The Baltimore Ravens have Pro Bowl talent up and down the roster. The offense is amongst the most complete and versatile in the NFL, and the defense features impact players on all three levels.
Zach Orr’s defense underwent some growing pains in his first year as coordinator, but the team returns a lot of promise for this season, with hopes a full year of experience in his system will result in more production in 2025.
One area of the defense that might raise a sense of urgency is the pass rush.
Veteran Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh – two double-digit sack-getters – are on expiring contracts. Baltimore drafted college football’s sack champion in Mike Green, but you can never go wrong with adding more experience to the depth chart to bring along a highly-touted rookie.
Trenton Simpson underwhelmed last season, so a veteran linebacker presence could offer him some mentorship, too, and be an insurance plan if Simpson continues to struggle.
Frankly, at a spot like pass rusher, you can always be happy with more. Especially on a team with Super Bowl aspirations like the Ravens.
One name on the free agency market is a familiar one for Ravens fans: outside linebacker Matt Judon.
A free agency contract to Judon, who was in Baltimore from 2016-2020, may not threaten a starting spot, but could offer more depth and a chance at spotty production to aid the starters with a breather.
As Last Word On Sports writes, “the linebacker will sign at least with a contender, as he wants to head to a team that “makes sense.”
Baltimore fits that mold, and it’s leg-up in familiarity could help its chances in joining the bidding war for the four-time Pro Bowler.
“… No one should rule out the idea of a reunion, as Judon isn’t shutting the door on that,” Writer Anthony Palacios said. “Between Odafe Oweh, Kyle Van Noy, Roquan Smith and Trenton Simpson, Judon could complete this package to add more firepower.”
He’s coming off a down season in 2024, but Judon may still have the physical attributes to compete at a high level. He posted an impressive 15.5 sack total as recent as 2022 with the New England Patriots.
Last season on the Atlanta Falcons, he totaled 5.5 sacks, 41 tackles, seven tackles for loss and the first interception of his nine-year career – it was returned for a touchdown.
His best years may be behind him, but on a cheap homecoming deal, Judon could provide much-needed pass rush depth to the team that drafted him almost a decade ago in the Ravens.
