Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun takes a look at some of the decisions that the Ravens will face this offseason.
After winning the Super Bowl last year, Baltimore failed to qualify for the playoffs, finishing with an 8-8 record. According to Wilson, the Ravens should have close to $14.5 million in cap space available to them for the entire offseason.
Vonta Leach
Wilson mentions that the Ravens could end up parting ways with FB Vonta Leach now that he has seen his role in the team’s offense decrease.
Leach, 32, had trouble finding a job during last year’s free agent period, but he ultimately signed a two-year contract worth $3.75 million. He has $1.75 million coming to him in 2014 and will count $2.33 million against the team’s salary cap.
The fullback position has declined considerably in terms of its value in recent years and the fact Leach has shown some obvious signs of decline make it seem like he is squarely on the chopping block.
Pro Football Focus has Leach rated as the second worst qualifying fullback this season.
Eugene Monroe
According to Wilson, LT Eugene Monroe is “likely” to be back with the Ravens next year. Wilson even refers to Monroe as the Ravens “top priority.”
Baltimore sent a fourth and fifth-round draft to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for Monroe week or so before the NFL trade deadline.
With Michael Oher being a huge disappointment, Monroe was able to step in and help solidify the blindside for most of the season.
Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 9 qualifying left tackle in the league. We have Monroe listed as the No. 16 player in our Top 50 Free Agents list.
Arthur Jones
Wilson mentions that DE Arthur Jones may have priced himself out of the Ravens’ budget with his solid play this season.
Jones, 27, has been one of the best 3-4 defensive ends in the league this season. In just 14 games, he totaled 53 tackles, four sacks, five tackles for a loss and 15 quarterback hurries.
Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 11 qualifying 3-4 defensive end in the league. Given how things played out last year, he should be in line for a sizable contract.
We have him listed as the No. 33 player in our Top 50 Free Agents list.
Jacoby Jones
Wilson writes that WR Jacoby Jones “may be a luxury the Ravens can’t afford” next season.
Jones, 29, has had a huge impact for the Ravens special teams since coming over from the Texans. However, as a receiver, Jones still hasn’t developed into a solid No. 2 option.
In 2013, Jones caught 37 passes for 455 yards and two touchdowns over the course of 12 games.
There is still a chance that he could be brought back for another season, but it’s just as possible that he will be playing elsewhere in 2014.
We have him listed as the No. 81 player in our Top 100 Free Agents list.
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