Ravens Still 'Have Work to do' in Free Agency Says Sports Illustrated

With a slow start to free agency for the Ravens, Sports Illustrated believes they must get to work soon.

The Baltimore Ravens seemingly find themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place with regard to their approach to the offseason. With the contract situation between the team and Lamar Jackson up in the air, they have been alarmingly quiet in free agency, with the exception of Friday's signing of wideout Nelson Agholor.

After all, how they approach retooling the roster heading into next season will greatly depend on the quarterback taking snaps in the fall. For now, though, they are one of eight teams Sports Illustrated believes has work to do in free agency.

"The Ravens are at a standstill on contract negotiations with Lamar Jackson and that might explain why the team hasn’t added an outside free agent. Baltimore needs wide receiver help and offensive line depth, but that’s tough to do without knowing the skill set of the starting quarterback for 2023.

"The Ravens do have a first-round pick at No. 22 to fill a need, but they have only five total draft picks next month, and even then they might not know what will be the outcome with Jackson for this season. The Ravens could be heading for a full rebuild if Jackson isn’t on the roster come training camp in July."

While the reason why the Ravens haven't been active in free agency is abundantly clear, it doesn't make it any less concerning. On paper the Ravens roster is still one that can compete but that's with Jackson running the show. 

The Ravens are an impressive 49-21 all-time with Jackson at quarterback but an uninspiring 4-8 when he doesn't play. 

Until Jackson has his new contract, whether that be with the Ravens or the first new team in his career, there isn't much they can do in free agency. Unfortunately for the Ravens, their hands are seemingly tied if they want to retain their MVP quarterback.  

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You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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