The Baltimore Ravens are heading into one of their most intriguing offseasons in years, and all eyes are on new head coach Jesse Minter as he steps into the spotlight. Minter, who made his name as a defensive coordinator, now takes over the reins from longtime leader John Harbaugh - and he’s not just running the show, he’s also expected to call the defensive plays. That dual role sets the stage for a bold new era in Baltimore, and potentially, a bold move or two to reshape the roster in his image.
One name being floated as a potential target? Kayvon Thibodeaux. The explosive edge rusher from the New York Giants could be exactly the kind of player Minter would want to bring in - not just to bolster the pass rush, but to put his stamp on this team right out of the gate.
According to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, there’s a logical connection here. Minter has a track record of developing edge talent - just look at what he did with Odafe Oweh.
Thibodeaux, who’s coming off an 11.5-sack season and just turned 25, still has the raw tools that made him a top-five pick. If Minter believes he can unlock even more from Thibodeaux, the Ravens could be looking at a high-upside swing on a player entering a contract year - the kind of calculated risk this franchise has taken before with great success.
But before Baltimore can think about trades, splashy signings, or any other roster upgrades, there's a massive domino that needs to fall: Lamar Jackson's contract.
Right now, Jackson’s deal is carrying a staggering $74.5 million cap hit for 2026. That number isn’t just big - it’s backbreaking when it comes to building out the rest of the roster.
The solution? Restructuring or extending the deal to create much-needed flexibility.
Until that happens, the Ravens are essentially handcuffed in free agency.
And that’s the crux of the offseason. Everything - from pursuing a player like Thibodeaux to addressing depth on defense - hinges on getting Jackson’s contract sorted out. The longer that process drags on, the longer Baltimore will be stuck in neutral while other teams start making moves.
There’s no question the Ravens have the foundation of a contender. But to take the next step, they’ll need to be proactive, creative, and aggressive - starting with their franchise quarterback and potentially continuing with a move that could supercharge their pass rush. Jesse Minter’s era is officially underway, and how he navigates these next few months will set the tone for what comes next in Baltimore.