The Baltimore Ravens experienced both highs and lows during the first week of NFL free agency. Within a 90-minute span, the Ravens secured a coveted running back but lost a valuable inside linebacker they wanted to retain.
The Ravens had mostly seen departures during the early negotiating period, with key players like Gus Edwards, Geno Stone, Devin Duvernay, John Simpson, and Ronald Darby leaving for other teams. Despite this, the Ravens managed to re-sign part-time linebacker Malik Harrison.
The big news came on Tuesday when the Ravens signed Derrick Henry, a player they had tried to acquire before the 2023 trade deadline. The Ravens agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal with Henry, making him their lead back alongside Lamar Jackson, who has been the NFL’s most dynamic running quarterback since 2018. This move added a four-time Pro Bowl running back to a team known for its top-ranked running game.
However, the excitement was dampened when it was announced that Patrick Queen, a key inside linebacker and first-round pick in 2020, was signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore’s biggest rival. Although the Ravens likely expected Queen to leave after they signed Roquan Smith to a lucrative deal, they may not have anticipated him joining the Steelers.
The Ravens have a history of losing players in free agency but gaining compensatory draft picks. Their approach to free agency remains consistent: making a few targeted moves while accepting losses as part of their strategy.
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