With the 2025 NFL season officially in the books, the focus now shifts to the offseason - and for the Baltimore Ravens, that means free agency looms large. After a frustrating campaign that ended without a postseason berth, the Ravens wasted no time making big changes, overhauling their coaching staff and signaling a clear intent: this team expects to compete, and soon.
To get there, Baltimore will need to make smart moves across the board, but one area that stands out is the interior offensive line. The Ravens struggled to protect the quarterback consistently last season, especially from the guard spots, and that’s not a recipe for success in today’s NFL. Fortunately, the free agent market offers a handful of intriguing options - players who could step in and immediately upgrade the trenches.
Let’s break down some of the top external free agents on the interior offensive line who could realistically be on Baltimore’s radar.
Zion Johnson - OG, Los Angeles Chargers
Zion Johnson checks a lot of boxes for what the Ravens need. Durable?
He’s started 65 of 66 possible games since being drafted in the first round in 2022. Productive?
He’s been a steady pass protector at left guard and has continued to grow each season. And at just 26, he’s entering the prime of his career.
Johnson’s Maryland roots - born and raised in the state, with high school football experience locally - only add to the potential fit. There’s also a likely familiarity with new head coach Jesse Minter, who spent time with the Chargers, albeit on the defensive side. While Johnson may command a sizable contract, his blend of youth, durability, and high-level play make him a compelling target for a Ravens team that needs to get better up front.
Alijah Vera-Tucker - OG, New York Jets
Alijah Vera-Tucker is a bit of a wild card. The talent is undeniable - when healthy, he’s been a rock-solid interior lineman, even ranking among the league’s best in pressure rate allowed during the 2024 season.
But the injury history is real. A torn triceps kept him sidelined for all of 2025, and he’s missed 25 games over the past four years.
That said, risk often comes with reward. Vera-Tucker has the kind of upside that could make him a steal if he can stay on the field.
He also brings versatility, with experience at tackle and guard, though he’s settled into the interior more recently. For a Ravens team that struggled with pass protection at both guard spots, he’s a name worth watching - especially if his market is tempered by the injury concerns.
Kevin Zeitler - OG, Tennessee Titans
A reunion with Kevin Zeitler might not be flashy, but it could be exactly what the Ravens need. Zeitler played some of his best football in Baltimore from 2021 to 2023, earning his first Pro Bowl nod during that stretch. The team chose to go younger in 2024, letting him walk in free agency - a decision that didn’t exactly pan out.
Now 35, Zeitler is in the twilight of his career, but he’s still performing at a high level. Over the past two seasons, split between Detroit and Tennessee, he’s continued to be a reliable presence on the interior.
If the Ravens are looking for a one-year stabilizer - a veteran who knows the system, the city, and what it takes to win - Zeitler makes a ton of sense. He wouldn’t be a long-term fix, but he could be a short-term upgrade that helps solidify the line.
Dylan Parham - OG, Las Vegas Raiders
Dylan Parham might not have the name recognition of some other free agents, but he brings something valuable to the table: versatility and consistency. The 26-year-old has started 63 of 64 games for the Raiders and has experience at both guard spots, center in the NFL, and even right tackle back in college.
While he’s not considered elite in pass protection, Parham has the physical tools and flexibility to fit into multiple schemes. In the right environment - and with more talent around him - there’s a chance he could take the next step.
For the Ravens, he could be an affordable, low-risk signing with room to grow. He’s not a splashy addition, but he’s the kind of player who can quietly become a solid starter.
Connor McGovern - OG/C, Buffalo Bills
If the Ravens can’t retain Tyler Linderbaum - and that’s still an open question - they’ll need a Plan B at center. Enter Connor McGovern. The veteran has started at both center and guard during his career and brings a steady hand in pass protection, even if he’s not a dominant run blocker.
At 28, McGovern offers experience and positional flexibility, which could make him valuable even if Linderbaum stays. Whether as a starting guard or a plug-and-play center, he’s a proven commodity who could help stabilize the interior. For a Ravens offense looking to reestablish control at the line of scrimmage, that kind of reliability can’t be overlooked.
Final Thoughts
The Ravens don’t have the luxury of a slow rebuild. With a franchise quarterback in place and a new coaching staff ready to hit the ground running, this offseason is about filling holes and finding answers. The interior offensive line was a weak spot in 2025 - but the free agent market gives Baltimore a real chance to fix that.
Whether they swing big on a player like Zion Johnson, take a calculated risk on Alijah Vera-Tucker, or look to a familiar face like Kevin Zeitler, the Ravens have options. And if they make the right moves, they’ll be one step closer to getting back where they belong - in the playoff hunt, and in the conversation as one of the AFC’s top contenders.