2020 NFL Free Agency: Early predictions for top 25 players

20. OLB Matthew Judon, Baltimore Ravens

2019 Salary: $2,088,934

Where he will sign: Baltimore Ravens

If the Baltimore Ravens go the distance this season, you know they’ll do everything in their power to keep the band together. That’s never easy coming off a big campaign, but the Ravens need to prioritize bringing back Matthew Judon instead of letting him escape via free agency.

Their sack leader this season and an underrated pass rusher, Judon has played a pivotal role in the Baltimore defense’s success. As painful as it would be to lose other players such as Jimmy Smith or Michael Pierce, the rising star off the edge needs to stay put. They have the cap space to bring back a number of players, and Judon needs to be on that list.

Right now, the Ravens are projected to have about $51 million in cap space this upcoming offseason. Much of that will need to go to re-signing their current talent, and Judon will absolutely command a large portion of that as a top edge rusher. Again, it won’t be cheap, but bringing him back to serve as the star quarterback hunter is a must.

One way or another, the Ravens find a way to get it done. Even if it entails using the franchise tag to lock him down, Baltimore will do what’s necessary to ensure Judon stays in Maryland for at least one more year.