Kevin Zeitler and 2 players Ravens definitely regret letting go in 2024

The Baltimore Ravens are flying high in 2024, boasting an 8-4 record and one of the NFL's most explosive offenses. Lamar Jackson is leading a dynamic unit that has earned comparisons to the legendary “Greatest Show on Turf.” With Derrick Henry dominating on the ground and Mark Andrews thriving in the passing game, the Ravens are legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

The Ravens’ success this season is a result of smart roster moves, but a few offseason departures are starting to feel more costly as the year goes on. With limited money to spend, some decisions to let players go seemed minor at the time but have left holes that could have made this strong roster even better.

Jadeveon Clowney, DE

Losing Jadeveon Clowney last offseason was the cost of business. They didn't have enough money to pay him after a career year in Baltimore. Fast-forward a couple of months, and it's obvious both sides could have benefitted from a compromise.

Clowney joined the Carolina Panthers in the offseason, but it hasn't worked out. The team stinks, and his sack production has fallen off a cliff. After tying his career-high sack total with 9.5 last year, he's registered just 2.5 so far for the Panthers. Baltimore's pass rush is led by Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh, with eight a piece, but the lack of consistency from anyone else in the "get after the quarterback" department is lacking.

Clowney proved he was a great fit last season with the Purple and Black. There's no reason to suspect the Ravens aren't regretting letting him walk.

John Simpson, OG

John Simpson took his talents to the lowly New York Jets this offseason, securing the interior line of Aaron Rogers. Unfortunately, the Jets' season has all but fallen apart, and it's fair to wonder how happy Simpson is with his decision to leave Baltimore.

The Ravens could use Simpson. Their offensive guard rotation has been an absolute nightmare. Tyler Linderbaum has been holding down the fort at center, but the guard play surrounding him has been atrocious. None of Daniel Faalele, Patrick Mekari, Ben Cleveland, or Andrew Vorhees have done much of anything to help the offense.

In hindsight, the Ravens definitely missed on letting Simpson go. They need stability in the interior line now more than ever.

Kevin Zeitler, OG

Speaking of strong, consistent interior line play, Kevin Zeitler is most likely the most missed player from 2024. Zeitler spearheads the NFL's most daunting offensive line for the Detroit Lions. His 88.1 PFF grade tells you everything you need to know: he's good.

Baltimore's biggest offensive weakness is the play of their offensive line. They play undisciplined football. Zeitler does not. The Ravens just didn't want to bring Zeitler back. Looking back, this was a pretty terrible oversight by general manager Eric DeCosta. While Zeitler is enjoying another Pro Bowl-level season in Detroit, the Ravens are shuffling out anyone and their mother to play their offensive guard positions.

You can't help but think the Ravens regret letting Zeitler go. They botched that one.