Let’s dive right into who else among the 2024 Ravens free agents make sense for next season. Part one of this review can be found here. There are some depth pieces here who make sense to bring back for next season.
Nelson Agholor – Resigned
This was an easy and wise decision. Agholor had a solid, if typical, season and undoubtedly comes back on an inexpensive (cap-wise) contract. He brings veteran depth and currently slots in as the number three receiver for next year.
Gus Edwards – No
Ok readers, who played more snaps per game for the Ravens last year, Gus Edwards or Justice Hill?
Yes, it was Hill, who averaged three more snaps per game played than Edwards. Gus had many more carries, but he’s just not a factor in the passing game, either as a blocker or receiver. Edwards averaged a mere 4.1 yards per carry in 2023, having never averaged less than 5.0 per carry in any prior season. Perhaps more revealing, Edwards averaged only 2.5 yards after contact in 2023, a career worst. He’ll be 29 next season. Frankly, there’s just no reason to bring Edwards back.
Kyle Van Noy – No
Van Noy will be 34 by opening day. He had a strong year for the Ravens, perhaps his best since 2019. He was highly productive as a pass rusher, but below average as a run defender. Van Noy is not a player who will draw a high level of interest, not at his age and given his one-dimensional contributions. The Ravens struck lightening in a bottle with Van Noy in 2023. For 2024, they need to upgrade, if they can.
Del’Shawn Phillips – Yes
Phillips is an excellent special teamer. He’s the type of player you just need. And in a pinch he has the athleticism to contribute as an inside linebacker. It’s an easy call to bring back Phillips.
J.K. Dobbins – No
I hope Dobbins gets an invite to a team where he has a chance to play. It just didn’t work out for the 25 year-old Dobbins in Baltimore. He was an elite talent before the injuries, though he never seemed (from a distance) to be happy with his role. I don’t mind a player who wants to play more and be a focus, and Dobbins (when healthy) made a good case for that. I expect the Ravens to turn to the veteran running back market for a more reliable contributor. If Dobbins somehow winds up without a suitor, then sure bring him in with incentives. But I think the car will be full before that happens.
Rock Ya-Sin – No
Ya-Sin was the only real miss from Eric DeCosta’s 2023 free agent group. He just never understood the defense. Next.
Malik Harrison – Yes
I like Harrison in the role he plays. He’s a solid run stuffer and played the edge reasonably well on first down and in run situations. The Ravens lack true run defenders on the edge and Harrison is a good fit for that purpose. He obviously can slide to the inside if needed. Given the uncertainty at the edge position, there’s no reason to let Harrison go.
Tyler Huntley – No
I’ve never been a Huntley fan. He lacks arm talent, pure and simple. In a year when cap space is tight, bringing Huntley back for decent backup money makes no cap sense.
Ron Darby – Yes
Darby is the type of third corner who brings excellent depth. He had a strong year coming back from injury. Darby yielded a 51.7% reception rate last year and, but for two games, tackled reasonably well. At 30 years old I would bring him back. Darby played for total compensation of $2.2 million last year. He’ll likely command a bit more. He’s not a player the Ravens likely have to jump on too quickly. But later in free agency he could be a solid match to bring back. And if it’s between him and Arthur Maulet, I prefer Darby because he plays on the outside.
Arthur Maulet – No
There are arguments both ways with Maulet. No doubt Maulet made some defensive splash plays. He was frequently effective when tasked with blitzing from the slot position. But I found Maulet to be very inconsistent in pass defense, and generally a liability in coverage. There were some mental mistakes that were very costly.
Maulet played for the minimum last year. At age 31 I don’t think he will attract a whole lot of free agent attention. Whether Pepe Williams can fill that slot – well, who knows. Ar’Darius Washington is just too small to hand the slot position over to him. But I’m in no rush to bring Maulet back. Maybe, in the end, Marlon Humphrey winds up in the slot?
Daryl Worley – Yes
I like Worley. He’s tough, a good hitter, and a good special teams player. He’s the type of depth piece that you need, and one you can sign for the minimum. I expect him to be back.
Brent Urban – Yes
The only reluctance I have with Urban is his age. He’ll be 33 at the start of next season. He was solid in rush defense this year, and the Ravens could opt to bring him back for the same role next year. Urban is another guy one can sign right before camp. It all depends on how the roster shapes up later in the early summer. So I have Urban as a “yes,” but the Ravens could upgrade here.
Sam Mustipher – No
There’s just no real case to focus on Mustipher at this point. He’s depth, but let’s see what else develops.
Dalvin Cook – No
What’s the case for Cook? I can’t make one at this point. And it’s hard to see anyone else spending money here either. An invite to camp? Sure, but that’s it.
Next Blog
That’s it for the Ravens free agents. In the next blog I hope to take a look at exercising (or not) the fifth year option on Rashod Bateman and/or Odafe Oweh.
