The Baltimore Ravens are heading into the 2026 offseason with something every front office covets: flexibility. Thanks to a projected salary cap bump from the NFL, the Ravens now have even more room to maneuver-and after the way 2025 went, they’ll need every bit of it.
The league announced that the 2026 salary cap is expected to land somewhere between $301.2 million and $305.7 million per team. That’s a sizable leap from last year’s $279.2 million figure, and a nearly $100 million jump from just four seasons ago. For a team like Baltimore, already sitting on over $21 million in cap space-and with a Lamar Jackson extension expected to free up even more-that’s a game-changer.
Now, let’s be clear: this cap increase doesn’t mean players will suddenly come cheap. Quite the opposite.
Free agents and extension candidates alike will be eyeing bigger deals, knowing teams have more cash to spend. But for the Ravens, this newfound breathing room opens up more than just contract negotiations.
It opens the door to the trade market-and that’s where things get interesting.
Defense Must Be the Priority
After a rough 2025 campaign, it’s no secret that Baltimore needs reinforcements, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Ravens managed just 30 sacks all season-a number that simply won’t cut it in today’s NFL, especially for a franchise that’s built its identity on aggressive, physical defense.
Enter Jesse Minter, the team’s newly hired head coach. A defensive-minded leader, Minter is expected to bring a renewed focus to that side of the ball. And with the cap boost now in play, the Ravens have a real chance to make a splash.
Trade Targets: Maxx Crosby and Jonathan Greenard
Two names that make sense for Baltimore? Maxx Crosby and Jonathan Greenard.
Crosby, the relentless edge rusher from the Raiders, has been rumored to be on the outs in Vegas. Tension reportedly flared late in the season when the team didn’t allow him to play through a knee injury.
He’s not cheap-his 2026 cap hit is around $33.88 million-but he’s the kind of tone-setting player who could instantly change the Ravens’ defensive front. His motor, production, and leadership would be a massive upgrade for a team desperate for edge pressure.
Then there’s Greenard. The Vikings outside linebacker could become available after Minnesota parted ways with GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
With new leadership often comes roster shakeups, and Greenard-an Adofo-Mensah acquisition-might be on the move. His $22.3 million cap hit is a bit more manageable, and he’s coming off a productive stretch that suggests he’s just entering his prime.
Other Needs Still Exist, But the Draft Can Help
While edge rusher is the headline need, Baltimore also has holes to fill along the interior offensive line and in the secondary. Those spots could be addressed with veteran free agents or through the 2026 NFL Draft, where the Ravens can look to build depth and develop future starters.
But the pass rush? That’s a position where they need a proven difference-maker now.
The Bottom Line
The Ravens have a golden opportunity here. A rising salary cap, a new head coach with a defensive pedigree, and a roster that still has a franchise quarterback in his prime.
They can’t afford to sit back and hope things improve organically. If they want to bounce back in 2026, they’ll need to be aggressive-and that likely means picking up the phone and exploring the trade market for a defensive star.
Baltimore has the flexibility. Now it’s about making the right moves to turn it into wins.