With all due respect to Michael Pierce and Jimmy Smith (and I truly mean that, this isn’t one of those “with all due respect” deals where we say it because we’re just kinda supposed to, I genuinely believe both players are potentially critical pieces wherever they might be next season), the Ravens’ offseason seems to be centered around the future of pass rusher Matthew Judon.
It’s not that complicated. It’s extremely complicated.
The facts? Judon, 27, had a very good 2019 season (highlighted by a career high 9.5 sacks). He hits free agency at a largely ideal time in his career, still fairly shy of 30, having steadily risen to his Pro Bowl season. While other edge rushers are pending free agents, not all are likely to actually hit the market. The Ravens have very little in the pass rush department set to return if they were to lose Judon. They’re probably a little more sensitive about the situation after having watched Za’Darius Smith have the best season of his career after departing for Green Bay last offseason.
