GM Eric DeCosta Faces Tough Decisions After Ravens’ Playoff Loss
Following the Baltimore Ravens’ disappointing end-of-season loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship game, general manager Eric DeCosta will be tasked with adding pieces to improve a championship core. However, DeCosta will be handcuffed by the team’s current cap situation unless he makes some difficult roster moves.
One of the moves was suggested by Glenn Erby, writer for USA Today’s Ravens Wire, where the Ravens, “Post June 1 Cut Marlon Humphrey.” The CB will only be 28 years old for the upcoming season, so cutting him may be a drastic move. According to Erby, by cutting Humphrey post June 1 the Ravens would save $11.75 million in cap space and only take a dead cap hit of $11.12 million.
Ravens Top 10 Cap Hits in 2024:
1: QB Lamar Jackson – $32.4M2: OL Ronnie Stanley – $26.1M3: CB Marlon Humphrey – $22.8M4: S Marcus Williams – $18.7M5: TE Mark Andrews – $16.9M6: LB Roquan Smith – $13.5M7: LB Tyus Bowser – $7.5M8: OL Morgan Moses – $6.9M9: OL Patrick…
The savings would increase the Ravens’ current amount of $7.3 million in cap space that they currently have according to OverTheCap. “Humphrey signed a 5-year contract extension with the Ravens in 2020 worth $97.5 million in new money with $40.3 million in full guarantees at signing,” Erby writes. The veteran CB currently has the third highest cap hit on the team according to Spotrac. Erby explained, “The Ravens converted $9.42 million of salary to a bonus in 2023, creating $7.536 million in cap room.”
DeCosta could approach Humphrey about restructuring his contract once again, but that may just be kicking the can down the road again. However, the flexibility this would provide the Ravens during free agency cannot be ignored.
Humphrey was drafted in the first round by the Ravens in the 2017 draft and has been a stellar piece of their defensive units. The CB is an All Pro First Team and three-time Pro Bowler at the position in his seven-year career. However, this season was a different story for the corner. Humphrey set career lows in many statistical categories this season. Due to lingering injuries Humphrey was only able to suit up for 10 regular season games and he missed the Divisional Round matchup against the Houston Texans. Erby wrote, “[Humphrey] missed a career-high eight games this season with foot, hamstring and calf injuries.”
Oh no.. #Ravens Pro-Bowl CB Marlon Humphrey went down with a non-contact injury, hopefully he’s okay 🙏 t.co/0miBNK7LBj
Baltimore Ravens Defense Ranked No. 1 Despite Humphrey’s Absence
In a surprising turn of events, the Baltimore Ravens managed to maintain their status as the top-ranked defense in points allowed, even with the absence of star cornerback Marlon Humphrey. Despite missing a significant portion of the season, Humphrey’s replacement, Ronald Darby, Brandon Stephens, and Arthur Maulet, stepped up to the challenge and proved their worth.
Pro Football Focus ranked Darby at No. 36, Stephens at No. 49, and Maulet at No. 51 among all cornerbacks in the league. Their contributions were vital in filling the void left by the All-Pro Humphrey. Although Humphrey had a respectable grade of 65.3 in the games he played, the Ravens’ success cannot be solely attributed to his performance.
Speculations have been circulating about the possibility of the Ravens parting ways with Humphrey. However, experts believe that such a scenario is unlikely. According to analyst Erby, it would come as a surprise if the Ravens decided to let go of their talented cornerback.
Nevertheless, ESPN’s Field Yates presented an intriguing scenario in his mock draft. With the No. 30 pick, Yates projected the Ravens to select Kamari Lassiter from Georgia, a promising cornerback who excels in man coverage. Yates emphasized the importance of bolstering the cornerback position, considering the challenges the Ravens faced last season due to injuries.
Lassiter, ranked as the 7th best cornerback in the 2024 prospects by Tankathon, could seamlessly integrate into the Ravens’ defense. Coming from a top-ranked defense like the Bulldogs, Lassiter’s skills and experience could prove invaluable to the Ravens’ success.
The Ravens are expected to undergo some changes in their defense this offseason, with several key free agents on the roster. Yates believes that Lassiter, who showcased his ability to break up eight passes in 2023, could be a valuable addition to the team.
As the Ravens gear up for the upcoming season, their defense remains a focal point. Despite the uncertainties surrounding Humphrey’s future, the team is determined to maintain their dominant defensive prowess.
According to the Source heavy.com