Grading the Ravens’ 2024 free agent additions

Looking back on last year’s outside veteran additions and assigning letter grades.

When it comes to roster construction, the Baltimore Ravens lean more on the NFL Draft to replenish their ranks on both sides of the ball. They foundationally don’t believe in investing more resources into other teams’ free agents, preferring to re-sign their own homegrown talent and protect their projected compensatory picks.

Under general manager Eric DeCosta, the Ravens have made at least one notable outside veteran addition each year and supplemented the roster with less-heralded experienced players before and after the draft. This year was no exception and with the 2024 season in the books and the start of the new league year a little over a month away, it’s time to reflect on the Ravens free agent class from last year and assign grades.

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RB Derrick Henry — Signed a two-year, $16 million deal
Grade: A+++

Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images

If it weren’t for Saquon Barkley literally running the Philadelphia Eagles to the Super Bowl, the Ravens’ five-time Pro Bowl newcomer would’ve been the unquestioned most impactful free-agent addition of any team in the NFL. Nevertheless, Henry’s contributions to the success of the 2024 Ravens were transformative. While they’ve fielded dominant rushing attacks since Lamar Jackson became the full-time starter in 2018, having a transcendent talent at running back took their ground game to an unwitnessed territory.

Henry finished second (behind Barkley) in rushing attempts (325), yards (1,921) and yards per game (113). He also tied for the most rushing touchdowns (16), second-most total touchdowns (18) and led all running backs in yards per carry (5.9).

LB/ST Chris Board — Signed a one-year, $1.292 million deal
Grade: A

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Reuniting with the former undrafted gem they unearthed back in 2018 proved to be more fruitful than the Ravens could’ve hoped when they brought him back. Not only did he continue to be an ace on multiple special teams units but Board carved out a rotational role for himself on defense. He joined forces with fellow veteran Malik Harrison to supplant second-year pro Trenton Simpson in the starting lineup next to three-time Pro Bowler Roquan Smith. He recorded 30 total tackles, including two for a loss, a sack, a quarterback hit, a fumble recovery and a pass breakup. Board will likely be one of the top candidates to be re-signed because of what he brings in two phases and his projected market value per Spotrac is just $1.9 million.

OT Josh Jones — Signed a one-year, $1.79 million deal
Grade: B-

Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images

The fifth-year veteran was brought in to provide quality depth at multiple offensive line spots and serve as the primary backup to two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Ronnie Stanley, who was coming off another injury-plagued 2023 season.

Thankfully, Jones’ services weren’t needed because of the excellent overall health of the Ravens offensive line in 2024. Stanley played in every single game for the first time in his career and had a resurgent season. Jones only saw the field for 46 offensive snaps in the regular season and another 18 combined in the playoffs. Most of his action on offense came in jumbo formations as an extra blocker or in place of Stanley at the end of some lopsided victories.

Just because he wasn’t needed much due to circumstance, it doesn’t mean bringing him in wasn’t a feather in DeCosta’s cap. Quality depth in the trenches is hard to find on either side of the ball and having Jones ready at the drop of a hat was a valuable asset. Hopefully, the Ravens can bring him back to serve in the same role or as a veteran insurance option ahead of the draft in case they aren’t able to retain Stanley.

WR/ST Deonte Harty — Signed a one-year, $1.29 million deal
Grade: D

Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images

The former First Team All-Pro was signed ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft to replace two-time Pro Bowl return specialist Devin Duvernay, who they let walk in free agency. Unfortunately, injuries and off-field adversity limited him to just five regular-season appearances in the first six weeks and he spent the remainder of the season on injured reserve despite returning to practice late in the season.

Harty didn’t log a single touch from scrimmage on any of the six offensive snaps but he did manage to record 85 punt return yards on eight attempts with a long of 16 and 98 kick return yards on four attempts with a long of 31. Had he been healthy and available the entire season, this low-risk move would’ve likely yielded more of a return on their minimal investment but his absence was sorely felt at times as the Ravens struggled to find consistency at the punt returner role in particular.

DB Eddie Jackson — Signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal
Grade: F

Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images

By DeCosta’s own admission, this move was a whiff. While he recognized the value of adding the former two-time Pro Bowler, in his end-of-season presser, DeCosta said he didn’t fully take into account how Jackson would feel about playing a lesser role. The Ravens’ defense frequently wants to deploy multiple safeties to unleash the full extent of two-time Pro Bowler Kyle Hamilton’s diverse skill set.

Jackson wasn’t just disgruntled but underwhelming when on the field, failing to provide the same ball-hawking threat the team lost when Geno Stone departed in free agency and that made him a household name earlier in his career with the Chicago Bears. He appeared in nine games, made four starts, and was inactive for two games before being waived on November 23.

During his stint with the team, he recorded 30 total tackles including one for a loss, a quarterback hit, one pass breakup and at least two dropped interceptions in the same game that could’ve helped the Ravens avoid their shocking Week 8 upset loss to the Cleveland Browns. He also gave up a pair of late touchdowns in the same game.

CB Ka’Dar Hollman — Signed a one-year, $1.055 million deal
Grade: D

Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images

The Ravens typically don’t sign a player of Hollman’s lackluster pedigree until after the compensatory pick deadline has passed but they went out of their way to bring him in before last year’s draft in late March. He has primarily been a special teams contributor throughout his career and that didn’t change in Baltimore or last long. Hollman didn’t make the final roster but the team used up his three practice squad elevations in the first three weeks and he recorded an assisted tackle in the season opener. The Ravens didn’t value him enough to sign him to the active roster and he landed with the Houston Texans. Although they could’ve used another veteran presence on special teams as the unit struggled with discipline and consistency during the first three-quarters of the season, he clearly didn’t offer enough value as a viable depth option on defense to warrant keeping around.