Preview of the Baltimore Ravens’ Offseason: Cut Candidates, Free Agents, and Team Needs
The Baltimore Ravens are gearing up for an important offseason as they look to reload and build a team capable of competing at the highest level. Coming off a 2024 season that saw the team in the thick of the playoff race, the Ravens are poised to make moves that could alter the trajectory of their franchise. With a strong core of talent already in place, Baltimore’s front office, led by general manager Eric DeCosta, will focus on addressing key areas to ensure that they remain competitive in the ultra-tough AFC North and beyond.
As the Ravens approach the offseason, they face decisions on several fronts: from trimming excess salary with potential cuts to negotiating with free agents and addressing team needs through the draft or acquisitions. In this preview, we will dive deep into the key storylines surrounding the Ravens’ offseason—examining potential cut candidates, the team’s free agents, and their most pressing needs heading into the 2025 season.
Cut Candidates: Freeing Up Cap Space
The NFL’s salary cap is a significant factor when it comes to roster construction, and the Ravens will need to make some tough decisions on who stays and who goes in order to position themselves for success in the upcoming season. Given the constraints of the salary cap, the Ravens may look to free up space by cutting or trading certain players who no longer fit into their plans.
- Lamar Jackson’s Contract Situation
The first and most significant question mark for the Ravens is Lamar Jackson’s contract. After an offseason of contract negotiations and a franchise tag in 2024, Jackson is eligible for a long-term deal. If the Ravens and Jackson can reach an agreement, it would free up cap space and secure the quarterback position for the foreseeable future. However, if they can’t strike a deal, it could lead to franchise tags or potentially even trade rumors in future years. Managing the situation with Lamar Jackson’s future will be the top priority for the Ravens in the offseason.
- Calais Campbell (Defensive Tackle)
At 39 years old, Calais Campbell’s career is nearing its twilight. While Campbell is still a highly respected veteran and one of the most well-rounded defensive linemen in the NFL, his age and relatively high cap hit ($7 million) could make him a potential cut candidate. If the Ravens decide to part ways with Campbell, it would free up valuable cap space to target other positions of need. However, cutting him would also require the team to replace his leadership and production in a defense that relies heavily on its front seven.
- Marlon Humphrey (Cornerback)
Marlon Humphrey is one of the top cornerbacks in the league, but his $19 million salary cap hit in 2025 might be difficult for the Ravens to stomach. Humphrey has been a consistent performer for the Ravens, but with a defensive backfield that also includes Marcus Peters and Jalyn Armour-Davis, the team may opt to move on from the veteran cornerback in order to free up cap space. A trade could be a possibility as well, depending on how the Ravens view their depth in the secondary.
- Patrick Ricard (Fullback/Defensive Line)
Patrick Ricard is a versatile player who can play both fullback and defensive line for the Ravens, but his $5.2 million cap hit could be seen as a luxury for a team that needs to address other positions. While Ricard is a unique player who provides depth and flexibility, the Ravens might choose to part ways with him in favor of finding a cheaper alternative at fullback or looking to reallocate resources to other areas.
- Ronnie Stanley (Left Tackle)
Ronnie Stanley’s injury history has been well-documented, and with a $21 million cap hit in 2025, the Ravens may have to make a tough decision regarding his future with the team. While Stanley is undoubtedly talented when healthy, his injuries have caused him to miss significant time in recent seasons. The Ravens may look to move on from Stanley if they feel his health concerns are too great to justify his salary, especially with the draft providing an opportunity to find younger, cheaper talent at left tackle.
Free Agents: Key Decisions to Make
The Ravens are also faced with a number of key decisions regarding their own free agents. As Baltimore looks to shore up weaknesses and maintain its competitive advantage, these players’ futures will be critical in shaping the team’s roster for the 2025 season.
- Lamar Jackson (Quarterback)
As mentioned previously, Lamar Jackson’s future is the focal point of the Ravens’ offseason. After playing under the franchise tag in 2024, Jackson will be looking for a long-term extension. A deal that locks Jackson in for the long haul is paramount for the Ravens, as he is the centerpiece of their offense. His unique ability to impact the game as both a passer and a runner makes him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league, and the team will do everything in its power to retain him.
- Odell Beckham Jr. (Wide Receiver)
Odell Beckham Jr. is a player who can make an immediate impact on the field, but his contract status is up in the air. After signing a one-year deal with the Ravens in 2024, Beckham’s future is uncertain. While he played a key role in the Ravens’ offense this past season, his durability and long-term health remain questions. Should the Ravens choose to bring him back, Beckham could be a valuable piece to their receiving corps, but the team may also explore the option of signing a younger, healthier option to bolster their wide receiver room.
- Marcus Peters (Cornerback)
Marcus Peters is a veteran cornerback who has had an up-and-down tenure with the Ravens. While he’s known for his ball-hawking skills and competitive spirit, injuries and inconsistent play have raised doubts about his future in Baltimore. The Ravens have depth at the cornerback position, with young talents like Jalyn Armour-Davis and Brandon Stephens coming up the ranks. If the team chooses to move on from Peters, they could focus on retaining or developing these younger players and allocate the savings to other areas of the roster.
- Justin Houston (Outside Linebacker)
Justin Houston was brought in to provide veteran leadership and pass-rushing ability, and he’s done that, albeit in a limited role. However, with Houston aging and the Ravens needing to think long-term in terms of pass rush, the team might look to either draft or sign a younger, more explosive outside linebacker. Houston could still provide valuable depth, but his future with the team will depend on the team’s ability to secure a more sustainable pass-rushing solution.
- Gus Edwards (Running Back)
Gus Edwards is a solid running back who has played well as a complement to J.K. Dobbins in the backfield. Edwards is a free agent in 2025, and his status will depend on how the Ravens view the running back position. While he’s been effective when healthy, Baltimore may decide to go in a different direction if they feel they can find a more explosive option or allocate the funds elsewhere. If they do re-sign him, Edwards could continue to provide depth and a reliable option for the offense.
Team Needs: Areas for Improvement
The Ravens are not far from being true Super Bowl contenders, but there are still a few key areas that need to be addressed in the offseason to improve the overall roster. Below are the most pressing needs that the Ravens should focus on in the 2025 offseason.
- Wide Receiver
The Ravens’ passing game has taken significant strides in recent years, particularly with the improved play of Lamar Jackson. However, there remains a clear need for another legitimate receiving threat to complement Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers. Although Mark Andrews is one of the top tight ends in the league, the Ravens need more consistency and explosiveness at the wide receiver position. They could target a top-tier free agent receiver or invest in the draft to bring in a younger, high-potential player.
- Offensive Line
The offensive line has been a point of concern for the Ravens in recent seasons, particularly when it comes to pass protection. The team needs to solidify the left tackle spot and ensure that they have a more consistent and durable front. Whether it’s retaining Ronnie Stanley or bringing in new pieces, protecting Lamar Jackson and establishing a more balanced running game will be key to their success in 2025.
- Defensive Line
While the Ravens’ defense is one of the league’s best, the team could use more depth and talent on the defensive line. With Calais Campbell aging and the need to improve their ability to generate pressure up front, the Ravens may look to add a young, dynamic pass rusher to complement Odafe Oweh and Tyus Bowser. Strengthening the defensive line will also help in stopping the run, which remains a priority for this defense.
- Linebacker Depth
The Ravens have some solid linebackers, but they could stand to add depth and competition to the position. The linebacker corps has been a strong point for the team in past seasons, but having a versatile player who can contribute in both the run and passing game would be beneficial. Baltimore might look to add a high-potential linebacker in the draft or as a free-agent signing to provide depth and flexibility.
