The Baltimore Ravens are gearing up for a major defensive overhaul this offseason, and it's not hard to see why. Last year's defensive unit struggled mightily, often collapsing at critical moments and blowing leads that should have been secured. With the recent hiring of Jesse Minter, the Ravens are poised to make significant changes, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
The first order of business is addressing the pass rush. No matter how skilled the secondary is, it won't matter if the defensive line can't apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
This was a glaring issue last season, as the Ravens finished tied for third-worst in the league with just 30 sacks. It's clear that the front office needs to explore every avenue to revitalize this stagnant defensive line.
One intriguing suggestion comes from Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine, who proposes a trade for Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. Ballentine envisions the Ravens sending a 2026 sixth-round pick, no. 210 overall, to acquire the 33-year-old veteran. Despite Hargrave coming off a down season, his experience and potential to boost the Ravens' pass rush make him a compelling target.
Hargrave's recent stats might not jump off the page-he's tallied just 4.5 sacks over the last two years-but his 3.5 sacks last season would have ranked him among Baltimore's top performers. This highlights the dire need for reinforcements on Minter's defense.
With Broderick Washington Jr. likely to be a cap casualty, Hargrave could step in as an immediate replacement. Pairing him with Travis Jones, John Jenkins, and hopefully Nnamdi Madubuike next season could significantly enhance the pressure from the interior. This, in turn, would free up outside linebackers like Mike Green to wreak havoc off the edge.
Beyond his on-field contributions, Hargrave's veteran presence could be invaluable in the locker room. As the Ravens enter a new era with a youthful coaching staff, having experienced voices like Hargrave's could be crucial. He's been to two Super Bowls, with the Eagles in 2022 and the 49ers in 2023, bringing a wealth of knowledge about what it takes to reach the pinnacle of success.
However, acquiring Hargrave wouldn't come without challenges, particularly regarding his hefty $21.5 million cap hit in 2026. The Ravens would need to consider restructuring his deal to make a trade feasible. Yet, given their pressing need for defensive line help, it might be a risk worth taking.
The offseason presents various options for the Ravens, with both free agency and the trade market offering potential solutions. While Hargrave might be a modest upgrade, he could be a strategic addition if the Ravens aim to bolster their interior defense without breaking the bank.