The Baltimore Ravens haven’t lived up to their own expectations this season, but they’re far from out of the race. Sitting at 6-6, they’re still very much in the thick of the AFC North picture - tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers and with two head-to-head matchups against their division rivals still on the schedule. That’s the kind of late-season drama fans live for.
But no matter how the final stretch plays out, there’s a sense that change could be coming in Baltimore this offseason. The team has had its share of struggles, and when that happens, front offices tend to take a hard look at the roster. One player who could find himself under the microscope is veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey.
Humphrey’s contract looms large. He’s set to make $19.25 million in 2026 - a number that would rank as the fifth-highest salary among cornerbacks in the league that year. That’s elite money, and the question the Ravens have to ask themselves is: Is Humphrey still playing at an elite level?
So far this season, Humphrey has recorded five pass breakups and an interception. Solid numbers, but perhaps not quite enough to justify a top-five salary at his position - especially for a team that’s been investing heavily in younger talent in the secondary through recent drafts. The Ravens have clearly been building toward a more youthful defensive backfield, and that trend could continue.
Now, it’s worth noting that none of Humphrey’s 2026 salary is guaranteed. However, $4 million of it comes in the form of a roster bonus due on the fifth day of the 2026 league year. That effectively gives Baltimore a decision deadline: extend him, move on, or pay the bonus and let him play out the final year of his deal.
There’s still time for Humphrey to sway the conversation. With the Ravens fighting for playoff position and two massive divisional games ahead, the opportunity is there for him to make a statement - not just for this season, but for his future in Baltimore. If he can deliver in the clutch, he might just make the front office’s decision a little tougher.
But if he doesn’t? The business side of the NFL has a way of making those decisions for you. Come 2026, we could be seeing Humphrey in a different uniform.