Ravens free agency preview: Baltimore will try to mimic 2014's successes

By Ross Jones
Published

The Ravens made some very savvy signings last year, bringing in journeyman running back Justin Forsett and wide receiver Steve Smith, who had a boulder on his shoulder, rather than a chip.

They now look to complement their current roster with unyielding talent while potentially watching some home-grown players test free agency.

Torrey Smith and Pernell McPhee, both whom were selected in the 2011 NFL Draft, are expected to generate plenty of interest.

How they finished?

2014: 10-6 – Loss in divisional round against New England

2013: 8-8 – No postseason

Projected salary cap space as of Feb. 1 (per Spotrac.com): 24th most with $430K

Potential free agency targets: Bolstering a wide receiving corps and enhancing the safety position appears to be on Baltimore's to-do list. With Torrey Smith expected to receive plenty of interest, the Ravens could look to replace him with Kenny Britt (Rams) or Brandon Lloyd (49ers).

Potential cap casualties: Kickoff return specialist Jacoby Jones was released one year into his four-year deal after finishing second in the league in average yards per KO return. The move gives the Ravens some additional salary cap space, but they will likely need to restructure or release defensive tackle Haloti Ngata. He has a $16 million salary cap in 2015, is one of the best defensive linemen in the game and the Ravens would hope to build a framework for a deal that keeps him in Baltimore throughout the entirety of his career.

Extensions? Kicker Justin Tucker has proven himself as having one of the best legs in the business, but has yet to receive any long-term commitment from Baltimore. Tucker, a restricted free agent, will likely receive an offer worth $3 million annually, in which the Ravens would have to match. 

Offseason needs: CB, S and WR

Notable free agents:

LB Pernell McPhee

WR Torrey Smith

CB Antoine Cason

TE Owen Daniels

RB Justin Forsett

OG William Rackley

OG Jah Reid

CB Aaron Ross

FS Will Hill (restricted)

WR Kamar Aiken (restricted)

K Justin Tucker (restricted)

CB Anthony Levine (restricted)