Eric DeCosta’s preseason wrap-up offered a clear look at where the Ravens stand after final roster cuts, and the biggest themes were hard to miss: Lamar Jackson’s contract, a shaky kicking situation, a few key injuries, and a roster that still feels very much in motion.
On Jackson, DeCosta’s update on extension talks was short and expected, but he did open a little window when asked about the weekly speculation around Jackson’s future. “We have dealt with that distraction before.
There’s only so much we can do.” That came off as a sign of real frustration, even if he kept it measured.
DeCosta also addressed Rashod Bateman’s legal situation and said he was “very disappointed” by the matter and the possible fallout. Bateman has not been placed on the commissioner’s exempt list for now, but the wider picture around Baltimore’s investment in him remains bleak. He finished last season with only 19 catches.
There was better news on the injury front with Nnamdi Madubuike. DeCosta had sounded more cautious at times, but this update was noticeably more optimistic. He said he’s “more bullish on [his return] right now than I even have been,” which makes it sound increasingly likely that Madubuike will be back before Week 5 rather than landing on injured reserve right before the Sept. 13 opener.
The kicking competition also got a jolt. After the Ravens signed Jake Moody, DeCosta made it clear the job is still very much up for grabs.
“We’ve got to make kicks. It’s a fresh set of legs to look at, evaluate, compare, see how it all works out.
In the end, it’s a performance business, right?” That puts Tyler Loop on no firmer ground than Week 1, at least for now.
DeCosta also hinted at the Ravens’ internal work in the kicking game, saying they are “grooming a young guy on our staff to scout kickers.” That’s not exactly a ringing endorsement for senior special teams coach Randy Brown if Loop doesn’t steady things.
Marlon Humphrey’s return drew a confident response from DeCosta, even with a cap number above $26 million. “I feel confident he’s going to rebound and have a great year this year.
… Veteran corners who’ve played at very high levels are hard to find.” The Jesse Minter factor, at least from this view, matters a lot.
Up front, there’s still some uncertainty at center. Offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford appears to be leaning toward Jovaughn Gwyn as the Week 1 starter, even after the Ravens added Ethan Pocic in July.
DeCosta didn’t pretend the picture was settled. “I haven’t seen what it’s going to look like yet, but I’m excited about it.”
That one still feels fluid.
One of the more colorful comments came on undrafted quarterback Joe Fagnano, whom DeCosta called the “Cinderella Man.” He also said other teams had reached out with trade offers after Fagnano’s strong preseason. The age note is hard to ignore too: Fagnano is only four years younger than Jackson, who is entering his ninth NFL season.
With Kyle Van Noy leaving for Minnesota on the same day, DeCosta still made a point to praise the edge group. He said he’s “so happy with that room that we’ve put together.
It’s a great mix of veteran guys and young guys.” That said, the trade deadline could always change how that room looks.
Ja’Kobi Lane also came up after an impressive summer, but DeCosta wasn’t about to overhype him. “He’s got to do a lot more work to really be what we want him to be.
I think he’ll get there.” Lane’s ability to separate against press coverage remains part of the conversation, though there’s clearly something to work with.
DeCosta said linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips is the only player the Ravens have claimed off waivers immediately after roster cutdown day in the last 10 years. That lines up with how Baltimore operates. They trust their own, and that preference extends to the practice squad makeup as well.
And from a cap standpoint, the Ravens sound in decent shape. DeCosta said, “We certainly can do most things we’d like to do, but if we need it, we know how to make more.” Still, the most interesting cap wrinkle may be Jackson’s 2026 number, since adding to it would give Baltimore more flexibility if an in-season extension comes into play.
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Anthony Weaver has already seen the effect in offseason practices, and players such as Tavius Robinson have noticed it too. For a defense that wants its front to become more consistent and more disruptive, the value of those veterans goes beyond what they do on the field. The bigger question now is how quickly that mentorship turns into something the Ravens can lean on once the games start counting. [Read more 🡒]
Ravens Face A Big Week 1 Question Up Front
Nnamdi Madubuikes recovery has become one of the bigger early-week questions for Baltimores defense, with the Ravens taking a careful approach after his significant injury and surgery. Coaches and general manager Eric DeCosta have been cautious about ramping him up, and head coach Jesse Minter said Madubuike has gotten some team reps as the club tries to sort out where he stands heading into Week 1.
For now, it remains a day-to-day situation, which leaves the Ravens planning for more than one version of their defensive line rotation. If Madubuike is not ready, Baltimore would lean more heavily on veterans like Calais Campbell and Travis Jones to help absorb the workload up front, a reminder that the opener could already force some early lineup shuffling. [Read more 🡒]
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Ioanes path is also getting attention because of what he can do beyond a single spot. He has been preparing to handle multiple positions along the line, which gives the Ravens more ways to build and protect their front as the season approaches. The bigger question now is how much of that promise translates once the games start to count, but the early signs have made him one of the more interesting pieces in camp. [Read more 🡒]