The Baltimore Ravens are stepping into a fresh chapter in 2026. With John Harbaugh's departure after 18 seasons, following a tough playoff miss due to Tyler Loop's error, Jesse Minter takes the helm as the new head coach.
His mission? Get the Ravens back to the playoffs, and fast.
To make this playoff push, Baltimore needs to maximize its resources this offseason, starting with freeing up some salary cap space. Currently, the Ravens have around $22.04 million available. While that’s enough to make some moves in free agency, it doesn’t leave much room for flexibility.
One of the most effective ways to create cap space could be restructuring Lamar Jackson's contract. With a massive $74.5 million cap hit for 2026, Jackson’s deal is a significant chunk of the $303.5 million NFL salary cap. Adjusting his contract could be the key to signing a priority free agent.
Jackson’s base salary stands at $51.25 million. By converting a portion into a signing bonus, the Ravens could spread the cap hit over several years, thanks to two void years in his contract.
Alternatively, negotiating a long-term extension with Jackson could lower his 2026 cap hit while securing his future in Baltimore. However, this would involve complex negotiations with Jackson and his agent.
Another straightforward approach is cutting players to free up cap space. Defensive lineman Broderick Washington, who suffered a significant Achilles injury, could be a candidate for release. Cutting him would save the Ravens $4 million, and replacing him with a rookie might be a strategic move.
Edge rusher Tavius Robinson, a third-round pick from 2023, is another potential cut. Although he’s been a consistent rotational player, releasing him could free up $3.61 million. This decision hinges on finding a cheaper replacement to maintain depth.
Perhaps the most debated move would be trading veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey. A staple in the Ravens' secondary and a four-time Pro Bowler, Humphrey still performed well in 2025.
However, with a $26.28 million cap hit, trading him could save $7.33 million, provided a suitable trade partner emerges. Likely candidates would be NFC contenders like the Rams, Seahawks, or Lions, who might see value in adding a player of Humphrey’s caliber for a potential playoff push.
Ultimately, the Ravens need to weigh these options carefully, balancing immediate financial relief with long-term team strength. Each decision will be crucial in shaping Baltimore’s path back to playoff contention.