The Baltimore Ravens made headlines by acquiring wide receiver Diontae Johnson, yet they may still be on the hunt to strengthen other areas, specifically at edge rusher. While the addition of Johnson boosts their offense, Baltimore still faces gaps on defense, especially in pass-rushing depth. As they approach the trade deadline, the Ravens have multiple options, and NFL.com’s Kevin Patra highlights Za’Darius Smith of the Cleveland Browns as a particularly strong candidate for bolstering their defensive line.
Patra suggests Smith, who spent his first four NFL seasons with Baltimore, could be a good fit. Smith is one of several notable defenders who might suit Baltimore’s needs, joining former Ravens like Calais Campbell and Jadeveon Clowney as potential targets. Despite the in-division rivalry, Patra believes the struggling 2-6 Browns might be willing to part with Smith, who would be a welcome addition to Baltimore’s defense.
Smith’s familiarity with the Ravens organization, where he initially began his career, could make his transition seamless. During his time in Baltimore, Smith didn’t fully break out until his last season there, in which he amassed 45 tackles and 8.5 sacks, paving the way for subsequent success. He went on to establish himself as a dominant force with Green Bay and Minnesota, earning three Pro Bowl selections and multiple seasons with double-digit sack totals, including his recent standout season with the Vikings in 2022.
Even though the Ravens have logged 24 sacks in the 2024 season, they are missing the presence of a seasoned edge rusher. Last spring, the team lost Jadeveon Clowney in free agency, creating a gap that the 32-year-old Smith could help fill. Smith’s recent performance against Baltimore only emphasized his effectiveness; he recorded four tackles and a sack in Cleveland’s recent win over the Ravens.
Currently, Baltimore sits at 5-3, one game behind the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers, following their Week 8 loss to Cleveland. Acquiring a proven pass rusher like Smith would not only provide the Ravens with additional depth but could help them generate more defensive pressure, critical as they push for a playoff position.
