The 2024 NFL offseason is underway for Baltimore, and the Ravens’ focus will shift to reshaping the roster on both sides.
The NFL announced a massive $30.6 million increase from 2023, under the original salary cap set in 1994 of $34.6 million.
The 2024 cap is officially $255 million, and where things currently stand, Baltimore is expected to have roughly $18,538,828 available, according to Over The Cap.
The Ravens are set to have 26 pending free agents, and with another likely retool schedule on defense, the organization could conjure up a scheme for more flexibility.
With the added cap space now official, we’re looking at the biggest winners from the news.
Justin Madubuike
Madubuike led all NFL interior linemen with 13 sacks in a breakout season that earned him Pro Bowl status. If the Ravens place the franchise tag on defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, it would cost $22.1 million.
It would cost $24 million for linebacker Patrick Queen.
The added cap space gives Baltimore an opportunity to sign Madubuike outright, and potentially franchise Queen.
J.K. Dobbins
Dobbins should be open to a one-year, prove it style deal after logging 925 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns as a rookie, but a torn ACL cost him the entire 2021 season, another knee injury cost him half the 2022 season, and then a torn Achilles suffered in Week 1 cost him the 2023 season.
The added cap space could allow the talented running back to return.
Kevin Zeitler
Some believe that Zeitler may have played his last game in Baltimore after having his contract voided earlier this week.
Zeitler cost the Ravens dead salary cap space, but he’s a Pro Bowl offensive guard and the added space could allow him to return.
Geno Stone
A seventh-round pick of the Ravens in the 2020 NFL draft out of Iowa, Stone has developed into one of the top young safeties in the NFL.
Last season, Stone started 11 games, generating seven interceptions, nine passes defended, and 68 tackles from his safety position.
Stone is among 26 free agents, including Justin Madubuike, Jadeveon Clowney, Patrick Queen, and Odell Beckham.
Jadeveon Clowney
The higher salary cap could also lead to Baltimore having more flexibility to bring back some in-house free agents, even if a long-term deal isn’t reached with Madubuike or Queen before free agency opens on March 13.
Clowney had a career year with Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald.
Clowney ranked fifth in pass rush win rate among edge rushers, while logging a career high 9 sacks, along with 50 QB hurries, 10 QB hits and 69 QB pressures.
He also had career highs in pressure rate, pass-rush win rate and total pressures in a season.
Clowney fits the Ravens culture perfectly, and the extra money could allow him to return.
