Off-Season Start: Ravens Secure Ronnie Stanley
As the new league season kicks off, the Baltimore Ravens have wasted no time in making a significant move. They have re-signed their offensive tackle, Ronnie Stanley, to a three-year, $60 million deal. This strategic move addresses one of the most pressing questions the team faced entering this offseason. Stanley’s return is crucial for maintaining the team’s offensive line integrity, which is vital for protecting quarterback Lamar Jackson and ensuring a strong rushing attack. However, this signing will also consume a significant portion of their $10.5 million in cap space, leaving the team with limited financial flexibility for other moves.
Addressing the Secondary: A Critical Need
While securing Stanley is a step in the right direction, the Ravens still have several issues to address to become true Super Bowl contenders. One of the most glaring weaknesses is in the secondary. Touchdown Wire’s Jarrett Bailey highlights the Ravens’ vulnerability, particularly in their Thursday Night game against the Cincinnati Bengals, where Joe Burrow frequently found Ja’Marr Chase wide open. "They can’t not address the need at cornerback if they want to prevent that from happening again," Bailey emphasizes. The Ravens need a reliable cornerback to solidify their defense and enhance their chances of advancing deep into the playoffs.
Charvarius Ward: A Proven Defender
One potential solution is signing Charvarius Ward, a seasoned cornerback with a proven track record. Ward, 28, began his college career at Hinds Community College (2014-15) and later transferred to Middle Tennessee (2016-17). He signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2018 but was quickly traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, where he established himself as a starting defensive back and contributed to their Super Bowl victory. Ward’s journey from undrafted free agent to a Pro Bowl and Second-team All-Pro player is a testament to his talent and work ethic.
Ward’s Professional Achievements
In 2022, Ward signed a lucrative three-year, $42 million deal with the San Francisco 49ers, where he continued to excel. Over his seven professional seasons, Ward has appeared in 102 games, recording an impressive 435 tackles (nine for a loss), 70 passes defensed, 10 interceptions, three forced fumbles, three quarterback hits, one sack, and one fumble recovery. Despite a slight dip in performance last year, as evidenced by his Pro Football Focus overall grade of 56.2, Ward remains a valuable asset due to his experience and reliability in high-pressure situations.
Enhancing the Secondary with Ward
Adding Charvarius Ward to the Ravens’ secondary could significantly bolster their defensive capabilities. Pairing him with Nate Wiggins on the boundary and keeping Marlon Humphrey in the slot could create a formidable trio capable of shutting down opposing wide receivers. This move would not only improve the team’s pass defense but also enhance their overall defensive balance, making them a more complete and competitive unit. A strengthened secondary is essential for the Ravens to advance to the AFC Championship and potentially the Super Bowl.
Looking Forward: Additional Moves and Projections
While securing Ward would be a major step, the Ravens will likely explore other avenues to upgrade their roster. Projections suggest the team might consider trades or free agency signings to address other needs. For instance, a projected trade could reunite the Ravens with an underrated $12 million blocker, further solidifying their offensive line. Additionally, John Harbaugh’s prediction of trading an offensive star to his brother’s Chargers could free up cap space for other crucial signings. The Ravens are also exploring the possibility of bringing in an ousted former Eagles star for $42 million and enhancing their free agent pitch with a projected $98 million star safety to upgrade the secondary. These moves, coupled with the acquisition of Ward, could position the Ravens as one of the top teams in the AFC and strong Super Bowl contenders.
