The Baltimore Ravens don’t need a minor tune-up this offseason - they need a full-blown overhaul. After a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw them miss the playoffs and ultimately part ways with longtime head coach John Harbaugh, the franchise is clearly signaling that it’s ready to make bold moves. There’s still a strong foundation in place - stars on both sides of the ball, a franchise quarterback in Lamar Jackson, and a passionate fan base - but the supporting cast needs serious work.
Enter Jesse Minter, the new head coach and defensive mind tasked with helping steer the Ravens back into contention. His hiring marks a shift in direction, one that suggests Baltimore is ready to lean into a more aggressive, modern approach.
But coaching changes are just the start. If the Ravens want to bounce back in 2026, they’ll need to get creative in free agency - especially if they’re priced out of the sweepstakes for the top-tier names.
That means finding value, identifying upside, and taking smart swings on players who can contribute right away.
Here are three pending free agents who could quietly become key pieces in Baltimore’s rebuild.
DeAndre Hopkins - WR
Let’s start with a familiar face. DeAndre Hopkins didn’t light up the stat sheet in 2025, but when his number was called, he delivered.
He finished the year with 22 catches for 330 yards and two touchdowns - modest numbers, sure, but his impact came in key moments. Hopkins was a reliable chain-mover, and in an offense that often struggled to find rhythm, he stood out as a steadying presence.
For Lamar Jackson, who’s never really had a true contested-catch specialist, Hopkins still fills a unique role. He may not be the All-Pro version of himself anymore, but even in limited snaps, he showed he can win at the catch point and provide a safety valve on third downs. That’s not something you overlook when building out a receiver room.
The Ravens are expected to prioritize adding a more dynamic option to pair with Zay Flowers, who’s already established himself as a two-time Pro Bowler. There’s also hope that Devontez Walker can take a leap and offer a vertical threat.
But Hopkins, as a WR4 or veteran rotational piece, makes a lot of sense. He’s expressed interest in staying, and if the front office is open to it, bringing him back could be a smart, low-risk move.
Teven Jenkins - OL
Baltimore’s offensive line needs attention - particularly at guard. With Daniel Faalele likely heading out in free agency, there’s a vacancy that needs filling, and Teven Jenkins could be a sneaky solution.
Jenkins didn’t get a ton of starting reps with the Browns last year, but when injuries gave him a shot late in the season, he made the most of it. Over 324 offensive snaps, he posted a strong 77.7 grade from Pro Football Focus - a sign that he’s not just a depth piece, but someone who can step in and contribute right away.
What really jumps off the tape with Jenkins is his run-blocking. Outside of his rookie year, he’s consistently graded above 71.7 in that department, which fits perfectly with what the Ravens want to do on the ground. With Derrick Henry in the backfield and Lamar Jackson’s dynamic rushing ability, having a guard who can move bodies in the run game is a must.
Jenkins also brings versatility - he’s played both guard and tackle - and at just 28 years old when the 2026 season kicks off, he’s entering his prime. While fans might clamor for a more proven name to anchor the interior, Jenkins offers both short-term upside and long-term potential at a likely affordable price.
Benjamin St-Juste - CB
Sometimes, all a player needs is a fresh start. That’s exactly what Benjamin St-Juste got last season with the Chargers, and he made the most of it. After a tough stint in Washington that never quite clicked, St-Juste signed a low-risk deal with Los Angeles and quietly put together a strong season.
In 378 defensive snaps, he earned a 76.3 grade from PFF - a testament to his physical coverage skills and sound tackling. He added an interception in Week 6 and consistently showed up when his number was called. For a Ravens secondary that needs both depth and physicality, St-Juste checks a lot of boxes.
At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, he brings the kind of size and length that can disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage. And there’s a built-in connection here: he’d be reuniting with Jesse Minter, who played a role in his quiet resurgence last season. That familiarity could help him hit the ground running in Baltimore.
The Ravens need more than just another body at corner - they need someone who can step in and compete for meaningful snaps. St-Juste may not be a household name, but if his 2025 tape is any indication, he’s trending in the right direction.
Final Thoughts
Baltimore isn’t one splashy signing away from fixing what went wrong in 2025. This offseason is about smart, calculated moves that add depth, toughness, and upside. DeAndre Hopkins, Teven Jenkins, and Benjamin St-Juste aren’t the biggest names on the market, but they’re exactly the kind of players who could help the Ravens build a more complete, competitive roster in 2026.
The front office has already shown it's willing to make bold moves. Now it’s about making the right ones.