The NFL coaching carousel always brings a wave of intrigue, but what really reshapes a team’s identity is the roster turnover that follows. That’s exactly the scenario unfolding in Baltimore, where the Ravens are heading into a pivotal offseason-one that could redefine the franchise for years to come.
After a stunning move that shook the league, the Ravens parted ways with longtime head coach John Harbaugh, ending an 18-year run that included a Super Bowl title and consistent playoff relevance. Harbaugh quickly landed with the New York Giants, and now the Ravens are turning the page with Jesse Minter at the helm.
Minter, who’s stepping into his first NFL head coaching role, comes with a defensive background and a clear vision-but he’ll need the right pieces on the field to execute it. That means free agency is going to be more than just filling holes-it’s about building a roster that fits his philosophy. And don’t be surprised if that includes a few familiar faces from his recent stops, especially the Los Angeles Chargers.
Baltimore has already started putting the new staff together, bringing back Anthony Weaver as defensive coordinator. Weaver won’t be calling plays-that’ll be Minter’s job-but his fingerprints will be all over the defense. And like Minter, he’ll likely want a few trusted veterans in the locker room to help install the new system and set the tone.
Here are three free agents who could make a lot of sense for the Ravens in 2026-players with ties to Weaver and the potential to fill critical needs on a Baltimore roster in transition.
1. Kader Kohou - CB
Let’s start with the obvious: the Ravens need help in the secondary. Baltimore’s pass defense fell apart in 2025, and while the lack of a consistent pass rush was a major culprit, the cornerback room didn’t hold up its end either.
Enter Kader Kohou.
Kohou missed the entire 2025 season with a partial ACL tear in his right knee, so there’s some understandable concern about his durability. But when healthy, he’s proven to be a reliable slot corner-steady, physical, and smart in coverage. That’s exactly the kind of presence the Ravens could use, especially with Marlon Humphrey showing signs of decline last season.
Kohou wouldn’t be expected to come in and lock down WR1s, but he could solidify the nickel spot and give Baltimore some much-needed depth. And with Spotrac projecting him at a one-year, $2 million deal, it’s a low-risk move with real upside. For a defense that needs to bounce back quickly, that’s the kind of value play that makes sense.
2. Jaelan Phillips - EDGE
If there’s one area Baltimore must address this offseason, it’s the pass rush. The Ravens struggled mightily to generate pressure in 2025, and that’s simply not sustainable in today’s NFL.
Jaelan Phillips might be the answer.
Phillips had a bit of a statistical dip last season, but don’t let the numbers fool you. After being traded to the Eagles midseason, he found his groove again, finishing strong and flashing the kind of disruptive ability that made him a first-round pick.
His connection to Weaver is key here. They worked together for parts of two seasons-albeit briefly, due to injuries-but there’s familiarity and trust. That could go a long way in recruiting Phillips to Baltimore.
Yes, injuries have slowed his momentum-he tore his ACL in 2024 and was limited to just 13 games over the past two years. But when he’s healthy, Phillips is a game-wrecker. He opened his career with three straight seasons of at least 6.5 sacks, and with another year removed from that ACL injury, there’s reason to believe he could return to form.
For a Ravens defense looking to regain its bite, Phillips could be a foundational piece off the edge.
3. Calais Campbell - DL
This one’s a bit of a wild card, but sometimes the best additions are the ones that bring more than just production.
Calais Campbell is 39 years old and openly considering retirement. But if he decides to give it one more go, a reunion with the Ravens would make a lot of sense-for both sides.
Campbell has a long history with Anthony Weaver, dating back to their time together in Baltimore (2021-2022) and again in Miami (2024). Most recently, he played for Arizona in 2025, but he’s continued to produce at a high level, posting at least five sacks in each of the last four seasons-including 6.5 last year.
Even at his age, Campbell remains a force against both the run and the pass. He’s a tone-setter, a leader in the locker room, and someone who can still collapse the pocket from the interior.
With Nnamdi Madubuike’s future uncertain and Broderick Washington Jr. potentially on the chopping block due to cap constraints, the Ravens could use a stabilizing presence up front. Whether Campbell would be a starter or a rotational piece, his impact would go well beyond the stat sheet.
Final Thoughts
Baltimore is entering a new era, and Jesse Minter has a big job ahead of him. But with Anthony Weaver back in the fold and a defense that still has plenty of talent, the Ravens don’t need a full rebuild-they need targeted reinforcements.
Adding players like Kohou, Phillips, and Campbell wouldn’t just fill holes. It would bring familiarity, leadership, and a blueprint for how this defense wants to play. And for a team looking to stay competitive in a loaded AFC, that could make all the difference.