For the most part, the Baltimore Ravens have concluded their moves in free agency.

They saw one of their best young players depart (Kelechi Osemele), landed a big fish (Eric Weddle) and bolstered their already overflowing tight-end group (Ben Watson). The next major influx of talent shouldn’t arrive until late April when the 2016 NFL Draft commences.

However, before that happens, the Ravens can make some small yet meaningful signing. Such moves won’t garner huge headlines, but it could make a different on the field come next season.

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– Sign outside linebacker Mike Neal

Though far from Baltimore’s biggest defection this offseason, the loss of outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw leaves the defense without one of its top rotational edge rushers and run defenders. The limitations of the salary cap kept general manager Ozzie Newsome from seriously pursuing Upshaw, but the contract he received suggests a soft market for second-tier rush linebackers.

If Newsome desires, an Upshaw-esque option remains on the table.

Mike Neal, who spent his first six seasons with the Green Bay Packers, has a similar body type and skillset to Upshaw. A converted defensive lineman, Neal has developed into a plus run defender who can add some juice coming off the edge on passing downs. Better still, Neal had more sacks last year counting the playoffs (six) than Upshaw has produced in his career to date (five).

Thus far, Neal has received only passing interest from the Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks. If he remains on the market much longer, the Ravens could convince him to accept a one-year “show me” deal to rebuild his value.

– Sign defensive end Antonio Smith

Malik Jackson became the unlikely superstar during the Denver Broncos’ successful run to Super Bowl 50, wreaking havoc alongside Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware in one of the most impressive defensive performances in recent history. However, fellow interior defensive lineman Antonio Smith quietly made an impact, generating pressure throughout the playoffs including the beat down of Cam Newton in the final game.

Smith has long served as a top rotational defensive lineman, but he hasn’t yet located a home for 2016. His age (34) likely has played a role in that, but for a team like the Ravens, he could become a useful asset on a short-term deal.

– Sign Will Beatty (if healthy), release Eugene Monroe

Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti and head coach John Harbaugh seem at odds over Eugene Monroe’s future with the team. Bisciotti wants to see him stick around as the starting left tackle while Harbaugh wants an open competition at the position. Given Monroe’s cap number this season ($8.7 million), Baltimore could decide to release him and create some badly needed cap space. In the event the team goes that route, former New York Giants blindside protector Will Beatty could become a viable replacement option.

The big question surrounding Beatty is his health. He underwent surgery on his right shoulder last year and may not have yet fully recovered. If the Ravens can’t count on him come the regular season, it makes no sense to cut bait with Monroe now.

Unlike with Neal and Smith, Beatty hit the market after his former team released him. That means any team signing him wouldn’t jeopardize future compensatory picks, something the Ravens should consider given the valuable selection they expect to receive for losing Osemele.

Jason B. Hirschhorn
Jason B. Hirschhorn

Jason B. Hirschhorn is an award-winning sports journalist and Pro Football Writers of America member. He has bylines at NFL.com, SB Nation, Sports Illustrated, and other outlets.

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