Ezekiel Ansah rumors: 5 best fits in NFL free agency
By Joe Schiller
4. Baltimore Ravens
A bit of a wild-card move because the Ravens play in a 3-4 scheme, but they’re in need of pass rush help. Terrell Suggs is on his way to Canton someday but is only getting older now at the age of 35. Ansah could find a home on a team that prides themselves on defense.
The Ravens spent two of their first four picks in 2017 draft on pass rushers Tyus Bowser and Tim Williams. Towards the end of the season, the pass rush was still nowhere to be found. Suggs led the team with 11 sacks but can’t continue to be the top producer forever. Matt Judon looks like a potential star in the making but newly hired defensive coordinator Don Martindale needs proven talent to work with. That’s where Ansah slots in.
Joining a 3-4 defense would mean Ansah makes the transition from his hand in the dirt to an outside linebacker role. That can be a cause for concern for some players, but Ansah has the athletic ability to make the change.
The real issue with the Ravens is creating cap room. They have 11 impending unrestricted free agents including center Ryan Jensen. Ozzie Newsome and the front office would have to get creative but that’s why they’re regarded as one of the best in the business. This would be a move that could solidify the Ravens as a top defensive team next season.