The Baltimore Ravens face challenges ahead of free agency, needing to address key roster gaps and maintain competitiveness.

As the 2025 NFL offseason approaches, the Baltimore Ravens are in a critical phase of their franchise development. With free agency on the horizon, the Ravens, historically known for their strong defense and gritty play, face a crucial juncture in their pursuit of sustained success. After an up-and-down season that saw the team struggle to find consistent rhythm on offense, alongside their trademark defensive excellence, the Ravens must now navigate a complex free-agent market to address key roster gaps. These gaps, combined with their aim to maintain competitiveness within an increasingly tough AFC, have the Ravens’ front office in high-stakes territory.

General Manager Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh will need to make critical decisions, balancing the need for immediate upgrades with long-term planning. With significant moves expected, the Ravens are poised to be active in free agency, but questions loom about their financial flexibility, the talent available, and how the team can keep pace with AFC powerhouses like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals.

In this article, we will break down the challenges the Baltimore Ravens face heading into free agency, highlighting the areas where they must address weaknesses, how they can maintain competitiveness, and what steps they need to take to ensure their position as legitimate contenders in the coming seasons.

1. The Lamar Jackson Situation: A Looming Cloud Over Free Agency

One of the most pressing issues the Ravens must resolve as they approach free agency is the future of quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jackson, a former NFL MVP, has been the centerpiece of the franchise for several years. His dynamic ability as a dual-threat quarterback has been the driving force behind the team’s offensive success, but his contract situation has hung over the franchise for some time.

Jackson’s contract negotiations have been an ongoing saga, with both the player and the team unable to come to terms on a long-term deal. Jackson played under the franchise tag during the 2024 season, and the Ravens have expressed their desire to retain him. However, the situation remains unresolved, and there’s a growing sense that the Ravens need to make a decision sooner rather than later. The uncertainty surrounding Jackson’s future could complicate the team’s ability to recruit key players in free agency. Prospective free agents may be hesitant to sign with a team if they aren’t sure who their starting quarterback will be.

If Jackson returns under the franchise tag for the 2025 season, the Ravens’ salary cap space would be significantly impacted, limiting their ability to make moves. While the team has made efforts to add playmakers around Jackson, his uncertain future makes it difficult for the front office to address other positions of need with clarity. On the other hand, if the Ravens were to negotiate a long-term deal with Jackson, they would need to ensure they structure the contract in a way that allows for sufficient cap space to sign the other players necessary to maintain competitiveness.

Ultimately, Jackson’s situation remains a major factor in the Ravens’ free-agent strategy. His status could dictate whether the team focuses on acquiring more weapons for the offense, bolstering the defense, or both.

2. Offensive Line Concerns: Protecting the Quarterback

One of the Ravens’ most glaring weaknesses in recent seasons has been their offensive line. The Ravens have long prided themselves on a powerful running game, but their offensive line play in 2024 was inconsistent, which negatively impacted both Lamar Jackson’s ability to operate in the pocket and the team’s ability to establish a strong ground game. Protecting Jackson and providing him with the time to survey the field are critical elements if the Ravens are to succeed in 2025 and beyond.

Baltimore’s offensive line saw injuries to key players in 2024, notably tackle Ronnie Stanley, who has struggled with health issues over the past few seasons. Stanley, once considered one of the top left tackles in the league, hasn’t been able to consistently stay on the field, and his absence was felt when Jackson lacked time in the pocket or was forced to scramble. Additionally, the Ravens have yet to find long-term solutions at guard, and the right tackle position has been a revolving door in recent years.

Heading into free agency, the Ravens need to address the offensive line by targeting experienced linemen who can contribute immediately. The team has limited financial flexibility, but they could look to sign a veteran offensive lineman to provide stability and depth. With a strong class of offensive linemen available, the Ravens could look to secure a reliable starting guard or tackle. This would not only help Jackson’s development but also provide stability in the running game, which remains crucial to the Ravens’ offensive identity.

Some potential options in free agency include veteran tackles or guards who are capable of playing multiple positions, ensuring depth and flexibility along the line. The Ravens could also look to draft a young offensive lineman in the upcoming draft to complement their free-agent acquisitions.

3. Wide Receiver and Playmaking Weapons: Adding More Depth

Another area where the Ravens must look to improve is at wide receiver. While the team has some solid talent at the position, including Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay, they have struggled to consistently surround Lamar Jackson with high-end weapons in the passing game. This issue became apparent throughout the 2024 season, as the Ravens were often unable to generate explosive plays in the passing game. The Ravens are known for their heavy emphasis on the running game, but with Jackson’s ability as a passer, they need to provide him with more playmakers to create a more balanced and unpredictable offense.

The Ravens’ receiving corps has been inconsistent, with Bateman’s development stunted by injuries, and Duvernay failing to fully fill the void as a consistent downfield threat. Outside of tight end Mark Andrews, Jackson doesn’t have many proven receiving options who can stretch the field or be trusted in key moments. This puts immense pressure on the Ravens’ running backs, including J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, who have to carry a larger portion of the offensive load.

In free agency, the Ravens should target an established wide receiver who can come in and immediately provide a consistent presence. The top names on the market include a mix of possession receivers and deep threats, as well as veterans who can mentor the younger players on the roster. If the Ravens are serious about keeping pace with AFC rivals like the Chiefs and Bengals, they must address this need.

Players like Allen Robinson, DJ Chark, and Jacoby Myers could provide the Ravens with experienced, high-upside options. Alternatively, the Ravens could go after a speedster who can take the top off of defenses and create more opportunities for Jackson. Either way, adding depth and talent at the receiver position should be a top priority.

4. Defensive Playmakers: Maintaining the Ravens’ Defensive Identity

While the Ravens’ offense is in need of an overhaul, it’s equally important that the team doesn’t neglect their defense. The Ravens have long been known for their stingy defensive play, and they will need to continue bolstering this side of the ball to stay competitive in an AFC filled with elite quarterbacks and offensive units.

The defensive line, in particular, is an area where the Ravens could use reinforcements. While players like Calais Campbell and Justin Madubuike provide leadership and consistency, there are concerns over the depth and age of the unit. The Ravens have relied heavily on their pass rush in recent years, and with teams like the Bengals and Chiefs boasting dynamic offensive lines, it will be critical for Baltimore to maintain pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

The Ravens will likely look to add a pass-rushing specialist in free agency, possibly targeting players like Frank Clark, Yannick Ngakoue, or Marcus Davenport. A talented edge rusher could provide the Ravens with the consistent pressure they need to stifle opposing quarterbacks, especially in divisional matchups.

Furthermore, while the Ravens’ secondary is still one of the best in the league, with cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters, there’s still a need for additional depth and youth at the position. Adding a veteran cornerback or safety could provide stability to the back end of the defense and allow the team to be more versatile in their defensive schemes.

5. The Salary Cap and Financial Flexibility

One of the biggest hurdles the Ravens will face in free agency is their salary cap situation. As of the 2025 offseason, the Ravens have limited space to maneuver, largely due to the contract of Lamar Jackson (if he is franchise-tagged or on a long-term deal) and the financial commitments made to other key players. This restricts their ability to make major splashes in free agency unless they can create more cap space through cuts or restructurings.

The Ravens will need to get creative with their contracts to make room for new signings. This may involve restructuring the deals of high-paid veterans, such as Campbell or Stanley, to free up more space. It’s also possible that the Ravens will look to offload some players who are no longer key contributors or trade for draft picks to rebuild their roster with cheaper, younger talent.