Offseason In Review: Baltimore Ravens

2025’s final regular-season game saw the Ravens play the Steelers for top spot in the AFC North. A win would have allowed Baltimore to reach the playoffs despite a 1-5 start to the year, but rookie kicker Tyler Loop’s missed field goal at the end of regulation resulted in the team falling short.

In the immediate aftermath, a Ravens head coaching change ensued for the first time since 2008. John Harbaugh’s tenure came to an end in unexpected fashion, leaving the Ravens as one of 10 teams in need of a new HC. While Harbaugh managed to find a new opportunity in short order, Baltimore embarked on a lengthy search process for his replacement. A logical hire emerged, setting up the onset of the Jesse Minter era — one which will begin with long-term uncertainty again lingering over Lamar Jackson’s future.  

Free agency additions:

• Trey Hendrickson, OLB. Four years, $112MM ($60MM guaranteed)
• John Simpson, G. Three years, $30MM ($17.5MM guaranteed)
• Jaylinn Hawkins, S. Two years, $10MM ($5MM guaranteed)
• Calais Campbell, DL. One year, $5.5MM ($4.75MM guaranteed)
• Ethan Pocic, C. One year, $3.25MM ($3MM guaranteed)
• Durham Smythe, TE. One year, $3MM ($2MM guaranteed)
• Danny Pinter, C. One year, $2.75MM ($1.5MM guaranteed)
• Chris Moore, WR. One year, $1.3MM
• Hakeem Adeniji, OL. One year, $1.22MM
• K’Von Wallace, S. One year, $1.22MM
• Jovaughn Gwyn, OL. One year, $1.2MM
• Skylar Thompson, QB. One year, $1.15MM

To critics of the Ravens’ front office in particular, the Hendrickson signing was a point of contention with respect to the team’s decision to cancel the Maxx Crosby trade (which will be covered in below). Regardless of one’s views on the Crosby front, Hendrickson’s addition should prove to be highly impactful.

Defensive breakdowns were commonplace for Baltimore in 2025, particularly late in games. An acute lack of pass rush production was a major reason why; only two teams recorded fewer sacks than the Ravens last season. That made it no surprise when upgrading along the edge became an early priority for general manager Eric DeCosta. By the time Baltimore-Hendrickson connections emerged, though, many of the top EDGE options had come off the market.

During each of his four healthy campaigns with the Bengals, Hendrickson earned a Pro Bowl invitation. He also secured a first-team All-Pro nod in 2024 after leading the NFL with 17.5 sacks. Nevertheless, the core muscle surgery which ended his 2025 campaign was seen league-wide as the final chapter in his Cincinnati tenure. A years-long dispute with the team over an extension resulted in a pair of short-term compromises but never a second major financial commitment. It was widely known a free agent departure would be taking place in March.

Hendrickson sought top dollar at the early part of the new league year and held firm on his asking price while watching younger pass rushers cash in. A gap of $10MM per season existed at one point between the 31-year-old and his suitors, but that changed over time. A late entrant to the Hendrickson sweepstakes (perceived to be the Ravens, in light of the Crosby trade being nixed) emerged, and a Baltimore deal was in place soon after despite an offer from the Colts and sustained interest on the part of the Commanders.

Run defense was a key skillset for many edge rushers during the Harbaugh era. That area has long been known as a weak point in Hendrickson’s case, but his abilities as a sack artist will be welcomed as long as a return to health and his previous form takes place on his third NFL team. Edge setting is also seen as relative strength elsewhere among the Ravens’ pass rushers, something which should help Hendrickson maximize his pass rush production within Minter’s scheme. If not, Baltimore’s front seven could again be an issue in 2026.

DeCosta’s other top target at the start of free agency was improving the interior of the offensive line. He turned to a familiar face in March by reuniting with Simpson. Between his Raiders stint and a two-year run with the Jets, Simpson operated as a full-time Baltimore starter in 2023. Now preparing for his age-29 campaign, he will again be counted on to handle first-team duties with the Ravens.

Guard play was a Baltimore sore spot in 2025, and while Simpson’s PFF evaluations (aside from his first Jets season) have left plenty to be desired, he is positioned to offer a small upgrade at the left guard spot.

Through the spring, it remained unclear who would be joining Simpson along the interior of Baltimore’s offensive line. In mid-July, though, a logical candidate for the starting center gig emerged in the form of Pocic. Once it became known he had been medically cleared from a torn Achilles, the Ravens were mentioned a logical suitor. Indeed, an agreement commenced shortly thereafter.

Pocic is certainly not assured of a first-team gig, but the former Seahawk and Brown has 97 starts to his name. That makes him by far the most experienced option on Baltimore’s roster. Pinter (who at 30 is the same age but has made 87 fewer starts) and Gywn (who followed new offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford from the Falcons to the Ravens) are now likely to compete for a depth role ahead of roster cuts.

Minter’s scheme is known to depend in large part on three-safety looks. As such, the Hawkins addition could see him handle a heavy workload despite finding himself behind All-Pro Kyle Hamilton and 2025 first-rounder Malaki Starks on the depth chart. Hawkins certainly helped his market after playing on a series of one-year deals for much of his career. As a key figure on the Patriots’ AFC-winning defense, the former fourth-rounder set a new career high with four interceptions.

Several suitors came calling as a result. Another New England deal received consideration in this case, with the Cowboys, Texans and Panthers showing interest as well. Instead, Hawkins took by far the most lucrative contract of his career to join the Ravens. A regular safety role, and perhaps time lining up next to Roquan Smith as a de facto inside linebacker, will be in store for 2026. Thriving in Minter’s defense could allow for Hawkins, 29 in August, to secure another raise via a Baltimore extension or a free agent departure come 2028.

Campbell spent the 2020, ’21 and ’22 seasons in Baltimore. He was, to no surprise, a defensive stalwart and fan favorite during that span. DeCosta made multiple attempts to reacquire the 2010s All-Decade Team performer via trade in recent years, but to no avail. Even so, Campbell’s final NFL chapter is likely to play out in Baltimore.

Campbell has contemplated retirement on a number of occasions, but he plans on 2026 – the 19th season of his illustrious career – being his last. Despite his age (40 in September), the six-time Pro Bowler has remained a full-time starter and impactful defender deep into his NFL tenure. That was reflected by the fact other suitors were in play as Campbell considered his free agent options. Finishing in Baltimore should see Campbell continue to log a regular workload along the defensive line; his return could play a notable role in the team’s intended steps forward on that side of the ball.

As per usual in the case of the Ravens, only a small number of significant outside additions took place this offseason. Improved play at the line of scrimmage was rightfully seen as an area of focus on the open market, and familiarity will be present in a few cases as the team adapts to a coaching staff featuring plenty of new faces.

Re-signings:

Awuzie was limited to eight games during the 2020, ’22 and ’24 seasons. Injuries during those Dallas, Cincinnati and Tennessee campaigns made it no surprise when he only landed a one-year, $1.26MM pact upon arrival in Baltimore. The nine-year veteran managed to make 14 appearances with the Ravens, though, playing over half of the team’s defensive snaps and allowing the second-lowest completion percentage of his career along the way.

A raise was naturally going to be in store if Awuzie was to re-up with Baltimore. He did well to secure a full guarantee at signing, although the one-year term being repeated limits the risk from the Ravens’ perspective. Awuzie, 31, will again be the elder statesman of a cornerback group also featuring Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins and T.J. Tampa at the top of the depth chart.

Another notable workload could be forthcoming as a result, although the Ravens will of course hope to see less of Huntley on the field in 2026. Injuries to Lamar Jackson led Baltimore to rely at first on Cooper Rush, then Huntley, to fill in last season. While Rush struggled during his time on the field, Huntley reprised his role as a capable QB2 option for Baltimore.

The former UDFA won both of his 2025 starts (against the Bears and Packers) and kept alive the chance for the Ravens to clinch a playoff spot during Week 18 in the process. Huntley – previously with Baltimore from 2020-23 – represented a logical choice to be retained for the near term. Even with incentives pushing the maximum value of his latest pact to $11MM, the deal can be viewed as team-friendly given the backup QB market and Huntley’s familiarity with the Ravens.

The list of notable contracts DeCosta was willing to authorize in terms of in-house free agents was of course longer than two entering the offseason. Departures were a key feature of how the early portions of the 2026 league unfolded, however. Even so, Awuzie and Huntley each demonstrated value last season and could do so again with the new coaching staff in place.

Extensions and restructures:

Long before news of the extension, the Ravens expectedly picked up Flowers’ option. That set up $27.3MM in 2027 compensation, but any long-term deal was always going to cost considerably more. Another 2023 draftee (Jaxon Smith-Njigba) reset the WR market in the spring, landing $42.15MM per year on average. That undoubtedly helped Flowers’ floor on a Ravens pact, along with his unquestioned dominance of Baltimore’s passing game

The two-time Pro Bowler has been a favorite target for Jackson early and often through his career, receiving triple-digit targets every season to date. Flowers has increased his receiving totals in each of his three NFL seasons, and the terms of this pact certainly indicate the Ravens believe further progression will take place. A mutual interest was long known to exist in an agreement in this case, with a deal understandably being sought prior to Week 1.

The Ravens do not have a long or successful track record when it comes to developing productive receivers. Many of the team’s top contributors at that spot have been short-term, veteran acquisitions over the years. Flowers positioned himself as a logical candidate to break the mold and in doing so land a substantial multiyear deal. The lack of proven depth elsewhere on the WR depth chart should will help ensure the Boston College product remains a focal point on offense well into the future.

Flowers is entering his age-26 season. Like many other second receiver contracts, this one has landed him in the $35MM-per-year club with an AAV matching that of Justin Jefferson. The Vikings star has a stronger resume, but his extension was finalized two years ago. While an argument can be made about salary cap inflation helping to justify this Flowers deal, concerns related to his stature could nevertheless emerge as reasons for a relatively limited role in the red zone to continue. That, in turn, could hinder the return Baltimore receives on this franchise record-breaking extension.

This deal moves Flowers into second on the Ravens’ payroll (behind only Jackson) and doubles as the second-most lucrative deal in franchise history. It moves Baltimore into another stratosphere in terms of receiver costs. Entering the week, the Ravens had never authorized more than $15MM fully guaranteed (Odell Beckham Jr.‘s 2023 number) for a wideout. DeCosta’s other swings at the WR position have left plenty to be desired, but Flowers has been durable to date in his career. If that continues, he will have plenty of opportunities to meet the considerable expectations generated by this pact.

A process which could certainly be described as arduous eventually resulted in Jackson and the Ravens reaching an extension agreement just before the 2023 draft. From the outset, the structure of that pact made the 2026 offseason a checkpoint where a new extension would be feasible from cashflow and, in particular, cap perspectives.

Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti made no secret about his desire to hammer out a new Jackson deal this spring. Failing that, however, he made it clear the team would be willing to proceed with a restructure and delay an extension until 2027. Efforts were made in February to avoid such a scenario, but the sides made little progress during negotiations. Consequently, Baltimore moved forward with the temporary fix.

Jackson remains under contract through 2027, but the restructure inflated his cap charge for next season to an untenable $84.34MM. That has given the two-time MVP substantial leverage — a la Dak Prescott in 2024 — in future talks, and the matter of a third Ravens contract will be a major talking point heading into next offseason. A desire on the part of the team to work out an agreement remains, and Jackson himself – his brief 2023 trade request notwithstanding – has publicly confirmed his intention of signing another new Baltimore deal.

That trade request was borne not out of a genuine desire to leave the organization but rather a portion of Jackson’s overall actions aimed at leveraging a monster extension in 2023. He ultimately succeeded, although the objective of landing full guarantees beyond the first three years of the pact did not come to fruition.

Jackson still does not operate with an agent, and he continues to rely on an extremely small circle when it comes to advisors and financial matters. Details on the extension front are likely to be very few and far between over the coming months, and the 29-year-old could opt for patience with $52MM to be paid out over this season. Another raise will be in store provided the parties can once again agree to terms, but uncertainty is set to linger in this situation.

Notable losses:

• Daniel Faalele, G
• Alohi Gilman, S
• Jake Hummel, LB
• Dre’Mont Jones, OLB
• Charlie Kolar, TE
• Isaiah Likely, TE
• Tyler Linderbaum, C
• Keaton Mitchell, RB (nontendered as RFA)
• David Ojabo, OLB
• Patrick Ricard, FB
• Cooper Rush, QB (released)
• Jordan Stout, P
• Tylan Wallace, WR
• Ar’Darius Washington, S

Once the Ravens declined Linderbaum’s fifth-year option last spring – an expected move, given the fact all O-linemen are grouped together for the purpose of options and franchise tags – the possibility of a free agent departure gained steam. That remained the case to an increasing extent as contract talks never put team and player particularly close to an agreement.

As the new league year approached it became clear Linderbaum would test the open market despite mutual interest in a Ravens accord. That gave him the unusual distinction of an interior offensive lineman who occupied the No. 1 spot on PFR’s Top 50 Free Agents list. To no surprise, a robust market emerged with the Bears and Chargers among the top suitors.

In the end, Linderbaum landed a hugely player-friendly Raiders pact. A three-year deal averaging $27MM per season – a record-shattering figure for centers – concluded the free agency derby. The first two years are guaranteed in full, while the three-time Pro Bowler’s 2028 pay will vest one year from now. With matching those terms (essentially) not an option, the Ravens quickly pivoted to Trey Hendrickson and added him on a very similar free agent deal (in terms of average annual value) to Linderbaum’s.

Likely found himself in a similar situation to Linderbaum. Baltimore expressed interest on the topic of a re-signing, but earlier developments suggested that would be unlikely. At one point, Likely, Kolar and Mark Andrews each represented pending 2026 free agents. That changed when Andrews agreed to a three-year extension last December. Baltimore elected to keep the oldest member of the trio in place for the foreseeable future, pointing toward Likely heading elsewhere in search of an undisputed TE1 role.

That wound up being the case, despite Likely joining Andrews as a someone who had a strong advocate in the form of Lamar Jackson. Over half of the three-year, $40MM Giants pact Likely secured is guaranteed at signing, a financial commitment which would have been challenging for the Ravens to match or surpass. The 26-year-old has topped 40 receptions only once so far in his career, but that could soon change with an expanded role on offense.

Likely will of course also benefit from having a familiar coach on the sidelines. He – along with Faalele, Ricard, Stout and Washington – followed John Harbaugh from Baltimore to New York. Their departures (along with Kolar landing an impressive $17MM in guarantees from the Chargers and Wallace following ex-Ravens OC Todd Monken to Cleveland) created a number of vacancies. Special teams units in particular will look much different for the Ravens in 2026.

The trio of Hummel, Kolar and Wallace combined to log over 800 third-phase snaps last season. Mitchell also contributed in that regard with a regular role in the kick-return game. The 24-year-old flashed considerable potential as a change-of-pace back on offense as well, but his limited role did not mesh with the cost of an RFA tender.

Few surprises emerged over the course of free agency in terms of signings and departures in the case of the Ravens. The center question loomed for longer than expected, although that position has likely been addressed. Depth on offense in particular will nevertheless be a talking point heading into the fall.

Draft:

• Round 1, No. 14: Vega Ioane (G, Penn State) (signed)
• Round 2, No. 45: Zion Young (EDGE, Missouri) (signed)
• Round 3, No. 80: Ja’Kobi Lane (WR, USC) (signed)
• Round 4, No. 115: Elijah Sarratt (WR, Indiana) (signed)
• Round 4, No. 133 (from 49ers): Matthew Hibner (TE, SMU) (signed)
• Round 5, No. 162 (from Chargers): Chandler Rivers (CB, Duke) (signed)
• Round 5, No. 173: Josh Cuevas (TE, Alabama) (signed)
• Round 5, No. 174: Adam Randall (RB, Clemson) (signed)
• Round 6, No. 211 (from Broncos via Jets, Vikings and Eagles): Ryan Eckley (P, Michigan State) (signed)
• Round 7, No. 250: Rayshaun Benny (DT, Michigan) (signed)
• Round 7, No. 253: Evan Beerntsen (G, Northwestern) (signed)

Ely Allen’s PFR Mock Draft correctly predicted Francis Mauigoa landing with the Giants and Spencer Fano being selected by the Browns. It was also spot on in the case of Ioane and the Ravens.

Baltimore long loomed as a logical landing spot for the Penn State standout. Guard play was a major problem in 2025, and the free agent signing of John Simpson still left room for a starting-caliber rookie addition. Ioane was regarded as one of the top blockers in the 2026 class (perhaps the best, in the view of some observers) and many projections pointed to a top-15 selection.

The Ravens discussed a trade with the Lions, a team well known in advance of the draft to also be seeking O-line help. Detroit’s target was not Ioane but rather Kadyn Proctor, who wound up being selected 12th overall by the Dolphins. Once a trade-up for the Alabama blocker was no longer possible, Detroit was not interested in the Ravens deal. Baltimore stayed put and added what should be a plug-and-play starter up front.

To accommodate Simpson, Ioane will begin his career at the slightly less familiar right guard spot. Expectations for the latter will nevertheless be high early and often at the NFL level. Ioane earned first-team All-Big Ten and All-American honors in 2025, his second straight season without allowing a sack in pass protection. Similar performances with the Ravens would help stabilize an offensive line in need of stronger play if the team is to rebound from the disappointment of last year.

After two years at Michigan State, Young transferred to Missouri. That move proved to be worthwhile, as he set a new career high in sacks during the 2024 campaign (2.5) before taking another step forward last season (6.5 sacks). His play against the run stood out as well, with 22 tackles for loss as a member of the Tigers.

Trey Hendrickson will lead the way in the EDGE department in 2026 and beyond for the Ravens, but Young will join Tavius Robinson and Mike Green as regular contributors attached to their rookie deals. Day 2 and Day 3 investments among pass rushers have been a regular occurrence under GM Eric DeCosta (who also used a first-round pick on Odafe Oweh in 2021), but the return has often left plenty to be desired. If that were to change by means of Young becoming a consistent difference-maker against both the run and pass, Baltimore’s largest 2025 defensive deficiency should see significant improvement.

DeAndre Hopkins represented the Ravens’ latest short-term receiver addition last offseason. His offensive role was limited, but the former All-Pro remained effective in the red zone. It is in that area that Lane and/or Sarratt are likely to make an early impact. The former scored 12 touchdowns in 2024 while the latter caught 15 TD passes for the national champions this past season. Replacing Hopkins’ presence as a third-down and red zone threat would help complement Zay Flowers’ abilities in the middle of the field and Rashod Bateman’s skills as a deep threat.

Lane faced criticism about never fully realizing the potential demonstrated with his vertical ability, while he and Sarratt will of course also need refinement in their route running and other areas to become NFL starters. But especially in the event of injuries or poor showings elsewhere on a Baltimore WR depth chart lacking in known commodities, Lane or Sarratt could emerge as important offensive figures early on.

Depth is similarly a question mark at the tight end spot. The Ravens have a history of double-dipping at that position during the draft, and it would come as little surprise if Hibner in particular were to become a secondary pass-catching option in relatively short order. Doing so would go a long way in compensating for the free agent loss of Isaiah Likely.

Coaching/front office:

• Hired JoJo Wooden as consultant
• Promoted several front office personnel following the draft

As Nikhil Mehta detailed in his Ravens Offseason Outlook, a major coaching overhaul took place over the course of the winter. Little turnover took place in the front office, though. Wooden was among many personnel staffers added around the league shortly after the draft had wrapped up. His NFL experience dates back to 1997, giving Baltimore a highly experienced voice.

Wooden worked as the Chargers’ interim general manager to close out 2023 before a one-and-done Raiders stint. After being out of football last year, a jump to another high-profile gig in Baltimore or elsewhere could be in store during the 2027 hiring cycle.

Other:

The Crosby trade would have represented one of the NFL’s most impactful transactions of the 2026 offseason. Instead, the saga surrounding Baltimore’s decision to nix the agreement became the defining controversy of the spring.

The Ravens have never traded away a first-round pick for a veteran in their history; agreeing to send two Day 1 selections to the Raiders for Crosby illustrated the team’s willingness to make a splash along the edge. A move likely to be franchise-altering (on both sides) was set to take place until medical concerns led to the swap being called off.

The conclusion reached by multiple outside doctors upon reviewing the medicals Crosby took at the Ravens’ facility was that issues related to his knee would be problematic over time. Crosby underwent season-ending meniscus surgery late in the 2025 campaign. That was a procedure he did not want to have until the offseason, and one which played a role in his decision to quietly request a trade.

Backlash quickly emerged from the five-time Pro Bowler, since his medical situation (including a positive prognosis for at least the immediate future) was well known to trade suitors before the Baltimore agreement was in place. Outrage picked up when observers noticed the presence of Trey Hendrickson as a free agent fallback option and – very shortly thereafter – the news broke of a Ravens deal being struck in his case.

Eric DeCosta’s public remarks on the matter indicated Baltimore intended to not only execute the Crosby trade but also sign Hendrickson with the money which would have otherwise been used to retain Tyler Linderbaum. The average annual value of Hendrickson’s pact is nearly identical to the one Linderbaum landed with Vegas, but that did little to reduce the skepticism and frustration felt by many around the league regarding how the Ravens conducted themselves.

No league rules were broken along the way, and DeCosta noted teams stayed in contact with him through the remainder of the spring as roster moves were negotiated. The Browns’ decision to back out of an A.J. Epenesa signing represented another example in 2026 of medical concerns resulting in an agreement falling through. Nevertheless, it is safe to assume the lingering effects of the Crosby trade not coming to pass will be felt for an extended period from Baltimore’s perspective.

Madubuike’s absence was acutely felt in 2025 as the Ravens struggled to generate a pass rush along the edge or from the interior. The question of his chances for returning to action was an open one for several months, although optimism emerged at times through the offseason. Shortly before the news of his activation following a brief active/PUP stint, Madubuike was said to be trending in the right direction. Provided his momentum in that regard continues through to the fall, the two-time Pro Bowler will reprise his role as one of the Ravens’ most important defenders.

Top 10 cap charges for 2026:

1. Lamar Jackson, QB: $34.39MM
2. Roquan Smith, LB: $32.72MM
3. Nnamdi Madubuike, DT: $29.87MM
4. Marlon Humphrey, CB: $26.28MM
5. Trey Hendrickson, OLB: $15MM
6. Kyle Hamilton, S: $10.68MM
7. Ronnie Stanley, T: $9.86MM
8. Mark Andrews, TE: $6.98MM
9. Rashod Bateman, WR: $6.18MM
10. Calais Campbell, DL: $6MM

Even with Jackson’s cap hit being lowered via a restructure, it is still among the largest in the AFC for 2026. Looking ahead, there is the potential for plenty of stability among Baltimore’s top earners in terms of remaining in place through to next season. Humphrey is a pending 2027 free agent, however, while each of Smith, Madubuike, Stanley and Bateman are currently scheduled to receive nonguaranteed salaries beginning next season. Significant turnover among veterans on both sides of the ball could be in store depending on the performance of many key players over the coming months.

The core of this team is no stranger to expectations with respect to a strong showing during the regular season and a deep playoff run. Questions about major coaching changes on both sides of the ball and the Ravens’ ability to adapt right away are valid, although it will presumably be relevant that Minter has a degree of familiarity with the organization already.

That could help result in a tweak more than a complete reset, something which the front office’s moves largely illustrate was the goal of the offseason. Once again, the bar will be high for the Ravens (particularly if Jackson can avoid the injury issues of 2025), but once again, the upside with this roster is significant.