The Baltimore Ravens are heading into one of their most pivotal offseasons in recent memory. After parting ways with longtime head coach John Harbaugh and handing the reins to Jesse Minter, a new era is officially underway in Charm City. But with change comes pressure-and for the Ravens, the pressure is on to make bold, calculated moves that reset the tone after a disappointing 8-9 campaign that ended without a playoff berth.
Let’s be clear: missing the postseason while watching the rival Steelers sneak in on the final day of the regular season? That stings.
Now, the Ravens are staring down a critical offseason with no shortage of tough decisions. Here are three of the biggest questions Baltimore has to answer if they want to get back into contender territory.
1. Who’s going to bring the heat off the edge?
If you’re building a defense in today’s NFL, you better be able to get after the quarterback. And in 2025, the Ravens just didn’t do that nearly enough.
Baltimore finished with only 30 sacks-tied for third-fewest in the league. That’s not going to cut it, especially in a division loaded with quarterbacks who can make you pay if you give them time.
Jesse Minter steps in with a defensive pedigree, and you can bet he won’t let that kind of pass-rushing drought continue. But he’ll need help from the front office to overhaul the edge group.
Outside linebacker Mike Green has shown flashes, and there’s hope he can develop into a top-tier guy. But the Ravens can’t wait around for potential to blossom-they need a proven disruptor who can consistently collapse the pocket and force offenses into mistakes.
That means going big-game hunting. Whether it's through free agency or the trade market, Baltimore has to swing for a difference-maker.
Names like Trey Hendrickson or Maxx Crosby could be floated, and while landing either would require an aggressive approach, that’s exactly the kind of mentality this team needs right now. You don’t replace a Terrell Suggs overnight, but you can’t keep waiting for the next one to emerge either.
It’s time to find a star who can lead the charge off the edge.
2. What’s the plan with Rashod Bateman?
Rashod Bateman was supposed to be a key piece of the Ravens’ offense. The team showed its faith by extending him on a three-year, $36.75 million deal before the 2025 season. But after a frustrating year, that investment isn’t looking quite as secure.
Bateman’s numbers tell the story: just 19 catches for 224 yards and two touchdowns. That’s not what you expect from a receiver who was supposed to lock down the WR2 role behind Zay Flowers. Yes, the offensive line’s struggles in pass protection didn’t do him any favors-especially given his deep-threat skill set-but Bateman also had issues with focus and effort that raised eyebrows.
Then came the offseason drama. A series of Instagram posts-later chalked up to a hack-criticized the team’s usage of Bateman.
While he distanced himself from the posts, he also admitted he agreed with some of the sentiment. That’s not exactly the kind of harmony you want between a team and a recently paid wideout.
So where does that leave things? Don’t be surprised if general manager Eric DeCosta starts exploring trade options.
There were rumblings about a potential move last offseason, and after a down year and some off-field noise, those conversations could pick up steam again. The Ravens need reliable, consistent weapons for Lamar Jackson-and right now, it’s fair to question whether Bateman fits that mold.
3. What position gets top priority in the draft?
The Ravens have built a reputation for letting the draft come to them-staying patient, trading back, and playing the value game. But this offseason feels different. With a new head coach, a roster full of holes, and a draft class that’s a little thinner than usual, Baltimore may need to be more aggressive than they’ve been in years past.
Jesse Minter will have a new voice in the war room, and that could shift the team’s draft strategy. There are several directions they could go, and much of it depends on how free agency shakes out. But the needs are clear.
Do they go all-in on bolstering the pass rush, giving Minter a young, high-upside edge rusher to develop? Do they prioritize protecting Lamar Jackson by targeting a plug-and-play offensive lineman-maybe a guard who can anchor the interior? Or do they add another playmaker on offense, someone who can complement Zay Flowers and stretch the field?
This isn’t a year where the Ravens can just take the best player available and call it a win. The roster has real gaps, and the margin for error is thin. Free agency will start to shape the picture, but when the 2026 NFL Draft rolls around, Baltimore will have to be ready to make a move-whether that’s trading up, staying put, or targeting a specific position group with conviction.
The Bottom Line
The Ravens are at a crossroads. A new head coach, a disappointing season, and a roster in flux have set the stage for one of the most consequential offseasons in franchise history. Jesse Minter’s arrival signals a shift in philosophy, but it’ll be up to Eric DeCosta and the front office to give him the tools to succeed.
Fixing the pass rush, sorting out the Bateman situation, and nailing the draft won’t be easy-but they’re essential if Baltimore wants to reestablish itself as a force in the AFC. The Ravens don’t need a full rebuild-but they do need a reset. And that starts now.