The Ravens have 11 players set to become unrestricted free agents, and we will provide a breakdown for each of them heading into the start of the new league year on March 9.
Let's continue the series with safety Anthony Levine Sr.
2016 stats: 16 games played, 11 tackles (four special teams stops), one pass defensed
Overview
Levine has played all 16 games for the Ravens in each of the past four seasons. He's grown into a core special teams player alongside linebacker Albert McClellan, and helps guide the unit from a communication perspective. Levine is also a versatile defensive back who saw 109 snaps on defense last season at both slot cornerback and strong safety, per Pro Football Focus.
Why Ravens Should Keep Him
Baltimore prides itself on its special teams prowess and has won more games because of that unit than any team in the league (both via blocked kicks/punts and game-winning field goals). Levine has been a big part of that, so keeping him would help maintain that success. He's also valuable as a reserve defender. Levine has helped in a pinch at safety, slot cornerback and even as an outside cornerback when injuries have struck. That kind of versatility, particularly considering the Ravens' injury woes in the secondary, would be tough to lose.
Why Levine May Walk
Ravens Assistant General Manager Eric DeCosta said the Ravens want a "young infusion of talent on the back end, whether it's at corner or safety." Levine, who will turn 30 later this month, will be heading into his sixth season. While experience is a commodity, Baltimore also wants to get cheap, talented safeties and cornerbacks on the roster who could help on special teams immediately and take over as starters down the road.
