The Baltimore Ravens reaffirmed their elite pass rush last season with a strong campaign. ... Add 'em up and there were 54 sacks made for the second-most in the NFL only behind the Denver Broncos who had 63.
Linebacker Kyle Van Noy led that charge with 12.5 sacks and Odafe Oweh contributed 10 to the cause. Those two powered a unit that should continue to be among the best in the league once again.
As they take the final steps in filling out their 90-man roster, they have examined their pass rush for a low-risk addition heading into OTAs.
Recently, the Ravens signed undrafted free agent Kaimon Rucker. The North Carolina product joins a pass rush group loaded with talent though he boasts an impressive resumé including a total of 22 sacks through his college days ... though a fractured fibula tanked his draft stock.
However, this move means more than just bringing on another young piece to compete for a spot this summer. It more importantly reflects where the Ravens may stand on a Jadeveon Clowney reunion.
Yes, we have heard the buzz. Specifically, CBS Baltimore’s Rick Ritter wants to see the Ravens pull it off.
Ritter said on the “Locked On Ravens” podcast, "You got somebody like Jadeveon Clowney, who’s sitting out there. He knows this system, he knows this franchise, he knows this team. Do you bring him in later on in the season? Maybe it’s a one-year, $5-million deal at the end of camp.
"Whatever it may be, you can’t have enough depth on the defensive line.”
Maybe. And indeed, Clowney wreaked havoc with the Ravens back in 2023, tallying 9.5 sacks playing a full 17-game season. Since his release from the Carolina Panthers a few weeks ago, fans have speculated that a return could be in order.
Unfortunately, that may not be the case any longer. Van Noy and Oweh will continue to headline the attack off the edge while second-rounder Mike Green should find himself in a considerable role this season.
And if Baltimore believes in the rapid development of Green? Clowney could end up being no more than a progress-stopper.
So while both sides have a mutual respect for one another, it does not appear for now that the stars will align for a second Clowney stint in Charm City.