Championship windows don't stay open forever in the NFL. Remember when we thought the Seattle Seahawks had one brewing, led by the Legion of Boom? That didn't work out. They'd have to wait a dozen years for a former Baltimore Ravens assistant to lead them to another.
The flock had mixed emotions about that one. Sure, everyone was happy for Mike Macdonald, but there was also a sense of restlessness. Why couldn't he do that here? That's what some asked. The task of winning the Ravens' organization's third Lombardi Trophy now rests on the shoulders of Jesse Minter and his staff.
Coaching staffs are often only as good as their talent, though, and now the task shifts from building a coaching staff to building a roster. Step one comes, in part, by navigating a free-agency frenzy.
Tyler Linderbaum's name rises to the top of the list of priorities, but his expected price tag may force him to move elsewhere. That would place the Ravens in quite a pickle, but there are options in the free agency pool of talent if Baltimore decides it wants to go fishing.
Connor McGovern, Buffalo Bills
If we stacked the game's best free agents in terms of talent and ranked them accordingly, Connor McGovern's name may not be towards the top. We may cycle through a lot of guards and tackles before we arrive at his mention, but truth be told, he's probably the best center entering free agency who is not named Tyler Linderbaum.
He's one of the better interior pass blockers across the NFL, and he can play guard if there are any emergencies. Put an asterisk by his name, and pay close attention if the Bills don't bring him back next season.
Andre James, Los Angeles Chargers
Andre James only logged one start in the Chargers' 17 regular-season games last season, but he has started 62 of the 108 games he has played during his career (three in the postseason). He's effective in pass protection. He has also proven that he can handle complex defensive fronts.
Ethan Pocic, Cleveland Browns
One good turn deserves another. The Cleveland Browns have taken so much from the Ravens in terms of coaching, so now Baltimore might take an opportunity to raid their roster. Etan Pocic has played nearly 3,000 snaps. He's still young
Cade Mays, Carolina Panthers
A former sixth-round draft choice, Cade Mays has logged 28 starts in 53 in-game appearances, including one during the postseason. He's a solid, ascending star who is versatile. He has had experience at various points in his career playing guard, center, and tackle.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: NFL Free Agency: 4 targets the Ravens can sign to replace Tyler Linderbaum