The Baltimore Ravens will need to look to upgrade multiple aspects of their team in 2022 free agency. Being in such a talented conference that isn’t slowing down for anyone, the team will have to keep up with many great teams, including the ones in their division.
When looking at updated landing spots for the top-50 NFL free agents, Arjun Menon of Pro Football Focus had Baltimore as the final destination for multiple players on the list, all of them of the big-name variety. For starters, Menon predicts that the No. 17 ranked player in Kansas City Chiefs star safety Tyran Mathieu lands with the Ravens on a three-year, $48.75 million deal with $30.75 million guaranteed.
“All signs have pointed to the Chiefs and Mathieu splitting up, and his playmaking skills would be welcome anywhere. The Ravens’ needs are tough to evaluate because their entire secondary was hurt last year, but they were interested in Mathieu when he was a free agent in 2019, so he could be on their radar again given their current situation at safety.”
Next, Menon has wide receiver Antonio Brown signing a one-year, $4 million fully guaranteed contract with Baltimore. Brown is the No. 29 player on the list.
“Injuries and off-field drama aside, Brown was on his way to another productive year. Unfortunately, he only played 268 snaps in the regular season, but he still posted an 87.4 PFF grade and was still one of the better receivers in the league. The Ravens have needed a true WR1 for a while, and Brown can step right in and fit that role for them. He has inside-outside flexibility, as 58 of his 202 receiving snaps came from the slot in 2021, and he would give Lamar Jackson a true top receiver to throw to — something he’s never had.”
Finally, defensive lineman Calais Campbell returns to the Ravens, as Menon projects the No. 30 player will sign a one-year, $8 million fully guaranteed deal.
“Campbell is another guy who’s been steady despite his advanced age. In 2021, he finished with an 80.8 PFF grade — his sixth year with an 80.0-plus grade. His best fit is with a team that lines him up over guards and allows his skill set to flourish. His durability hasn’t really been a concern, either, especially since he played every game this past season.”
All three players would improve the Ravens’ roster on the field. Off of it however, Brown has had his fair share of issues, and it still feels unlikely that the team would bring him in. Campbell has shown how valuable he can be on Baltimore’s defense, and Mathieu is one of the top safeties in the NFL, showcasing his versatility on a weekly basis.