Ravens Lose Seven Free Agents on First Day of Frenzy
The free-agency frenzy giveth and the free-agency frenzy taketh away.
The Ravens made a pre-frenzy splash by reportedly trading for game-wrecking defensive end Maxx Crosby over the weekend, but no team was hit harder on the first day of the league's legal tampering period.
Outside linebacker Dre'Mont Jones was the first Ravens free agent to leave, as he reportedly agreed to terms with the New England Patriots just after the period began at noon. The Ravens "made a strong push to retain him," according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
By the time safety Alohi Gilman reportedly agreed to a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs just before 11 p.m., Baltimore had lost seven of its free agents.
Here's a look at the reported deals for each:
- Tyler Linderbaum: Raiders, three years, $81 million
- Isaiah Likely: Giants, three years, $40 million
- Jones: Patriots, three years, $39.5 million
- Gilman: Chiefs, three years, $24.75 million
- Charlie Kolar: Chargers, three years, $24.3 million
- Jordan Stout: Giants, three years, $12.3 million
- Ar'Darius Washington: Giants, one year, $3 million
Moreover, the Ravens reportedly did not tender restricted free-agent running back Keaton Mitchell, meaning he will hit the open market.
Linderbaum was the most significant departure, as he reportedly agreed to a deal with the Raiders that not only reset the market for centers but obliterated it.
None of the departures were too shocking, especially considering the lucrative deals they reportedly received.
While seeing so many good players exit stings, it's a testament to the Ravens' roster-building acumen that other teams covet their players and are willing to pay top dollar to get them.
On a side note, former Ravens first-round pick Odafe Oweh also got paid, as he reportedly agreed to a four-year, $100 million deal with the Washington Commanders.
The Ravens did make an addition, as they reportedly agreed to terms with veteran guard and former Raven John Simpson on a three-year, $30 million deal.
Ravens Reportedly Offered Linderbaum Four-Year, $88 Million Deal
General Manager Eric DeCosta said at the NFL Scouting Combine two weeks ago that the Ravens had made a "market-setting offer" to Linderbaum. The highest-paid center at the time was the Chiefs' Creed Humphrey at $18 million per year.
According to The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec, the Ravens offered Linderbaum a four-year, $88 million deal ($22 million per year).
Linderbaum's mega-deal, which is reportedly fully guaranteed, sent shock waves throughout the NFL world and sparked a debate as to whether such an investment in any center is wise.
The Baltimore Banner’s Jonas Shaffer said the Ravens made the right decision by not matching the Raiders' offer.
"This is C.J. Mosley in 2019 all over again," Shaffer wrote. "Linderbaum had what General Manager Eric DeCosta would call an 'irrational' market: The Raiders were willing to pay $27 million a year for a player most of the NFL's 31 other teams would've probably valued at $18 million to $23 million. Linderbaum is only 25 and has already backed up his dynamic run blocking with flashes of brilliance in pass protection. But it hasn't been sustained, and his physical limitations suggest it might never be sustained."
ESPN’s Seth Walder gave the Raiders a "C" grade for the deal.
"He is widely considered among the top centers in the league, though I'd put him a tier below Creed Humphrey, the consensus best player at the best position," Walder wrote. "But is Linderbaum worth $27 million per year? It's hard to say yes given past precedent and the relative lack of importance of the position. On the other hand, the Raiders really needed to improve their line and there was a huge drop-off in alternatives."
No Need to Panic Despite Roster Turnover
The Ravens have work to do to replenish the roster, but Zrebiec noted that it's not unfamiliar territory.
"It's hardly time to panic," Zrebiec wrote. "DeCosta has been there, done that. But it's not too early to recognize all the work the Ravens have ahead. A few-hour stretch on Monday brought a sobering reminder of that."
Most of the work will need to be done on offense.
"Their wide receiver depth chart drops significantly after Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman," Zrebiec wrote. "They need at least two tight ends, including one who specializes in blocking. Simpson joins tackles Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten, but are the Ravens comfortable with Emery Jones Jr. or Andrew Vorhees starting at right guard? And who plays center? The free-agent center market isn't exactly brimming with enticing options, and making a Day 3 rookie the Day 1 starter on a team with Super Bowl aspirations is rife with risk.
"Defensively, the Ravens didn't take any major hits Monday. Yet, they still need to add one or two starting-caliber interior defensive linemen and a starting-caliber outside cornerback. They need a No. 3 safety and depth at both outside and inside linebacker. And Stout's departure mandates changes to their kicking battery for a second straight year."
Crosby Trade Makes Jesse Minter a Free-Agency Winner
The NFL world is still buzzing about the Ravens reportedly acquiring Crosby from the Raiders for two first-round picks.
NFL.com’s Jeffri Chadiha included Head Coach Jesse Minter on his list of free agency winners because of the addition of Crosby.
"Minter and Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver now can wield the one weapon the Ravens' defense has lacked since Terrell Suggs left town following the 2018 season: a dominant pass-rushing presence that can make life difficult for any offensive tackle in the league," Chadiha wrote. "The Ravens have failed to draft a true difference-maker at that position over the past seven years. They've had some success with veteran free agents – like Kyle Van Noy and Jadeveon Clowney – but Crosby is a true game-changer.
"The Ravens had the league's best defense back in 2023, when it was being run by future Super Bowl-winning Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald. This bunch that Minter will put on the field already looks a lot better when you factor in other stars like linebacker Roquan Smith and safety Kyle Hamilton."
Reported Reunion With Simpson Earns High Marks
Strengthening the guard position was near the top of the Ravens' offseason priorities, and the reported reunion with the 28-year-old Simpson was a step in the right direction.
Here's a look at what pundits said about the move:
The Athletic’s Daniel Popper: "Grade: A. Guard was a weak spot for the Ravens last season, and Simpson will elevate the team's interior. Right guard Daniel Faalele is a free agent. Andrew Vorhees, a seventh-round pick in 2023, started at left guard. Simpson has been predominantly a left guard in his career. He is a technically sound pass protector with quick hands and a sturdy base. He has a mean, violent, attacking play style and packs a punch at contact, including when moving north as a run blocker. New Ravens Head Coach Jesse Minter is a Jim and John Harbaugh disciple. Simpson is the type of player that can set the tone for the physical brand of football Minter prioritizes. And the money is right based on Simpson's 2025 tape with the New York Jets."
Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano: "Grade: B. Simpson was a serviceable starter for the Jets over the past two seasons, never missing a game. But the veteran found his footing with the Ravens during the 2023 season, and now he's back with the intent of getting this stacked roster to the Super Bowl. Also, Baltimore needs help on the interior after the free-agency departure of center Tyler Linderbaum."
Zrebiec: "Simpson has been penalty-prone and inconsistent at times, but he's also tough, durable (he hasn't missed a start in three straight seasons) and a good teammate. The Ravens had to come out of the first couple of days of free agency with a starting-caliber guard, and Simpson fits that and comes at a decent price tag."
The Baltimore Sun’s Brian Wacker: "He gives the Ravens experience and should benefit from new offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford, who joined new coach Jesse Minter's staff from the Atlanta Falcons. Simpson should also be an upgrade over Andrew Vorhees, who struggled last year."
