The Ravens made two decisions March 5 that could dramatically alter the look of their defense and their team in 2019. First, they opted against using the franchise tag on linebacker C.J. Mosley, which greatly increases the likelihood that the four-time Pro Bowl pick hits free agency next week. A few hours later, the Ravens released Pro Bowl safety Eric Weddle.
Potentially losing those two players -- and to be clear, Mosley isn't gone yet, and the Ravens still hope to re-sign him -- underscores a key fact heading into 2019: the Ravens' No. 1-ranked defense could be decimated this offseason, and that could put much more pressure on quarterback Lamar Jackson and the Ravens' offense.
The Ravens' defense was the driving force behind their 10-6 record and AFC North title, ranking No. 1 overall, No. 4 against the rush and No. 5 against the pass. The unit benefited greatly from returning essentially intact from the year before and seemed invigorated by the schemes of new defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale.
