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The Ravens are currently facing the very real possibility of losing one of their best players, linebacker C.J. Mosley, to another team as unrestricted free agency is unofficially open. According to reports, they may even already be looking to line up a replacement as they’re one of five teams showing interest in former Bronco backer Brandon Marshall:
The Cardinals could use an inside LB. They’re one of the 5 teams interested in Brandon Marshall I’m told. His former head coach Vance Joseph is the new DC there so they know him well. Also the Chargers, Ravens, Jets, Bengals are interested in Marshall I’m told.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) March 11, 2019
The 29-year old would certainly be a downgrade from Mosley, but that doesn’t mean this signing wouldn’t make a whole lot of sense. PFF sees him as about an average player overall with grades of 55.9 against the run and 67.1 against the pass (64.2 total).
He doesn’t appear to be an impact player at this point but rather a solid veteran who could prove to be a good fit if the money is right, a-la Daryl Smith. He would also take over as the de-facto leader of what would be a relatively young inside linebacker room if Mosley departs; Patrick Onwuasor becomes the old head at a grizzled 26 years of age.
Marshall recently appeared in NFL Network, and in a segment where he and Willie McGinest predicted top free agent destinations, Marshall mocked Le’Veon Bell to the Ravens. Ironically, he may end up in Baltimore himself, something McGinest actually joked to him during the spot.
With four other teams in the mix, Marshall may be somewhat tough to land, especially considering the market for middle linebackers. At the right cost though, he may just be the classic Ravens-type move that this defense needs in a transitional period.