The Ravens Need to Sign These Three Free Agents

The Ravens Need to Sign These Three Free Agents: Strengthening the Team for 2024 and Beyond

The Baltimore Ravens, one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, are coming off a promising 2023 season, but there’s still a sense of urgency surrounding the team. After a season filled with both highs and lows, the Ravens are looking to bolster their roster in order to make a deep playoff run and, ultimately, contend for a Super Bowl. While Baltimore boasts a strong roster overall, every championship contender knows the importance of continuously improving through free agency.

As the NFL offseason heats up, the Ravens should be active on the free-agent market to address key areas of need. Whether it’s bolstering the offense, adding depth to the defense, or enhancing special teams, Baltimore can fill critical gaps by signing a few key free agents.

This article highlights three players the Ravens should seriously consider signing to give them a better chance to win it all in 2024.

1. Odell Beckham Jr. – Wide Receiver

One of the biggest areas where the Ravens have struggled over the past few years has been at wide receiver. While quarterback Lamar Jackson is a dynamic playmaker, the Ravens’ receiving corps has often left much to be desired. With the loss of Hollywood Brown in 2022 and inconsistent performances from various pass-catchers, Baltimore has lacked a reliable No. 1 receiver to complement Jackson’s skills. Enter Odell Beckham Jr., a wide receiver who, when healthy, can be one of the most explosive and dynamic players in the league.

Beckham has proven throughout his career that he is capable of being a game-changer. He made an immediate impact during his brief time with the Los Angeles Rams, helping them win the Super Bowl in 2022, catching a touchdown pass before an unfortunate injury cut his performance short. Despite that setback, Beckham has shown flashes of his elite skill set in his career, and if he can return to full health, he could provide exactly what the Ravens need on the offensive side of the ball.

Why Odell Beckham Jr. Makes Sense for the Ravens

1. Elite Playmaking Ability: Beckham still has the ability to stretch the field and make highlight-reel catches. His incredible ability to track deep balls and create separation downfield would give Lamar Jackson a true deep threat. Beckham’s speed and route-running are top-tier, and his experience can be invaluable for Jackson’s development as a passer.
2. A Veteran Presence: Beckham brings invaluable experience to the table. The Ravens’ receiving corps is young and talented, but they lack a veteran presence who can help mentor the next generation of receivers. Beckham’s leadership on and off the field could prove crucial in fostering a more cohesive group.
3. A Perfect Fit for Lamar Jackson: Lamar Jackson is at his best when he’s able to utilize both his legs and arm. Signing a receiver like Beckham would give Jackson a reliable target that can make big plays downfield, forcing opposing defenses to respect the passing game more. This would help open up Baltimore’s run game, allowing Jackson and the running backs to operate more freely.
4. Contender Status: With the Ravens in championship contention, Beckham has an opportunity to play for a team with a high ceiling. The Ravens have a Super Bowl-caliber defense, an emerging offense, and a franchise quarterback. If Beckham wants to win another ring and prove he’s still elite, Baltimore offers a competitive and supportive environment.

2. Jamel Dean – Cornerback

The Ravens have built one of the league’s most elite defenses over the past few years, and one of the team’s biggest strengths has been its secondary. However, the team’s cornerback depth has been a point of vulnerability at times, especially when injuries have hit. While Marlon Humphrey remains one of the top cornerbacks in the league, the Ravens could use another quality option to pair with him and bolster the secondary.

Jamel Dean, the cornerback from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is an ideal fit for Baltimore. Dean has proven himself as one of the best young cornerbacks in the league, boasting a combination of size, speed, and athleticism that is rare at his position. At 6’1″ and 206 pounds, he has the physicality to challenge wide receivers at the line of scrimmage and the speed to keep up with them deep downfield.

Why Jamel Dean Makes Sense for the Ravens

1. Elite Coverage Skills: Dean has consistently been one of the top cover cornerbacks in the league. He has excellent ball skills, good anticipation, and a knack for staying with his assignment. His ability to shut down both top receivers and smaller, quicker ones would greatly benefit the Ravens in an increasingly pass-heavy NFL.
2. Complement to Marlon Humphrey: With Marlon Humphrey on one side, Dean would provide the perfect complement to Baltimore’s elite cornerback. Humphrey is known for being physical at the line of scrimmage, while Dean has the ability to stay stride-for-stride with top-tier wide receivers. The two could form one of the most dominant cornerback tandems in the league.
3. Improving Depth: The Ravens have a strong secondary, but adding Dean would give them another lockdown corner to rotate in and out of the lineup. Depth is key to surviving a grueling NFL season, and with the injuries that can plague the secondary, having Dean on the roster would provide the Ravens with the flexibility they need to handle any challenges that come their way.
4. Ravens’ Defensive Philosophy: The Ravens have always been a defense-first team, and adding an elite corner like Dean would continue that philosophy. With a defense built to stop the pass and generate pressure, Dean would fit in perfectly as a key cog in the Ravens’ defense.
5. A Strong Fit for the AFC North: The AFC North is one of the toughest divisions in the NFL, with high-powered offenses like the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns in the mix. Dean would help the Ravens compete against the likes of Ja’Marr Chase, Tyreek Hill, and other top-tier wideouts in the conference. Having a cornerback capable of shutting down these players is crucial for any playoff hopes.

3. David Montgomery – Running Back

The Ravens have long been known for their dominant running game, and their success in 2023 was largely built around their powerful rushing attack. However, the team could use another running back to complement J.K. Dobbins, especially considering the injuries that have plagued the running back position over the last few years. While Gus Edwards and Justice Hill have been solid contributors, the Ravens could benefit from another versatile back who can contribute both as a rusher and in the passing game.

David Montgomery, the talented running back from the Detroit Lions, is a player the Ravens should target in free agency. Montgomery has proven to be a workhorse back capable of handling a heavy workload and is an excellent complement to any backfield. His ability to run between the tackles, catch passes out of the backfield, and provide a physical presence would help balance out the Ravens’ offense.

Why David Montgomery Makes Sense for the Ravens

1. A Reliable Workhorse: Montgomery has consistently shown that he can be the bell-cow back for a team. He has the vision, patience, and strength to run between the tackles and pick up tough yards. In a run-heavy offense like the Ravens, Montgomery could provide a steady, reliable option to complement J.K. Dobbins.
2. Pass-Catching Ability: One of Montgomery’s underrated skills is his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. His strong hands and reliable route-running would give the Ravens an added dimension in the passing game, which is especially important in short-yardage and third-down situations.
3. Veteran Leadership: The Ravens’ backfield is talented, but adding a veteran like Montgomery would provide additional leadership and experience. He has a proven track record and could help teach younger backs like Dobbins the finer points of the position. Montgomery’s experience in handling high-volume carries would help keep Dobbins fresh throughout the season, while giving the Ravens a potent two-back attack.
4. Playoff Push: As the Ravens look to make a deep playoff run in 2024, having a powerful, versatile back like Montgomery can be a major asset in both the regular season and postseason. In cold-weather games, Montgomery’s physical style of running could be exactly what the Ravens need to control the clock and grind out victories.
5. Depth and Durability: Injuries at the running back position are all too common, and the Ravens have felt the effects of that in the past. Adding Montgomery to the mix would provide depth and ensure that the team has options if injuries strike. His durability and toughness make him an ideal fit for the Ravens’ punishing ground game.

Conclusion: Building for Super Bowl Contention

The Baltimore Ravens are already one of the top teams in the NFL, but they are not done yet. With a few key additions through free agency, they can push their roster to even greater heights. Signing Odell Beckham Jr. would give the Ravens a much-needed No. 1 wide receiver, adding a dynamic playmaker to Lamar Jackson’s offense. Meanwhile, adding Jamel Dean would give the team another lockdown corner to complement Marlon Humphrey and solidify the secondary. Finally, bringing in David Montgomery would provide much-needed depth to the backfield and give the team a reliable, physical runner who can complement J.K. Dobbins.

By targeting these three free agents, the Ravens could be on their way to building a roster capable of challenging for a Super Bowl in 2024 and beyond. With a balanced roster, elite defense, and Lamar Jackson under center, the Ravens could finally secure the championship they’ve been chasing for so many years.