Baltimore Ravens free agency 2017: Top 5 targets

If the Baltimore Ravens want to return to the postseason, they have some holes to fix. Here are five free agents they ought to target. 

The Baltimore Ravens have the kind of success most teams are jealous of. Since leaving Cleveland and moving to Baltimore in 1996, they’ve won two Super Bowls. Not too many teams can say that. However, since winning Super Bowl XLVII, they’ve only seen one postseason appearance.

Baltimore is in an interesting situation moving forward. While they are still contenders, they have some rebuilding to do. They have to find a way to rebuild on the fly while contending. If they can’t, certain people might be looking for a new job next offseason.

Despite having numerous holes, the birds are in fairly good shape. With a strong offseason, they can get back on track. Here are five free agents the Ravens should target.

5. Cordarralle Patterson

Ever since Jacoby Jones left, Baltimore has been stuck with mediocre at best returners. A huge reason for their Super Bowl run in 2012 was their ability to make big plays. Whenever they needed one, they had guys who could deliver. As frustrating as Jones was at times, he was one of those guys.

Cordarralle Patterson of the Minnesota Vikings could use a change of scenery. Baltimore would be an excellent fit for him. Joe Flacco, if nothing else, has a huge arm. Patterson has the speed necessary to be a legitimate deep threat. He’s not a direct replacement for Steve Smith Sr. (more on this later), but he adds an element of explosiveness the team hasn’t had in a while.

Patterson would be signed primarily to be the kick and punt returner. For a team that prides themselves in special teams, their returners have been terrible as of late. Look for Baltimore to be aggressive addressing this.