In the latest injury news, the Baltimore Ravens may target free agent linebacker Preston Smith as they brace to lose Kyle Van Noy for multiple games. According to the breaking news, the Ravens are taking a huge hit in their edge rushing unit as they plan to be without Van Noy due to a hamstring that looks to be worse than expected. Even though the Ravens have one of the deepest linebacker units between starters Teddye Buchanan, Odafe Oweh and Roquan Smith, they must upgrade this defense at some point if they want to see a difference this 2025 regular season. With the way they all fell apart during the matchup against the Buffalo Bills, they can’t afford to do that when it comes to the postseason, so why not continue to bolster this pass-rush?
This means they could be better off getting one of the best linebacker free agents, Preston Smith, to provide some temporary relief. Originally selected in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft, the former Mississippi State product is shockingly still a free agent, and it shouldn’t be any surprise if a team like a contender signs him at some point during the 2025 campaign. Smith became one of the most dominant defensive playmakers in the league, especially during his days as a Green Bay Packer, but he requested a trade from the team since he wasn’t comfortable with the new scheme. The rest of his tenure hasn’t worked out for the veteran, so it shouldn’t be any more weeks before he receives interest.
Breaking: Ravens May Target Top Free Agent Preston Smith After Brutal Kyle Van Noy News
Other Potential Suitors
Washington Commanders
After losing Deatrich Wise Jr. for the entire season, the Washington Commanders must find a reliable replacement. Even though Smith is a linebacker, he could make up for the lost depth that they have in their defensive end room. Despite that, the Commanders are building one of the oldest rosters in the league among linebackers Bobby Wagner and Von Miller. Why shouldn’t they continue to add on to it since they have Super Bowl aspirations?
Smith won’t get all of the attention on this defense, but he could be open to returning on a low-stakes contract if it means one Super Bowl run. The team is in a better place than they were when he was first drafted. This could intrigue the veteran to sign with the Commanders.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers are coming off one of the most impressive wins in a long time against the Kansas City Chiefs. They shouldn’t let this momentum die, and even though they have one of the deepest defensive units, they should find a way to bring in veteran Preston Smith. Between Da’Shawn Hand, Otito Ogbonnia, Scott Matlock and Naquan Jones, the talent is obviously there, but they need experience. Smith could easily find his role with the Chargers among Daiyan Henley, Tuli Tuipulotu, Khalil Mack and Troy Dye.
Carolina Panthers
However, the Carolina Panthers’ offense this season looks to be the same. This means they should continue to bolster this defense to keep their season alive while Tershawn Wharton is dealing with an injury. The Panthers are in the market for a linebacker either way, so Smith’s presence could help Christian Rozeboom, Patrick Jones and Trevin Wallace and DJ Wonnum.
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