John Harbaugh addresses Ravens' alleged interest in high-profile free agent

When Jadeveon Clowney visited the Ravens earlier this week, he ended up leaving Baltimore without signing a deal. However, John Harbaugh is still optimistic that the two sides can eventually agree to a contract. Speaking to reporters Thursday, the Ravens coach said Clowney is still a realistic option, but Harbaugh also cautioned that the organization is talking to other free-agent edge defenders.

“I haven’t heard otherwise,” Harbaugh said of a potential Clowney signing, via ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. “It’s, ‘So you’re saying we still got a chance?’”

Clowney was in Baltimore for a visit on Tuesday, and we later learned that the front office made an offer to the veteran. Clowney will continue to consider his options, but it sounds like it’s only a matter of time before the pass-rusher makes a decision.

The former first overall pick was cut by the Browns earlier this offseason following a disappointing two-sack campaign. Clowney will be hard pressed to hit the $8M deal he signed with Cleveland last offseason, but he could point to Justin Houston, Leonard Floyd, and Frank Clark all signing deals between $5M and $7M in 2023. The Ravens are currently armed with $9.5M in cap space.

Elsewhere on defense, Harbaugh acknowledged that the team’s current cornerback depth is “an issue, no doubt,” per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. The head coach also noted that the cornerback position is an issue the Ravens will probably have to address, a hint that the team could be making an addition to their secondary.

Part of the team’s issues at cornerback are related to injuries. Rock Ya-Sin, Jalyn Armour-Davis and Arthur Maulet are currently sidelined with injuries, while Pepe Williams has been limited during training camp. The team’s depth will only improve with time, but Harbaugh seemed to indicate that the front office would consider additions at the position regardless of health.