Throughout free agency, the Baltimore Ravens lost players along their offensive line, making the position appear
threadbare. But with the addition of OL Josh Jones on Thursday, March 21, general manager Eric DeCosta started to
allay the worries.
“The #Ravens have signed former #AZCardinals OT Josh Jones, adding some OT depth,” tweets NFL insider Ian
Rapoport.
The Ravens had lost three of their five starting linemen after guard Kevin Zeitler was traded to the Detroit Lions,
guard John Simpson was acquired by the New York Jets, and offensive tackle Morgan Moses was acquired by the
Jets.
Jones signs a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans, which will allow him time to regain
his reputation.
Of the opening lineup, just center Tyler Linderbaum and overtime player Ronnie Stanley were left. “The Vault: A
Daily Ravens Podcast” co-host Sarah Ellison wrote on her account, “He has played at both tackle positions and RG.”
brings experience and variety, and he’s about to enter his prime. A depth player who permits the Ravens to continue
strengthening their offensive line through the draft.
DeCosta now has some leeway to avoid feeling pressed for the duration of his free agency or when the draft comes
around thanks to the agreement.
Josh Jones has not performed as expected thus far.
Jones was a highly regarded prospect when he was selected by the Cardinals in the third round of the 2020 NFL
Draft.
“Coming out of college, Josh Jones was lauded for his athleticism and his ability to get out of his stance quickly, pull
effectively, and bend,” wrote podcast host Kevin Oestreicher on social media.
Although the Houston product hasn’t become a household name, it has offered consistency when needed in a variety
of circumstances.
In his sophomore season, Jones started at guard, played 73% of the snaps, and started 12 games, but he played
relatively little in his rookie year. In 2022, he switched to left tackle, although his playing time decreased to 52%.
Just before the season began in 2023, the Cardinals dealt him to the Texans in exchange for a fifth-round pick. Jones
made three game starts for the
By the time the 2024 season begins, Jones will just be 27 years old, and he still has time to become a starting
lineman. As of right now, he offers coach John Harbaugh additional alternatives because of his useful depth and
versatility, which can be applied across the line.
Josh Jones Gives Baltimore Depth and Versatility:
The Ravens’ offensive lineman position group was starting to appear a touch thin. The only other lineman who
played a significant amount of snaps for the Ravens in 2023 was Patrick Mekari, aside from Stanley and
Linderbaum.
Although OL Andrew Vorhees, who is expected to return from an ACL injury, will essentially be playing in his rookie
season, the Ravens have high expectations for him.
The Ravens now have a seasoned plug-and-play tackle in Jones in case of an injury or slump. In order to keep
Mekari, Moses, and Stanley fresh at the end of the season, the Ravens rotated them; Jones offers them an
alternative.
“He’s still only 26 and versatile, and while he’s struggled at times, is solid OL depth for the Ravens,” Oestreicher
wrote.
Since Stanley signed his huge contract with the Ravens, he has struggled with injuries; therefore, Baltimore gains
flexibility by adding a guy who could step in during a difficult situation.
The Ravens won’t feel compelled to reach, but they will use their nine picks in the draft to try to strengthen the group
even more. Ellison clarified, saying, “A depth player who still permits.
