Ravens Have 'Optimism' Top Veteran Edge Rushers Will Return

Kyle Van Noy and Jadeveon Clowney carved out nice rolls with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023. Now, the organization is hoping to bring back both for the new season.

Nov 16, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy (50) warms up / Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

For most of the offseason, the Baltimore Ravens understood that they would be unable to bring back some of their top talent from a roster that set records in 2023. Despite the cap concerns, the Ravens have been able to build a pretty strong roster through the first few waves of free agency.

Now, it seems even Baltimore's significant losses may not be as bad as originally perceived.

Yes, Pro-Bowl caliber players like Patrick Queen, Geno Stone, and Kevin Zeitler have found new homes in other places, but there is a "growing optimism" around the team that they'll be able to find common ground to bring back veteran pass rushers like Kyle Van Noy and Jadeveon Clowney.

Speaking to reporters at the annual league meetings in Orlando on Monday, head coach John Harbaugh said he has been communicating with both pass rushers as they decide on their free agency fates.

In 14 games played last year, Van Noy tallied 30 tackles with 20 solo and nine for loss, with nine sacks, two forced fumbles, four passes defended and nine quarterback hits. He has openly stated his desire to return to the Ravens and has communicated with Baltimore's general manager Eric DeCosta.

Clowney, however, is a more complex issue.

The former top overall pick has visited the Jets and is willing to take his time before making a decision. With 9.5 sacks to his name last year, the 31-year-old is looking for the best deal possible on the open market, instead of looking for the best chance to win a title.

The longer both Clowney and Van Noy remain available in free agency, the better news it is for the Ravens who would need to have both players lower their price tags in order to fit them into their cap room for the 2024 season. Should both return, it would help Baltimore a little knowing that the organization should still have an elite defensive front going into the new year.