Jadeveon Clowney’s contract demands have placed him outside the Baltimore Ravens’ financial reach, marking a significant setback for the team as they navigate a busy offseason with numerous pending free agents and limited salary cap space.

The loss of Clowney, who recently inked a reported two-year, $20 million deal with the Carolina Panthers, is particularly tough for the Ravens. The veteran linebacker had been one of their standout defensive performers last season, showcasing impressive stats with 9.5 sacks, five pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery across all games. Additionally, his solid run defense further underscored his value to the team.

Despite a possibility of Clowney returning, his departure became inevitable as he explored options with other teams like the New York Jets while maintaining communication with the Ravens. According to reports, Clowney’s decision was influenced by factors such as proximity to his family.

The Ravens, though interested in retaining Clowney, found themselves unable to meet his financial expectations, a recurring challenge for the team when pursuing high-priced free-agent edge rushers. Clowney’s exit leaves a significant gap in the team’s defensive lineup, with young talents like Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo expected to step up but still leaving a need for an experienced veteran presence to fill the void.

The departure of Clowney adds another compensatory pick to the Ravens’ haul.

Clowney becomes the seventh compensatory free agent departure for the Ravens, who have only acquired one (running back Derrick Henry). Consequently, Baltimore is poised to receive the maximum allotment of four compensatory picks in the 2025 draft – a fourth-round, fifth-round, and two sixth-round selections.

Nick Norte, a contributor to Over The Cap, pointed out that the Ravens could sign up to three low-level unrestricted free agents without jeopardizing their four compensatory picks.

With Lamar Jackson’s contract significantly impacting the salary cap, amassing as many draft picks as possible holds great importance for the Ravens.

General Manager Eric DeCosta emphasized the team’s focus on the draft during a recent press conference, acknowledging the financial implications of Jackson’s contract. He underscored the ongoing importance of draft picks, especially given the team’s evolving salary cap situation.

The Ravens currently possess a fourth-round compensatory pick in this year’s draft, making them the team with the most compensatory picks (56) since the system’s inception.

Compensatory picks are awarded to teams that have lost more free agents than they’ve gained, with the round of the pick determined by a league formula that factors in variables such as a player’s average salary per year, snap count, and postseason awards.

Reportedly, J.K. Dobbins is scheduled to visit the Chargers.

There’s a chance that running back J.K. Dobbins could potentially reunite with former teammate Gus Edwards and offensive coordinator Greg Roman.

Dobbins is set to visit the Los Angeles Chargers today, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Notably, the Chargers recently signed Edwards, who was Dobbins’ teammate in the Ravens’ backfield from 2020 to 2023. Additionally, Roman, who served as Baltimore’s offensive coordinator during those seasons, joined the Chargers as their offensive coordinator under new Head Coach Jim Harbaugh last month.

Recent reports indicate that Dobbins, who suffered a torn Achilles in the Ravens’ season opener last year and underwent surgery, has been cleared for football activities. He is expected to begin free-agent visits, with the Chargers being one of his destinations.

The Ravens are one of three teams projected to win the most games next season.

The Ravens boasted the league’s top record in the previous season, and according to oddsmakers, they’re poised to maintain their status as one of the premier teams in the upcoming season.

DraftKings’ odds suggest that Baltimore, along with the two-time defending Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the reigning NFC champions, the San Francisco 49ers, are all expected to lead the league with a projected 11.5 wins each.

Within the AFC North division, the Cincinnati Bengals closely trail the Ravens with a projected 10.5 wins, followed by the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, both with projections of 8.5 wins.

An ESPN analyst anticipates that the Ravens will seek to acquire experienced guard Laken Tomlinson.

ESPN’s Bill Barnwell highlighted teams with significant roster gaps, with the Ravens making the cut due to their offensive line losing three starters this offseason.

Barnwell foresees the Ravens addressing this issue by strategically signing one or two veteran free agent offensive linemen when the timing is right. He suggests that they could wait until after June 1 to make signings, ensuring that these additions wouldn’t affect their compensatory draft picks. Additionally, they could target players who were cut by other teams.

One potential addition Barnwell mentions is former Jets and 49ers guard Laken Tomlinson, who was released by the Jets due to salary cap reasons. Despite being 32 years old, Tomlinson is seen as a viable option for the Ravens, especially given their cap space of around $14 million. Given the uncertainty at left guard, Barnwell believes it’s likely that the Ravens will seriously consider bringing in Tomlinson, who has proven himself as an above-average guard, particularly in 2022.

While the draft offers depth in offensive line prospects and the Ravens have internal candidates for starting roles, the potential addition of a veteran like Tomlinson could provide stability and experience to their offensive line.

WR Josh Reynolds, Who Reportedly Visited Ravens, Said to Be Signing With Broncos

Wide receiver Josh Reynolds, who reportedly visited the Ravens last week, is signing a two-year deal worth up to $14 million with the Denver Broncos, according to Schefter.

Reynolds, 29, caught 40 passes for 608 yards and five touchdowns with the Detroit Lions this past season. During his seven-year career with the Los Angeles Rams, Tennessee Titans and Lions, Reynolds has 220 catches for 2,933 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Another veteran wide receiver who reportedly visited the Ravens last week, former Dallas Cowboy Michael Gallup, remains unsigned. Gallup, 28, caught 34 passes for 418 yards and two touchdowns last season. He posted a career-high 1,107 yards and six touchdowns in 2019.