The Baltimore Ravens have had a top fantasy defense for quite a while, but counting on them for 2019 looks questionable. The young offseason has already brought plenty of changes to the 2018 group, with more still to come. It's not the same defense anymore.
Baltimore shelled out big money for Earl Thomas last week, and that's huge -- should cover for the loss of Eric Weddle, certainly. That's one spot. But will be tough for Baltimore to upgrade all the other spots they've lost someone.
Every defense experiences some turnover, but it's pretty shocking how much Baltimore has gone through. Most of the best players from last year's team will be suiting up elsewhere next year. Linebacker Patrick Onwuasor (pictured) is one of the more noteworthy returning players.
Here are the 11 players who started their playoff game against the Chargers, and their current status.
| RAVENS DEFENSE | |
|---|---|
| Player | Status |
| NT B.Williams | Returning |
| DT B.Urban | Free agent |
| DE T.Suggs | Signed with Cardinals |
| MLB C.Mosley | Signed with Jets |
| WLB P.Onwuasor | Returning |
| SAM Z.Smith | Signed with Packers |
| LCB J.Smith | Expected to be released |
| FS E.Weddle | Released, signed with Rams |
| SS T.Jefferson | Probably returning |
| DB B.Carr | Returning |
| RCB M.Humphrey | Returning |
Returning players in bold. Tony Jefferson is set to make $8 million next year. which ties up a whole lot of money in the safety position. He's probably returning, but after the Thomas signing, we'll see.
Maybe the system is more important than the individual players, but exercise caution before selecting Baltimore in early best-ball leagues. Different team now.
--Andy Richardson