Kyle Van Noy has never been one to follow the script. At 32, the veteran edge rusher joined the Baltimore Ravens and promptly earned his first Pro Bowl nod in 2024-a rare feat for a player already two Super Bowl rings deep and named to the New England Patriots All-2010s Team. Now, with his contract set to expire on March 11 and his 35th birthday just a couple weeks later, Van Noy stands at a familiar NFL crossroads: re-sign with a team that helped him rediscover his spark, or move on-again.
The Ravens are no strangers to calculated bets on veterans, and Van Noy was a home run in that department. But if Baltimore decides to turn the page, they’ll need a plan. Let’s break down a few potential free-agent edge rushers who could step in-each with their own upside, question marks, and fit within a Ravens defense that thrives on versatility and pressure.
K’Lavon Chaisson - New England Patriots
If the Ravens are looking for value and upside in a rotational role, K’Lavon Chaisson is a name worth circling. He hasn’t lived up to his first-round billing just yet, but that doesn’t mean he’s without value-especially in a defense like Baltimore’s, where roles are clearly defined and players are rarely asked to do more than what they’re best at.
Chaisson also brings a bit of playoff seasoning after his time with New England, even if he didn’t come away with a ring. The Ravens have had success mining talent from the Patriots pipeline before-Van Noy being the most recent example. If Baltimore’s front office is eyeing a low-risk, high-upside signing, Chaisson could be a smart piece in the puzzle.
Kwity Paye - Indianapolis Colts
Kwity Paye is one of those players who leaves you wanting just a bit more. He’s been a consistent starter-74 starts in 75 games-but there's always been this lingering sense that he hasn’t quite hit his ceiling.
That said, the production hasn’t been bad: back-to-back seasons with eight or more sacks in 2023 and 2024 showed real progress. The dip to four sacks this past year, though, raised some eyebrows.
Still, Paye has logged heavy snaps and brings a level of durability and experience that would be welcome in a Ravens front seven. If Baltimore believes they can unlock that next gear, Paye could be a sneaky-good addition-particularly in a defense that thrives on player development and situational deployment.
Khalil Mack - Los Angeles Chargers
Let’s be clear: Khalil Mack isn’t the game-wrecker he once was. But even with a step lost, he’s still better than most at his position. The Ravens have shown time and again that they’re not afraid to bring in vets who still have juice left in the tank-especially if the role is clearly defined.
Mack has been linked to a possible retirement or even a reunion with the Bears, but if he’s open to a new challenge, Baltimore could be an ideal landing spot. In a rotational role, with limited snaps and a focus on key downs, Mack could thrive.
He doesn’t need to be the centerpiece-just the closer. And in a playoff push, that kind of presence matters.
Odafe Oweh - Los Angeles Chargers
Could a reunion be in the cards? Odafe Oweh didn’t get shipped out under Jesse Minter’s watch, which makes his potential return to Baltimore a little more plausible. After a stint with the Chargers, the former first-round pick could bring fresh perspective-and perhaps a bit of unfinished business-back to a Ravens defense that’s always looking to reload, not rebuild.
Oweh’s physical tools have never been in question. If he’s matured as a pass rusher and refined his technique, a second stint in Baltimore could be even more productive than the first.
Sometimes, a change of scenery helps a player grow. Sometimes, coming home does the same.
Whether the Ravens re-up with Van Noy or pivot to a new face, the edge rusher spot is going to be a key storyline this offseason. Baltimore’s defense is built on pressure, disruption, and smart deployment of talent.
Van Noy proved that experience still matters. Now, it’s up to the front office to decide if they want to double down on that philosophy-or take a swing at something younger, fresher, and maybe just a little riskier.