The Baltimore Ravens had lost elements of their offensive line during free agency and were beginning to appear weak at the position. However, on Thursday, March 21, general manager Eric DeCosta began to address the issue with the signing of offensive lineman Josh Jones.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport wrote on Twitter, “The #Ravens have signed former #AZCardinals OT Josh Jones, adding some OT depth.”
Jones comes over from the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals on a one-year contract, giving him an opportunity to reestablish his worth.
The Ravens had lost three of their five starting linemen, including guard Kevin Zeitler to the Detroit Lions, guard John Simpson to the New York Jets, and offensive tackle Morgan Moses to the Jets.
Only OT.
Ronnie Stanley and center Tyler Linderbaum stayed in the starting lineup. Sarah Ellison, co-host of “The Vault: A Daily Ravens Podcast,” said on her account, “He has played both tackle and RG. Brings variety and experience, and he is also approaching his prime years. A depth player that allows the Ravens to reinforce their offensive line through the draft.”
The agreement now allows DeCosta some leeway to avoid reaching or feeling pressed for the duration of free agency or when the draft comes around.
Josh Jones Has Not Panned Out as Planned Thus Far
The Cardinals selected Jones in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft, and he was a highly regarded prospect.
Kevin Oestreicher, hosts the
blog, “Locked on Ravens,” stated, “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.”
The Houston product has not emerged as a star, but it has offered dependability when called upon in many scenarios.
Jones played little in his rookie year, but in his sophomore season, he began at guard, taking 73% of plays and starting 12 games. He went to left tackle in 2022, although his playing time fell to 52%.
The Cardinals traded him to the Texans in 2023, just before the season began, for a fifth-round selection. Jones started three games for the Texans but only played 26 percent.
