2025 NFL Free Agency: Ravens have 19 players slated to hit the open market

The NFL offseason is a time of flux and uncertainty for most teams, but few teams face as much pressure as the Baltimore Ravens. Known for their elite defense and consistent playoff appearances, the Ravens have been one of the league’s most successful franchises over the past two decades. However, the 2025 NFL free agency period looms large for the Ravens as 19 key players are set to hit the open market, creating both challenges and opportunities for the organization.

With the combination of a looming salary cap crunch, critical roster decisions, and the team’s ongoing quest to put together a Super Bowl-contending roster, the Ravens are in a precarious position heading into this free agency period. While the team boasts several star players, including reigning MVP Lamar Jackson, key contributors to their success may need to be retained or replaced in order for Baltimore to remain competitive in the fiercely competitive AFC.

As the Ravens’ front office prepares for a potentially transformative offseason, it’s important to break down the 19 players who are set to become free agents, assess how their departures (or retention) could impact the team, and what moves the organization might make to maintain their level of excellence.

Understanding the Context: Ravens’ Salary Cap and Roster Needs

Before diving into the individual free agents, it’s essential to understand the financial and roster landscape the Ravens are facing. Like all NFL teams, Baltimore has to operate within the confines of the salary cap, a reality that forces difficult decisions about which players to retain and which to let go. In the case of the Ravens, they are currently dealing with a relatively tight salary cap situation, which will make it difficult to keep all 19 free agents, particularly the high-priced ones.

Moreover, the Ravens have already committed significant resources to their franchise quarterback, Lamar Jackson, who signed a massive extension in the offseason. While Jackson’s contract is a major cornerstone for the team, it also means the Ravens will have less flexibility to sign free agents or offer lucrative extensions to players hitting the open market. Additionally, the team will need to balance their focus on retaining top-tier players, strengthening key areas of need, and keeping future flexibility in mind as they continue to build a championship-caliber roster.

The 19 Ravens Free Agents: Position Breakdown

Of the 19 players set to hit free agency, they represent a wide range of positions, from core starters to depth players who have contributed in various capacities. In order to evaluate the impact of these free agents, it’s important to break down the players by position and assess how their departures might affect the team’s strategy moving forward.

1. Quarterback – Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson, the face of the Ravens’ franchise, is not slated to be a free agent in 2025. However, he has been the subject of ongoing contract negotiations over the past few seasons. His substantial contract extension, secured in 2023, sets the tone for the team’s future in terms of salary cap management. Jackson’s unique skill set as both a passer and a runner has kept the Ravens competitive, and the team will likely continue to build around him for the foreseeable future. The quarterback position is thus a critical area where no changes are expected in 2025 free agency, but the surrounding roster decisions will be crucial in supporting Jackson’s continued development.

2. Wide Receivers – Impact of Free Agency

One of the most pressing concerns for the Ravens heading into 2025 free agency is their wide receiver room. Wide receiver is an area where the team has long struggled to find consistent playmakers, and they have been criticized for not surrounding Lamar Jackson with a high-caliber group of pass-catchers. Several wide receivers from the 2024 roster are set to hit free agency, including veterans and role players who have played a part in the Ravens’ passing attack.

• Rashod Bateman: Bateman, a former first-round pick, has shown flashes of brilliance but has been plagued by injuries. The Ravens will need to make a decision on whether to extend him or let him walk, as he has not yet reached his full potential. If he stays healthy, he could be a major asset, but the team may look to upgrade at the position if he moves on.
• Devin Duvernay: Duvernay has been a reliable deep threat for the Ravens, known for his speed and playmaking ability. However, his role has been somewhat inconsistent. Depending on the Ravens’ overall plan for the receiving corps, the team could prioritize retaining Duvernay for his versatility or let him test the market in favor of new talent.
• Nelson Agholor: Agholor, a veteran presence on the team, has had an up-and-down tenure with the Ravens. While he has provided some solid depth at wide receiver, his inconsistency might make him an expendable option for the Ravens if they seek a higher level of play.

With Jackson’s progression as a passer and the Ravens’ need for an upgraded receiving corps, the team may decide to allocate significant resources to bring in outside talent. Names like free-agent veterans or potential trade targets could be on the Ravens’ radar as they seek to address the receiver position.

3. Offensive Line – Key Decisions for Retention

The offensive line has been another area where the Ravens have invested heavily, particularly in recent years as part of their commitment to keeping Lamar Jackson protected. A few key offensive linemen will be hitting free agency, and their departures or extensions will have a huge impact on the Ravens’ offensive strategy.

• Ronnie Stanley (Tackle): Stanley, one of the most talented left tackles in the NFL, has had injury issues over the past few seasons, but when healthy, he is a cornerstone of the Ravens’ offensive line. If he departs, the Ravens will have to address a major need at the left tackle position, which could significantly impact Jackson’s ability to stay upright in the pocket.
• Kevin Zeitler (Guard): Zeitler, the veteran guard, has been a reliable force on the Ravens’ offensive line since joining the team. However, at 34 years old, his future with the team is uncertain. Retaining Zeitler could provide stability, but if he leaves, the team might need to focus on bringing in younger talent to ensure the line remains strong.
• Tyler Linderbaum (Center): Linderbaum, the Ravens’ young and promising center, is not a free agent in 2025, but the team’s future offensive line decisions could hinge on his development and the surrounding pieces. The team may need to bolster the line if they lose veterans like Zeitler and Stanley.

The offensive line remains one of the most important units for the Ravens, and their success in 2025 will largely depend on their ability to retain or replace key contributors. Given the premium placed on protecting Jackson and ensuring offensive success, it is likely that the team will prioritize keeping its most talented linemen.

4. Defensive Players – Securing Baltimore’s Identity

The Ravens are synonymous with elite defense, and several key defensive players will be hitting free agency in 2025. Maintaining a strong defensive identity is paramount for the Ravens, and their decisions in free agency will go a long way in shaping their ability to stay competitive in a high-scoring league.

• Roquan Smith (Linebacker): Smith has been a game-changer for the Ravens since joining the team, and keeping him in Baltimore is likely to be one of the franchise’s top priorities. A leader in the middle of the defense, Smith’s ability to stop the run and cover in space makes him invaluable. The Ravens will likely work hard to retain him, but his potential value on the open market will be high.
• Marcus Peters (Cornerback): Peters, a former Pro Bowler, has had an up-and-down career in Baltimore, but his ball-hawking ability and leadership in the secondary are undeniable. If he departs, the Ravens will have to find a way to replace him in the secondary, potentially through the draft or free agency.
• Calais Campbell (Defensive Line): At 39 years old, Campbell is on the tail end of his career, but he remains a powerful presence in the defensive line. Whether he decides to retire or continue playing, the Ravens will have to make a decision about whether to keep him for one more season or move on.

The Ravens’ defense has been one of their defining features, and while some of these veterans may move on, the team will continue to prioritize building a defense that can carry them through tough playoff games. Losing key players like Smith, Peters, or Campbell could create significant holes, but the Ravens are known for their ability to develop young defensive talent.

5. Special Teams and Depth Players

In addition to the starting talent set to hit the market, several depth players, special teams contributors, and role players will also be free agents. While their departures would not drastically change the team’s overall makeup, these players do provide essential depth and versatility.

Players like Gus Edwards (Running Back), Justice Hill (Running Back), and Patrick Ricard (Fullback) all play important roles in the team’s balanced offensive attack. Additionally, Justin Tucker and other special teams players will likely receive attention as the Ravens look to secure one of the NFL’s best special teams units.