Ravens Could Have Surprising Cut Candidate
As teams prepare for the 2024 NFL season, the Baltimore Ravens are faced with tough decisions regarding their roster. With salary cap constraints and the need to address specific areas of weakness, some players who have been valuable contributors in the past could find themselves on the chopping block. While it’s always difficult for organizations to part with familiar faces, the Ravens may be looking at some surprising cuts to ensure that their roster remains balanced and competitive.
The Ravens have a reputation for developing solid rosters, blending veteran talent with promising young players. However, the NFL is a constantly evolving league, and teams must be willing to make tough decisions in order to stay ahead of the curve. Whether it’s freeing up cap space, making room for rookies, or addressing depth issues at certain positions, there are several reasons why the Ravens might make a surprising cut or two.
Key Areas of Focus for the Ravens in 2024
Before diving into potential cut candidates, it’s important to understand where the Ravens are looking to improve. While Baltimore has had a strong defense, and their offense took a major step forward with Todd Monken at the helm, there are still areas of concern that need addressing.
- Wide Receiver Depth: The Ravens have made significant strides in improving their passing game, but their wide receiver corps still lags behind some of the top offenses in the league. While Rashod Bateman has shown promise and Zay Flowers is expected to make an immediate impact, the team may need to look for a veteran addition or an improved performance from existing receivers.
- Offensive Line: Despite significant investments in the offensive line, the Ravens have struggled with injuries and inconsistency in recent years. Improving depth and finding players who can contribute immediately may be a priority.
- Salary Cap Management: As the Ravens look to make a deep playoff run, they will need to manage their salary cap carefully. This could mean making cuts to players who are no longer fitting into the team’s long-term plans or restructuring contracts for cap relief.
Potential Surprising Cut Candidates
While it’s always tough to predict who could be let go, there are a few names on the Ravens roster who could be surprisingly released if the team decides to make a move. Here are some potential candidates:
1. DeSean Jackson – Wide Receiver
At 36 years old, DeSean Jackson may be on the back end of his career, and while he’s still capable of stretching the field, his role in the Ravens’ offense has been limited. Jackson was brought in as a veteran deep threat, but injuries and a crowded wide receiver room have prevented him from making a significant impact.
With the Ravens looking to develop younger talent and possibly bring in a more consistent receiver, Jackson could find himself out of a job. If the team feels that younger players like Devin Duvernay or Tylan Wallace are ready to take on more responsibility, Jackson may become an expendable asset.
2. Gus Edwards – Running Back
Gus Edwards has been a reliable part of the Ravens’ running back rotation for several years. Known for his hard-running style, Edwards has provided stability in the backfield alongside J.K. Dobbins. However, the emergence of other younger backs and the Ravens’ increasing reliance on the passing game could make Edwards’ contract expendable.
If the Ravens decide to go in a different direction with their backfield, perhaps relying more on Dobbins and a cheaper veteran or rookie, Edwards could be a surprising cut. The team may also choose to save cap space by parting ways with the veteran running back.
3. Kevin Zeitler – Offensive Guard
The 33-year-old Kevin Zeitler is still an effective player on the Ravens’ offensive line, but the team could look to make a change in order to inject some youth and flexibility into the line. Zeitler’s production has declined slightly as he ages, and with the Ravens’ long-term plans possibly including younger offensive linemen like Ben Cleveland or Tyler Linderbaum, Zeitler may no longer fit into the team’s future plans.
If the Ravens opt to go younger or need to free up cap space to address other needs, Zeitler could be one of the players that makes way for the next generation. Though he’s been a steady presence on the line, it could be time for the Ravens to move on from a veteran who may be past his prime.
4. Marcus Peters – Cornerback
Marcus Peters has been a key player in the Ravens’ secondary since his arrival in 2019. However, after battling injuries in recent years, his future with the team is uncertain. Peters’ physical style of play, combined with his contract, could make him a surprising cut candidate.
The Ravens have a strong cornerback group, including Marlon Humphrey, and they may decide that they need to allocate cap space to other positions, especially if they feel their depth at cornerback is sufficient. With Peters’ contract being a bit hefty and his injury history raising concerns, the Ravens could opt to part ways with the former Pro Bowler.
5. Patrick Ricard – Fullback
While Patrick Ricard has been a staple of the Ravens’ offense due to his versatility as a fullback and defensive lineman, his position is somewhat of a niche role in the modern NFL. The Ravens may decide that they no longer need to carry a traditional fullback on their roster, especially if they’re looking to free up a roster spot for another player.
Ricard’s contract and value to the team have come under scrutiny at times, and while he’s well-regarded in the locker room, the Ravens could decide to move on if they want to prioritize other positions, such as receiver or defensive depth. This could be a surprising cut, given Ricard’s unique role, but it would not be out of the question given the team’s evolving needs.