With a 4 p.m. ET deadline today to trim rosters to 53 players, NFL teams are in a mad dash to figure out which guys they want to keep, which ones they want to cut and which players could make their way to the practice squad.
The Baltimore Ravens are no different, having already made a number of cuts. But one man’s trash can be another man’s treasure when it comes to the NFL. Some players getting cut elsewhere could find their way to Baltimore. These three players could be on the Ravens’ radar in the coming days.
LB Brandon Marshall
The Ravens had shown interest in Marshall as experienced depth for their thin linebacker corps. But by looking to sign him later in the offseason to avoid losing a compensatory pick, the Ravens saw Marshall sign with the Oakland Raiders.
It looks like that might not have been a wise decision for Marshall, who was a surprising early cut by Oakland. Baltimore could come calling for Marshall yet again but with a significantly reduced offer.
The Ravens seem set at the top of their inside linebacker depth chart. Patrick Onwuasor, Kenny Young and Chris Board all played well throughout training camp and the preseason. But with no real experienced depth behind those three, it’s Baltimore’s thinnest position group. The Ravens have tried to address the issue by signing Paul Worrilow — only to see him retire less than 24 hours later.
Marshall might not be a three-down, starting-caliber linebacker any longer but can still be an impact player. In 2018, Marshall accounted for 42 combined tackles over 11 games for the Broncos and compiled 106 total tackles and a fumble recovery for a touchdown in 2017. Though he only earned a 64.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus last year, Marshall is entering his eighth season and has started 63 games.
When it comes to affordable, experienced depth at linebacker, Marshall is the best free agent option.
OL John Jerry
The Ravens have been trying to find depth on their offensive line all offseason. No one has stepped up, and both Alex Lewis and Jermaine Eluemunor were traded away, so it remains a concern.
Jerry was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals and listed as the starter heading into the preseason. But fourth-round pick Michael Jordan stepped up into the role in the middle of the preseason and never let it go, and Jerry was cut early today.
Jerry has started 101 games in his eight-year career. That includes 16 for the New York Giants in 2017, when he allowed only two sacks, according to Pro Football Focus. While Jerry might not be a starting-quality lineman any longer, his experience and versatility at guard and tackle make him an attractive option as a depth piece.
LB Malik Jefferson
As Cincinnati’s third-round selection in the 2018 NFL draft, Jefferson being cut is a big surprise. He played in 12 games last season for the Bengals, seeing significant time on special teams. But a regime change this year in Cincinnati left Jefferson on the outs.
It’s not like the talent that made Jefferson a third-round pick has disappeared, though. Lance Zierlein, draft analyst for NFL.com, placed a third- to fourth-round grade on Jefferson in 2018 and praised his athleticism.
Even if the Ravens didn’t have Jefferson as highly rated on their draft boards, he plays a position of need for Baltimore and has special teams experience. That could be an intriguing combination if they feel like they can develop him further.
