The Baltimore Ravens have been surprisingly silent since the beginning of the 2024 NFL offseason.
They have over 20 players eligible for free agency this summer, as well as some significant cut candidates on their squad.
Despite this, the most significant move they made this summer was re-signing Nelson Agholor.
With free agency starting soon, this should change quickly.
To remain an AFC contender, the team is anticipated to make significant acquisitions this offseason.
One of those significant moves may be a linebacker replacing one of their defense’s stars.
In an article assessing the greatest fits for this year’s top defensive free agents, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox mentioned the Ravens as a possible destination for Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White.
“Baltimore would also make an excellent landing destination for White, especially if it allows Queen to leave in free agency. The supporting cast is solid, and the Ravens, like the Chiefs, are among the best teams in the AFC.”
White’s Success With The Buccaneers
It didn’t take long for the Bucs to feel confident in their decision to choose White fifth overall.
As a rookie, he recorded 91 tackles, caused three fumbles, and scored two defensive touchdowns.
In his second year in the league he made 140 tackles and added 9 sacks to earn a spot on the All-Pro Second Team. He also helped the team win a Super Bowl that season.
In his third year, he made the NFC’s Pro Bowl team.
His fourth year was another big season that saw him make 124 tackles with 5.5 sacks and a pair of forced fumbles.
He took a bit of a step back this past season. He only had 83 tackles and 2.5 sacks while missing three games. White was hindered by an injury that caused him to miss three games in the second half of the season.
Despite his strong run with the team, he is expected to look for a new team in 2024 after requesting a trade during the 2023 offseason.
He could find that new team in Baltimore as the Ravens look to replace a talented inside linebacker of their own.
Ravens’ Patrick Queen replacement?
The Ravens could lose a large portion of their 2023 roster to free agency, but two free agents stand out above the others.
Patrick Queen and Justin Madubuike, both All-Pro Second Team selections, could test the free agent market this offseason.
Both could anticipate significant raises after concluding their rookie contracts on a high note, which could mean the Ravens can only afford one of them if they bring either back.
The team still has the option of using its franchise tag on either of their two All-Pro free agents, but they are running out of time to do so, as well as less than a week to agree to an extension with either player.
Queen appears to be the least probable player to be signed. The organization declined to pick up the fifth-year option on his rookie contract when they had the opportunity last summer, raising questions about his future with the franchise.
If the Ravens do not reach an agreement to bring Queen back, they will need someone to play beside Roquan Smith in the center of their defense.
White will not be a cheap alternative to Queen, but he should be less expensive because his 2023 was not as strong as Queen’s and he is a year and a half older.
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