By almost any measure, the Baltimore Ravens were the NFL‘s best team during the 2023 NFL season. Lamar Jackson and Co. won more games than any other club (13), finished with the best point differential in the league (+203), and advanced to the AFC Championship Game.
The Ravens looked like an unstoppable force until they ran into the NFL’s immovable object — Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Despite mounting a late comeback, Baltimore fell to the reigning Super Bowl champions in a 17-7 loss. The offseason has arrived a few weeks shorter than John Harbaugh’s team might have hoped, but there’s no reason to believe the Ravens won’t be back in the mix in 2024.
Ravens’ Offseason Questions After AFC Championship Game Loss
There’s no sugarcoating Sunday’s loss for the Ravens. Jackson’s upcoming MVP award might not mean as much now that Baltimore has failed to advance out of the Championship Round, and the specter of Mahomes won’t leave the AFC any time soon.
While turning the page won’t be easy, Harbaugh and general manager Eric DeCosta will soon begin planning the Ravens’ 2024 offseason. What questions will Baltimore have to answer over the coming weeks?
Will DC Mike Macdonald Return?
Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald entered the offseason as a hot head coaching candidate after leading a Baltimore unit that ranked first in points and yards per play allowed.
While six clubs with HC vacancies have already hired replacements, Macdonald still has a chance to land a job. He’s interviewed with the Washington Commanders and will meet with the club again now that the Ravens have been eliminated. Macdonald is also a candidate for the Seattle Seahawks’ head coaching position despite not taking an initial interview.
If Macdonald departs for Washington or Seattle, Baltimore defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson might be the favorite to take over as DC. Wilson has drawn plenty of coordinator interest around the NFL, interviewing for gigs with the Los Angeles Rams, New York Giants, and Tennessee Titans.
Can the Ravens Re-Sign DT Justin Madubuike or LB Patrick Queen?
Whether it’s Macdonald, Wilson, or another coach, whoever is coordinating Baltimore’s defense in 2024 might not be working with the same depth chart the club deployed this season.
Defensive tackle Justin Madubuike earned second-team All-Pro honors after breaking out for 13 sacks and 33 quarterback hits and should be in line for $20+ million annually if the Ravens don’t retain him with a franchise tag.
Former first-round linebacker Patrick Queen should have a strong market, while fellow homegrown defender Geno Stone has earned a raise by posting seven interceptions for less than $2 million.
MORE: 2024 NFL Free Agents by Position
Jadeveon Clowney is a pending free agent after rebounding for 9.5 sacks. Kyle Van Noy will hit the open market. Cornerbacks Ronald Darby, Arthur Maulet, and Rock Ya-Sin — all of whom played at least a quarter of Baltimore’s defensive snaps in 2023 — are on expiring contracts.
The Ravens still have an excellent defensive foundation. Most of the league would trade their defense for a unit that includes Roquan Smith, Kyle Hamilton, Marlon Humphrey, Marcus Williams, and Odafe Oweh.
But defensive performance is historically mercurial. If Macdonald leaves, Baltimore can’t re-sign Madubuike or several of its other pieces, and the Ravens’ defense takes a slight step backward, the team might need its offense to step up.
How Will Baltimore Bolster Its Offense?
First-year offensive play-caller Todd Monken should return after garnering head-coaching interest, and it’s easy to get excited about Year 2 of Lamar in Monken’s scheme. Jackson made tremendous strides from the pocket in 2023 while retaining his gravity as a rushing threat.
With Jackson, standout rookie WR Zay Flowers, and tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely returning in 2024, Baltimore shouldn’t have any trouble producing points after ranking as the NFL’s fifth-most-efficient offense this past season.
However, the Ravens have two primary areas to address over the next few months — running back and offensive line.
RB is less of a glaring issue. While Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins are pending free agents, Baltimore has Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell (recovering from a torn ACL) on its roster next season.
A well-stocked FA running back market that includes Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and Derrick Henry could reduce price tags league-wide, allowing the Ravens to find a dynamic RB at a modest cost.
Baltimore also has questions along its offensive line. Guards Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson are free agents, while left tackle Ronnie Stanley — who only completed five games in 2023 while battling consistent knee issues — could be a salary cap causality.
If the Ravens use their first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on an offensive lineman, don’t be surprised.
As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!