Ravens position-by-position roster overview before Free Agency

The NFL’s legal tampering period of the offseason is currently underway and unrestricted free agent contracts are allowed to be consummated Friday afternoon. Expect a frenzy of moves from the Baltimore Ravens and the other 31 teams over the next 48 hours. The Ravens have already released Shareece Wright and Kendrick Lewis.

Before we are overwhelmed by an avalanche of breaking news, let’s take a look at the full Ravens roster of players currently under contract or team control...

QUARTERBACK:

• Joe Flacco ($24.6M cap hit in 2017)
• Dustin Vaughn ($0.5M cap hit)

Synopsis: Flacco’s signing bonus proration means he will be with the Ravens through 2018 at least no matter how he performs. Considering this, the search for his successor should be postponed until next offseason at the earliest. But a cheap veteran journeyman or late round draft pick is needed to serve as the backup in case of a short term injury.

RUNNING BACK:

• Kenneth Dixon ($0.6M cap hit)
• Terrance West (Restricted Free Agent)
• Buck Allen ($0.7M cap hit)
• Lorenzo Taliaferro ($0.8M cap hit)
• Stephen Houston ($0.5M cap hit)

Synopsis: If the Ravens apply the right of first refusal tender on West, they will retain him for $1.8 million next season. Dixon and West are a solid 1-2 punch, the Ravens may look to add a back with game breaking speed and pass blocking ability in the draft. A fullback is also need if Kyle Juszczyk leaves Baltimore.

WIDE RECEIVER:

• Mike Wallace ($8M cap hit)
• Breshad Perriman ($2.4M cap hit)
• Chris Moore ($0.7M cap hit)
• Chris Matthews (Exclusive Rights Free Agent)
• Michael Campanaro (ERFA)
• Keenan Reynolds (ERFA)
• Vince Mayle ($0.6M cap hit)
• Kenny Bell ($0.5M cap hit)

Synopsis: Wallace may be released if he does not agree to a team friendly contract extension. If Campanaro or Reynolds cannot step up, a slot receiver is needed. Either way, the Ravens should try to add two more receivers. One veteran possession receiver and one rookie with elite upside would be ideal.

TIGHT END:

• Dennis Pitta ($7.7M cap hit)
• Ben Watson ($4M cap hit)
• Maxx Williams ($1.1M cap hit)
• Crockett Gillmore ($0.8M cap hit)
• Nick Boyle ($0.7M cap hit)
• Darren Waller ($0.6M cap hit)

Synopsis: The deepest position group on the roster can withstand releases of Pitta and Watson. The Ravens are hoping former second round pick Williams can contribute next season. The four youngsters have various traits that complement each other well.

OFFENSIVE TACKLE:

• Ronnie Stanley ($4.7M cap hit)
• Alex Lewis ($0.7M cap hit)
• James Hurst (RFA)
• Stephane Nembot ($0.5M cap hit)
• De’Ondre Wesley (ERFA)
• Jarrod Pughsley ($0.5M cap hit)

Synopsis: If Rick Wagner departs in free agency as expected, the Ravens are likely to audition Lewis as the starting right tackle. Or maybe they will draft a right tackle in the first three rounds of the draft. The free agency tackle market is extremely weak. An upgrade at backup swing tackle would also be appreciated.

OFFENSIVE GUARD:

• Marshal Yanda ($9.1M cap hit)
• John Urschel ($0.7M cap hit)
• Ryan Jensen (RFA)
• Jarrell Broxton ($0.5M cap hit)

Synopsis: Depending on Lewis’ projected position next season, the Ravens may need to find another starting caliber guard. Guard is the strongest position in free agency this offseason.

CENTER:

• Jeremy Zuttah ($4.6M cap hit)
• Matt Skura ($0.5M cap hit)

Synopsis: The Ravens would like to get bigger on the interior, which puts Zuttah on the chopping block if an adequate replacement can be found via free agency or the draft. Skura is an intriguing developmental center.

SPECIAL TEAMS:

• Justin Tucker ($4.3M cap hit)
• Sam Koch ($3.1M cap hit)
• Morgan Cox ($1M cap hit

Synopsis: One of the best groups in the league is also among the highest paid. It would be nice if the Ravens could save cap space elsewhere on their special teams units considering their coaching expertise.

DEFENSIVE END:

• Brent Urban ($0.8M cap hit)
• Bronson Kaufusi ($0.8M cap hit)

Synopsis: Not a strong group without Lawrence Guy. Defensive end could be addressed in free agency, the draft or through a modification of the Ravens base defensive alignment.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE:

• Timmy Jernigan ($1.4M cap hit)
• Michael Pierce ($0.5M cap hit)
• Carl Davis ($0.8M cap hit)
• Willie Henry ($0.6M cap hit)

Synopsis: This quartet has great potential, but is a bit unproven. Brandon Williams’ expected loss will hurt the run defense but could help the line generate more pressure against the pass. The Ravens will probably bring in a unheralded veteran or rookie to push the young tackles.

INSIDE LINEBACKER:

• C.J. Mosley ($2.8M cap hit)
• Kamaeli Correa ($1.3M cap hit)
• Albert McClellan ($1.2M cap hit)
• Cavellis Luckett ($0.5M cap hit)

Synopsis: Mosley is the team’s top defender, but the unexpected retirement of Zach Orr brings questions to the position. Correa is a former second round pick with the skill set to excel as an inside linebacker. Hopefully the Ravens will give him a chance to contribute instead of drafting over him.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER:

• Terrell Suggs ($7M cap hit)
• Elvis Dumervil ($8.4M cap hit)
• Matt Judon ($0.6M cap hit)
• Za’Darius Smith ($0.7M cap hit)
• Boseko Lokombo ($0.5M cap hit)
• Lamar Louis (ERFA)
• Brennan Beyer (ERFA)

Synopsis: Dumervil may be released, but the Ravens do have promising depth in Judon and Smith. Correa could also earn reps on the edge. The Ravens may address the pass rush if a complete outside linebacker falls to them in the draft, but a one dimensional player may not improve their team much.

CORNERBACK:

• Jimmy Smith ($12.6M cap hit)
• Tavon Young ($0.7M cap hit)
• Kyle Arrington ($2.8M cap hit)
• Maurice Canady ($0.6M cap hit)
• Robertson Daniel ($0.5M cap hit)
• Sheldon Price (ERFA)
• Jamal Rolle (RFA)

Synopsis: Arrington is expected to be cut. Since teams need four competent corners these days, and the top free agents are so expensive, the Ravens may want to double dip at the position in the draft. A mid-tier free agent could also be acquired or Jerraud Powers might be re-signed. Between Canady and Price, decent depth should emerge.

SAFETY:

• Eric Weddle ($5.8M cap hit)
• Lardarius Webb ($7.5M cap hit)
• Marqueston Huff (RFA)
• Patrick Onwuasor (ERFA)
• Otha Foster ($0.5M cap hit)

Synopsis: Whether they find a way to retain Webb or not, another capable safety is needed because of Webb’s age and injury history. Ideally this addition will be found in the draft, and bring more speed to the secondary.