Ravens ‘Would Love to Add’ AFC Edge-Rusher in Bargain Trade.
A budget-friendly AFC edge-rusher has been identified as a “perfect” trade target for the Baltimore Ravens. Strengthening their edge-rusher depth will be challenging for the Ravens, given their limited salary cap space, so it makes sense that general manager Eric DeCosta “would love to add” veteran Harold Landry III from the Tennessee Titans at a reasonable price in trade.
The versatile outside linebacker could be acquired for as little as a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft. This information comes from ESPN’s Ben Solak, who provided strong reasoning for why this trade could be beneficial.
Solak suggests that “the Ravens would love to add Landry to their room, which lacks legitimate pass-rush juice.” Whether or not the Ravens are truly lacking in edge pressure is up for debate, but it’s clear that two of their top pass-rushers, Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh, “are signed only through 2025.”
With their futures uncertain, securing Landry could be a timely move. This is especially relevant after Adam Schefter reported on February 26 that the Titans made Landry available for trade.
Bringing in a complementary piece alongside Oweh and Van Noy for a mid-round pick would be a bargain for the Ravens. Solak also expects DeCosta to “restructure” Landry’s contract, “converting a lot of his base salary into signing bonus money they can prorate over void years.”
Cap management will be a crucial focus for DeCosta this offseason. If he can navigate these maneuvers and bring in a proven player to an already talented front seven, it would mark a successful offseason for the Ravens.
Harold Landry a Perfect Fit for Ravens Defense Landry brings the hybrid skill set the Ravens have valued on their edge defenders for years. As Solak explains, “Landry has enough coverage ability to work in the system and can provide an immediate pass-rush impact at a position the Ravens have consistently struggled with through draft picks and urgently need help.”
One concern could be his declining stats. The 28-year-old missed the 2022 season due to a torn ACL, and since then, he has not matched his career-high 12.5 sacks from 2021.
However, Landry’s production has remained solid with 10.5 sacks in 2023 and nine the previous season. He also recorded just 26 and 18 pressures across those seasons, significantly down from the 43 he produced in 2021, according to Pro Football Reference.
Despite this, No. 58 is still regarded as an “effective pressure player” due to his “active hands, use of bend, and turning the corner,” as noted by Panthers Wire’s Jared Feinberg.
A possible solution to maximizing Landry’s potential could be limiting his workload. Solak suggests, “Imagine taking a speed rusher like Landry and giving him 400 snaps instead of 800. Imagine using him mainly on passing downs and keeping him fresh for the postseason. Landry still has enough burst to make impactful plays. His get-off, measured by NFL Next Gen Stats last season, was the fastest of his career (0.72 seconds). Only Nick Bosa and Myles Garrett were quicker.”
Acquiring a player of Landry’s caliber for either the 128th or 136th-overall pick is a deal the Ravens can’t afford to miss, especially with their top edge defenders possibly moving on within a year.
Ravens Face Difficult Decisions About Edge Players Van Noy is coming off his first-ever Pro Bowl season, but at 33, he might be nearing the end of his career. Oweh’s situation is different.
The 2021 first-round pick is only 26 and is entering his prime years. Oweh’s upward trajectory was proven with a breakout 2024 season, in which he registered double-digit sacks for the first time in his career.
The roster lacks strong alternatives, unless second-rounder David Ojabo, often sidelined by injuries, suddenly develops. Tavius Robinson could also earn more playing time after showing physical potential on the edge in his second season.
Relying on Robinson and Ojabo to improve the pass-rush could save costs, but it’s still a gamble for the Ravens. A trade for Landry would significantly reduce that risk.