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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
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glenn erby

Who are the best available NFL free agents left for Ravens?

The 2024 salary cap is set at $255.4 million.

The Ravens will look drastically different on both sides of the football field after undergoing massive changes in player personnel and the coaching staff.

Baltimore signed Justin Madubuike, one of the league’s best defensive linemen, to an extension. After inking Madubuike to a deal, Baltimore landed Derrick Henry for two years and $16 million.

The talented running back could earn $20 million throughout the deal.

However, the Ravens suffered significant free-agent losses. Patrick Queen (Steelers), Geno Stone (Bengals), and Gus Edwards (Chargers) were among eight free agents to sign elsewhere. Baltimore also traded Morgan Moses to the Jets and released Tyus Bowser in a cost-cutting move.

The Ravens have $13,884,766 in available cap space, and they’re paying out over $113 million on the offensive side of the football.

With the second wave of free agency set to begin, we’re examining the best available free agents Baltimore should consider.

CB Adoree' Jackson

East Rutherford, NJ — December 31, 2023 — Adoree’ Jackson of the Giants on the field during pre game warm ups. The New York Giants host the Los Angeles Rams on December 31, 2023 at at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.

Jackson has durability concerns, but he is a solid cover guy and could offer depth.

CB Stephon Gilmore

Nov 23, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore (21) and Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Gilmore played well in 2023 but likely won’t return to Dallas. The former All-Pro could elevate a retooled Ravens secondary.

DB Julian Blackmon

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Melvin Gordon III #33 of the Baltimore Ravens is tackled by Julian Blackmon #32 of the Indianapolis Colts in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Blackmon is an excellent safety with range.

CB Myles Bryant

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (10) tries to get outside of New England Patriots cornerback Myles Bryant (27) for a short gain.

Bryant racked up 77 tackles (65 solo), including 1.0 sack, seven pass breakups (one interception) and two forced fumbles in 17 regular-season appearances in 2023.

Bryant can play in the slot, while also returning kicks.

CB Levi Wallace

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 08: Levi Wallace #29 of the Pittsburgh Steelers knocks a pass away intended for Rashod Bateman #7 of the Baltimore Ravens during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Wallace had six interceptions and 24 passes defensed in his two seasons with the Steelers.

WR Hunter Renfrow

Dec 14, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) runs against the Los Angeles Chargers in the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The Raiders released Renfrow, opening up $8.21 million in cap space for the Raiders in 2024.

Renfrow caught 103 passes for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns in 2021 — his third NFL season — but has only 585 yards in 27 games the past two seasons after signing a two-year, $32.33 million extension.

WR Michael Thomas

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jaylon Jones (40) closes on New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13), Sunday., Oct 29, 2023, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Thomas became a free agent after the Saints designated him as a post-June 1 cut, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reported.

A knee injury cost Thomas the final seven games of the 2023 campaign, and he’s played just 20 games in four years since setting a league record with 149 receptions in 2019. Thomas averaged 117.5 catches for 1,378 yards and eight touchdowns over the first four seasons of his career.

WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling

Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (11) warms up prior to the AFC Championship football game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Chiefs released Valdes-Scantling after the veteran wide receiver appeared in 16 regular-season games in 2023, with just 21 catches for 315 yards and one touchdown on 42 targets.

WR Josh Reynolds

Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds makes a catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a touchdown during the first half of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024.

The Ravens need a wide receiver opposite Zay Flowers, Nelson Agholor and Rashod Bateman. With the second wave of free agency set to begin, Baltimore hosted Josh Reynolds on a visit.

Last season, Reynolds caught 40 of his 64 targets for 608 yards and five touchdowns in 17 regular-season games (13 starts) for Detroit. In three playoff games, he added eight catches for 132 yards and a touchdown.

Edge Rusher Emmanuel Ogbah

East Rutherford, NJ — November 24, 2023 — Emmanuel Ogbah of Miami strips Jets quarterback Tim Boyle of the ball in the second half as the Miami Dolphins defeated the NY Jets 34-13 at MetLife Stadium on November 24, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ to play in the first “Black Friday” NFL game.

Ogbah spent the last four years of his career with the Dolphins, as the veteran edge rusher started in just one of the 15 games he appeared in during Miami’s 2023 campaign, logging 19 total tackles, including five sacks and an additional three tackles for loss.

The 30-year-old edge rusher appeared in 57 games across his four seasons with the Dolphins, logging 114 total tackles, including 24 sacks, while also defending 19 passes and forcing five fumbles.

Edge Rusher Yannick Ngakoue

Oct 22, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) gets off a pass while being pressured by Chicago Bears defensive lineman Yannick Ngakoue (91) in the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

During 13 games in 2023, Ngakoue registered 22 tackles (13 solo) and four sacks.

Edge Rusher Bud Dupree

Dec 3, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Bud Dupree (48) celebrates his sack against New York Jets quarterback Tim Boyle (7) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Dupree finished 2023 with 39 tackles (17 solo), 6.5 sacks, three pass defenses and two forced fumbles in 16 appearances.

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