Where will decisions need to be made this summer, according to the Ravens roster breakdown?

As the NFL offseason approaches, the Baltimore Ravens face a crucial period of decision-making regarding their roster heading into the 2025 season. While the team has shown strong promise under head coach John Harbaugh, especially with the high-profile addition of quarterback Lamar Jackson and defensive reinforcements, the summer will be a time for the front office to make key roster decisions. These decisions will have a major impact on the Ravens’ long-term success and their ability to remain competitive in the AFC North and beyond.

The Ravens have consistently been one of the most well-managed teams in the NFL, but 2025 is shaping up to be a year that could define the future direction of the franchise. With several key players hitting free agency, a handful of high-profile draft picks potentially making their way into starting roles, and questions around salary cap management, this offseason presents both challenges and opportunities. In this analysis, we will examine the key areas where decisions need to be made regarding the Ravens’ 2025 roster, taking into account the team’s needs, cap space, and strategic goals.

1. Quarterback Position: Lamar Jackson’s Long-Term Future

One of the most significant decisions the Ravens will have to make this summer revolves around Lamar Jackson, the team’s franchise quarterback. After signing a long-term deal in the previous offseason, Jackson is locked in for the next several seasons, but the team will need to continue evaluating his health, performance, and leadership heading into 2025.

Jackson had a solid 2024 season, showing flashes of his former MVP-caliber self, but there are questions about his ability to stay healthy and consistently perform at an elite level. The Ravens have surrounded Jackson with a revamped offensive line, additional weapons in the passing game, and a more balanced offensive scheme, but they will need to decide if he remains the long-term answer at quarterback. Will they continue to build the offense around Jackson’s unique skill set, or do they need to explore adding more competition at quarterback?

The organization must also keep an eye on Jackson’s continued development in the passing game. While he has shown improvement as a passer, it’s critical for the Ravens to evaluate whether he is capable of leading them on deep playoff runs, particularly in the highly competitive AFC. The Ravens’ decision to invest in Lamar Jackson as the centerpiece of their offense will influence their draft and free agency strategies, as well as their cap space allocations in the coming years.

2. Wide Receiver Corps: Reinforcements Needed?

The Ravens have made strides in recent seasons to improve their passing attack, but their wide receiver corps remains a position that could use reinforcements in 2025. The team has a number of young, promising wide receivers like Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers, but they haven’t yet proven to be elite, consistent threats. While Mark Andrews remains one of the most reliable tight ends in the league, the Ravens need more from their receiving group to truly compete with the AFC’s best offenses.

This summer, Baltimore will have several key decisions to make about its wide receiver group. First and foremost, they will need to determine whether they want to add another high-caliber receiver to their roster. The free-agent market in 2025 could include some intriguing names, and with cap space available, the Ravens may look to add a veteran presence who can complement the developing Bateman and Flowers. A player who can stretch the field vertically and provide Jackson with a reliable, go-to target would be an asset.

Additionally, the Ravens will need to evaluate their younger players. Are Bateman and Flowers ready to step up and become the true No. 1 and No. 2 wide receivers for the team? If not, it could force the Ravens to look at possible trades or even early-round picks in the 2025 draft. While the Ravens have done a good job with player development in recent years, this position remains one that will require ongoing attention this offseason.

3. Offensive Line: Rebuilding After Injuries

Injuries have been a significant factor for the Ravens’ offensive line in recent years. While the unit has been solid when healthy, they have struggled at times due to injuries to key players. In 2025, the Ravens will need to make critical decisions about whether to invest in more depth on the offensive line or to bank on the return of injured players.

The Ravens have an aging group of offensive linemen, including players like Ronnie Stanley, who has had his fair share of injury concerns in recent seasons. The front office will need to evaluate whether Stanley is still capable of being the anchor of the offensive line or if it’s time to move on from him and invest in younger talent. This could include drafting offensive linemen in the first few rounds of the 2025 draft or targeting free agents who could bring stability to the group.

On the interior, the Ravens will also need to assess their guard and center positions. While players like Tyler Linderbaum have shown promise, the team will want to continue to invest in high-quality players who can open up running lanes and protect Lamar Jackson. A revamped offensive line could also aid in the development of the running back group, which remains a key component of the Ravens’ offensive philosophy.

4. Running Back Committee: Is the Current Group Enough?

The Ravens have long been known for their run-heavy offense, and in 2024, they continued to rely heavily on their running back committee. With J.K. Dobbins leading the way, the team’s ground game has had some explosive moments, but they may look to enhance their running back unit this summer. Dobbins, though talented, has struggled with injuries throughout his career, and Baltimore may need to consider adding another reliable ball carrier to their roster.

With Gus Edwards and Justice Hill also in the mix, the Ravens will need to decide whether they are content with their current group or whether they want to add more depth to the position. Given how important the running game is to the Ravens’ offensive identity, this decision could have significant ramifications for their overall game plan. If the team believes they need more explosive options out of the backfield, they could look for a dual-threat running back in free agency or the draft.

5. Defensive Line and Edge Rushers: Improving the Pass Rush

The Ravens have long been known for their stout defense, and while the team has an excellent secondary, the pass rush has been a weak point in recent seasons. The team invested in players like Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo, but neither has yet become the elite edge rusher the Ravens have lacked in recent years. This offseason, the front office will need to make decisions about how to strengthen this critical area.

Do they continue to develop their young pass rushers and trust that they will grow into their roles, or do they make a splash in free agency and target a veteran pass rusher? The free-agent market could provide some intriguing options, and the Ravens may look to bring in a proven player who can wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. Additionally, they will need to decide if any of their current defensive linemen — like Calais Campbell — have enough left in the tank to contribute at a high level for another season.

Addressing the pass rush is critical for the Ravens’ defense to remain elite. With the defensive backs performing at a high level, adding a more consistent pressure to opposing quarterbacks could turn the Ravens’ defense into one of the most feared units in the NFL.

6. Secondary: Retaining and Developing Talent

The Ravens have a strong secondary, but it is crucial that they make decisions to keep it intact heading into the 2025 season. With standout cornerbacks like Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters, the Ravens have a solid foundation at cornerback. However, there are decisions to be made regarding the depth of the position, as well as safety.

The team will need to assess whether they need to invest in additional depth or a potential starter in the draft or free agency. The safety position is another area of focus, as the team has used multiple players in rotating roles. Do they invest in a long-term solution at safety, or are they comfortable with their current group?

7. Salary Cap and Future Planning: Balancing the Books

Another significant area where decisions will need to be made is the Ravens’ salary cap situation. While the team has a number of young, cost-controlled players, several key veterans are coming up for new contracts. These decisions will have major ramifications for the team’s cap space and long-term flexibility.

The Ravens will need to assess which players are worth committing large sums of money to and where they can find savings. Contract restructures, trades, or even letting some players walk in free agency may be necessary in order to allocate funds effectively. Managing the cap will be especially important as the team navigates the future of Lamar Jackson’s contract and potentially restructures it to allow for more flexibility in building the roster.