Top 5 Free Agent Targets for the Baltimore Ravens

Top 5 Baltimore Ravens Free Agent Targets

As the Baltimore Ravens head into the 2025 NFL offseason, their front office has plenty of work to do. With a talented roster that’s always in the mix for postseason contention, the Ravens are always looking for ways to bolster their roster. Whether through the draft, trades, or free agency, they have shown that they’re willing to make moves to improve their team. After another playoff appearance in 2024, the Ravens are once again looking to make moves to improve their roster for the upcoming season.

While the Ravens’ front office has traditionally been conservative in free agency, their aggressive nature in recent years—especially in regard to the wide receiver position—shows that they are willing to act if the right player fits. Their strategy will likely include focusing on areas of need to strengthen their roster in key spots. The team enters the 2025 offseason with some critical positions to address and several possible free-agent targets who could help propel them to the next level.

In this article, we’ll examine the top five free-agent targets the Ravens should consider, analyzing their potential impact on the team’s success in the upcoming season.

1. DeAndre Hopkins, WR

One of the biggest areas of need for the Ravens has been the wide receiver position. While the team has invested in young wide receivers like Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers, the lack of a true No. 1 target has been a limiting factor in their offense. This is where someone like DeAndre Hopkins could make a significant difference.

Hopkins is a proven elite receiver with an extensive resume of high-level production. Known for his exceptional ability to track passes and make spectacular catches, Hopkins would provide Lamar Jackson with a dynamic weapon on the outside. He brings a combination of size, skill, and reliability that has helped him become one of the best receivers in the NFL. His ability to make contested catches, stretch the field, and create mismatches with defenders would elevate the Ravens’ passing game significantly.

The Ravens have struggled to land a true No. 1 receiver in recent years, and while they’ve taken strides with their recent draft picks, Hopkins could be a perfect fit for this team. His veteran leadership and ability to stretch defenses would be an excellent complement to Lamar Jackson’s playmaking ability. Adding a top-tier wide receiver like Hopkins would help open up opportunities for the rest of the offense and could potentially take some of the pressure off Jackson to be the team’s only playmaker.

Hopkins, though, may come with a high price tag, so the Ravens would have to carefully assess how his contract fits under the cap. Still, the upside that Hopkins brings to the offense is undeniable, and his addition could push the Ravens into Super Bowl contention.

2. Javon Hargrave, DT

The Ravens’ defensive line has been strong in recent years, but adding a player like Javon Hargrave could take it to another level. Hargrave is a force on the interior, known for his ability to disrupt the pocket and generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Coming off a productive season with the San Francisco 49ers, Hargrave has established himself as one of the premier interior pass rushers in the league.

Hargrave has consistently posted strong numbers, both in terms of sacks and pressures, and would immediately improve the Ravens’ defense. His ability to collapse the pocket from the interior would free up the edge rushers like Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo, giving the Ravens a much-needed boost in their pass rush.

One area where Hargrave would really make a difference is in third-down situations. The Ravens have sometimes struggled to get consistent pressure from their interior defensive line, which has hindered their ability to disrupt passing plays. Hargrave would change that dynamic, creating havoc in the backfield and allowing the defensive line to create more opportunities for turnovers.

Additionally, Hargrave is strong against the run, giving the Ravens’ defense balance in both pass-rush and run-stopping situations. Pairing him with players like Roquan Smith, Patrick Queen, and Marlon Humphrey would create a defensive front that could dominate.

The only challenge the Ravens may face is Hargrave’s potential cost. Given his status as one of the top defensive tackles available, he will likely demand a lucrative contract. But with the Ravens in a position to compete for championships, investing in a player of Hargrave’s caliber could be a game-changer for the defense.

3. Mike McGlinchey, OT

One of the biggest weaknesses for the Ravens over the past few seasons has been their offensive line, specifically at the tackle position. Protecting Lamar Jackson and opening up running lanes for the Ravens’ dynamic backfield has been a critical component of their offensive success. To that end, the Ravens should strongly consider targeting Mike McGlinchey, one of the top right tackles in free agency this offseason.

McGlinchey has been one of the league’s most consistent right tackles over the past few seasons, earning a reputation for both his run-blocking and pass protection. He is strong at the point of attack and has the size (6’8″, 310 pounds) to dominate in both phases of the game. In 2024, McGlinchey was a key contributor for the San Francisco 49ers’ offense, helping to pave the way for an explosive running game while protecting the quarterback.

With the Ravens’ offensive line needing an upgrade to maintain stability and health, adding McGlinchey would be an excellent move. He could slide into the right tackle spot, solidifying that side of the line and allowing the Ravens to have better protection for Lamar Jackson. With Jackson’s dual-threat abilities, McGlinchey’s ability to block in both the running game and pass protection would help keep Jackson’s legs fresh and reduce the number of hits he takes in the pocket.

The Ravens have some options to address the offensive line in the draft or through internal development, but securing a proven veteran like McGlinchey would give the offense an immediate boost and stability up front. A significant investment in the offensive line would be a wise decision for the Ravens as they aim to keep their star quarterback healthy and productive.

4. Daron Payne, DT

In addition to Javon Hargrave, the Ravens should also take a hard look at Daron Payne, another top-tier defensive tackle available in free agency. Payne, coming off a career-best season with the Washington Commanders, has established himself as one of the most disruptive interior defensive linemen in the league.

Payne is a force in both the pass rush and the run game. He has the size (6’3”, 320 pounds) and strength to clog running lanes and push offensive linemen back into the pocket. What makes Payne particularly attractive is his ability to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback from the interior, an area where the Ravens have occasionally struggled.

By pairing Payne with the likes of Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen at linebacker, the Ravens could form one of the most imposing defenses in the NFL. Payne’s ability to push the pocket from the inside would force opposing quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations, improving the effectiveness of the edge rushers and linebackers.

Payne’s potential cost will be significant, but considering how important the interior defensive line is in today’s NFL, he could be a key piece of the Ravens’ defense for years to come. His presence would help elevate the defense as a whole and ensure that the Ravens remain among the league’s elite defensive units.

5. Odell Beckham Jr., WR

Although the Ravens have already added talent to the wide receiver position, Odell Beckham Jr. could be a great addition if the price is right. Beckham has experienced his share of injuries over the years, but when healthy, he remains one of the most explosive and dynamic wide receivers in the NFL. His ability to make highlight-reel catches and stretch the field would provide Lamar Jackson with yet another dangerous weapon in the passing game.

If the Ravens are looking for a short-term addition or a potential No. 2 option alongside Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers, Beckham could fill that role. His veteran experience would also be valuable for the younger players on the team, and his presence could allow for a more diverse offensive scheme that better complements Jackson’s strengths.

While Beckham’s injury history might make him a bit of a gamble, his familiarity with high-pressure situations and big games—having played in multiple Super Bowls—could provide the Ravens with the experience needed to make a deep postseason run.