The Ravens will have money to spend this offseason, but they still plan to spend wisely.
With franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson playing under a rookie contract and veteran quarterback Joe Flacco reportedly traded, the Ravens will have more flexibility as they prepare for the start of free agency March 13. However, teams that spend the most don't always spend the best.
"I think free agency can be a dicey proposition," Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta said last month. "I think some of the best values in free agency typically happen a little bit later. You're not paying quite as much and you're getting a really good player who may not be as sexy for other teams so the money comes down a bit and you get good players that way."
Salary cap casualties often provide worthwhile risk – players with quality football left who were released mainly for financial reasons. Here are some potential salary cap casualties, all identified by NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal, that could interest the Ravens if they are released:
WR Nelson Agholor, Philadelphia Eagles
Why he could fit Ravens: He's coming off a career-best 64-catch season and he's just 25 years old. Agholor could be a nice possession receiver for Jackson, who likes throwing over the middle. Any rookie receiver the Ravens draft might experience some growing pains. Agholor has already passed that test and could be ready to blossom.
Why Agholor could be released: Agholor is set to become one of the league's top 25 highest-paid receivers, a situation the Eagles may not find to their liking.
ILB Zach Brown, Washington Redskins
Why he could fit Ravens: If the Ravens lose Pro Bowl inside linebacker C.J. Mosley in free agency, they will have a gaping hole to fill. Brown had over 100 tackles in both 2016 and 2017 for the Redskins. Remember inside linebacker Daryl Smith, who had three productive years with the Ravens (2013-15) after being signed as a free agent? Brown might be a similar plug-and-play replacement if Mosley departs.
Why Brown could be released: He lost his starting job late last season, and with two years left on his contract, the Redskins may want to commit that money elsewhere.
G Kelechi Osemele, Oakland Raiders
Why he could fit Ravens: Upgrading the offensive line is one of the Ravens' top priorities. Osemele made a name for himself in Baltimore, and helped the Ravens win Super Bowl XLVII, as a 2012 second-round pick. He developed into a dominant guard that signed a big deal in Oakland after the 2015 season. Osemele was a good, young player the Ravens wanted to keep, but he just got too expensive in Baltimore's post-Super Bowl cap era. He would bring some of his signature nastiness back to the Ravens' O-line.
Why Osemele could be released: New Raiders General Manager Mike Mayock may want to continue getting younger up front.
WR DeSean Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Why he could fit Ravens: At age 32, Jackson led the NFL with 18.9 yards per catch, so he's still a homerun hitter. That's an element the Ravens want to add to their offense. Even though free agent wide receiver John Brown has expressed interest in re-signing with Baltimore, Brown's production plummeted once Jackson become the starting quarterback. Perhaps a Jackson-to-Jackson combination would yield better results, and the elder Jackson might be willing to sign a one-year deal, something Brown doesn't want to do again.
Why Jackson could be released: Jackson was most effective when Ryan Fitzpatrick was Tampa Bay's starting quarterback. Once Jameis Winston took over as the starter, Jackson's production declined, and the Buccaneers have apparently decided to move forward with Winston.
DE Olivier Vernon, New York Giants
Why he could fit Ravens: Baltimore has two free agent pass rushers who could be on the way out – Za'Darius Smith and Terrell Suggs. The Ravens will surely shop for pass rushers during free agency and the draft. But if the Ravens lose both Smith and Suggs, a proven veteran like Vernon who has 22 sacks over the last three years could offer insurance at the right price.
Why Vernon could be released: The Giants finished 5-11 with Vernon in the lineup last year, and their lack of a consistent pass rush was a reason.
