The Baltimore Ravens are reportedly targeting an aging star in free agency, aiming to add experience and leadership.

As the Baltimore Ravens head into the 2025 NFL offseason, they find themselves in a crucial position to make moves that could shape their future. After years of success based on a strong defense, a dominant running game, and the dynamic playmaking ability of Lamar Jackson, the team now faces a challenging task: finding the right pieces to push them over the edge and into Super Bowl contention. While the team’s defense remains strong, their offense has shown signs of needing more balance and consistency—especially in the passing game.

One strategy that has recently been reported is the Ravens’ interest in pursuing an aging star in free agency. This might seem counterintuitive in an era where youth and speed are often valued over experience, but for Baltimore, bringing in a veteran who can offer both leadership and a high level of play could prove to be a masterstroke.

Why the Ravens Are Targeting an Aging Star

There are several reasons why the Ravens might be looking to add an aging veteran to their roster this offseason. While the team has a young and talented core, especially in quarterback Lamar Jackson and various defensive stars, there are significant areas where the Ravens could benefit from adding a player who brings experience, leadership, and depth. Let’s break down why this strategy makes sense for the team.

1. Leadership and Locker Room Presence

One of the most significant assets an aging star can bring to a team is leadership. In an organization like the Ravens, where strong leadership is a hallmark of success, bringing in a veteran player who can guide younger talent and help shape the culture is vital. The Ravens’ roster features several young players who have the potential to be stars, but they lack the experience that comes with years of playoff appearances, critical moments, and the grind of an NFL season.

In recent years, the team has been missing a player who can truly serve as a bridge between the coaching staff and the younger players. Players like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs were the vocal leaders who could ignite the team, and while the Ravens still have strong personalities in the locker room, an aging star with a championship pedigree could be the missing piece.

Take, for instance, the impact of a veteran like wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who may be on the Ravens’ radar this offseason. Despite being in the later years of his career, Hopkins is a player with immense experience, having played in numerous playoff games and consistently performing at a high level. His leadership could be invaluable in the development of younger receivers like Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay. A player like Hopkins could also help Lamar Jackson refine his passing game, offering insights and wisdom on route running and defensive tendencies that only a seasoned pro could provide.

2. Plugging Immediate Gaps in Key Positions

Another reason the Ravens might target an aging star is to plug immediate gaps in key positions that are critical to their success in the upcoming season. One such position is wide receiver. The Ravens have struggled for years to find a reliable, high-level receiver to complement Lamar Jackson. While the team has made strides with young talent like Bateman, who was drafted in the first round in 2021, injuries have slowed his development, and the team is still searching for consistency at the position.

The addition of an aging star, such as a veteran wide receiver like Hopkins, could make an immediate impact. Hopkins has remained one of the NFL’s top wideouts despite his age, thanks to his route-running ability, physicality, and exceptional hands. The Ravens could see Hopkins as a short-term solution that allows them to address their receiver needs without having to rely solely on the draft.

Likewise, other positions could benefit from a similar strategy. The Ravens’ secondary, while still one of the league’s better units, could use a veteran presence to elevate their play. With cornerbacks like Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters, the Ravens already have solid leadership in place, but bringing in an experienced safety or cornerback to serve as a mentor could push the defense into the elite category once again. The importance of depth and experience in the secondary, especially in the face of injuries and the wear and tear of a 17-game season, cannot be overstated.

3. Super Bowl Window and Championship Pedigree

The Ravens are in a unique position in 2025. Lamar Jackson is arguably in his prime, and despite a few setbacks, he remains one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL. The Ravens also have a strong defense, and pieces like Mark Andrews and the running back duo of J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards give them the offensive tools they need to compete at the highest level. However, the NFL is an unpredictable league, and there is a sense that the Ravens’ window to win a Super Bowl is now. Adding an aging star could be the final puzzle piece needed to make that dream a reality.

In this context, targeting veterans who have seen the highs and lows of the league can provide more than just on-field production. Players like Hopkins, who have championship aspirations and understand the intensity of postseason football, can bring a level of focus and urgency to a team. Their presence could inspire younger players to raise their game in the pursuit of a championship. Moreover, these veterans have typically been through every scenario imaginable, whether it’s a high-pressure playoff game or a Super Bowl appearance. Their experience and calm under pressure could help the Ravens in tight situations.

For a team like the Ravens, who have come close to contending but have fallen short, acquiring an aging star could be the move that puts them over the top. Teams that are on the cusp of greatness often need one more veteran presence to help bridge the gap, especially when that player can fill a crucial role in a way that younger players cannot.

4. Short-Term Commitment with Long-Term Benefits

The financial flexibility of signing an aging star in free agency is another consideration that makes this strategy appealing for the Ravens. Veteran players, especially those in the twilight of their careers, are often willing to sign short-term deals. These contracts are usually structured in a way that provides a team with a lower-risk, high-reward scenario.

For example, if the Ravens were to pursue Hopkins, they could structure his contract with incentives based on performance and team success, minimizing risk. This allows the team to gain a high level of talent and leadership without committing long-term salary cap space. In the Ravens’ case, where managing the cap and developing young talent is key to the franchise’s strategy, this approach allows them to remain flexible in future seasons while benefiting from the veteran’s immediate contributions.

Furthermore, signing an aging player to a short-term deal might provide the team with an opportunity to draft younger talent at the same position. For instance, in the case of adding a wide receiver, the Ravens could target a younger receiver in the draft while using the veteran’s presence to ease the transition and develop their future star.

Potential Aging Stars on the Ravens’ Radar

Several aging stars could be targets for the Ravens as they look to improve their roster in 2025. These players would bring not only skill but also the experience necessary to lead a team to a Super Bowl. Let’s take a look at a few potential free-agent signings.

1. DeAndre Hopkins – Wide Receiver (Arizona Cardinals)

One of the most logical fits for the Ravens would be DeAndre Hopkins. Despite being in his 30s, Hopkins remains one of the best wide receivers in the league, known for his incredible hands, precise route-running, and ability to make big plays in critical moments. The Ravens have long needed a true No. 1 receiver to pair with Lamar Jackson, and Hopkins could be the perfect addition. His experience, work ethic, and leadership could elevate the Ravens’ offense and bring an added level of professionalism and focus to the locker room.

2. J.J. Watt – Defensive End (Retired)

Although J.J. Watt recently retired, his name has come up in discussions about potential veteran leaders joining teams in a coaching or mentorship capacity. Watt could still be an option for a player-coach type of role, providing the defensive line with invaluable leadership. Even if Watt is not playing every snap, his presence could have a massive impact on the team’s overall defensive culture and help develop younger pass rushers.

3. Jason Peters – Offensive Tackle (Free Agent)

Jason Peters, the 41-year-old offensive tackle, has been a consistent force on the Philadelphia Eagles’ line for years. Although he’s getting up there in age, he could still provide solid depth at offensive tackle. The Ravens could benefit from having a veteran presence on the line, especially if they are grooming younger offensive linemen or if injury issues arise during the season.

4. Richard Sherman – Cornerback (Free Agent)

Another aging star who could benefit the Ravens is Richard Sherman. Sherman has been a lockdown cornerback for many years, and even though he’s past his prime, his football IQ and leadership would be an asset to the Ravens’ defense. The Ravens have a strong secondary with players like Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters, but Sherman’s ability to mentor younger corners and provide leadership in high-pressure situations would add a valuable dimension to their defense.