DE Jadeveon Clowney –Panthers
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 15: Linebacker Jadeveon Clowney #7 of the Carolina Panthers reacts during the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Bank of America Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Baltimore could use more pressure off the edge, and Clowney is a professional pass rusher.
Clowney has maintained a 13+% pressure rate with the Panthers this season and also ranks No. 1 among edge defenders in run-stop win rate.
Azeez Ojulari, edge rusher
Oct 20, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) is sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) and linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Azeez Ojulari is in the final year of his rookie contract and has six sacks in eight games for a Giants defense that already has Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns on the payroll.
Za’Darius Smith Cleveland Browns · DE
Oct 27, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Za’Darius Smith (99) sacks Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during the second half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Adding another pass rusher alongside Van Noy and Odafe Oweh would help the Ravens’ last-ranked pass defense.
Smith (who spent the first four seasons of his career in Baltimore) has five sacks so far this season, and his size against the run would help fortify Zach Orr’s defense.
Jonathan Jones New England Patriots · DB
Sep 19, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones (31) breaks up a pass intended for New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams (18) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
It’s unknown if Baltimore is rebuilding in the secondary, but changes are needed, even potentially moving Marlon Humphrey to safety earlier. Through eight games, Jones has generated three passes defended, one forced fumble, and 28 tackles.
Chase Young, New Orleans Saints;
Oct 7, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) scrambles against New Orleans Saints defensive end Chase Young (99) during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
New Orleans is projected to be over the cap by $72.8 million next season.
Young is still just 25 years old and continues to be a productive pass rusher. According to Pro Football Focus, he’s already generated 30 pressures this season to go along with 12 defensive stops.
Kaiir Elam, Buffalo Bills
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 27: Kaiir Elam #5 of the Buffalo Bills warms up before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on October 27, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Baltimore can use all the defensive back help it can muster, and Elam has seen his snaps decrease in Buffalo.
Richie Grant, DB, Falcons
Oct 27, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive back Richie Grant (27) knocks down a last second pass to end the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
The former second-round pick started 32 games for Atlanta over the last two seasons, logging 261 tackles (168 solo), 13 passes defended, three interceptions, and three sacks. Grant, 26, is an enticing option for any team looking for a versatile, starting-caliber defensive back at the deadline.
Budda Baker, Safety, Arizona Cardinals
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 29: Odell Beckham Jr. #3 of the Baltimore Ravens is hit by Budda Baker #3 of the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
Baker is one of the best safeties in the NFL when healthy, and in the last year of his current contract and will turn 29 before the start of the 2025 NFL season. This season, Baker has 18 tackles, three tackles for loss and a pass breakup over two games.
Arden Key, DE, Tennessee Titans
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) is sacked by Tennessee Titans linebacker Arden Key (49) during the first quarter of the NFL game against Tennessee Titans at Ford Field in Detroit on Oct. 27, 2024.
Key has proven to be a solid edge rusher throughout his career and has three sacks on the year with six quarterback hits through seven games with the Titans.
Marshon Lattimore, CB, New Orleans Saints
Oct 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during the warmups before the game against the Denver Broncos at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Baltimore should strongly consider making a play for Lattimore.
The Ravens secondary has been its biggest liability, and injuries are beginning to mount on the perimeter, with cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey (knee) and Nate Wiggins (shoulder) both missing the Week 8 loss in Cleveland.
