Ravens offseason checklist: Getting creative with the cap

The Ravens are in danger of losing the entire left side of their offensive line, as left tackle Stanley and left guard Patrick Mekari are both free agents. Baltimore likely can't afford to keep both players, so Stanley should emerge as the priority. 

Left tackle is a crucial position in this offense (and any offense, really) because it's tasked with protecting Lamar Jackson's blind side and being mobile enough to reach the second level on designed quarterback runs. Stanley has done that well for the last seven years. It would be a mistake to let him walk. 

2. Cut K Justin Tucker, sign Nick Folk

Justin Tucker is a Ravens legend and one of the best kickers in NFL history, but his time in Baltimore has likely run its course. Not only is the 35-year-old coming off the worst season of his career in which he made just 73.3 percent of his field-goal attempts, but he's also embroiled in sexual assault allegations.

Considering Baltimore is in Super Bowl-or-bust mode, it shouldn't take a chance on a rookie kicker. Folk, who's gone 50-of-52 (96.2 percent) on field-goal attempts over the last two seasons, is a trustworthy option the Ravens should target.

3. Restructure QB Lamar Jackson's contract

The Ravens have about $10 million in salary cap space. That doesn't leave them much flexibility to re-sign free agents and bring in new players this offseason, especially if they bring back Stanley at close to $20 million per year.

The easiest way to create more cap space would be to restructure Jackson's deal, which carries a team-high $43.7 million cap hit in 2025. Baltimore's Super Bowl window is now, but Jackson won't be in his prime forever. The Ravens need to free up more space this offseason by shifting some of Jackson's money to the back end, even if that causes some complications down the road. 

4. Trade TE Mark Andrews

Andrews is a beloved member of the organization and a popular figure in the locker room, but this is still a business. The Ravens can't afford Andrews' $16.9 million cap hit in 2025 when a younger, cheaper, more dynamic tight end in Isaiah Likely is on the roster. 

Trading Andrews would free up $11 million in cap space, so this is a no-brainer for Baltimore if it can find an interested suitor. 

5. Draft a pass-rusher in the first round

The Philadelphia Eagles wrote the blueprint on how to take down Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. You need to generate pressure on the quarterback without sending extra bodies and leaving the secondary vulnerable. The Ravens have a solid defensive line, but they could use more depth and young talent on the edge.

Baltimore should keep its eye on Marshall's Mike Green (6-foot-4, 248 pounds) or Tennessee's James Pearce Jr. (6-foot-5, 243 pounds) if he falls to the end of the first round.