The one under-the-radar move Ravens must make in free agency

The Baltimore Ravens had several veterans emerge as unsung heroes in the 2023 season, including Arthur Maulet.

The Ravens signed Maulet to a one-year deal in July, which came two months after the Pittsburgh Steelers released him. His departure from Pittsburgh did not come as a surprise to him. He requested his release from the Steelers, with one of the reasons being a reported "difference in opinion" regarding his contract.

The Ravens’ call to sign Maulet was initially viewed as a low-risk, high-reward move. To the delight of Baltimore's coaching staff, Maulet went on to surpass expectations this past season.

Maulet provided much-needed depth to Baltimore’s secondary over the season. He featured in 408 total snaps on defense, with a combined 343 of them coming as a slot cornerback.

The Ravens called on Maulet to cover multiple speedy wideouts throughout the year, including Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He wound up allowing a 65.8 passer rating while in coverage in the season, and he also did not allow a single touchdown catch.

What would it take for the Ravens to keep Maulet?

Maulet defined versatile for the Ravens in the 2023 campaign, and it would be wise for team general manager Eric DeCosta to make a push to keep him in Baltimore.

It is currently unknown whether the Ravens have any plans to re-sign Maulet. If they do wish to bring back the seventh-year cornerback, it may not take much to do just that. A to Z Sports projects a one-year, $2 million deal for him in free agency.

Maulet blossomed under now-former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, and he sure has what it takes to do the same under Baltimore’s new defensive play-caller in Zach Orr.