Jadeveon Clowney’s free agency status could lead the Baltimore Ravens to pursue a “premier edge rusher.” In 2023, the Ravens relied on veteran edge-rushers, including Clowney and Kyle Van Noy, who both performed well on one-year deals. However, as they enter the 2024 NFL free agency, there is uncertainty surrounding their futures. To address this, the Ravens could potentially sign Jacksonville Jaguars’ outside linebacker Josh Allen, who would bring a “premier” presence to their pass rush.
According to The 33rd Team’s Dan Pizzuta, the Ravens would be a good fit for Allen. Pizzuta believes that instead of relying on veteran players, the Ravens could benefit from having a top-tier edge rusher, something they have lacked since Matt Judon’s departure.
One obstacle the Ravens may face is cap space, as general manager Eric DeCosta will need to make room for Allen. However, Pizzuta suggests that this could be achieved by structuring a long-term deal with a lower Year 1 figure.
Despite the challenges, it would be worthwhile for DeCosta to pursue Allen. At just 26 years old, Allen is coming off a remarkable season where he recorded a career-high 17.5 sacks. The Ravens are in need of a pass-rusher with such credentials, especially considering Van Noy is 32 and Clowney is 31.
Ravens.com Editorial Director Ryan Mink highlights the uncertainty surrounding the price tags for Van Noy and Clowney. After their impressive performances in their early 30s, the question is whether the Ravens can afford their asking prices.
With so much uncertainty surrounding the veteran players, who combined for 18.5 sacks last season, Allen emerges as a promising option. In the past two seasons with the Jaguars, Allen has consistently improved his game, increasing his sack totals by 10.5 in 2023.
Allen’s ability to generate sacks is often attributed to his top-tier speed off the edge. He showcased this skill when he forced a strip-sack against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 6.
Josh Allen’s strip sack against the Colts resulted in a turnover for the Jaguars. His impact plays in pass-rush matchups have become a regular occurrence. In addition to his sacks, Allen recorded 33 quarterback hits, including 13 knockdowns, and 14 hurries, according to Pro Football Reference.
Allen possesses all the qualities the Ravens desire in a game-changing edge-rusher. Pairing him with Odafe Oweh, the Ravens’ 2021 first-round draft pick who had an 18.2% pass-rush win rate last season, would create a formidable and youthful duo of pressure specialists for new defensive coordinator Zach Orr.
Odafe Oweh had the highest pass rush win rate among Ravens players this season (18.2%).
Now is the perfect time to focus on youth in the front line as veterans Clowney and Van Noy prepare to enter the market.
Clowney had an exceptional first year in Baltimore, surpassing expectations. With 9.5 sacks and 23 pressures, the 10-year pro proved he still possesses the skills to be a dominant force on the edge.
While getting to the quarterback hasn’t always been his strong suit, Clowney demonstrated his veteran experience with a more strategic approach to pass-rushing in 2023. One example of this was his sack against Malik Willis and the Tennessee Titans in Week 6.
The question now is whether Clowney will capitalize on his late-career resurgence. Furthermore, when will the first overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft decide on his next contract?
Clowney has become known for signing one-year deals later in his career. This is evident as he only joined the Ravens in late-August 2023, just weeks before the start of the season.
Perhaps Clowney will play the waiting game and see where other top edge-rushers in free agency, such as Allen, end up. This would be a wise move considering that Clowney’s market value is projected to be one year, $7.2 million. This figure may fit within Baltimore’s budget.
General Manager DeCosta has a lot of work to do in order to manage the salary cap. Knowing that Clowney is an affordable option could provide some flexibility in the early stages of the offseason.
The same can be said for Van Noy, although it is unlikely that both veterans will return to the Ravens. If the money is right, one of them may come back, but it is uncertain which one.
Retaining either Clowney or Van Noy would be a wise move for the Ravens, but only if they are unable to secure a younger, game-changing player like Allen.
James Dudko covers the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, and Baltimore Ravens for the tabloid format.
According to the Source heavy.com