The Baltimore Ravens have seen their depth get devastated in the early stages of free agency, as the signing of Derrick Henry may not be enough to counteract losing standouts like Patrick Queen and Geno Stone. Baltimore has tried to retain some of their own, inking Malik Harrison and Brent Urban.
While Urban has never been a particularly flashy player, the Ravens continue to bring him back year after year due to his versatility and skill at stopping the run. Even as Urban prepares to turn 33 years old, it seems like the Ravens value what he brings to the table in their defensive scheme.
The Ravens brought Urban back for 2024 on a one-year contract for the third consecutive season. While this will help their run defense next to $98 million man Justin Madubuike, the Ravens shouldn’t use this as an excuse to stop adding talent to their defensive line room.
Baltimore has extra cap space to work with following the reworking of Ronnie Stanley’s contract and trade of Morgan Moses to the Jets. Their defensive line is workable right now, but lacks the depth and pass rushing skill off the edge needed to really put fear in opponents’ hearts.
Ravens must add more linemen after Brent Urban signing
Urban recorded a career-best three sacks, and his 22 tackles were his most in a season since his stint with the Chicago Bears. Urban is great at filling a very specific role, but he would tell you himself that he isn’t going to be the double-digit sack performer the team needs.
The defensive line consists of Urban, Madubuike, and space-eating tackle Michael Pierce as presumptive starters. 2022 third-round pick Travis Jones and the reliable Broderick Washington are backups, and that’s the extent of their depth. It’s clear that an edge-bender like Jadeveon Clowney is badly needed.
Clowney is currently considering returning home and visiting with the Carolina Panthers, who have shown they are willing to write some big checks in free agency. The Ravens’ pursuit of their veteran pass rusher from last year needs to be stepped up, as the line outside of Madubuike is looking a bit suspect.
Urban is a solid veteran presence that works his tail off to be great at his very specific set of tasks, making him a worthwhile signing. However, he can’t improve this line on his own, which should prompt more signings in this area from the Ravens front office.