Lamar Jackson. Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens must put their money where their mouths are

The Ravens have been viewed as a defensive team ever since they were established in 1996, but it's time for Baltimore to pay up on offense in order to stay competitive.

The Ravens have spent the least amount of money on offense than any other team in the NFL over the past four years and it's time for things to change in Baltimore.

Obviously, it starts with paying the 2019 NFL MVP in Lamar Jackson who the team said will "200 percent" be their quarterback. However, it goes beyond Jackson if the team wants to keep up with the rest of the league.

Jackson's likely record-setting contract could make things difficult as he wants a similar contract to Browns QB Deshaun Watson, who received a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed deal last offseason.

The Ravens have a projected $24.48 million of cap space and must build around Jackson. Baltimore was the third-worst in receiving yards (3,202) and didn't even have a receiver eclipse 500 yards in 2022.

Five receivers highlight Fox Sports' top 50 free agents list. And in a year where the draft is weaker at the position, the team should consider adding Odell Beckham Jr. (23), JuJu Smith-Schuster (25), Allen Lazard (30), Jakobi Meyers (45) or D.J. Chark (47). 

Maybe this will be the year the Ravens finally put their money where their mouths are on offense.

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