Should Ravens Bring Back Familiar Faces? Examining Jadeveon Clowney and Za’Darius Smith as Potential Pass Rush Additions Before Season
As the Baltimore Ravens prepare for the 2025 NFL season, one key area of concern remains: the pass rush. With a defense that has long prided itself on harassing quarterbacks, Baltimore finds itself in a transitional phase up front. While the unit still features elite talent — particularly at linebacker with Roquan Smith and in the secondary with veterans like Marlon Humphrey — the departure of several key defensive linemen and edge rushers leaves the team with questions as training camp approaches.
This has led to growing speculation about whether Baltimore should consider bringing back one of two familiar faces: Jadeveon Clowney or Za’Darius Smith. Both veterans have past ties to the organization and would bring instant experience, leadership, and depth to the Ravens’ pass-rushing rotation. But with age, injury history, and financial considerations in play, the decision is more complex than it may seem on the surface.
Let’s begin with Jadeveon Clowney, who played a significant role for the Ravens in 2024. Signed as a late-summer addition, Clowney surprised many by posting one of the most productive seasons of his career. He recorded 9.5 sacks, consistently set the edge against the run, and was a key figure in Baltimore’s top-three-ranked scoring defense. Not only did Clowney bring physicality and versatility, but his veteran presence and locker room influence were praised repeatedly by teammates and coaches throughout the year.
Despite that success, Baltimore allowed Clowney to hit free agency following the season, reportedly leaving the door open for a return under the right circumstances. Since then, Clowney has yet to sign with another team, and rumors persist that he is waiting for either the right fit or for teams to come calling once training camp injuries begin to pile up. At 32 years old, Clowney is no longer the game-wrecking prospect he was as the No. 1 overall pick in 2014, but his 2024 campaign proved he still has plenty left in the tank — particularly when he’s in a rotational role where he can stay fresh and pick his spots.
Za’Darius Smith, meanwhile, offers a slightly different profile. Originally drafted by the Ravens in 2015, Smith spent four solid seasons in Baltimore before blossoming into a Pro Bowl-caliber pass rusher with the Green Bay Packers. Known for his violent hands, quick first step, and ability to win inside and out, Smith was once viewed as one of the league’s top edge defenders. Now 32 and coming off a decent but unspectacular season with the Cleveland Browns, Smith is a free agent looking for another shot at playoff contention.
Baltimore fans have long speculated about a Smith reunion, and his familiarity with the franchise — including relationships with front office figures and coaching staff — could make a return seamless. His experience, like Clowney’s, would be especially valuable for mentoring young edge rushers like David Ojabo and Tavius Robinson, both of whom remain unproven but possess significant upside.
From a roster construction perspective, the Ravens could use a player like Clowney or Smith. While Justin Madubuike remains the team’s most dominant interior rusher, and Odafe Oweh has shown flashes, there isn’t a consistent, double-digit sack threat off the edge. Baltimore’s defense thrives when it can pressure quarterbacks without blitzing, allowing its defensive backs to capitalize on mistakes and force turnovers. That requires dependable pass rushers who can collapse the pocket on third down and in high-leverage moments.
Bringing back Clowney would provide that, especially if he can replicate last season’s success. He already knows the system, thrived under Mike Macdonald (now replaced by Zach Orr, who is likely to retain most of the same scheme), and gelled with teammates on and off the field. His run defense also remains elite — a trait not often appreciated but vital in Baltimore’s AFC North division battles, where physicality still rules the day.
Smith, while slightly more explosive as a pass rusher, does not offer quite the same stoutness against the run. Still, his upside as a third-down pressure specialist — especially in sub-packages — cannot be overlooked. His ability to rush from both the edge and inside makes him a chess piece, and his familiarity with Baltimore’s culture and expectations could make the transition easy.
Of course, there are reasons for caution with both players. Injuries have plagued both Clowney and Smith at various points in their careers, and the Ravens have traditionally been hesitant to invest heavily in aging players with health concerns. Financially, Clowney and Smith would likely come on short-term, incentive-laden deals, which fits the Ravens’ salary cap constraints — but that also depends on their willingness to accept backup or rotational roles.
The Ravens’ offseason strategy so far suggests a youth movement, especially on defense. With the draft being entirely defense-focused in our latest mock, it’s clear that the front office sees long-term value in developing its next wave of talent. Adding a veteran like Clowney or Smith could potentially take away valuable reps from younger players trying to prove themselves in camp. But at the same time, there’s a balancing act at play: developing for the future while staying competitive in the present.
Baltimore isn’t rebuilding — this is a team with Super Bowl ambitions and an MVP quarterback in his prime. In that context, the importance of situational experience cannot be overstated. Having a proven veteran on the edge who has seen everything — from playoff pressure to divisional warfare — could mean the difference between a playoff exit and a championship run.
So, should the Ravens make the move?
In many ways, the answer is yes — especially if injuries or performance in camp expose glaring gaps in the current pass-rush rotation. Between the two, Clowney might make the most sense. He’s already been in the building, had success last season, and appears to have mutual interest in a return. He won’t require major installation time and could be ready to contribute immediately. His versatility and toughness make him an ideal fit for what Baltimore needs right now.
That said, Za’Darius Smith shouldn’t be ruled out. If Clowney signs elsewhere, or if Smith is willing to accept a rotational role on a team with Super Bowl potential, Baltimore should absolutely explore the reunion. His leadership, production history, and pass-rushing ability could provide an invaluable spark — particularly in key moments where pressure can flip games.
Ultimately, this decision will come down to cost, health, and timing. The Ravens have built one of the NFL’s most stable organizations by rarely panicking and always doing their homework. They’ll give their young edge rushers every chance to earn spots, but if the need becomes too pressing or the right deal presents itself, don’t be surprised if one of these familiar faces is back in purple and black by Week 1.
For a franchise that has long valued physical, opportunistic defense, adding Jadeveon Clowney or Za’Darius Smith could be the finishing touch on a unit with championship potential.
