The Baltimore Ravens have been making waves this free agency period, and not always for the right reasons. While they snagged Trey Hendrickson, arguably the top player on the market, their decision to back out of the Maxx Crosby trade has stirred up quite a bit of controversy.
On top of that, the Ravens have seen a significant exodus of talent, losing up to 12 players. They've tried to patch things up with additions like Jaylinn Hawkins and John Simpson, but key gaps remain, particularly on the offensive side. Meanwhile, their rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, seem to be gaining ground.
The Steelers have managed to avoid major losses in free agency and have bolstered their roster with some standout players. ESPN’s Ben Solak even ranks Pittsburgh as having the most improved roster this offseason, while Baltimore trails at 23rd.
After a nail-biting finish in the AFC North last season, where the Ravens fell just short, they needed a robust offseason. While adding Hendrickson, Hawkins, and Simpson is a step in the right direction, the Steelers have been operating on another level.
Pittsburgh’s offseason moves include signing Jamel Dean, Jaquan Brisker, Sebastian Joseph-Day, and Rico Dowdle, along with a savvy trade for Michael Pittman Jr. With these additions, the Steelers look poised to defend their AFC North title in 2026.
There are still questions surrounding the Steelers’ quarterback situation with Aaron Rodgers, but they’ve addressed their roster needs effectively. Baltimore, on the other hand, still has work to do.
While Hendrickson is a game-changer for the Ravens’ pass rush, concerns about his run defense linger. Tavius Robinson might help, but they need more depth there.
Offensively, the Ravens are still searching for a reliable wide receiver to pair with Zay Flowers. The tight end position is thin after losing Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar, and the departure of Tyler Linderbaum leaves them without a starting center.
With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, the Ravens have an opportunity to make significant strides. Known for their drafting prowess, they’ll need to pull off something special to catch up to the Steelers.