The Baltimore Ravens had a devasting season in which they almost made the playoffs. But for the most part, the team looked well with promising potential in the future.
That potential is in the free agency market and the NFL Draft. With that in mind the Ravens have serval offensive free agents set to hit the market. So, I compiled this list of players the Ravens should or should not bring back.
Please take into account that the Raven’s cap room is on the lower side, at roughly 10 million dollars. Also, remember that if a couple players receive walking papers then the team could free some space but regardless the team will be limited in the free agency market.
Keep:
Ryan Jensen
Jensen was one of the best centers in the entire NFL skill-wise and on the entertainment side. Whether it was making great blocks and opening up lanes for the likes of Alex Collins and Javorius Allen, or protecting the ball carrier by completely destroying the defender.
Jensen takes pride in his physicality and sticking up for teammates even if it means an unwanted penalty. No matter what the Ravens should bring Jensen back.
Michael Campanaro
Campanaro should be on the cheap end and is an excellent kick returner, with high potential to be a starting slot receiver. Taking that in mind the Ravens could sure use his services.
Benjamin Watson
Before everyone gets a fired up about this, keeping Watson would mean that he does not retire and takes a reasonably priced contract while possibly being the number two tight end.
The rationale for this is that whether it looks good on paper or not Watson was the Ravens top pass-catcher in 2017 and his role with the Ravens and Joe Flacco looked similar to that of former Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta.
Also, Watson is a driving force in the community with tons of NFL experience. Especially if the Ravens decide to draft a tight-end Watson seems like a guy who could sure help show the rookie how to get better and improve his play.
Sweep:
Mike Wallace
Two years ago, the Ravens brought in a 29-year old receiver who had a successful run with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins but then joined the Minnesota Vikings and as these team changes were happening Wallace’s numbers were declining.
Wallace simply looked like he didn’t enjoy being out there anymore and even made negative comments about Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. It in this year with the Vikings that Wallace had his worst season ever.
Some thought he would contemplate retirement. But, then the Ravens who were in desperate need of a speedy wide receiver offered him a contract. Wallace accepted and then would go on to have a great 1,000-yard season with 72 receptions. Even pulling off an amazing 95-yard slant route against the Steelers as shown below.
Wallace played again this season but with less production, only mustering 748 yards on 52 receptions.
But now Wallace’s contract is up and I think it is time for Wallace’s run in Baltimore to be over. This is because of the fact that when the 2018 season starts Wallace will be 32 and not getting any younger. Also, take in that the Ravens need a younger receiving core and will be targeting wide-outs in the draft. The final thing is the cap space issue discussed early with Wallace who will get a contract a lot larger than the Ravens want to pay with their low budget.
Wallace has also expressed interest in winning a Super Bowl, and not to be a pessimist but Wallace probably doubts that this will happen with the Ravens.
The best bet that will benefit both sides will be for Wallace to leave which clears space for the Ravens while he can go to more of a legitimate contender.
Terrance West, One Hit Wonder?
Had Alex Collins not had such an amazing year, I highly doubt that West would be on the sweep side of the list.
But the reality is that West got his job taken. A younger running back with more potential seized an opportunity and the team never looked back. Taking a look at West’s snap counts you can see that they decrease each and every week until after Week 5 he didn’t see a snap for the rest of the year due to an injury and being a healthy scratch.
The Ravens also have depth at the running back position with younger backups such as Buck Allen, and Kenneth Dixon.
West had a great first year with the Ravens but due to depth and cap space issues, he will be known more so as a one-hit wonder.
Luke Bowanko
The Ravens traded a late round pick for Bowanko because of how banged up the offensive line was. But the team now has many offensive linemen coming back from injuries. No real point to bring Bowanko back as all he really will do is take away precious cap space.
James Hurst
Just like Bowanko, the Ravens have many offensive linemen coming back so it would even be hard for him to find time on the field. Not to mention that Hurst is the 57th ranked guard per Pro Football Focus.
–Adrian Andrew is the Managing Editor of Full Press Coverage Ravens. Make sure to follow us on Twitter @FPC_Ravens and like our page on Facebook!