CJ Mosley's retirement might have jumpstarted another Ravens reunion

Reunions are fun. We all love reunions. For the Baltimore Ravens, they've seen their fair share of reunions with former players returning. Players such as Josh Bynes, Brandon Stokley, and Maʻake Kemoeatu, for example, returned to Baltimore. The team has a family atmosphere that players enjoy, so it's no surprise they want to come back. Baltimore almost had a reunion with its former middle linebacker, CJ Mosley, who played for the Ravens from 2014 to 2018 before he announced his retirement.

Per Rick Ritter of WJZ, there was mutual interest in a Mosley and Ravens reunion that would've seen the former Baltimore Pro Bowler return to Charm City. However, Mosley couldn't get cleared because of a neck injury that forced his decision to retire. It would have been cool to see Mosley back in Baltimore with an already good defense, and teaming up with Roquan Smith would have been quite the duo. One reunion with Mosley, though, could lead to another reunion with another former Ravens stud defensive player.

Za'Darius Smith could join an elite-level defense

Zachary Pereles of CBSSports.com discussed the remaining questions the team has after the signing of defensive back Jaire Alexander. Questions include the kicker and the left guard position, as well as the pass rush. For help in the pass rush, Pereles suggests former Baltimore 2015 4th-round pick, Za'Darius Smith. Smith, who is currently a free agent, could help out Baltimore's unit.

Pereles writes:

"The Ravens finished second in sacks and eighth in sack rate last season but just 20th in pressure rate and 29th in ESPN's pass rush win rate. Usually, those first two stats line up more with the latter two, meaning there could be some regression in the sacks department. Plus, in the biggest game of the year -- the season-ending playoff loss to Buffalo -- the Ravens managed just one sack against Josh Allen."

"Kyle Van Noy had 12.5 sacks last season and Odafe Oweh had 10, career highs for both players. But Baltimore could still use reinforcements, hence the selection of FBS sack leader Mike Green in the second round. Is there another move to come? Former Ravens Jadeveon Clowney, Matt Judon andZa'Darius Smith remain free agents, as do other notable names."

It is not just Smith that Pereles lists, but also Matt Judon and Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney was recently on the team in 2023 and had a big year with 9.5 sacks. Judon got 34.5 sacks in his 5 years as a Raven from 2016 to 2020.

Za'Darius Smith has made three Pro Bowls since he signed with the Green Bay Packers as a free agent in 2019. Smith had three double-digit sack seasons in 2019, 2020, and 2022, and he's coming off a 9-sack season in 2024. Smith would add a lot to a pass rush with Kyle Van Noy, Odafe Oweh, and Mike Green.