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The Ravens are a franchise built around the draft.
But as Baltimore's ownership and front office has shown this offseason, the Ravens aren't afraid to jump into the free agent or trade market either.
General Manager **Ozzie Newsome** has certainly shown that this offseason, as he has agreed to terms with eight unrestricted free agents and traded for wide receiver Anquan Boldin.
That got us here at BaltimoreRavens.com thinking: What are the top five Ravens' offseasons?
Eliminating Baltimore's draft classes from the equation, here is our list. Feel free to agree, disagree or give us your own.
5. 2010
Key Additions: WR Anquan Boldin, QB Marc Bulger (pending), K Shayne Graham, WR Derrick Mason, DE Cory Redding, WR Donte' Stallworth
Since it's only July, this one is kind of in TBD status. But it looks extremely promising. Boldin gives the Ravens a big-time No. 1 target and bringing back Mason and inking Stallworth ensures an upgrade at wideout. Redding steps into a big starting role on the defensive front. Other moves should provide competition and support at areas of need, including at quarterback, kicker and in the secondary. It's especially impressive considering limitations put in place during an uncapped offseason.
4. 1997
Key Additions:DE Michael McCrary, DT Tony Siragusa
These two signings played a large part in what would become arguably the NFL's greatest defense of all-time. The Ravens snatched up McCrary right after a 13.5-sack breakout season with the Seahawks and he ultimately rushed his way into the Ring of Honor. Siragusa spent five years plugging up the middle of the Ravens' defense and providing plenty of personality.
3. 2006
Key Additions: QB Steve McNair and DE Trevor Pryce
McNair threw for more than 3,000 yards and provided the Ravens with a steady hand under center for the first time since the days of Vinny Testaverde. Pryce, who was already a four-time Pro Bowler, came in and tallied a career-high 13 sacks in 16 starts. Thanks in large part to their efforts, Baltimore posted a franchise-best 13-3 regular season record.
2. 2008
Key Additions: HC **John Harbaugh**, OC **Cam Cameron**, CB **Fabian Washington**
A change at Head Coach is probably the biggest personnel move any franchise can make. Replacing Brian Billick, Coach Harbaugh turned a 5-11 team in 2007 into an 11-5 team that reached the AFC Championship in just one year. Cameron began turning the offensive tide, taking a No. 22-ranked 2007 offense to No. 18 in 2008 despite starting a rookie quarterback. Cornerback Fabian Washington, acquired via trade during the draft, started 12 games.
1. 2000
Key Additions: DT Sam Adams, QB Trent Dilfer, TE Shannon Sharpe
These were the final pieces to the Ravens' Super Bowl puzzle. Adams paired up with Siragusa to create a brick wall for opposing runners. Sharpe, a potential future NFL Hall of Famer, carried much of the Ravens' receiving game on his back and provided veteran leadership. Dilfer was brought in originally as a backup to Tony Banks but replaced him in Week 8. He won his final 11 games in his lone season in Baltimore – including the biggest one.
