By Austin Medina
The Ravens are in full gear for a playoff run but with a bye week before their journey continues, it's only right to look ahead for free agency.
After resigning corner back Marcus Peters to a three-year, $42 million contract, the Ravens will have some difficult financial choices to make after the season.
With a projected $35 million in cap space, the Ravens have decisions to make for players such as Matt Judon, Michael Pierce, and Patrick Onwuasor among others.
The franchise tag is projected to be worth $17 million, an anticpated base salary for a defensive end such as Judon.
Prioritizing Judon's return is imperative for sustaining the success of Baltimore's defense, which ranks top-five in points allowed, yards allowed, and rushing yards per game. Last season, Baltimore saw players such as Zadarius Smith and CJ Mosley walk. Smith has been highly productive in his one season with Green Bay, leading the league in quarterback pressures. Additionally, he has racked up 13.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss.
The Ravens could create more cap space with some veteran cuts. After the season, parting ways with players such as Tony Jefferson and Brandon Carr would create more than $13 million in cap space.
Whether it's a long term deal or the franchise tag, Baltimore should bring back Judon by any means. Judon leads the team with 9.5 sacks and four forced fumbles.
Head coach John Harbaugh spoke about Judon's impact as an "anchor" of the defense.
“He’s proven who he is as a football player,” Harbaugh said. “He’s established himself as one of the top outside linebacker, pass-rusher, edge-setters in the National Football League right now, which was his goal to do. He’s done it, and I’m proud of him.”
Although Judon is completely focused on a Super Bowl, he spoke about his love for the city and will to stay a Raven.
“We have to finish the season,” Judon said. “I love this organization, it’s the only organization I’ve played for. I’m comfortable here; I have family here; I already know the house I’m going to get if I sign [laughter]. But that’s up to upstairs.”