One of the position groups still surrounded by question marks for the Ravens is that of edge rusher. The team has been connected to a number of veterans this offseason, but little progress has been made lately on any noteworthy additions. 
Arguably the most logical move available is a reunion with Justin Houston. The 33-year-old spent last season with the team, starting all 15 contests he appeared in. He totalled 4.5 sacks and 17 QB hits, providing consistency to an otherwise inexperienced unit. The Ravens have yet to re-sign him, but they placed the rarely-used UFA tender on him. That leaves Houston free to sign with another team until July 22, at which point Baltimore will hold exclusive negotiating rights; a deal on the tender would pay him slightly more than the $2.1MM he made in 2021.
As that deadline approaches, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic writes that the situation between the two sides remains “in a holding pattern” (subscription required). That could lead to a further opportunity for fellow veteran Jason Pierre-Paul to be brought into the fold. The two-time Super Bowl winner visited the Ravens last month, as he looks to join a contender on the open market once again. He had a down season in 2021 with only 2.5 sacks, but is one year removed from his third Pro Bowl campaign.
At present, the Ravens are led in the pass-rush department by Tyus Bowser, whose Week 1 availability remains in doubt due to the torn Achilles he suffered at the end of last season. The same injury will delay second round rookie David Ojabo‘s NFL debut for a significant period of time. That leaves 2021 draftees Odafe Oweh and Daelin Hayes in line for sizeable roles, with recent signing Steven Means available as depth.
With the aforementioned injury concerns, as well as, unfortunately, a roster spot open after the death of Jaylon Ferguson, Zrebiec “wouldn’t rule out” the possibility of both Houston and Pierre-Paul playing in Baltimore this season. The team is severely lacking in cap space right now, so adding both would be difficult from a financial standpoint; however, the signing of one could be the move most likely to happen between now and training camp.
Houston is the most logical veteran option, as the article points out, but this will ultimately come down to whomever is willing to play for the cheapest deal. Baltimore is eager to sign its quarterback to a long term deal, which will eat up future cap, and is already on the lower end of the cap spectrum. They are not in a position to fully recoup the value they missed out on with Smith, but whomever is the cheapest bet that they can get will likely be their best move.
According to an article here yesterday, the Ravens currently have $3.9M in available cap space. According to UFA rules, the Ravens’ offer to Houston has to be 110% of last year’s offer, so that would come out to $2.2825M, leaving about $1.6M for JPP. I’m not sure what the minimum would be for him based on his service time. It’s unlikely they’d get both without other cost cutting moves.
Not a lot of wiggle room for sure. Is there a possible trade partner out there? Someone who has tight cap space as well; whos’ willing to give up an edge guy because they need a safety (Chuck Clark). An edge for Chuck and a 5 in the 2023 draft?