The Ravens are turning the page with a familiar face leading the charge. Baltimore has officially hired Jesse Minter as the fourth head coach in franchise history, inking him to a five-year deal that brings him back to where his NFL journey began.
Minter, known for his sharp defensive mind, steps into a pivotal role following the departure of Mike MacDonald two years ago. His return should go a long way in restoring continuity on the defensive side of the ball - a hallmark of the Ravens' identity.
Now, the focus shifts to filling out the coaching staff and securing the future of franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson, who’s due for a new contract. But while the front office juggles those priorities, it's never too early to look ahead at potential roster upgrades. Specifically, let’s take a look at one intriguing player from each NFC team who could fit in Baltimore - if the salary cap weren’t a factor.
Dallas Cowboys: OLB Sam Williams
Williams has been a rotational piece in Dallas, but there’s untapped potential.
Over three seasons, he’s recorded 37 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble across 474 snaps. While his 57.5 PFF grade doesn’t jump off the page, he’s a high-motor edge rusher who could blossom in a more defined role - something the Ravens have historically done well with.
New York Giants: OL Evan Neal
Neal, a former top-10 pick, has moved inside to guard but didn’t get a chance to show much in 2025 after landing on injured reserve midseason. The talent is there - size, strength, and pedigree - and if healthy, he could provide depth or even push for a starting job on the interior offensive line.
Philadelphia Eagles: OLB Jaelan Phillips
Phillips may not have lit up the sack column in 2025, but don’t let that fool you - he was a consistent disruptor.
His 73 quarterback pressures ranked ninth in the league, and his 77.1 pass rush grade was 20th among edge defenders, per PFF. The Eagles gave up a third-rounder to get him, and he played 819 snaps, showing he can handle a heavy workload.
He’s exactly the type of high-upside pass rusher Baltimore could unleash in their scheme.
Washington Commanders: OL Chris Paul
Paul’s overall grade (49.8) might raise eyebrows, but his pass-blocking tells a different story.
He posted a stellar 78.2 pass-block grade - fifth-best in the NFL. That kind of pass protection from a young lineman is worth a closer look, especially for a team that wants to keep Lamar upright.
Chicago Bears: DB Jaquan Brisker
Brisker entered 2025 with durability concerns after multiple concussions, but he answered the bell in a big way - starting all 17 games and racking up 93 tackles, eight pass breakups, a sack, and a pick. He’s a tone-setter in the secondary and would fit right in with Baltimore’s aggressive defensive identity.
Detroit Lions: CB Amik Robertson
Robertson played all 17 games, bouncing between the slot and outside corner roles.
He did allow a career-high eight touchdowns and graded out near the bottom of PFF’s cornerback rankings. But his versatility and experience would add depth to any secondary - and the Ravens know the value of having adaptable DBs.
Green Bay Packers: WR Romeo Doubs
Doubs brings a polished route tree and a knack for getting open in the red zone.
He averaged 13.2 yards per catch and snagged five of his six touchdowns in the red area. He’s a reliable target with room to grow - a solid fit for a Ravens offense looking to keep weapons around Lamar.
Minnesota Vikings: WR Jalen Nailor
Nailor’s rise from a sixth-round pick to a steady No. 3 receiver is one of the better under-the-radar stories in Minnesota.
In 2025, he caught 29 passes for 444 yards and four touchdowns. He’s a slippery route runner who creates separation and could thrive in a complementary role in Baltimore’s passing game.
Atlanta Falcons: TE Kyle Pitts
Pitts is a matchup nightmare - a tight end with the skill set of a wide receiver.
He caught 88 passes for 928 yards and five touchdowns, and he’s still scratching the surface. If he can improve as a run blocker, he’ll be in the elite tier.
Pairing him with Mark Andrews? That’s a two-tight end dream scenario.
Carolina Panthers: Edge D.J. Wonnum
Wonnum has been a steady contributor, posting 42 tackles, three sacks, and even an interception in 2025. While his sack totals have dipped, he’s shown he can affect the game in multiple ways.
As a rotational edge rusher, he’d add depth and experience to the Ravens’ front seven.
New Orleans Saints: CB Alontae Taylor
Taylor brings speed, versatility, and production.
In four seasons, he’s tallied four picks, 40 pass breakups, and seven sacks - impressive numbers for a corner. His ability to play inside or out, and even blitz from the slot, makes him a valuable chess piece for any defense.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: TE Cade Otton
Otton is a do-it-all tight end who caught 59 passes for 572 yards and a score.
He’s not flashy, but he’s consistent and can line up all over the formation. In a system that values versatility, he’d be a useful addition to the tight end room.
Arizona Cardinals: S Jalen Thompson
Thompson is a tough, physical safety who racked up 95 tackles and six pass breakups in 15 games. He didn’t record a pick in 2025, but his presence in the box and ability to cover ground make him a strong fit for a defense that thrives on interchangeable safeties.
Los Angeles Rams: DB Kamren Curl
Curl has been a force in the Rams’ playoff run and was their top-graded defender in a recent postseason win.
He led all safeties in snaps (1,112) and ranked second in solo tackles (87). That kind of durability and production is hard to ignore - he’s the kind of impact safety Baltimore could plug in and trust immediately.
San Francisco 49ers: OL Spencer Burford
Burford played 458 snaps at guard and graded out at 58.9.
He’s still developing, but there’s potential there. With the right coaching, he could provide valuable depth on the interior offensive line.
Seattle Seahawks: DB Coby Bryant
Bryant has made a smooth transition from corner to safety, posting 39 solo tackles, 27 assists, and four interceptions in 15 games. He’s shown ball skills and range - traits the Ravens covet in their defensive backs.
Baltimore has always been a team that builds through smart acquisitions and player development. While the salary cap keeps dream scenarios in check, this exercise highlights just how many intriguing talents exist across the NFC - players who could thrive in the Ravens’ system if the stars (and the dollars) ever aligned.