The NFL’s offseason starts in earnest on Feb. 23 when teams can place a franchise tag on an impending free agent.
Baltimore general manager Eric DeCosta will have to make a critical decision on whether it’s beneficial to use that tag in light of the team’s other needs and a limited salary cap.
If the Ravens do indeed exercise the franchise tag, the most likely candidate would be defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, who was acquired by the Vikings at the trade deadline.
In addition to Ngakoue, the Ravens have four edge rushers eligible for free agency — Matt Judon, Tyus Bowser, Jihad Ward and Pernell McPhee.