The Baltimore Ravens are turning the page this offseason, and frankly, it was time. After a season that teased postseason potential but ultimately ended in frustration, the Ravens watched their bitter rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, sneak into the playoffs. That alone stings-but it also signals a division very much in flux, and Baltimore’s making moves to take advantage.
Let’s be clear: the Ravens weren’t the only disappointment in a chaotic AFC North last year. But they are one of several teams entering 2026 with a new head coach at the helm.
Baltimore’s hire of Jesse Minter was a bold, forward-thinking move-one that could pay dividends sooner than later. Meanwhile, the Steelers brought in Mike McCarthy, and the Browns turned to a familiar face, welcoming back former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
That’s three teams in the division with fresh leadership, and the chessboard is officially reset.
About a month into the offseason, you can already feel the Ravens starting to reassert themselves. While their rivals zig, Baltimore seems to be zagging with purpose.
And that contrast is growing starker with each move. Take Pittsburgh, for example.
There’s real buzz around the idea that the Steelers could swing a deal for veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. That’s right-Cousins, who’s expected to be released by the Atlanta Falcons, could be heading to the Steel City.
On paper, there’s a connection. New Steelers offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio worked with Cousins in Minnesota, serving as his passing game coordinator.
That familiarity could make a transition smoother, especially for a quarterback heading into his age-38 season. But let’s not pretend this is a slam dunk for Pittsburgh.
The Steelers have been on a quarterback carousel since Ben Roethlisberger retired. First, they tried to find lightning in a bottle with Kenny Pickett, a first-round pick from a weak 2022 QB class.
That didn’t pan out. Then came the veteran experiments-Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, and most recently, Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers was serviceable, but he’ll turn 43 during the 2026 season, and the wear and tear is catching up. If Cousins is next in line, it’s another short-term patch on a long-term problem.
For the Ravens, that’s not just good news-it’s potentially great news. Cousins, while still capable of making throws, showed signs of decline last season.
In eight starts, he completed 61.7% of his passes for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions. That’s solid, but not game-changing.
And his lack of mobility is increasingly a liability in today’s NFL. If he ends up under center in Pittsburgh, Baltimore’s defense could have a real opportunity to feast.
That’s especially important for a Ravens team in transition under Jesse Minter. The defense is looking to reestablish its identity, and facing an aging, immobile quarterback twice a year could be the perfect training ground for a new-look pass rush. It’s the kind of matchup that could help a young defense find its rhythm and confidence.
Of course, nothing’s official yet. Cousins hasn’t signed anywhere, and the Steelers haven’t made a move.
But the fit is there, and the rumors are gaining traction. If Pittsburgh does go down that road, it could be another example of the Ravens benefiting from a rival’s inability to solve the most important position in football.
The AFC North is shifting. The Ravens are betting on a new era with a rising coach and a clear direction.
Meanwhile, their rivals are doubling down on short-term fixes. If that trend continues, Baltimore might not just be climbing back-they could be poised to take control.