Worrying theme developing for Ravens' biggest offseason need

The Baltimore Ravens are entering what could easily be described as their most important offseason in recent memory.

With the coaching changes, coupled with the need to ease Lamar Jackson's cap impact, plus addressing their free agency needs in both retaining and obtaining players, new head coach Jesse Minter has his work cut out for him.

But we are noticing a theme over the last week or so regarding Baltimore's biggest need this offseason, and it has nothing to do with Lamar.

CBS Sports' Josh Edwards states the Ravens' biggest need is to fix the defensive line.

"Baltimore turned over essentially its entire coaching staff, but head coach Jesse Minter and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver are familiar faces to the operation," Edwards wrote.

"The defense could use assistance at every position: defensive line, linebacker, cornerback and safety. Minter comes from Los Angeles where the Rams had made the most out of the talent on the roster."

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Lamar central to the Ravens' offseason plans

Yes, the Ravens do have some defensive line issues, and they are clearly a priority, but the franchise can't do anything to fix them until Lamar and his $74.5 million cap hit are eased.

Whether that be via a restructure or an extension, the Ravens, right now, are hamstrung by Jackson's cap hit, and until that is fixed, which we think will be sooner rather than later, Baltimore can't do anything.

Once Lamar's cap hit is down, Baltimore can then work to begin fixing the defensive line, and Minter's vision for his defense can begin to take shape.

But we are in an odd holding pattern right now, which Ravens fans hope doesn't last long.

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