A former All-Pro edge rusher is being urged to sign with the Baltimore Ravens.

As Baltimore looks to maintain its status among the AFC’s elite, insiders and fans alike are calling for the addition of a battle-tested pass rusher to bolster the defense.

A Championship Window—and a Missing Piece

The Baltimore Ravens are on the cusp of something special. With Lamar Jackson leading the offense and a defense that ranked among the NFL’s best in 2024, the team is poised for another Super Bowl push. Yet despite the success, there’s a growing consensus that the Ravens still lack one key ingredient: a dominant veteran presence off the edge.

That’s why calls are growing louder for the team to sign a former All-Pro edge rusher still available in free agency. While the name hasn’t been made official by the Ravens’ front office, several NFL insiders and analysts have suggested one standout name: Yannick Ngakoue.

Ngakoue, 29, is no stranger to Baltimore. He spent part of the 2020 season with the Ravens after a mid-season trade, and while the fit wasn’t ideal at the time, much has changed. Now a seasoned veteran with playoff experience and 69 career sacks, Ngakoue offers the kind of production and experience that could tip the scales in a loaded AFC.

Why the Ravens Need Help on the Edge

Baltimore’s defense led the league in sacks (60) in 2023, but that production took a hit following the departure of defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and key contributors like Jadeveon Clowney and Justin Houston. Clowney’s one-year deal proved fruitful, but he remains unsigned, and Houston is past his prime.

Young players like David Ojabo and Odafe Oweh are talented but unproven. Ojabo, a former Michigan standout, has struggled to stay healthy. Oweh shows flashes of brilliance but has yet to find consistency over a full season.

If the Ravens are serious about taking the next step, adding a pass rusher with Ngakoue’s résumé could provide a stabilizing force—especially when the playoffs come around and pass rush becomes even more crucial.

The Ngakoue Fit: Why It Makes Sense This Time

Yannick Ngakoue’s previous stint in Baltimore didn’t pan out the way many hoped. He appeared in nine games and recorded just three sacks, often seeming like a square peg in a round hole within the Ravens’ system at the time. But since then, both parties have evolved.

Baltimore’s new defensive coordinator, Zach Orr, has expressed a desire to maintain aggressive blitzing schemes while also maximizing the talents of edge defenders in one-on-one situations. That plays right into Ngakoue’s strengths as a speed rusher with a quick first step and a knack for getting to the quarterback.

Ngakoue isn’t a run-stopping force, and he won’t set the edge like Clowney did. But what he does provide is a pass-rush threat that must be accounted for—especially on third downs. Used situationally, he could thrive in Baltimore.

What NFL Insiders Are Saying

NFL analyst Brian Baldinger recently weighed in on the fit, stating:
“Baltimore has a young and hungry group of edge rushers, but you win championships with guys who know how to finish. Ngakoue brings that closer mentality—they need someone who can beat a tackle one-on-one in January. He’s that guy.”

Former Ravens linebacker Bart Scott also endorsed the idea during a recent appearance on ESPN:
“It’s not just about sacks—it’s about presence. Ngakoue demands attention. You need that when you face Mahomes, Burrow, or Allen in the playoffs.”

Even Ravens insider Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic hinted that the team is “actively evaluating edge depth” and suggested that a veteran signing before or during training camp is “very likely.”

The Cap Space Situation

Baltimore isn’t flush with cash, but they do have enough cap flexibility to bring in a mid-tier veteran on a one-year deal. Ngakoue, who signed with the Bears in 2023 for $10.5 million, could command less this time around after a quieter season in Chicago.

General Manager Eric DeCosta has a history of waiting out the free agent market and striking when the value is right. That tactic paid off with Clowney last season—and could do so again with Ngakoue or a similar veteran option.

Other Names Being Floated

While Ngakoue is the most common name mentioned, he’s not the only veteran edge rusher on the radar. Other names include:

• Emmanuel Ogbah: Released by the Dolphins and still just 30 years old. He’s a more versatile option who could play in multiple fronts.
• Carl Lawson: Injuries derailed his 2023 season with the Jets, but when healthy, he’s a dangerous speed-to-power rusher.
• Jerry Hughes: The 35-year-old is past his prime but still effective in a rotational role.

Still, none of those names have Ngakoue’s combination of recent production and prime age. For a team looking to make a serious postseason push, the fit feels logical.

The AFC Arms Race

Adding another pass rusher isn’t just about internal needs—it’s also about keeping up with the competition. The Chiefs, Bengals, Bills, and Texans all boast high-powered offenses led by elite quarterbacks. If you can’t get pressure with four, you’re dead in the water.

The Ravens learned this lesson the hard way in last year’s AFC Championship Game, where Patrick Mahomes had too much time to operate. The defensive front generated pressure, but not consistently enough to change the game.

With Ngakoue—or someone like him—coming off the edge, Baltimore could create the kind of havoc that wins playoff games.

Leadership and Locker Room Value

Beyond on-field production, Ngakoue is known for his leadership and work ethic. Teammates throughout his career—from Jacksonville to Indianapolis to Chicago—have praised his professionalism and football IQ.

That matters in Baltimore, where the culture of defense and accountability runs deep. With veterans like Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton already anchoring the unit, adding another pro like Ngakoue could raise the standard even higher for the younger pass rushers in the room.

What Would Hold It Back?

There are a few potential hurdles:

1. Scheme Fit: Ngakoue isn’t the best run defender and might not be a three-down player. That could limit his snap count.
2. Cost: If he still sees himself as a $10M+ player, the Ravens might not bite. He’d need to take a team-friendly deal.
3. Previous Stint in Baltimore: While he left on good terms, some may wonder if the coaching staff still views him as a fit. However, with a new DC and revamped approach, that’s less of a concern.

 A Deal Worth Making

The Ravens are close. Very close. But in a league where inches separate contenders from champions, Baltimore needs every edge it can get—literally.

Bringing back Yannick Ngakoue or signing another proven pass rusher makes perfect sense. The team’s defense was elite in 2023, and with another year of development from young stars, 2024 could be even better.

But only if they reinforce the one area still lacking depth.

The AFC is unforgiving. Baltimore can’t afford to stand pat—not with Super Bowl aspirations on the line. Adding a player like Ngakoue could be the move that finally gets them over the hump.