The Baltimore Ravens were one of the biggest surprises during the 2015 regular season, and not for good reasons, as they finished with a 5-11 record and missed the playoffs for only the second time since making John Harbaugh their head coach. Injuries were clearly a major factor for the Ravens, as they not only lost their leader on defense in Week One in Terrell Suggs, but they also lost their franchise quarterback, star receiver, and starting running back all to season-ending injuries.
Despite the injuries, Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome knows that there is still a ton of work to do this offseason, as they look to reload their roster heading into the 2016 season. The Ravens historically have been known for their dominant defense, but they struggled last season, giving up the 24th most points in the league.
Pass rush was a major issue for the Ravens last season, as they finished tied 17th in the league with just 37 total team sacks. Baltimore may look to bolster their pass rush in the upcoming 2016 NFL Draft, but with needs on their offensive line and in their secondary, Baltimore could look to solve the issue in free agency.
Harbaugh dropped a hint as to who he might be interested in this past week when talking to reporters about pass rushers available on the open market. One reporter mentioned former Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy, but Harbuagh was quick to shut that notion down. "He won't be a Raven," Harbaugh said. "I can tell you that."
The Ravens head coach then said in lighthearted tone, "Is Dwight Freeney still out there?" He then raised one of his eyebrows following the statement, hinting at the interest that the Ravens could have in the seven-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker. The free agent outside linebacker is still considered a force heading into his 15th NFL season, and he recorded eight sacks and three forced fumbles in his first season with the Arizona Cardinals last year.
The free agent pass rusher is considered one of the top free agents left on the open market but has said that he would prefer to return to Arizona next season. The former first round draft pick could make a nice addition to Baltimore's defense in 2016, but it's unknown how interested the Ravens are in Freeney and whether they would be willing to make him an offer.
