The Baltimore Ravens are heading into the 2026 offseason with a golden opportunity: a significantly higher salary cap and a few financial levers they can pull to free up even more space. Before the recent news, Baltimore was projected to have just over $21 million in cap room. But with the league announcing the 2026 cap is climbing from $279.2 million to somewhere between $301.2 million and $305.7 million, every team-including the Ravens-just got a little more breathing room.
Of course, that extra space is league-wide, which means the free agent market is about to get more competitive and more expensive. If the Ravens want to be aggressive this offseason-whether that means locking down their own stars, dipping into free agency, or preparing for future extensions-they’ll need to get creative. And General Manager Eric DeCosta has options.
The most obvious move? Restructuring Lamar Jackson’s deal.
The reigning two-time MVP is carrying a massive $74.5 million cap hit in 2026. That number is eye-popping, but it’s also manageable.
A new contract structure could smooth out that hit and give the Ravens some much-needed cap relief. And let’s be clear: Jackson isn’t going anywhere.
He’s the face of the franchise and the engine of the offense. The goal here is to create flexibility, not sacrifice core talent.
Beyond Jackson, the Ravens could turn to a few other key veterans whose contracts offer room to maneuver. According to Over the Cap, Baltimore could free up more than $38 million without cutting a single player. That’s a big number-and it could be the difference between a quiet offseason and a headline-grabbing one.
Here are three potential restructures that could unlock that cap space:
1. Marlon Humphrey - Cornerback
Marlon Humphrey is coming off what can only be described as a down year. Statistically, it was the worst season of his career.
He gave up too many big plays, struggled in coverage, and outside of his four interceptions, didn’t look like the shutdown corner Ravens fans are used to seeing.
Still, Humphrey is a four-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro. That kind of résumé doesn’t just disappear overnight.
His current cap number for 2026 is north of $26 million, but a restructure could free up over $13.4 million. That’s a significant chunk of change.
Cutting or trading Humphrey after June 1 would also save money, but that feels unlikely right now. Baltimore knows what he’s capable of when healthy and in rhythm.
If he rebounds in 2026, this past season will look like an outlier. But if the struggles continue, the Ravens may have a tougher decision to make down the line.
2. Roquan Smith - Linebacker
Roquan Smith didn’t have a bad year, but he wasn’t the same dominant force we saw in previous seasons. He looked a bit slower in the middle of the field and didn’t consistently play at his usual All-Pro level.
Injuries may have played a role, but either way, his $32.7 million cap number in 2026 is hard to justify without elite production.
That’s why a restructure here makes a lot of sense. Adjusting Smith’s deal could free up $9.35 million in cap space. For a team that’s trying to stay competitive while managing a tight financial window, that’s a move that feels both necessary and relatively painless.
Smith is still a key piece of the Ravens' defense. He brings leadership, toughness, and experience to the middle of the field. But if Baltimore wants to maximize its roster flexibility, this is a smart place to start.
3. Nnamdi Madubuike - Defensive Tackle
This one’s a little more complicated. Nnamdi Madubuike suffered a serious neck injury in Week 2 of the 2025 season and hasn’t played since.
There have been concerns about the long-term impact of that injury, and while he recently posted a cryptic “Good news 🙏🏾” message on social media, it’s still unclear what his status will be moving forward.
When healthy, Madubuike is a game-wrecker. He’s a disruptive force on the interior line and a key part of Baltimore’s defensive identity. His 2026 cap number sits at just under $31 million-a hefty price tag, but one that reflects his value when he’s on the field.
A restructure here could free up more than $15.5 million. That’s a massive number, and in a tight cap environment, it’s hard to ignore.
Of course, the Ravens will need to weigh that against the uncertainty surrounding his recovery. But if there’s confidence that he’ll return to form, restructuring his deal could be a win-win: financial flexibility for the team and long-term security for the player.
The Bottom Line
The Ravens are in a strong position heading into the 2026 offseason. The cap increase gives them a head start, but to truly capitalize, they’ll need to make smart, calculated moves with their existing contracts. Restructuring deals for Humphrey, Smith, and Madubuike could unlock over $38 million in cap space-without losing a single player.
That kind of flexibility could be the difference between maintaining the status quo and making a real splash in free agency. With several internal extensions looming and the rest of the league also armed with extra cap room, Baltimore can’t afford to stand still.
DeCosta has the tools. Now it’s about how-and when-he decides to use them.