Potential Cut Candidate: Analyst, $98 million first-round selection by the Ravens.

After the Baltimore Ravens faced a disappointing end-of-season loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship game, General Manager Eric DeCosta is confronted with the challenge of enhancing a championship core. However, the team’s current cap situation poses limitations unless tough roster decisions are made.

One such suggested move, put forward by Glenn Erby, a writer for USA Today’s Ravens Wire, involves the post-June 1 cut of Marlon Humphrey. Despite being just 28 years old for the upcoming season, cutting Humphrey could result in substantial cap savings for the Ravens. Erby highlights that by cutting Humphrey post-June 1, the team would save $11.75 million in cap space while incurring a dead cap hit of $11.12 million.

Currently, Humphrey holds the third-highest cap hit on the team, with a 5-year contract extension signed in 2020 worth $97.5 million in new money, including $40.3 million in full guarantees at signing.

Despite Humphrey’s stellar contributions in his seven-year career, including being an All-Pro First Team and a three-time Pro Bowler, this season marked a departure from his usual performance due to various injuries. He played only 10 regular-season games and missed the Divisional Round matchup against the Houston Texans, setting career lows in several statistical categories.

While restructuring Humphrey’s contract is an option, it may only delay the inevitable. However, such flexibility could be beneficial for the Ravens in free agency.

Although parting ways with Humphrey is considered unlikely, ESPN’s Field Yates proposed an interesting scenario in his mock draft, suggesting the Ravens select Kamari Lassiter, a cornerback from Georgia, with the No. 30 pick. This move is motivated by the Ravens’ remarkable defensive performance last season despite an injury-impacted cornerback room. Lassiter, known for his confidence in man coverage, could provide valuable support, especially considering the potential turnover in key defensive free agents during the offseason.

In any case, while roster decisions are challenging, the Ravens must carefully navigate these choices to strengthen their team for the upcoming season.