The Baltimore Ravens have bolstered their interior offensive line by signing veteran center Ethan Pocic to a one-year contract. The deal, which includes a base value of $3 million, offers an additional $1.5 million available through incentives. The 30-year-old center, who turns 31 next month, arrives in Baltimore following a four-year stint with the Cleveland Browns. His addition comes as the Ravens look to address a significant vacancy at the position following the departure of three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, who joined the Raiders in free agency.
Ethan Pocic brings 97 career starts to Baltimore
Pocic enters his 10th NFL season with a resume that includes 97 starts across nine years in the league. He originally entered the NFL as a second-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks in 2017, where he spent his first five seasons appearing in 57 games with 40 starts. He subsequently signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2022, where he started 57 games for the club over the next four seasons. This extensive track record makes him the most proven player in the Ravens’ current center competition.
Pocic clears medical recovery from Achilles injury
The veteran’s availability follows his recovery from a significant injury; Pocic was recently medically cleared after tearing his left Achilles in a Dec. 7 game against the Titans. His ability to sustain that recovery remains a focal point for the team. According to reports, Pocic should be considered the favorite to secure the starting role if his surgically repaired Achilles holds up through the rigors of training camp.
Before Pocic’s arrival, the Ravens’ interior offensive line depth chart was comprised of players with limited starting experience. Danny Pinter, who appeared in 77 games during five seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, had only recorded 10 career starts. Other candidates, including Jovaughn Gwyn, Corey Bullock, and Nick Dawkins, had not yet started an NFL game. With Pocic now in the mix, the nature of the center battle has shifted from a wide-open competition to one where the veteran holds a clear advantage. Consequently, Pinter may now be competing for a spot as the team’s top interior reserve, while Bullock, Gwyn, and Dawkins face a more difficult path as they fight for one or two remaining roster spots.
John Simpson and Vega Ioane join restructured offensive line
Pocic joins an interior offensive line that has undergone a significant transformation this offseason. The Ravens previously signed veteran John Simpson during free agency to fill the starting left guard position and selected Vega Ioane in the first round of the draft to serve as the starting right guard. The integration of these new starters, alongside the center position, will be a priority for the coaching staff as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Reaction to the acquisition has highlighted the balance between Pocic’s veteran reliability and his injury history. Nikhil Mehta of Baltimore Beatdown noted that once Pocic was medically cleared for training camp, his signing appeared to be a logical move for general manager Eric DeCosta. Mehta emphasized that Pocic’s 97 starts dwarf the experience of the other players currently on the roster. While the Browns’ offensive line was viewed as a solid unit when healthy during Pocic’s tenure, questions regarding his durability persist, specifically his ability to avoid the injuries that have previously prevented him from playing a full season. Despite these concerns, the consensus is that Pocic provides a solid, experienced option that the Ravens require to solidify their front line.
As the team transitions into training camp, the coaching staff will likely prioritize first-team repetitions for Pocic to build chemistry with the unit. The Ravens, who are looking to maintain stability across their offensive front, will be monitoring his progress closely to ensure he can handle a full practice load. For now, the signing is viewed as a strategic maneuver that provides the Ravens with a seasoned anchor in the middle of their offense, potentially paying dividends as the team navigates the challenges of the upcoming NFL schedule.
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