Watch the Baltimore Ravens play football long enough, and you’ll hear some familiar jargon. Conversations have evolved into the NFL being a passing league and that kind of thing.

It’s a common theory. We also hear statements like ‘defense wins championships.’ It just isn’t something we hear as often as when we were younger. As pro football changes its rules to help teams score more frequently, defensive coordinators rush to find the answers.

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Here’s something else you’ve heard relatively often. Championship windows close quickly. Sound familiar? That’s why you see urgency in the Ravens‘ organization. That’s probably why Jesse Minter, a defensive-minded coach, was hired. It seemed the prevailing view was that the defense let Baltimore down last season.

They didn’t fail for lack of effort. Once GM Eric DeCosta determined that the pass rush was anemic, moves were made. One of the most effective was trading for Dre’Mont Jones on November 3. Baltimore sent a conditional fifth-round pick to the Tennessee Titans. There was just one issue. His current contract was only a one-year arrangement.

He now joins the list of impending free agents whose contracts expire when the new league year begins on March 11. He’s seemingly a priority signing after notching 17 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 15 additional QB hits, a pass breakup, and a fumble recovery.

He did so in nine games, eight of which he started. So far, there’s been no extension announced. David Ojabo, another edge rusher, is also staring at free agency, so while we have some time, here are a few possible free agent targets if they or the Ravens move on.

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It seems unlikely that the Ravens will bring Odafe Oweh back or break the bank for Trey Hendrickson, though it would be funny to see him in a Ravens jersey and terrorizing the Cincinnati Bengals. Here’s a more realistic option.

Mafe won’t turn 28 until November. He’s one of the better blends of youth and cost-effectiveness that Baltimore will find on the open market this time around.

We wanted a veteran bridge player on the list. This spot came down to a toss-up between Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. Ultimately, we gave the nod to Bosa because he’s a little younger and led the league in forced fumbles last season.

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Keep an eye on Mack, though, if someone snatches Mr. Bosa. They’ve put up some comparable numbers over the past two seasons, and both would be great mentors for the young guys, particularly Mike Green.

The Ravens didn’t seem interested in Jadeveon Clowney last season when he was available. Now, he’s a year older, but he may cost less.

He’s still pretty effective. He racked up 41 tackles, 8.5 sacks, ten additional QB hits, and a forced fumble last season, but his 2023 run with the Ravens was actually a better one (43 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 19 QB hits, and two forced fumbles).

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Here’s another option if you’d prefer fresher legs.Arnold Ebiketie won’t turn 28 years old until January. He has never racked more than six sacks.

He only produced two last season, but he did so in a rotational role. With more responsibility, he could blossom.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: NFL Free Agency: 4 targets the Ravens can sign to replace Dre’Mont Jones