Za’Darius Smith, Justin Simmons among 10 fits for Ravens as Week 2 of free agency begins.

As the second week of NFL free agency begins, the Baltimore Ravens find themselves in a crucial phase of building their roster for the upcoming season. With their sights set on contending for a Super Bowl, the Ravens’ front office is evaluating potential additions that could help elevate their team on both sides of the ball. While the Ravens are well-known for their defensive prowess, they are also keen to continue strengthening areas that could ultimately make the difference between playoff success and missing out on a championship run.

Two names that stand out as possible fits for the Ravens during the second week of free agency are edge rusher Za’Darius Smith and safety Justin Simmons. Both players would provide immediate impact and significantly improve the Ravens’ defense, which has long been a hallmark of the franchise. But are these players the right fit for the Ravens’ current needs? Let’s dive into why Smith and Simmons could be perfect additions to a Baltimore defense that’s looking to return to dominance.

Za’Darius Smith: The Edge Rusher the Ravens Need

One area the Ravens have consistently prioritized in recent years is pass rush. With former defensive coordinator Wink Martindale now with the New York Giants, Baltimore is adjusting its defensive schemes, but the need for an elite edge rusher remains. A consistent and disruptive pass rusher can change the outcome of a game, and that’s where Za’Darius Smith enters the conversation.

Smith, who was originally drafted by the Ravens in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, spent the early years of his career in Baltimore before making a name for himself with the Green Bay Packers. After signing a lucrative deal with the Packers in 2019, Smith became one of the premier edge rushers in the league. During his two seasons in Green Bay (2019-2020), Smith totaled 26 sacks, 70 quarterback hits, and 13 forced fumbles. His relentless style of play, combined with his ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, made him a game-changer for the Packers’ defense.

However, after a disappointing 2021 season and an offseason trade to the Minnesota Vikings, Smith failed to match the same level of production. That being said, when healthy and motivated, Smith has the ability to be a difference-maker. In 2022, he bounced back in Minnesota, posting 10 sacks and 16 tackles for loss. His ability to disrupt the pocket and create chaos in the backfield is exactly what the Ravens need to complement their strong defense.

Baltimore’s pass rush has been inconsistent in recent years, and with veterans like Calais Campbell and Justin Houston approaching the twilight of their careers, bringing in a younger, high-caliber pass rusher like Smith could help restore the Ravens’ defensive dominance. Pairing Smith with young pass rushers like Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo would create a dangerous rotation, giving the Ravens more flexibility in their defensive game plans and allowing them to pressure opposing quarterbacks with fresh legs throughout the game.

Smith’s familiarity with the Ravens’ defensive scheme and his ability to contribute immediately would make him an ideal addition. He is versatile enough to fit into different alignments and could be used to exploit mismatches against opposing offensive lines. With his speed, power, and relentless motor, Smith would immediately help the Ravens compete in an AFC North that’s been growing increasingly competitive.

Justin Simmons: The Ball-Hawking Safety the Ravens Need

While Smith would strengthen the Ravens’ pass rush, Justin Simmons could be the key piece to improve their secondary. Simmons has long been regarded as one of the top safeties in the NFL due to his combination of playmaking ability, football IQ, and leadership. The 28-year-old safety has played his entire career with the Denver Broncos, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors.

Simmons is known for his exceptional ball skills, recording 24 career interceptions and regularly being in the right place at the right time. His ability to read the quarterback and anticipate throws allows him to make plays in the passing game, and he is an excellent tackler in the open field. The Ravens, known for their aggressive style of play, would benefit greatly from a safety with Simmons’ ability to create turnovers and make crucial stops.

Although the Ravens already have talented safeties in Marcus Williams and Chuck Clark, Simmons could take the unit to another level. Adding a player of Simmons’ caliber would bolster the defense against both the run and the pass, providing Baltimore with a versatile safety who can play deep, in the box, or cover in the slot.

In addition to his physical skills, Simmons is a proven leader who sets the tone for his teammates. His leadership could help solidify a secondary that has shown flashes of brilliance but has also been inconsistent at times. By pairing him with Williams and the other talented players in the Ravens’ secondary, Simmons would provide a dynamic presence capable of changing the outcome of a game with his playmaking ability.

With the Ravens facing teams with potent passing offenses in the AFC, adding a ball-hawking safety like Simmons would go a long way toward improving their chances in high-stakes games. The ability to get turnovers and prevent big plays down the field is critical to playoff success, and Simmons has shown throughout his career that he can be relied upon in those key moments.

Other Potential Fits for the Ravens

While Za’Darius Smith and Justin Simmons are two of the most notable fits for the Ravens, there are other players who could also help address key areas of need as the second week of free agency unfolds. Let’s take a look at a few other potential additions to the Ravens’ roster:

1. Jamel Dean (CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Jamel Dean is one of the top cornerbacks available in free agency, and his physical style of play would fit well with the Ravens’ aggressive defense. Dean has been a standout in Tampa Bay for the past few seasons and could add stability to a Ravens secondary that is in need of an upgrade at cornerback.

2. Dalton Schultz (TE, Dallas Cowboys)

With Mark Andrews being the clear top tight end for the Ravens, bringing in a second pass-catching tight end like Dalton Schultz would give Lamar Jackson more weapons in the passing game. Schultz has been highly productive in Dallas and could provide a solid red-zone target for Jackson.

3. Orlando Brown Jr. (OT, Kansas City Chiefs)

Orlando Brown Jr. is one of the top offensive tackles in the league, and his ability to protect the quarterback would be invaluable for the Ravens’ offense. Upgrading the offensive line to protect Lamar Jackson has been a priority for the Ravens, and Brown could be a major addition.

4. Bobby Wagner (LB, Los Angeles Rams)

Bobby Wagner is one of the NFL’s top linebackers and could be a valuable addition to the Ravens’ defense. Wagner’s experience, leadership, and ability to play all three downs would be crucial to the Ravens as they continue to build a championship-caliber defense.

5. David Montgomery (RB, Detroit Lions)

While the Ravens already have J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards in the backfield, adding a powerful back like David Montgomery would give Baltimore more options in their ground game. Montgomery is known for his toughness and could help keep the Ravens’ rushing attack among the league’s best.