The Baltimore Ravens have a lot of hope heading into the 2024 campaign.
Last season, the Ravens were the number one seed in the AFC and made it to the AFC Title Game before losing to the Kansas City Chiefs, and over the last several months, they have bolstered their roster around two-time MVP Lamar Jackson.
Jackson, the reigning MVP, completed 67.2 percent of his passes for 3,678 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 821 yards and five touchdowns.
The Ravens added star running back Derrick Henry, creating an elite rushing attack with Jackson.
Henry rushed for 1,167 yards and 12 touchdowns in the 2023 season. He also hauled in 28 passes for 214 yards.
Baltimore’s offense should be electric in 2024 with the addition of Henry.
The Ravens already have one of the best defenses in the league. In 2023, Baltimore’s defense was elite, ranking sixth in yards allowed and No. 1 in scoring defense.
The Ravens’ offseason has been positive, but they did suffer some losses. For example, Baltimore lost linebacker Patrick Queen in free agency, as he signed with the rival Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Ravens could use another addition with the loss at the linebacker position next to Roquan Smith. With that in mind, let’s examine who Baltimore could add.
Baltimore Ravens Urged To Pursue Intriguing Free Agent Defender
Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson could be an ideal fit next to Smith. Thompson is entering the final year of his deal and has proven to be a reliable starter throughout his career.
David Latham wrote, “Baltimore didn’t have the resources to adequately replace every departed starter, which means the team is still looking for an adequate replacement for linebacker Patrick Queen.”
He went on to state, “LB2 isn’t the most important position in today’s day and age, but Shaq Thompson could be an ideal fit in a trade.”
Acquiring Thompson would help offset the loss of Queen.
Thompson only appeared in two games in 2023 before suffering a fractured fibula. Going back to 2022, it’s easy to see Thompson’s production. He finished the season with 135 total tackles, including eight tackles for loss.
The pairing of Smith and Thompson could create one of the best linebacker duos in the league.
The Ravens are one of the best teams in football, and making a deal for Thompson could help their defense as they look to make it out of the AFC and into the Super Bowl.
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