Lamar Jackson, the quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, is going to have to live with the massive $260 million, five-year contract he signed in the offseason. After Baltimore was unable to retain another starting offensive lineman, the weight may come from a 260-pound defensive lineman in the Ravens’ backfield the next season.
Last week, the Baltimore Ravens lost two starting offensive linemen.
Last Monday, the Ravens traded offensive lineman Morgan Moses to the New York Jets. Last week, the Jets signed former Ravens offensive lineman John Simpson in free agency. For the 2024 campaign, the Jets had to replace three starting players up front, which is why they made those moves. (On Friday night, they added a third when they signed Tyron Smith.)
Following rumours that the Ravens will not re-sign Kevin Zeitler that surfaced on Monday night, the team found itself in a similar situation as the Jets at the beginning of the offseason. Zeitler is expected to sign a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions, according to ESPN’s Adan Schefter.
The Cincinnati Bengals drafted Zeitler in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. The 34-year-old has been with the Ravens since the 2021 season. He earned his first Pro Bowl appearance for his play last season. Zeitler has started in 47 games in his three seasons in Baltimore.
Zeitler’s total play from the previous season was graded at 69.3, according to Pro Football Focus. For pass blocking, he received an 82.5, and for run blocking, a 59.7. Last season, Zeitler allowed two sacks on 574 pass blocks.
If the Ravens hope to challenge the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC Championship once more, they will need to come up with a plan to replace their offensive starters from the 2023 campaign. Jackson recently finished as the NFL MVP, in part because of Zeitler.
When the Jets had weaknesses in their offensive line the previous season, we witnessed what occurred to Aaron Rodgers. If they don’t get more assistance soon, that might be Baltimore in 2024.
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