OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- NFL free agency is off and running, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2024 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, which means free agent signings can be made official after that. The first round of the 2024 NFL draft begins April 25 on ESPN.
Here's a breakdown of every 2024 NFL free agent signing by the Baltimore Ravens and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Derrick Henry, RB
Former Tennessee Titans free agent running back Derrick Henry and Baltimore agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal on Tuesday.
What it means: The Ravens have the best rushing tandem in the NFL. Henry's 8,268 rushing yards are the most in the NFL since 2018. Lamar Jackson's 5,258 rushing yards are the most by a quarterback over that same span. Now, they're both in the same backfield. Henry should take some attention away from Jackson. In Jackson's six seasons, the Ravens have only had one running back gain over 1,000 yards: Mark Ingram in 2019. Henry has produced 1,000 yards rushing in five of his last six seasons, including leading the NFL in rushing in 2019 and 2020.
What's the risk: How much does Henry have left in the tank? Henry's age and wear and tear are the primary concerns. Henry turned 30 in January, an age that few running backs -- other than Adrian Peterson and Frank Gore -- have maintained success. He's also taken a lot of hits in his career. Since joining the NFL in 2018, Henry has run the ball 1,744 times. That's 243 more carries than anyone else over that six-year span. But he hasn't shown signs of wearing down. Over last five seasons, Henry has 22 touches reaching at least 20 miles per hour, which is the most by any running back, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
Justin Madubuike, DT
The Ravens and Justin Madubuike agreed to a four-year, $98 million deal that includes $75.5 million total in guarantees and $53.5 million at signing on Friday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
What it means: The Ravens keep their sacks leader from last year as well as one of the best young defensive linemen in the game. Madubuike led all interior pass-rushers with 13 sacks last season and became the team's most dominant pass-rusher. He recorded 33 quarterback hits, which were 14 more than any player on the team. Baltimore has an All-Pro foundation up the middle on defense with Madubuike, middle linebacker Roquan Smith and strong safety Kyle Hamilton. The Ravens also gain an additional $11 million in salary cap space by signing Madubuike to a long-term deal and removing the $22.1 million franchise tag.
What's the risk: Baltimore is banking on Madubuike not being a one-season wonder. Before his breakout season, Madubuike totaled 8.5 sacks in his first three seasons. Baltimore's confidence lies in Madubuike's work ethic and consistency. His streak of 11 straight games with at least a half-sack is tied for the longest in NFL single-season history. Madubuike is the team's best defensive tackle since Haloti Ngata.
Josh Johnson, QB
Baltimore and QB Josh Johnson agreed to a one-year deal on Thursday.
What it means: The Ravens made sure they have an experienced safety net at backup quarterback. The only other quarterback on the Baltimore roster behind NFL MVP Jackson was Malik Cunningham, who went undrafted last year and has never thrown a pass in an NFL regular-season game. The Ravens aren't expected to bring back Tyler Huntley, who has been Jackson's primary backup for the past three seasons. Unless Baltimore adds another quarterback in the draft or free agency, Johnson has to be seen as the front-runner for the No. 2 QB job.
What's the risk: Johnson is 37 and he's 1-8 as an NFL starter. His last pass came in the NFC Championship Game in January 2023, when he replaced an injured Brock Purdy for the 49ers. With limited salary cap space, the Ravens don't have the luxury to splurge on a high-priced backup. Johnson is familiar with the system after spending all of last season with Baltimore. The Ravens have praised Johnson for his experience, leadership and anticipation on the field.
Kyle Van Noy, LB
Baltimore and LB Kyle Van Noy agreed to a two-year, $9 million deal.
What it means: The Ravens entered free agency knowing they had to keep either Jadeveon Clowney or Van Noy. When Clowney signed with the Carolina Panthers, it was critical for Baltimore to retain Van Noy, who brings proven production. He has totaled 31.5 sacks over his last six seasons, including a career high nine in his first year with Baltimore. Signed in September last season, Van Noy recorded nine sacks and nine tackles for loss in his final 12 games for the Ravens. Baltimore has a solid edge rush combination in Van Noy and Odafe Oweh. But bringing back Van Noy doesn't preclude the Ravens from drafting an outside linebacker in the first three rounds.
What's the risk: Van Noy is now 33, which means it'll be tough for him to match his production from last season. Over the last five seasons, there have been six players over the age of 33 to record nine or more sacks. But Van Noy has been one of the more consistent pass-rushers. He's had at least five sacks in each of his last five seasons. The Ravens see Van Noy's experience as an asset. Baltimore's other edge rushers are 25 or younger: Oweh, David Ojabo, Tavius Robinson and Malik Hamm.
Josh Jones, OT
Baltimore and former Houston Texans OT Josh Jones agreed to a one-year deal.
What it means: The Ravens add much-needed experienced depth at both the tackle and guard spots after losing three starters this offseason (guards Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson along with Morgan Moses). During his four-year career, Jones has totaled 971 snaps at tackle (including 723 at left tackle) and 649 at guard. Baltimore loves linemen with position flexibility. After starting a career-high 12 games in 2021, Jones has struggled the last two seasons, when he has allowed 12 sacks in 12 starts.
What's the risk: This move actually minimizes the Ravens' risk if they select an offensive linemen early in this year's draft. If the rookie isn't ready to start immediately, Baltimore can turn to Jones, a former third-round pick. Jones is also only 26, which means he has upside.
Chris Board, LB
Baltimore and former New England Patriots linebacker Chris Board agreed to a one-year deal.
What it means: Baltimore brings back a core special teams player. Board returns to the Ravens, where he spent four seasons after going undrafted in 2018. He played for the Patriots last season, when he participated in a career-best 89% of New England's special teams snaps.
What's the risk: None really. This is another solid move to bolster depth. Board is not only a valuable member on the coverage and return teams but he can back up Trenton Simpson, who is the favorite to replace Patrick Queen at inside linebacker. In six seasons, Board has 125 tackles on defense and has made three starts.
Arthur Maulet, CB
Baltimore and cornerback Arthur Maulet reached a two-year deal.
What it means: The Ravens bring back their top slot cornerback. In his first season with Baltimore, Maulet led the team by lining up in the slot for 308 snaps. He recorded 34 tackles and tied or set career highs with two sacks, five tackles for loss, one interception, five passes defensed and two fumble recoveries. Maulet was a solid special teams player, making three tackles on coverage teams.
What's the risk: Maulet brings a physical presence but he can have lapses in coverage. He'll also turn 31 before the start of the season. The Ravens, though, needed a dependable and experienced cornerback behind starters Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Stephens. After waiting to sign on the first day of training camp last year, Maulet earned a deal in the second week of free agency.
Brent Urban, DE
Baltimore and Brent Urban agreed to a one-year deal on Wednesday.
What it means: With Urban returning, the Ravens are bringing back their top five defensive linemen from last year. He joins Justin Madubuike, Michael Pierce, Travis Jones and Broderick Washington. Urban provides reliable depth, especially against the run. He ranked first on the Ravens with a 41% run stop success rate. The biggest improvement for Urban was his pass rush. He recorded career highs last season with three sacks and six quarterback hits. A fourth-round pick a decade ago, Urban is the only remaining player from Baltimore's 2014 draft class.
What's the risk: The biggest concern with Urban used to be his durability. Injuries caused him to miss 39 games in his first four seasons. But Urban has only missed one game in his last two seasons with Baltimore. The Ravens have gotten great value with Urban, who signed a one-year deal with them for the third straight year.
Malik Harrison, LB
Baltimore and linebacker Malik Harrison agreed to a one-year deal on Monday.
What it means: The Ravens retain one of their most versatile backups in Harrison, who can play inside linebacker as well as set the edge on the outside. He's also valuable on special teams. A third-round pick in 2020, Harrison finished 19th on the team with 20 tackles and was fifth with three special teams tackles. He also started eight games last season.
What's the risk: Not much. He's a key under-the-radar signing that bolsters depth. The only downside was he represented the only deal by Baltimore on the first day of the negotiating window in free agency. Even though the Ravens need a starting running back, they didn't add one while seven free agent backs landed elsewhere.