The Baltimore Ravens are entering a pivotal offseason-one marked by transition, tough decisions, and the hope that a new head coach can steer the ship back toward contention. After an 8-9 finish that fell far short of last summer’s Super Bowl buzz, Baltimore has tapped Jesse Minter to take over the reins. Minter, who brings a strong defensive pedigree, steps in with a clear mandate: restore the Ravens’ edge on both sides of the ball and retool a roster that’s facing some serious turnover.
Let’s break down the key areas where Baltimore will need to focus as they head into the 2026 offseason.
The Lamar Jackson Contract Looms Large
Before anything else, the Ravens need to lock in their franchise quarterback. Lamar Jackson’s contract situation is priority No. 1-and rightfully so.
He remains the heartbeat of this team, and with 22 unrestricted free agents on the books, securing Jackson provides the foundation for everything else. The Ravens have $13.8 million in cap space to carry over into 2026, which gives them some flexibility, but the front office will need to get creative to keep their core intact.
Offensive Line: Anchors in Place, but Reinforcements Needed
There’s a lot to like about the top-end talent here. Tyler Linderbaum earned Pro Bowl recognition and continues to look like a long-term anchor at center.
Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten held their own in 2026, giving the Ravens solid bookends at tackle. But the interior line-specifically at guard-needs attention.
Daniel Faalele is likely on his way out, and Andrew Vorhees is a potential cut after a rocky season. Vorhees allowed three sacks over 969 snaps and graded out poorly, ranking 60th among 81 guards per PFF.
Rookie Emery Jones Jr. was mostly sidelined with a shoulder injury and didn’t show much in limited action. Baltimore needs to bolster the guard position-whether through the draft or free agency-to give Jackson the protection he needs and to get the run game back to its punishing best.
Defensive Line: Injuries Create Urgency
The Ravens’ defensive front took a hit in 2026 with season-ending injuries to Nnamdi Madubuike and Broderick Washington. Madubuike’s future is now up in the air as he enters free agency, adding another layer of uncertainty.
Travis Jones flashed serious potential and looks like a building block, while John Jenkins is back in the fold. Aeneas Peebles enters Year 2 with breakout potential, but this group needs depth and durability.
If Baltimore wants to return to being a top-tier defensive unit, shoring up the trenches is non-negotiable.
Edge Rusher: Time to Reload
Rookie Mike Green had an uneven year, but he showed promise late in the season. He logged 713 snaps, finishing with 3.5 sacks, 19 pressures, and 14 quarterback hits-but also a 46.3 PFF grade, which speaks to the inconsistency.
With multiple edge rushers hitting free agency, this is a spot where Baltimore needs to reload. Dre’Mont Jones should be a centerpiece moving forward, and the returns of Tavius Robinson and Adisa Isaac from injury will help.
Still, expect Minter and the front office to target more juice off the edge-this defense needs a closer.
Cornerback: Talent at the Top, Questions Everywhere Else
Nate Wiggins is the real deal-he’s a cornerstone piece in the secondary. But beyond him, the picture gets murky.
Jaire Alexander was traded to the Eagles and is weighing retirement. Chidobe Awuzie is set to hit free agency.
Marlon Humphrey is still under contract, but his future in Baltimore isn’t guaranteed-he could be a trade or cap casualty.
Depth is also a concern. Sixth-rounders Robert Longerbeam and Bilhal Kone are both coming off major knee injuries.
T.J. Tampa is still trying to find his footing.
The Ravens need to restock the cornerback room, both for the present and the future, especially in a league where elite receiver play is the norm.
Tight End: What’s Next for Isaiah Likely?
Mark Andrews is locked in after signing an extension, but the rest of the tight end room is in flux. Isaiah Likely had a rough go in 2026 after breaking his foot in training camp.
He never quite got back on track, finishing with just 27 catches for 307 yards-all career lows. With two tight ends hitting free agency, the Ravens will need to decide whether Likely is still part of the long-term plan or if it’s time to move in a different direction.
Wide Receiver: Zay Flowers Shines, but Depth is a Concern
Zay Flowers continues to blossom into a star, earning his second straight Pro Bowl nod after racking up 85 catches, 1,211 yards, and five touchdowns. He’s the centerpiece of this receiving corps-but the rest of the group has more questions than answers.
Rashod Bateman struggled through a disappointing season, missing the AFC North title game due to illness and finishing with just 19 catches for 224 yards and two scores. DeAndre Hopkins added 39 receptions and 330 yards, but didn’t move the needle much. Young receivers Devontez Walker and LaJohntay Wester didn’t get many opportunities, and their development will be something to watch under the new regime.
And then there’s the wildcard: Derrick Henry has reportedly been recruiting A.J. Brown to Baltimore.
If the Ravens are serious about giving Lamar Jackson more weapons, adding a top-tier receiver like Brown would be a statement move. But even if that doesn’t materialize, it’s clear the receiver room could use another high-impact player.
Final Thoughts
The Ravens are at a crossroads. Jesse Minter steps into a situation that’s both challenging and full of potential.
There’s a franchise quarterback to re-sign, a roster in flux, and a fan base hungry for a return to contender status. With a strong draft, smart free-agent moves, and a clear vision from the new coaching staff, Baltimore has the pieces to bounce back.
But the margin for error is thin, and the decisions made over the next few months will shape the Ravens' trajectory for years to come.