For most of the NFL season, the Baltimore Ravens looked like the best team in the league by a wide margin, led by two-time MVP winner Lamar Jackson. Despite that, they fell short in the AFC Championship to the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Both injuries and untimely mistakes from inexperienced players were two key factors in their playoff disappointment. With an eye on the future and a roster they know can win it all, free agency will be crucial for Baltimore. Let’s take a look at three Ravens free agency predictions ahead of a crucial time for the franchise.
Baltimore Ravens Free Agency Predictions
There’s no secret that the Ravens like to run the ball. Whether it’s with their uniquely dynamic quarterback or handing the ball off to their running backs. The issue is that they had so many injuries at the RB spot in 2023 that it hampered and limited what they were trying to do with the running game.
While there are some young names they hope can contribute in 2024 and beyond, the time is now for Baltimore, and they acknowledge that with their free agency plan as they look to load up to try and get over the hump this year.
Sign Tony Pollard To Help Elevate Running Game
The 2023 season was the first year Tony Pollard was the main guy in Dallas with Ezekiel Elliott gone, and it resulted in him having a career-high in carries by 59 attempts. He did tally his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season, but it wasn’t perfect for Pollard.
He suffered an injury in the 2022 playoffs, and it took some time into this past year to see the Pollard of old the Cowboys were expecting as a result. However, with him playing on the franchise tag last season, he is now an unrestricted free agent and may be looking for a fresh start as the Cowboys look to reset their running back room in 2024.
Pollard regained his juice in the second half of the year and looks to have put the broken ankle in his rearview mirror. Pollard can come to Baltimore and be a part of a run-first offense with some young talent around him. He will be the main guy in this situation, but there would be enough around him to give Pollard the breather he needs to stay fresh and productive.
Give Lamar Jackson Another Outside Weapon With Tyler Boyd
The Ravens hit a home run with their selection of Zay Flowers in last year’s draft, but they need to add another intriguing weapon to the stable of pass catchers for Jackson, and Tyler Boyd fits the bill. They have the choice of keeping an in-house free agent with Odell Beckham Jr., but they opt to add a younger piece with untapped potential rather than keeping the veteran.
Boyd, at times, was the forgotten man in Cincinnati, with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins commanding the attention they do, but that doesn’t mean he is any less of a playmaker. Even as the third option and the occasional No. 2 due to injury, Boyd was able to produce 67 receptions, 667 receiving yards, and two touchdowns in 2023.
Baltimore would be giving him a chance to be the WR2 next to Flowers while also providing a different style than last year’s rookie sensation possesses, adding to the weaponry at Jackson’s disposal as they look to make another run at winning the AFC.
Re-Sign Kevin Zeitler To Keep Talent on the Offensive Line
Kevin Zeitler is on the wrong side of 30 as he is currently 33 years old, but there is a chance that the Ravens’ offensive line could be purged this free agency period, so keeping a tough and experienced guard in the fold will be crucial to keep the train rolling.
KEEP READING: Ravens 2024 Free Agents
In 982 plays last season, Zeitler only gave up two sacks and drew four penalties. The former Wisconsin Badger is heading into his 12th season in the NFL but is still playing at a quality level. He has started 47 games for the Ravens over the last three seasons, and keeping him in the fold, even if it is on a short-term deal, could be a good move.
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