Offseason ‘Dream Scenario’ for the Ravens in Free Agency and the Draft: Arriving Late for Work

As the NFL offseason begins, every team is eager to improve, make key acquisitions, and position themselves for success in the coming season. For the Baltimore Ravens, a team with a rich history of success and a dynamic roster, the offseason is particularly crucial. With a few significant decisions on the horizon, the Ravens are facing an offseason full of opportunities—especially with free agency and the draft looming.

The concept of an offseason “dream scenario” is something that football fans, analysts, and team executives alike discuss frequently. What would the ideal offseason look like for a team? For the Ravens, the answer lies in making strategic moves that address key needs, reinforce areas of strength, and capitalize on opportunities to improve for the long haul.

But how does a “dream scenario” for the Ravens manifest itself? Is it about landing marquee free agents? Is it about making key draft selections that bolster the team’s weak spots? Or is it about internal development and keeping the core roster intact? As the Ravens head into the offseason, let’s explore a “dream scenario” for Baltimore that combines key moves in free agency, smart draft picks, and roster management that will set them up for sustained success.

The Free Agency Landscape

The NFL free agency period is often the most exciting—and unpredictable—time of the offseason. While many teams use the draft to build their future, free agency offers a quick way to add proven talent to the roster. For the Ravens, free agency should be about improving certain positions and making bold, calculated decisions. Here are a few moves that could represent a dream scenario for the team:

1. Re-sign Lamar Jackson to a Long-Term Deal

The most important offseason decision for the Ravens is undoubtedly about Lamar Jackson, their franchise quarterback. Jackson, the 2019 NFL MVP, has been one of the most electrifying players in the league since he entered the NFL, and his ability to create plays with both his arm and legs has made him the focal point of the Ravens’ offense.

However, Jackson’s contract situation has been an ongoing concern, with the former MVP playing under the fifth-year option for the 2023 season. The Ravens need to make a concerted effort to secure Jackson’s future with the team long-term. This could include a fully guaranteed contract or a more creative structure that includes performance-based incentives, but whatever the case, the dream scenario for the Ravens would involve getting Jackson locked in for the foreseeable future.

This decision would not only stabilize the quarterback position but also ensure that the Ravens’ offensive scheme can remain consistent and centered around Jackson’s unique skill set. Without Lamar Jackson’s presence, the team would face significant rebuilding at the most important position on the field. A long-term deal for Jackson would be a win for both sides, keeping the star player in Baltimore while allowing the team to plan for the future with a stable QB position.

2. Add a Top-Tier Wide Receiver

The Ravens have historically struggled to build a dynamic and consistently dangerous receiving corps, and that’s one of the key areas where they must make strides this offseason. While Mark Andrews has emerged as the team’s primary target in the passing game, the Ravens need to bring in another reliable wide receiver to provide Jackson with more weapons.

Dream Scenario Move: Signing DeAndre Hopkins or Mike Evans (via trade). Hopkins, a former All-Pro receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, is one of the most talented and accomplished wideouts in recent NFL history. His ability to make contested catches, route-running precision, and ability to win one-on-one matchups would elevate Baltimore’s passing game to another level.

Alternatively, Mike Evans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would also be a dream addition. With Evans’ ability to stretch the field and create mismatches with defensive backs, he would provide the Ravens with the type of vertical threat they’ve lacked in recent years. A move like this would provide Jackson with a true number-one receiver to pair with the emerging talent of Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers.

3. Bolster the Offensive Line

As talented as Lamar Jackson is, he’s only effective if he has adequate protection. The Ravens need to address their offensive line to ensure Jackson has more time to throw and that their run game remains potent. Over the past few seasons, the line has been inconsistent due to injuries and lackluster performances from certain players.

Dream Scenario Move: Signing a veteran offensive lineman in free agency. One ideal candidate would be Ben Powers from the Denver Broncos, or even Orlando Brown Jr., who left the Ravens for the Kansas City Chiefs and now has a chance to return as a free agent. Adding one of these players to fortify the offensive line would provide more protection for Jackson, especially on the outside where Brown’s experience could be invaluable.

Additionally, signing an experienced interior lineman like Mike McGlinchey or Ben Jones could provide a significant upgrade in the run game, particularly in creating lanes for J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards to thrive. With a solidified offensive line, the Ravens could become a more balanced team on offense, balancing both the air and ground attacks.

The Draft Strategy: Key Selections to Boost the Team

As important as free agency is, the draft is where the Ravens can truly build their future and continue to grow their talent pool. Over the years, the Ravens have built a reputation as one of the most successful teams in the NFL Draft, and the 2025 draft will be no different. Here are a few key positions the Ravens should target with their picks:

1. Edge Rusher

One of the most pressing needs for the Ravens is adding a dynamic pass rusher to complement Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen at linebacker. Despite having a strong defense overall, the Ravens have struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which has hurt their ability to stop high-powered offenses.

Dream Scenario Pick: In the first round, the Ravens could target a top-tier edge rusher such as Will Anderson Jr. from Alabama or Jared Verse from Florida State. These players have the ability to immediately contribute and provide the Ravens with a consistent, game-changing presence on the edge. Anderson, in particular, is one of the best defensive prospects in the 2025 draft and would be an excellent addition to a Ravens defense that prides itself on toughness and physicality.

With an elite pass rusher in place, the Ravens would be able to pressure opposing quarterbacks, allowing their secondary to cover more effectively and ultimately leading to more takeaways and better field position for the offense.

2. Cornerback

Although the Ravens have one of the league’s top cornerbacks in Marlon Humphrey, the depth behind him is lacking, and the team has struggled at times with pass defense. The draft presents an opportunity to add a young, talented cornerback who can come in and make an impact right away.

Dream Scenario Pick: Kelee Ringo from Georgia is one such prospect who could fill this need. With his blend of size, speed, and ball skills, Ringo could complement Humphrey on the outside and provide much-needed depth at cornerback. Another solid option would be Joey Porter Jr. from Penn State, who possesses the physicality and technicality to immediately contribute in the Ravens’ secondary.

Adding a high-end cornerback would improve the team’s ability to match up with top receiving threats and provide them with more flexibility in pass defense, allowing the Ravens to play more aggressive schemes without fear of being exploited.

3. Wide Receiver (Later Rounds)

While the Ravens should target a veteran wide receiver in free agency, they should also look to the draft for adding a young playmaker to develop behind Bateman and Flowers. The right receiver could provide immediate depth and eventually grow into a key contributor for Baltimore’s passing attack.

Dream Scenario Pick: Jalin Hyatt from Tennessee would be an ideal fit, as he can provide a deep threat to complement the Ravens’ offense. Hyatt’s ability to stretch the field with his speed and explosiveness would keep defenses honest, especially with Jackson’s mobility pulling defenders out of position.

Alternatively, the Ravens could also look for a physical possession receiver like Quentin Johnston from TCU, who could become a reliable target on third downs and in the red zone.

Additional Considerations and Strategic Depth

Beyond free agency and the draft, the Ravens need to focus on ensuring their core players remain healthy and develop a deeper understanding of their roles. With the ongoing evolution of the team, it’s important to keep a focus on player development and internal growth. Key players such as J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and Rashod Bateman should be expected to take steps forward in their careers as they continue to mature and adjust to their expanded roles.

Additionally, Baltimore’s front office should continue to support defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald in bringing new schemes and techniques to keep the defense one of the league’s most aggressive and efficient units.

 A Bright Future for the Ravens

The dream scenario for the Baltimore Ravens during the 2025 offseason is one where the front office hits on key acquisitions in free agency, secures crucial draft picks, and ensures internal development remains on track. With Lamar Jackson locked into a long-term deal, the team’s future remains in good hands. Strengthening the receiving corps, upgrading the offensive line, and addressing key defensive needs will help the Ravens position themselves as Super Bowl contenders for years to come.

The combination of savvy moves in free agency, calculated draft picks, and smart roster management could help the Ravens reestablish themselves as one of the top teams in