A two-time Pro Bowler from the Ravens is predicted to leave Baltimore, potentially joining the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025.

The NFL is a league where every offseason is filled with rumors, trades, and free-agent moves that can shift the balance of power in a division. The latest buzz surrounding the Baltimore Ravens has sparked concerns among their fan base: a two-time Pro Bowl player, whose contributions have been crucial to the team’s success, could be leaving Baltimore. Worse yet, reports suggest that this player may be headed to a division rival—the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Such a move would not only be a significant loss for the Ravens, but it would also strengthen the Steelers, a team that has been looking to re-establish its dominance in the AFC North. This article delves into the potential ramifications of this move, analyzing how the departure of the Ravens’ star player could impact the franchise, the division, and the Steelers’ overall prospects for the 2025 season.

Who Is This Two-Time Pro Bowler?

To understand the gravity of this potential departure, it’s essential to know who this two-time Pro Bowler is. While the exact identity of the player has not been confirmed, speculation around Baltimore’s roster points toward a few key candidates, with many eyes on star players like cornerback Marlon Humphrey, linebacker Patrick Queen, and offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley. These players have been integral to the Ravens’ success, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and serving as cornerstones of their respective positions.

Marlon Humphrey: Shutdown Corner and Defensive Leader

Marlon Humphrey has long been regarded as one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. A 2017 first-round pick, Humphrey quickly established himself as the Ravens’ premier cornerback and one of the league’s best shutdown corners. His ability to blanket wide receivers, especially in one-on-one coverage, has been a key part of the Ravens’ defensive success in recent years.

Humphrey is known for his physical play, excellent ball skills, and ability to take away the opposing offense’s best receiver. His leadership on the field is invaluable, and he’s frequently matched up against the top wideouts in the league, making him a major asset for Baltimore. Losing Humphrey would leave a significant hole in the Ravens’ secondary, one that would be difficult to fill with immediate talent.

Patrick Queen: Emerging Star at Linebacker

Another potential candidate is linebacker Patrick Queen, who was drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Queen quickly earned a reputation as one of the most athletic and instinctual linebackers in the NFL. He’s been a major contributor to the Ravens’ defense, excelling in both pass coverage and run defense. Queen’s sideline-to-sideline speed and his ability to make plays in critical situations have made him one of the NFL’s most promising young linebackers.

Though Queen is still relatively early in his career, he has already made a massive impact, being named to the Pro Bowl twice. His departure would be a significant blow to the Ravens’ defense, as the team would need to find a replacement who can match his playmaking ability and versatility.

Ronnie Stanley: Anchor of the Offensive Line

On the other side of the ball, Ronnie Stanley, the Ravens’ star left tackle, is another key player who could be the subject of rumors. Stanley has been one of the most reliable offensive linemen in the NFL since he was drafted in 2016, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and establishing himself as a leader on the offensive line. His ability to protect Lamar Jackson’s blindside has been crucial to the Ravens’ offensive success, particularly in the run game and in pass protection.

If Stanley were to leave Baltimore, it would not only impact the Ravens’ offensive line but also potentially hinder Lamar Jackson’s ability to perform at his best. The Ravens’ offensive scheme revolves heavily around Jackson’s mobility, and a reliable offensive line is essential to his success. Losing Stanley would create instability and force the Ravens to adjust to a significant gap on the left side of their line.

Why the Pittsburgh Steelers?

The prospect of a two-time Pro Bowler leaving Baltimore for Pittsburgh may seem far-fetched to some, given the intense rivalry between the two teams. However, there are several factors that could make this move more likely than fans may expect.

The Steelers’ Championship Window

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the midst of retooling their roster, but they still have key players who are capable of contending for a championship. Quarterback Kenny Pickett has shown promise in his early years, and with a solid defense led by stars like T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, the Steelers are close to being a legitimate contender in the AFC North.

The addition of a Pro Bowl player, particularly one who could fill a key role on the team, would further bolster their chances of making a deep playoff run. Whether it’s adding a star cornerback to the defense or shoring up the offensive line to protect Pickett, this player could immediately step in and make an impact. The Steelers are also notorious for being opportunistic in free agency, making them a strong contender to land a high-profile player from a division rival.

The Steelers’ Cap Space and Roster Flexibility

As the Steelers enter the 2025 offseason, they are in a solid financial position to make moves and add high-caliber talent to their roster. With significant cap space and roster flexibility, Pittsburgh is in a prime position to add a player who could push them over the top.

Moreover, with the Steelers having missed out on several key acquisitions in previous offseasons, they may feel the urgency to make a splash in 2025. A two-time Pro Bowler from a division rival would not only provide a major boost to their roster but would also send a message to the rest of the AFC North that they are serious about competing for a Super Bowl.

Impact on the Ravens: A Major Loss

Losing a two-time Pro Bowler would be a major setback for the Baltimore Ravens. The team is coming off a promising season, but they will need all of their key players to be at their best to contend for a Super Bowl in 2025. A departure of this magnitude would leave a gaping hole in the roster, especially considering how integral this player has been to the team’s success.

Whether it’s Humphrey’s shutdown ability in the secondary, Queen’s leadership at linebacker, or Stanley’s protection on the offensive line, the Ravens would need to find a way to fill the void left by a star player. While the team has made strides in building depth and adding young talent, losing a Pro Bowler would test their ability to stay competitive within the AFC North and the broader AFC playoff picture.

In addition, the prospect of seeing a former key player in a Steelers uniform would add extra fuel to the rivalry. For Ravens fans, the idea of watching a Pro Bowler suit up for Pittsburgh would be a painful reminder of how quickly things can change in the NFL.

Potential Alternatives for the Ravens

Should this Pro Bowler leave Baltimore for Pittsburgh, the Ravens would need to explore alternatives to strengthen their roster. Some potential moves could include:

1. Free Agency and the Draft: The Ravens may look to the free-agent market or the NFL Draft to find a suitable replacement. Whether it’s adding a veteran cornerback or linebacker or drafting a young offensive lineman, the Ravens have the flexibility to address any gaps that would be created by this potential loss.
2. Internal Development: The Ravens have always been known for their ability to develop players from within the system. It’s possible that the team could look to younger players on the roster to step up and fill the void left by a departing star. Players like cornerback Brandon Stephens, linebacker Malik Harrison, or offensive lineman Ben Powers could have the opportunity to rise to the occasion in 2025.
3. Trades: Another avenue the Ravens could explore is making a trade for an established player at a position of need. Given the team’s strong roster and commitment to competing, the Ravens could be active in the trade market, seeking to add talent that will help them stay competitive in the AFC North.