General manager Eric DeCosta, Ozzie Newsome’s successor, has grown increasingly aggressive in handing out contracts, and he’s now built a Super Bowl hopeful for 2023 and beyond.
According to Over The Cap, Baltimore is currently carrying $6 million in cap space, and the team could undoubtedly create more space by handing out multiple contract extensions.
With preparation for the Lions to get underway, we’re looking at nine Ravens who have produced and earned a contract extension during the regular season.
1
Geno Stone
The 25-year-old safety played almost 50% of the snaps last season and after returning to Baltimore as a restricted free agent, he’s earned a decent payday.
A solid special-teamer, Stone has more than proved that he’s a starting safety in the NFL, and his ascension would allow the Ravens to keep Brandon Stephens at the cornerback position.
Stone’s three interceptions lead the NFL, and he’s also fourth on the Ravens with 26 tackles.
Eric DeCosta could sign Stone to a fair market deal at some point this season.
2
Patrick Queen
The Ravens declined the fifth-year option on Queen, and all he’s done is put his head down and work alongside Roquan Smith.
Queen set career highs in tackles (117), sacks (five), interceptions (two) and passes defended (six) in 2022.
This season, Queen has 53 tackles (2nd to Roquan Smith), 21 solo stops, 5 tackles for loss (Tied-1st) 4 sacks, 3 QB hurries, and 8 QB pressures. With Trent Simpson getting off to a slow start, Queen has earned a contract extension.
3
Odell Beckham Jr.
Beckham Jr. signed a fully guaranteed, one-year, $15 million contract with the Ravens.
He looked explosive this summer, and on Sunday against the Titans, showed the first signs of burst during the regular season.
Beckham can’t return at $15 million per season, but a fair market deal to retain an established veteran could be in the works.
4
Justin Madubuike
Solid defensive tackles are hard to find and Madukuike is just starting to hit his prime.
Madubuike leads the team with 4.5 sacks (one off his career high) and is second with eight quarterback hits. He’s played the run well and Baltimore can’t afford to let him hit free agency.
5
Malik Harrison
Harrison isn’t currently a starter, but if the Ravens can’t come to an agreement with Patrick queen, the 26-year-old middle linebacker could be the recipient.
6
John Simpson
The well-traveled veteran won the left guard job during training camp and a strong season could land him a new deal.
Simpson’s 409 snaps at left guard are 9th best in the NFL, while he’s allowd 0 sacks, 3 QB hits, and 11 total pressures.
7
Ar'Darius Washington
A young safety who made the 53-man roster and had breakout moments before his injury, Washington is ever-improving and could be a long-term fixture as a key reserve and special teams standout.
8
Tyler Huntley
Reliable backups are hard to find, and Baltimore could sign the quarterback to a fair market deal to keep him around long term.
9
LB Jadeveon Clowney
Upon joining the Ravens this summer, Clowney made it clear that he was comfortable playing reduced snaps, and through six games, he’s been outstanding, while providing Baltimore with an elite run-stopper, and pass rusher.
Clowney played only 28 defensive snaps against the Titans, and according to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats, he had nine quarterback pressures.
He’s on a historic pace for pressures, while logging 3.5 sacks on the season and giving the Ravens production with Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo dealing with injuries.
