The Baltimore Ravens might end up keeping a few of their best free agents.
The NFL’s news that the salary limit will rise by an astounding $30 million provided some much-needed respite for several teams that were hoping for cap relief.
Use Baltimore as an illustration.
Before the increase, the Ravens were expected to lose top Pro Bowl players on their roster like Patrick Queen, and Kevin Zeitler. To make room to even franchise tag defensive tackle Justin Madubuike would mean the organization would have to cut some of their higher-priced talents and restructure others. Now, they’ll at least have some flexibility. The Ravens are set to have $16 million in cap space now according to Over The Cap. With defensive tackles slotted to make $22 million via the tag, they will need to open up $6 million to have enough to give a player like Madubuike the tag. Should the Ravens look to clear up some money, they could look at contract restructures for quarterback Lamar Jackson, left tackle Ronnie Stanley, and defensive backs Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Williams. Should all four receive restructures, Baltimore could have over $40 million to operate with entering free agency – not the biggest number in the league, but certainly manageable to improve the roster.
Related: ‘Todd Monken Problem!’ Ex Super Bowl Winner Says Derrick Henry Not Good For Ravens There are other moves that the organization can make, but with plenty of free agents to decide upon, Baltimore will need to act quickly to stay in the thick of the AFC contender race. It certainly helps that they’ll be given more ammo in money to do so, though. Copyright ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED is a registered trademark of ABG-SI LLC. All Rights Reserved.
