As insurance, the Ravens sign a versatile 26-year-old former third-rower.

Throughout free agency, the Baltimore Ravens lost players along their offensive line, making the position appear threadbare. But with the addition of OL Josh Jones on Thursday, March 21, general manager Eric DeCosta started to allay the worries.

“The #Ravens have signed former #AZCardinals OT Josh Jones, adding some OT depth,” tweets NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

Jones signs a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans, which will allow him time to regain his reputation.

The Ravens had lost three of their five starting linemen after guard Kevin Zeitler was traded to the Detroit Lions, guard John Simpson was acquired by the New York Jets, and offensive tackle Morgan Moses was acquired by the Jets.

Of the opening lineup, just center Tyler Linderbaum and overtime player Ronnie Stanley were left. “The Vault: A Daily Ravens Podcast” co-host Sarah Ellison wrote on her account, “He has played at both tackle positions and RG.” brings experience and variety, and he’s about to enter his prime. A depth player who permits the Ravens to continue strengthening their offensive line through the draft.

DeCosta now has some leeway to avoid feeling pressed for the duration of his free agency or when the draft comes around thanks to the agreement.

Thus Far, Josh Jones Has Not Worked Out as Expected
Jones was a highly regarded prospect who was selected by the Cardinals in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

“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,” wrote podcast host Kevin Oestreicher on social media.

The Houston product has not developed into a star but has provided stability when called upon in different situations.

Jones played very little during his rookie year but during his sophomore season he started at the guard position and played 73% of snaps and started 12 games. He moved to the left tackle position in 2022 but his playing time dropped to 52%.

The Cardinals traded him to the Texans in 2023 right before the start of the season for a 5th round pick. Jones started three games for the Texans but only played 26% of the offensive snaps.

Jones will only be 27 years old when the 2024 season kicks off and could still develop into a starting lineman. As of right now, he provides valuable depth and versatility that can be used across the line, which gives coach John Harbaugh more options.

Josh Jones Gives Baltimore Depth and Versatility
The Ravens’ offensive lineman position group was starting to appear a touch thin. The only other lineman who played a significant amount of snaps for the Ravens in 2023 was Patrick Mekari, aside from Stanley and Linderbaum.

Although OL Andrew Vorhees, who is expected to return from an ACL injury, will essentially be playing in his rookie season, the Ravens have high expectations for him.

Adding Jones to the team gives the Ravens a veteran plug-and-play lineman in case of injury or poor form. The Ravens were rotating Mekari, Moses and Stanley towards the end of the season to keep them fresh, so Jones gives them another option.

Oestreicher wrote, “He’s still only 26 and versatile, and while he’s struggled at points, is solid OL depth for the Ravens.”

Stanley has dealt with injury concerns since he signed his massive contract with the Ravens, so bringing in a player that could fill in during a sticky situation gives Baltimore flexibility.

The Ravens will look to the draft, with their 9 picks, to improve the group further but won’t feel forced into reaching. Ellison explained, “A depth player that still allows the Ravens to look to the draft to bolster the offensive line.”