Ranking the Biggest Offseason Decisions Facing the Baltimore Ravens in 2025

The Baltimore Ravens are entering the 2025 offseason with several crucial decisions that will shape their roster and franchise’s direction. After a mixed 2024 season, filled with highs and lows, they’ll need to decide on personnel, salary cap allocations, and organizational strategy. From managing their star quarterback Lamar Jackson’s future to strengthening a defense that has had moments of inconsistency, the Ravens have no shortage of significant tasks ahead.

Here, we will rank the five biggest offseason decisions facing the Baltimore Ravens heading into 2025.

1. Lamar Jackson’s Contract Extension and Future

Lamar Jackson’s contract has been a focal point since his MVP season in 2019. As one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the NFL, Jackson’s style of play — based on his legs as much as his arm — has made him both a game-changer and an enigma. While Jackson’s future with the Ravens has never truly been in question, the 2025 offseason will be critical in determining whether the Ravens can build a championship-caliber roster around him.

Why It’s the Top Priority:

• Contract Impasse: Jackson and the Ravens have struggled to reach a long-term contract agreement in the past. This has led to frustrations on both sides, especially with the Ravens having to rely on the franchise tag and negotiating through a series of high-stakes standoffs.
• Salary Cap Implications: A long-term deal would impact the salary cap flexibility of the team, especially since Lamar Jackson is one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. The structure of his new contract will affect the Ravens’ ability to sign free agents and retain key players.
• Longevity and Future Stability: Lamar Jackson has been a cornerstone of the Ravens’ offense since being drafted. However, his unique playing style (relying heavily on mobility and agility) has raised concerns about his long-term durability. How the Ravens structure his contract could dictate how they proceed with their offense and player development.

The Decision:

The Ravens will need to come to a definitive decision on Lamar’s future by 2025. Will they go all in with Lamar as their franchise quarterback for the next decade, or will they explore the possibility of moving on if both sides fail to reach an agreement? This decision will define their next era and has ripple effects on the team’s overall approach.

2. Improving the Wide Receiver Corps

Baltimore has struggled in recent years with its wide receiver corps. While there have been flashes of talent, the team has been unable to consistently provide Lamar Jackson with elite weapons on the outside. The Ravens’ reliance on a run-heavy offense has compounded the issue, but they still need more from their receiving group to balance out the attack.

Why It’s Crucial:

• Lack of Elite Targets: Players like Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers show promise, but neither has established themselves as a consistent top-tier target. The Ravens need a true No. 1 wide receiver to help Jackson develop further as a passer and to stretch defenses more effectively.
• Free Agency/Trade Market: The 2025 offseason will present potential opportunities in free agency and trade markets for the Ravens. Could they target a star like DeAndre Hopkins or a younger receiver to give Jackson a solidified target? Or, would they lean on the draft to add new talent?
• Balancing the Offense: While the Ravens’ rushing game remains one of the most dominant in the league, an elite receiving corps will help the team open up the playbook. The Ravens’ success, particularly in the postseason, could hinge on developing a stronger aerial attack.

The Decision:

The Ravens will need to either make a trade or secure a top-flight wide receiver in the draft to make their offense multi-dimensional. Whether they choose to bolster the receiving corps with a veteran or opt for a high draft pick will significantly impact their ability to contend with high-powered offenses across the league.

3. Addressing the Secondary and Defensive Backfield

The Ravens have a historically strong defense, but in recent seasons, their secondary has faced some issues with consistency. Despite talented players like Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Williams, Baltimore has struggled to stop the pass at key moments, particularly against high-scoring offenses.

Why It’s Crucial:

• Playoff Losses and Big Plays: The Ravens have faced heartbreaking playoff exits due to big passing plays and lapses in coverage. Their secondary has been beaten by top-tier quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen in key games, making it clear that they need to solidify their backfield.
• Aging Core: Some of the key veterans in the Ravens’ defensive backfield, such as Humphrey, are aging, and the team may look to get younger while maintaining the ability to compete. The draft and free agency offer opportunities to find the next great cornerback or safety.
• Scheme Adjustments: Baltimore’s defensive coordinator, Mike Macdonald, may need to adjust his approach to better suit the evolving nature of the league, where pass-heavy offenses are the norm. A revamped secondary would complement their aggressive pass rush and improve their chances of slowing down high-octane offenses.

The Decision:

Whether the Ravens decide to focus on re-signing their own free agents or go after fresh talent via the draft and free agency, the secondary is a position that needs to be addressed. Adding another top cornerback or safety would help Baltimore balance their defense and make them more competitive against dynamic passing teams.

4. Offensive Line Reinforcements

The Ravens have been somewhat inconsistent along the offensive line in recent seasons. While they’ve had moments of dominance, injuries and fluctuating performances have hindered the unit at times. Protecting Lamar Jackson and creating holes for the running game are paramount for the Ravens’ success.

Why It’s Crucial:

• Protecting Lamar Jackson: Jackson’s ability to run and make plays with his legs is a huge asset, but he’s also a quarterback who can be vulnerable to injury if the offensive line fails to protect him. Improving protection would mitigate some of these risks and give Jackson more time to progress through his reads.
• Run Game Continuity: The Ravens have a unique rushing attack that requires the offensive line to function cohesively, particularly in power running situations. Adding depth and talent to the line would make the offense even more unpredictable.
• Free Agency and Draft: Baltimore may need to make changes to the offensive line by pursuing free agents or drafting players who can come in and contribute immediately. The 2025 offseason is an opportunity to either find high-quality veterans or draft a future star.

The Decision:

Whether it’s through an early-round draft pick or a high-priced free agent, the Ravens will need to ensure their offensive line is one of the league’s top units. If they want Lamar Jackson to thrive and stay healthy, bolstering the offensive line is critical.

5. Determining the Future of Key Free Agents

Baltimore has several key free agents heading into the 2025 offseason. This includes players like linebacker Roquan Smith, who has become one of the cornerstones of the Ravens’ defense, and running back JK Dobbins, whose future with the team is uncertain.

Why It’s Crucial:

• Cap Space Management: The Ravens are usually tight against the salary cap, and decisions about re-signing their own players, especially big-money talents like Roquan Smith or Dobbins, will be challenging. They will need to decide whether they can afford to bring them back or if it’s time to move on.
• Depth vs. Star Power: The Ravens are known for building deep rosters, and keeping core players like Smith or Dobbins is crucial. However, balancing financial constraints while maintaining a competitive roster is always difficult in the NFL.
• Long-Term Core Building: Will the Ravens go all in on retaining their top players, or will they focus on retooling in specific areas, such as linebacker or running back? The balance between aging players and the need for youth will play a major role in these decisions.

The Decision:

The Ravens’ front office will need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of re-signing these key players. While retaining talent is important, managing the cap while building for the future will require careful strategy.