By Joe Schiller
There’s a realistic chance the Baltimore Ravens could be without two of their top outside linebackers heading into next season.
Za’Darius Smith is set to become an unrestricted free agent following a career-high 8.5 sack season. He’s regarded as one of the highly touted young pass rushers that will be available on the open market.
Terrell Suggs will also become an unrestricted free agent after recording 7 sacks during the 2018 season. The 36-year-old said he wants to play for a 17th season, whether that be in Baltimore or somewhere else.
If you’re keeping track, that’s roughly 36% of the Ravens’ sack total from last season.
Not to mention, Matt Judon enters a contract year destined to follow in Smith’s footsteps to a lucrative deal with free agency looming in 2020.
Wink Martindale could be left desperately searching for pass rush production.
Even though it’s not a contract year for Tyus Bowser and Tim Williams, two of Baltimore’s young outside linebackers could be asked to play like it.
It’s been an underwhelming campaign for both players through two seasons. During that span, Bowser and Williams have combined for 5.5 total sacks – not an encouraging sign from a second and third-round pick.
The play of Smith, Judon and Suggs has made it difficult for either Bowser or Williams to see consistent playing time. But at times, they’ve affected their own ability to take the field due to injuries and miscues.
Bowser saw more than 30% of defensive snaps just once during the 2018 season. Williams did four times during the first half of the season but never saw the field past Week 8.
The duties of an outside linebacker in today’s NFL encompass more than just rushing the passer. Depending on an offenses’ look, they could be required to cover a running back in the flat or a even tight end coming across the middle.
To this point, neither Bowser nor Williams have provided confidence they can assume starting responsibilities in replace of the aforementioned players.
That could certainly change, but they be asked to assume greater responsibility next season even if they aren't ready for it.
The question becomes: can they handle it?