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3 Impending Ravens Free Agents With the Most to Prove in 2020

By Scott Rogust

These three impending free agents on the Ravens have the most to prove in 2020.
These three impending free agents on the Ravens have the most to prove in 2020. / Todd Olszewski/Getty Images

After a strong 2019 regular season, the Baltimore Ravens were utterly embarrassed by the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Divisional Round. General manager Eric DeCosta made the team even better this offseason by bringing in defensive lineman Calais Campbell via trade as well as studs through the 2020 NFL Draft. The upcoming season is crucial for the Ravens, because they have a total of 28 players set to hit the open market next year, and they'll benefit greatly with strong campaigns.

Here are three impending free agents on the Ravens who have the most to prove in 2020.

3. CB Jimmy Smith

Jimmy Smith's time in Baltimore could be reaching it's end.
Jimmy Smith's time in Baltimore could be reaching it's end. / Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

Jimmy Smith was once the cornerstone of the Ravens' secondary, but numerous injuries hindered his ability to stay at the top of his game. Additionally, the Ravens have their No. 1 corner in Marlon Humphrey as well as a star in the form of ex-Los Angeles Rams defensive back Marcus Peters. Baltimore opted to re-sign Smith to a one-year contract, but he probably won't have a spot on this team for much longer. With younger options like Tavon Young, Iman Marshall, and Anthony Averett, head coach John Harbaugh teased that he'll play Smith at safety. Make no mistake about it, Smith is auditioning for his next team.

2. WR Willie Snead

Willie Snead will have plenty of rookies breathing down his neck if he struggles this season.
Willie Snead will have plenty of rookies breathing down his neck if he struggles this season. / Will Newton/Getty Images

Willie Snead was part of the inconsistent receiving corps that prevented the Ravens from reaching the AFC Championship Game last season. Snead is listed as the No. 3 receiver heading into the upcoming campaign, but trust us when we say it's not set in stone. The team selected Texas slot receiver Devin Duvernay and SMU standout James Proche in this year's NFL Draft, so there will be plenty of competition. If Snead struggles as early as training camp, he can either be relegated to the bench or outright released. There's no room for error for the veteran.

1. LB Matt Judon

Matt Judon has signed his franchise tag.
Matt Judon has signed his franchise tag. / Joe Sargent/Getty Images

Matt Judon is entering the most important season of his career. Already an impending free agent prior to the new league year, the Ravens placed the $16.8 million franchise tag on the young linebacker. But he has to prove he's truly worth top linebacker money this season. Through his first four years in the league, Judon posted 186 combined tackles (45 for loss), 82 quarterback hits, 28.5 sacks, eight passes defensed, and seven forced fumbles. Considering the team added the likes of Calais Campbell, Patrick Queen, and Malik Harrison to their front seven, Judon has every chance to feast and put up even better statistics in 2020. Once he does that, the Brinks truck will be backing up his driveway.