7 Ravens that could land a contract extension in 2024

The NFL offseason is underway, and as the Ravens work to retool their roster for the 2024 season, it’s not too early for a look at a potential contract extension.

Baltimore has 11 unrestricted free agents scheduled for 2025, and extending several vital starters and contributors could create future cap space.

With the new league year fast approaching, we’re looking at seven early candidates to land a contract extension.

OL Patrick Mekari

Baltimore Ravens guard Patrick Mekari (65) pictured during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)

Baltimore could move on from offensive tackles Ronnie Stanley and Morgan Moses. Extending Mekari would create $2,580,000 in salary cap space.

Mekari made seven starts between the right and left side filling in for Stanley and Moses, who dealt with knee and shoulder injuries.

RB Justice Hill

Jan 20, 2024; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (43) runs the ball against the Houston Texans during the second quarter of a 2024 AFC divisional round game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Hill set career highs in rushing attempts (84) and yards (387) for the second year in a row and finished with three rushing touchdowns. Hill also exceeded his combined career total in targets (39), receptions (28), and receiving yards (206) and scored his first career receiving touchdown in 16 games.

Lamar finds Justice Hill on the wheel route for six!

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CB Brandon Stephens

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 28: Rashee Rice #4 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball against Brandon Stephens #21 of the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter in the AFC Championship Game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Stephens started 16 games at cornerback, and the converted safety logged two interceptions, and a 65.5 grade in coverage.

An extension would create $1,648,800 in cap space.

WR Tylan Wallace

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 25: Tylan Wallace #16 of the Baltimore Ravens returns a punt during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on December 25, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Wallace could move up the depth chart and take over as the returner, and he offers solid playmaking skills as an outside receiver.

LB Odafe Oweh

Jan 20, 2024; Baltimore, MD, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) runs the ball against Baltimore Ravens safety Geno Stone (26) and linebacker Odafe Oweh (99) during the first quarter of a 2024 AFC divisional round game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Oweh recorded five sacks and a pair of forced fumbles in 13 games this past season. He continues to improve and should sign an extension.

WR Rashod Bateman

Dec 31, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (7) runs after the catch during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Bateman (32 catches, 367 yards, one touchdown) played a career high 16 games in 2023, and while Baltimore is still awaiting a breakout season, he’s a solid third or fourth option.

OL Ben Cleveland

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 12: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with Ben Cleveland #66 after a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)

Baltimore’s two starting guards, Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson, are free agents.

Between Ben Cleveland, Sala Aumavae-Laulu and Andrew Vorhees, the Ravens should be solid at offensive guard.