the age of 30 by the start of next season, but that doesn’t mean this wouldn’t be a lucrative signing. I love Eric Weddle, but I also think it’s time for him to hang up the cleats and move into retirement. Thomas would be a perfect replacement too; he boasts a three-year PFF grade of 91.9, including a 91.3 in 2018. Even after a leg injury like his, I think Thomas will be fine. Thomas’s style of play also fits the Raven way and would bolster the number two total defense in the league from a year ago.
Jadeveon Clowney (LB/DE)– Clowney is another guy who could come in and help Baltimore out in the event that the Ravens don’t re-sign Suggs. Clowney is shaping to be a top defensive player that can be plugged into anywhere if schemed properly. He has a 2018 PFF grade of 88 and would be perfect to replace Suggs.
Le’veon Bell (RB)– I’m not going to spend a lot of time here because I think we all know what Bell could bring to the Ravens run game especially with a QB like Lamar Jackson alongside him.
Mark Ingram II (RB)– Yes another running back. Don’t get me wrong, I love Gus Edwards; but I’m also worried about another one-hit wonder. The Ravens would love a guy like Ingram in the backfield because he’s a big bulky back; this would be helpful in goal-line situations or pass blocking for Lamar. Ingram has a 79.4 PFF grade, which is considered above average. He does come with some problems, such as being in the 30-club and a fumbling issue. Ingram would still be a great improvement and provide depth to the Raven backfield.
Tyrann Mathieu (S)– Mathieu is coming off a one-year, prove-it deal with the Texans and he did, by all means, prove it. He still looks to be more than effective and would be a great addition to the Ravens secondary. He has an above average PFF grade of 75.1. I also really don’t believe this is too far of a stretch for the Ravens, but for now, the Honeybadger remains a pipe dream because of his marquee name and star quality.
Realistic Deals
Unfortunately, this is where I’m going to have to be realistic and think within the Ravens salary cap. This part won’t include guys that necessarily “pop off the page” at you, but will get you thinking. This is also assuming the Ravens bring back Mosley and Smith on long-term deals. Mosley is presumably brought back on a deal similar to Bobby Wagner and Alec Ogletree, which lands around $43 million over four years, with a total of $22 million guaranteed.
On average, that lands at about roughly $8.6 million per year on the salary cap, assuming he gets every bonus. We will also assume that Smith got nearly the same deal and will garner a $7.4 million cap hit. So with $16 million going in cap space, there is just 15 million remaining.
John Brown (WR)– Let’s bring this man back to Baltimore. He is built for the offense the Ravens are trying to run and was very beneficial at times during this last season. His stat line doesn’t “wow” fans, but he got the job done for the Ravens. I think a full off-season with Jackson to build chemistry could create a great duo. I don’t believe Brown’s contract will be very expensive due to his stats and could be around $3-4 million a year.
Devin Funchess (WR)– Another wideout I like who is built for the Ravens offense. This guy is fast, overlooked, and could help the Ravens pass game. Now I know with Brown and Funchess that doesn’t give Baltimore a huge red-zone target like Michael Crabtree, but instead, the Ravens would rely on their TE’s or run game down there. I do think Funchess will come with a heavier price tag, around $5-7 million a year.
Rodger Saffold (G)– The Ravens need some help on the offensive line; they could shell out money for a great guard in Saffold. Saffold has PFF Grade of 73.8 and would be a great addition. The offensive line was exposed against the Chargers. Adding a guy like Saffold could allow Jackson to develop into a mobile pocket passer. Adding a guy like this would probably cost the Ravens around $7-8 million dollars a year.
Matt Paradis (C)– Adding to my previous statements about the offensive line, I believe that Matt Skura could be better, but for argument sake, this man is on my list. Adding a top-notch center in Paradis would be huge for the Ravens and could be very beneficial to the run game like it was for Philip Lindsay. Getting a center like this would probably cost around $7-8 million a year.
Tyrod Taylor (QB)– Now I know what you’re thinking, “Why?” Tyrod would be great because he would be an inexpensive backup to Lamar. He would also be a great mentor on how to be mobile and throw the football in the NFL. Another positive is that Tyrod has worked with Greg Roman before so he could help Lamar get acclimated early in the off-season. Price tag: $3-4 million a year.
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