Baltimore Ravens free agency 2018: Top 5 targets

The Ravens have 11 impending unrestricted free agents and none are more important than center Ryan Jensen. The Ravens must make every effort to re-sign Jensen this offseason. They’ve let Kelechi Osemele and Rick Wagner walk in past offseasons but this can’t happen three years in a row. The success of a team starts in the trenches with the offensive line.

Jensen spent the first three years of his career primarily as a backup but was given a shot at the starting center spot after the departure of Jeremy Zuttah. John Urschel shockingly announced his retirement over the offseason which left Jensen as the main candidate to take over. It didn’t take long for Jensen to prove he belonged in the starting spot. The Ravens have a knack for finding many starting-caliber lineman in the late rounds of the draft and Jensen has proved to be another gem.

Jensen plays with a mean streak and a giant chip on his shoulder. He’s not afraid to be physical and finishes every block with a purpose. That purposes usually results in a defensive lineman on the ground. He’s the definition of an AFC North lineman and played past expectations in a contract year. That’s good news for the Ravens but bad news for their pockets. Jensen is projected to warrant an $8.9 million annual salary and it’s going to take some negotiating to bring him back to Baltimore.

Backup Matt Skura could be an eventual replacement if Jensen walks but the Ravens don’t want to be in that position. With the emergence of running back Alex Collins, the ground game will be huge emphasis next season having Jensen up front is extremely important.