Ravens Should Consider Kelechi Osemele Reunion

Guard Kelechi Osemele during Jets training camp
Photo credit Photo Courtesy: USA Today

By Austin Medina  

Amidst the lates coronavirus scare, the NFL still remains hopeful that dates will move ahead as scheduled. 

So with free agency set to open this Monday, the Ravens have plenty of decisions to make. 

To fill the void left behind after Marshal Yanda's retirement, the Ravens could look toward the draft to find a replacement. Though that may be a long-term play, a short-term play would be a reunion with guard Kelechi Osemele. 

From NFL Now on @nflnetwork: With Marshal Yanda now retired, keep an eye on a possible return to the #Ravens for former #Jets G Kelechi Osemele, who is working his way back to health following shoulder surgery. pic.twitter.com/UBCHXb7QCD

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 10, 2020

The Ravens drafted Osemele in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Immediately, Osemele broke into the starting lineup at right tackle before filling a void at left guard to help Baltimore win Super Bowl XLVII. 

In four seasons in Baltimore, Osemele started 51 games and helped solidify the offensive line alongside Yanda. Osemele left the Ravens in 2016 after signing a five-year, $60 milion contract with the Raiders. Although earning two Pro Bowls, Osemele has battled through injury and controversy. 

After being acquired by the Jets, Osemele injured his shoulder during a game. Osemele, listening to his doctors, wanted to get surgery while the Jets organization disagreed. After being fined for every missed practice, Osemele underwent surgery to repair his shoulder and was released by the Jets in the process. 

The Ravens would be wise to bring Osemele back to fill Yanda's position, as his familiarity with Baltimore would ease the transition. If Osemele is back to full strength by training camp, he'd be an immediate upgrade above other options such as James Hurst.