The Baltimore Ravens are turning the page, and they’ve handed the pen to Jesse Minter.
Officially named the new head coach, Minter takes over a franchise steeped in defensive tradition and postseason expectations. He’s not just stepping into a big job - he’s stepping into the legacy of John Harbaugh, one of the winningest coaches in NFL history and the man who gave Minter his first NFL opportunity. Now, Minter’s challenge is to put his own stamp on the Ravens while keeping them firmly in the contender conversation.
And if he's looking to make an early statement, there’s a familiar face he could bring with him from his Chargers days: Khalil Mack.
A reunion that makes sense - and could make noise
Baltimore’s defense was solid in 2025, but when it came to getting after the quarterback, they simply didn’t bring enough heat. The Ravens finished near the bottom of the league in pressure and hurry rates and were tied for third-fewest sacks with just 30 on the year. That’s not the kind of production you want when you're trying to slow down elite AFC quarterbacks week after week.
Enter Mack - a future Hall of Famer who, even at age 34, still has plenty left in the tank. He’s set to hit free agency in March and, while he considered retirement last offseason, the fire clearly still burns. He returned to the Chargers on a one-year deal and turned in another strong campaign, showing he’s still a force when healthy and motivated.
If Mack decides to chase one more ring, Baltimore could be the perfect landing spot. The Ravens are led by Lamar Jackson, a two-time MVP and arguably the most dynamic player in football. That kind of quarterback gives any team a shot at the Super Bowl, and for a veteran like Mack, the opportunity to play meaningful football deep into January - and maybe February - has to be enticing.
Mack still brings the heat
Let’s not forget what Mack did this past season. In just 12 games, he racked up 32 tackles, including six for loss, along with 11 quarterback hits, 5.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and even a safety. That’s not a player hanging on - that’s a player still making game-changing plays.
His 83.0 overall grade from Pro Football Focus ranked 12th among 115 qualified edge defenders. That’s elite company, and it’s a testament to how well he’s aged. Mack may not be the same wrecking ball who won Defensive Player of the Year in 2016, but he’s still a guy offensive coordinators have to game plan around.
And here’s the kicker: Mack reportedly “loved” playing for Minter in Los Angeles. That kind of connection matters, especially at this stage of a veteran’s career. Familiarity with a coach’s system, trust in his leadership, and a shared vision can go a long way in free agency decisions.
A bold first move?
For Minter, bringing in a player like Mack wouldn’t just bolster the pass rush - it would send a message. It would show that the new era of Ravens football is still rooted in the franchise’s defensive identity, but with a renewed urgency to win now.
Baltimore has the pieces. They have the quarterback.
They have the culture. What they need is to get after the passer with more consistency.
Mack could be the bridge between the Ravens’ proud defensive past and their championship-hungry future.
If Minter can make that reunion happen, it could be the first big win of his head coaching career - before he’s even coached a game.