OWINGS MILLS — The Ravens have 23 free agents, but general manager Eric DeCosta could try to bring back several of those players with cap-friendly deals as he rebuilds other areas of the roster through the draft and free agency.
Some of these players had unsung roles last season and can add depth and veteran leadership to the locker room.
Here’s a breakdown of players who could be re-signed:
Cornerback Ronald Darby
Analysis: With Marlon Humphrey battling various injuries, Darby played a key role in the secondary and was lauded by coach John Harbaugh for his performance. He played in all 17 regular-season games with eight starts, finishing with 25 tackles, one quarterback hit, and five passes defensed. Darby, 30, was sixth in the league in passer rating allowed and had the lowest average target separation (0.9 yards) in the league. He is a Maryland native and has battled injuries over his career, but the Ravens could re-sign him for less than $2 million.
Defensive end Brent Urban
Analysis: Urban, who turns 33 on May 5th, was originally selected by the Ravens in the fourth round (134th overall) of the 2014 NFL draft. He spent four seasons in Baltimore before playing for the Titans, Bears, and Cowboys. He re-signed with Baltimore before the 2022 season and has been a mainstay on the defensive line. Urban provides valuable depth on the defensive line and had 22 tackles and three sacks over 17 games last season. He could be re-signed for about $1.2 million.
Safety Daryl Worley
Analysis: Worley could provide depth at safety with the potential loss of Geno Stone. Worley, 29, is a solid tackler who can also play cornerback. Worley appeared in 12 games with two starts. Last season, he signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract and the Ravens could try to reach a similar deal for 2024.
Inside linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips
Analysis: Phillips was another understated player on the defense, appearing in 17 games with one start. He finished with 16 tackles and a forced fumble. He also provides valuable depth at inside linebacker, especially with the expected departure of Patrick Queen. The Ravens could re-sign Phillips to another one-year, $1.1 million deal.
Inside linebacker Malik Harrison
Analysis: The Ravens don’t like to lose former draft picks and Harrison was selected in the third round (98th overall) of the 2020 draft. However, Harrison could find other teams interested in him in the free-agent market. Harrison appeared in 14 games with eight starts, finishing with 17 tackles and one quarterback hit last season. He also provides valuable depth at inside linebacker and embraces the Ravens’ aggressive style of play. Harrison could also be signed for $1.2 million per season.
