As 2025 winds down, the Baltimore Ravens are hoping their season doesn’t follow suit. It’s been a year of big moves, tough breaks, and flashes of the team they believe they can be. From front office decisions to on-field adversity, the Ravens’ 2025 story has been anything but boring - and it’s far from over.
A Year of Change, From the Top Down
The year kicked off with a familiar face returning to the fold. Chuck Pagano, a member of John Harbaugh’s original coaching staff, rejoined the organization in January. His return brought a dose of old-school Ravens DNA back into the building - a nod to the franchise’s roots as they looked to retool for another run.
March brought a mix of celebration and farewell. Defensive tackle Michael Pierce called it a career after seven seasons with the Ravens across two stints. Known for his strength in the trenches and locker room leadership, Pierce’s retirement closed the chapter on a player who embodied the Ravens’ physical identity.
But Baltimore wasn’t just saying goodbye - they were also loading up. The team added veteran wideout DeAndre Hopkins in free agency, giving Lamar Jackson another proven weapon. They doubled down on offense by extending Derrick Henry and Rashod Bateman, reinforcing their commitment to a balanced, explosive attack.
A Surprise Addition - and a Quick Exit
In June, the Ravens made a splash by signing cornerback Jaire Alexander. On paper, it looked like a major win.
But just two games later, Alexander was on the move again - traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. It was a short-lived stint, but it underscored the Ravens’ willingness to be aggressive in reshaping their roster on the fly.
Tucker’s Departure Marks a Stunning Turn
Perhaps the most shocking off-field development came in May, when the team parted ways with longtime kicker Justin Tucker. Tucker, a franchise icon and one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, was at the center of an investigation into inappropriate conduct during massage therapy sessions - allegations he has denied. The NFL handed down a 10-game suspension in June, and Tucker has remained a free agent since.
Rookies Join the Fold, Hamilton Gets Paid
By July, the rookie class was complete. Mike Green, the last of the draftees to sign, officially joined the team and linked up with fellow rookie Malaki Starks for training camp.
Then in August, the Ravens locked down one of their rising stars, signing safety Kyle Hamilton to a four-year extension. Hamilton’s versatility has made him a cornerstone of the defense, and the extension was a clear signal that Baltimore sees him as a long-term leader on that side of the ball.
A Season That’s Been a Roller Coaster
When September rolled around, the Ravens unveiled a newly renovated M&T Bank Stadium - new team stores, upgraded clubs, and a fresh look for fans returning to the stands. But the home opener didn’t bring much to celebrate on the field. The Ravens dropped another tough one to the Bills, eerily similar to the way last season ended.
They bounced back in Week 2 with a win over the Browns, but it came at a cost. Defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike suffered a neck injury and was later ruled out for the season - a major blow to the defensive front.
October brought heartbreak off the field, as Ravens superfan Captain Dee-Fense passed away. The team honored him during a home game, and fans responded with an outpouring of photos and memories, highlighting the deep connection between the franchise and its community.
Roster Moves and a Pivotal Injury
In a midseason trade, the Ravens sent pass rusher Odafe Oweh to the Chargers in exchange for safety Alohi Gilman. The move paid dividends. Gilman’s presence in the secondary gave Hamilton more freedom to roam and impact the game in different ways, adding a new wrinkle to the defense.
But the biggest turning point came when Lamar Jackson went down. He exited early during a 37-20 loss in Kansas City and missed the next three games.
Without him, the team struggled, going 1-2 and falling to 1-5 on the year. It looked bleak.
Then came the spark.
Jackson returned just in time for a win against the Bears, and that momentum turned into a win streak. The offense clicked, the defense tightened up, and the Ravens started to look like a team that still had something to say in the AFC.
Andrews Stays Put
In early December, the team secured another key piece of its core. Tight end Mark Andrews signed a three-year extension, choosing to stay in Baltimore rather than test free agency.
Andrews, one of Jackson’s most trusted targets, has been a consistent difference-maker and a leader in the locker room. His decision to stay sends a strong message about the team's direction - and his belief in it.
Still in the Fight
As the Ravens head into the final stretch of the season, they’re not where they hoped to be - but they’re not out of it either. Injuries, trades, and off-field drama have tested this team. But there’s still talent, still fight, and still time.
Baltimore’s 2025 story isn’t finished yet. And if the last few weeks are any indication, they’re not ready to close the book.