Should They Stay or Go?

The Ravens have 16 unrestricted free agents this offseason, meaning those players are free to sign with other teams, assuming they don’t opt to re-sign with the Ravens before free agency begins on March 15. 

Quarterback Lamar Jackson is the highest-profile player on the list and GM Eric DeCosta will try to sign him to a long-term deal or place a franchise tag on him.

Here’s a breakdown of those other players.

Likely to Re-Sign

Tight end Josh Oliver — He appeared in all 17 games (nine starts), producing career highs in every receiving category, including receptions (14), yards (149), and touchdowns (2). Oliver also improved with his blocking and he could fill the role of Nick Boyle, who is uncertain to return after battling a serious leg injury. 

Cornerback Kevon Seymour — He appeared in 14 games after being elevated from Baltimore’s practice squad on Oct. 1, finishing with three tackles and one fumble recovery on special teams. He provides valuable depth in the secondary and on special teams. He also knows the system.  

Defensive end Brent Urban — He appeared in 16 games, recording 21 tackles, one tackle for a loss, and one sack. Urban likes being part of the Ravens’ culture and could continue to play a defined role.  

Cornerback Daryl Worley — He came up big when Marcus Peters was sidelined. Worley played in eight games (one start) and five tackles, one tackle for a loss and two passes defended. He is a solid player who understands the Ravens’ culture.

It was a busy Sunday morning for @RavensSalaryCap!

Listen in as he breaks it all down…

Diff b/t guaranteed $/FULLY guaranteed $
Current cap sit.
LJ’s market value, proj cap #
A loophole in the exclusive. V. non-exclusive franchise tagshttps://t.co/4GpKmdaDHU

— Russell St. Report (@RussellStReport) January 30, 2023

Possible to Re-Sign

Cornerback Marcus Peters — After suffering a season-ending knee injury last season, Peters started all 13 games in which he appeared, registering 47 tackles, one sack, one interception, six passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and two fumble returns. Peters likes playing in Baltimore and could land a two-year deal but he might get overtures from other teams. 

Running back Kenyan Drake — He played well when given opportunities. Drake appeared in 12 games and ran for 482 yards and four touchdowns while adding 17 receptions for 89 yards and 1 touchdown. The Ravens could bring him back as an insurance policy against injuries if the team decides to part ways with Gus Edwards.

Cornerback Kyle Fuller — He suffered a season-ending knee injury in the opener against the Jets. He’s only 30 so there is a slight chance the Ravens would bring him back for camp because there is a sense of unfinished business. 

Running back Justice Hill — Hill appeared in 15 games and had 49 carries for 262 yards (5.3 avg.) and 12 receptions for 58 yards. He also finished with 10 kick-off returns for 247 yards. Hill could get offers from other teams and he might want to play a bigger role. 

Outside linebacker Justin Houston — he had a team-high 9.5 sacks in 14 games. The question is whether he wants to retire. 

Defense end Steven Means — He appeared in two games, seeing action on defense and special teams before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 2 against the Dolphins. Means could be back on a cost-friendly deal. 

[Related Article: The Curious Case of Lamar Jackson]

Unlikely to Re-Sign

Offensive tackle Ja’Wuan James — He started the opener at left tackle before being placed on Injured Reserve (Achilles) where he remained the rest of the season. Injuries have derailed his career and he might have played his last down in the NFL.

Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul —  He started 13 of 14 games after signing with Baltimore. He recorded 25 tackles, three sacks, and one interception. However, his age (34) likely precludes another deal. 

Left guard Ben Powers —  Powers started all 17 games and was a solid player. GM Eric DeCosta acknowledged that Powers might have priced himself out of a new deal with the Ravens. 

Wide receiver Demarcus Robinson — He appeared in all 17 games (five starts), registering a career-high 48 receptions for 458 yards and two touchdowns. But look for the Ravens to overhaul their wide receivers. 

Wide receiver Sammy Watkins — He was signed late in the year and played three games, 16 receptions for 325 yards. He’s open to returning to the Ravens, who might look to bring in other players at his position. 

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