Over 275 players have signed a new contract in NFL free agency. Most of the best players are off the board, but that doesn’t mean impactful starters and role players can’t still be found in the second wave of free agency. Yet, for the most part, the biggest dominoes have fallen, and we now have a much better idea of where each team stands as we approach the 2024 NFL Draft.
Related: NFL playoff predictions
But some teams have gained more than others. Naturally, this means some teams have also lost more than others as they sit and watch their free agents sign with other teams, sometimes even division rivals.
So, which teams have lost the most? Former NFL general manager Randy Mueller recently answered this question for The Athletic and one team stuck out like a sore thumb: The Baltimore Ravens.
“If this were a game of old-fashioned “Battleship,” the Ravens’ ship would be, at minimum, listing starboard and perhaps on the verge of tipping over. Given how many pending free agents Baltimore had, this was to be expected.
The Ravens kept Justin Madubuike and added Derrick Henry, but they have already lost Patrick Queen, John Simpson, Gus Edwards, Geno Stone and Ronald Darby, with Jadeveon Clowney, Odell Beckham Jr. and Kevin Zeitler still on the market. Add in the decision to move on from starting right tackle Morgan Moses (let’s term this “friendly fire”), and they have taken their share of hits.
Rebuilding this roster will challenge GM Eric DeCosta and his staff to the highest degree. They have always been intentional about having a plan when something happens, so I don’t doubt their answer will be evident. I just worry this inordinate amount of change will lead to a natural adjustment period, which could take time. Nobody wants to turn a retool into a rebuild. Time will tell how much change one roster can absorb.”
Former NFL GM Randy Mueller on Baltimore Ravens losing the most in free agency
The Ravens have lost some of the most notable free agents, like Patrick Queen, who signed with their rival Pittsburgh Steelers. Yet, this is still a very talented roster coached by John Harbaugh, and they do still boast the reigning NFL MVP in Lamar Jackson. Whatever losses they’ve dealt with can always be patched up during the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. The only question is, will the prospects be ready to be thrown into the fire right away?
For now, some believe the Ravens have taken a step back while the Steelers have catapulted forward. In an ever-competitive AFC North division, now the Ravens might have to claw their way back toward the top.
Related: Updated 2024 NFL Mock Draft after free agency’s first wave