The Baltimore Ravens are staring down one of their most pivotal offseasons in recent memory. After parting ways with longtime head coach John Harbaugh-a figure synonymous with the franchise’s identity for nearly two decades-they’re now tasked with finding just the fourth head coach in team history. That’s no small feat for a franchise that’s prided itself on consistency, stability, and a culture that’s delivered playoff-caliber football year after year.
But this search isn’t happening in a vacuum. The Ravens are operating in a head coaching carousel that’s spinning fast.
Of the 17 names they reportedly considered, three have already been plucked off the board: Kevin Stefanski is heading to Atlanta, Robert Saleh is off to Tennessee, and Mike McDaniel is expected to land with the Chargers-albeit as an offensive coordinator. That leaves Baltimore in a race not just to find the right candidate, but to do it before their top choices are gone.
And while the coaching search draws headlines, there’s another, potentially more pressing challenge looming: free agency. Harbaugh’s move to the New York Giants isn’t just a coaching change-it’s a gravitational shift. Wherever a coach like Harbaugh goes, there's a ripple effect, and in this case, it could pull several key Ravens players right out of Baltimore.
According to reports, the Giants are expected to be aggressive in targeting former Ravens this March. It makes sense-Harbaugh wants guys who know his system, his expectations, and his locker room culture.
The name generating the most buzz? Center Tyler Linderbaum.
A three-time Pro Bowler and arguably the top center in the league, Linderbaum would be a massive loss for Baltimore and a foundational piece for any team lucky enough to land him.
And he’s not the only one potentially on the move. Fullback Patrick Ricard, tight ends Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar-each of them could hit the market, and each of them has ties to Harbaugh’s system. If the Giants want to fast-track their rebuild under Harbaugh, bringing in familiar faces who already speak his football language is a logical move.
Now, the Ravens aren’t just going to sit back and watch their roster get picked apart. They still control the rights to these players until free agency opens, and you can bet they’ll make a strong push to keep their core intact.
But this is where things get tricky. A new coaching staff means a new system, a new culture, and for some players, that might not be what they signed up for.
Even if Baltimore wants to bring everyone back, not every player will be on board.
And then there’s the biggest domino of all: Lamar Jackson. The quarterback’s contract situation is the key to everything.
Right now, Jackson carries a massive $74.5 million cap hit-an anchor that limits Baltimore’s flexibility in free agency. The Ravens have just over $20 million in cap space, which isn’t nearly enough to retain their top talent and pursue outside help.
A contract extension for Jackson would lower that cap hit and give the front office room to maneuver. Without it, they’re playing from behind.
So here’s the bottom line: Baltimore’s offseason is a high-wire act. They need to land the right head coach, convince key veterans to stay, fend off a familiar face in New York poaching their locker room, and rework Lamar Jackson’s deal-all before free agency opens.
It’s a tall order, but if there’s one thing this franchise has shown over the years, it’s that they know how to navigate tough terrain. This offseason will test that reputation like never before.