The Baltimore Ravens haven’t done much with their roster this offseason when it comes to bringing in upgrades. Almost all of the attention surrounding the team has been on the situation with Lamar Jackson, whose market has been oddly cold thus far this offseason.
Baltimore has signed only two players in free agency that weren’t on their team last season; wide receivers Nelson Agholor and Odell Beckham Jr. Those are much-needed upgrades as whoever is the starting quarterback for the Ravens in 2023 needed more weapons to throw the ball to. Now, their attention should turn to the defensive side of the ball.
The Ravens have numerous key pieces from their defense last season that hit the free-agent market. Cornerback Marcus Peters remains a free agent along with EDGE rushers Justin Houston and Jason Pierre-Paul. Defensive lineman Calais Campbell was released and signed with the Atlanta Falcons.
There is a glaring need at both positions, which the Ravens could look to address during the 2023 NFL Draft. But, the defensive line and pass-rushing spots could be better filled with an established veteran.
There is some youthfulness in Odafe Oweh, Justin Madubuike and Tyus Bowser as pass rushers getting after the quarterback. But, the team lost a lot of production from Houston, Campbell and Pierre-Paul, who combined for 18 sacks last season.
If looking to bring in another pass rusher, a familiar face could do the trick. The Ravens could inquire with the Minnesota Vikings about bringing in Za’Darius Smith. Smith agreed in principle to a deal with the Ravens during free agency in 2022 before opting to sign a contract with the Minnesota Vikings.
A trade could help the Ravens land their pass-rushing target a year later. Smith also began his career in Baltimore, spending the first four seasons in the NFL with the Ravens before moving on to the Green Bay Packers.
Smith requested his release from the Vikings earlier this offseason, but that was denied. Minnesota likely had no interest in releasing him knowing that he could have value on the trade market and bring back some draft capital at the very least.
What could a trade between the Ravens and Vikings look like? Baltimore could offer their fourth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to Minnesota in exchange for the veteran pass rusher.
The Vikings accomplish their goal of getting some value in return for Smith. In addition to the draft pick, they also clear a good chunk of money, saving $12,156,861 by trading him before June 1.
Smith has had double-digit sacks in three out of his last four seasons, with the only time he didn’t reach that plateau being in 2021. In that season, he missed all but one regular-season game because of an injury. His bounce-back in 2022 should provide the Ravens all the proof they need that he can still get after the quarterback with the best of them.
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