The Baltimore Ravens have already won the Big AFC North offseason, and Marlon Humphrey has plans for free agency.

The NFL offseason is a time when teams retool their rosters, evaluate their current talent, and plan for a championship run in the upcoming season. While many franchises are still scrambling to address critical needs or navigate the complexities of salary cap constraints, the Baltimore Ravens have already emerged as one of the biggest winners of the 2025 NFL offseason. From strategic trades and signings to bold moves to improve both the offense and defense, the Ravens have shown they are more than ready to compete for the AFC North title and, ultimately, a Super Bowl. But while the front office has been active, Marlon Humphrey, the Ravens’ star cornerback, has his own plans for free agency that will further shape Baltimore’s future.

The Ravens’ Dominance in the Offseason: A Comprehensive Review

The AFC North is one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL. With rival teams like the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, and Pittsburgh Steelers all boasting competitive rosters, the Ravens’ ability to navigate the offseason successfully has given them a significant edge heading into the 2025 campaign. Let’s break down how the Ravens have positioned themselves as offseason winners.

1. Signing Odell Beckham Jr.

The most significant offseason move for the Ravens was the acquisition of Odell Beckham Jr., the former Los Angeles Rams wide receiver. For several seasons, the Ravens have struggled with a lack of explosive weapons on the outside for quarterback Lamar Jackson. While Jackson’s playmaking ability is undeniable, his receiving corps has often been underwhelming, which has hindered the Ravens’ offense at crucial moments.

With Beckham, the Ravens now have a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver who can stretch the field and make game-changing plays. Beckham’s signing is pivotal for Jackson, who now has a veteran receiver with elite ball-tracking skills, deep speed, and a knack for big plays. This addition is not only a huge asset for Jackson but also opens up opportunities for other Ravens’ playmakers like Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews, who should see more favorable matchups as a result.

The Ravens’ offensive depth now features multiple weapons that can make an impact both in the short and long-term passing game. Beckham’s ability to create mismatches and open up the field will help the Ravens become more balanced offensively, providing a complementary threat to their strong running game.

2. Re-signing Calais Campbell

While the Ravens’ offense has drawn plenty of attention with the signing of Beckham, the defensive side of the ball remains a pillar of Baltimore’s identity. In a pivotal move to maintain the defensive strength of the team, the Ravens re-signed Calais Campbell, a cornerstone player for Baltimore’s defensive line. Campbell, though aging, continues to play at a high level and remains one of the most feared players in the NFL due to his combination of size, strength, and ability to disrupt the pocket.

The Ravens’ defense, anchored by Campbell, continues to be a top-tier unit. His presence provides stability and leadership to a young group of defenders and allows the Ravens to remain competitive against some of the NFL’s most potent offenses. Campbell’s leadership is also essential in mentoring younger players like Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith, helping elevate their games to the next level.

This move underscores the Ravens’ philosophy of building through the draft and re-signing key veterans to maintain competitiveness year in and year out. By retaining Campbell, the Ravens ensure that their defense remains a major strength heading into 2025, giving them one of the most balanced rosters in the league.

3. The Signing of Bobby Wagner

Another impressive offseason acquisition by the Ravens was the signing of Bobby Wagner, the future Hall of Fame linebacker who spent time with the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams. The Ravens had already solidified their linebacker group with the acquisition of Roquan Smith during the previous season, but the addition of Wagner brings another layer of experience and leadership to an already formidable defense.

Wagner’s ability to read offenses, make tackles in the open field, and provide pass coverage over the middle of the field adds immense value to the Ravens’ defense. His presence is especially significant in the AFC North, where divisional games are often decided by gritty, physical play, and defenses are often the deciding factor. Wagner, who has been one of the most consistent linebackers of his era, is sure to make an immediate impact, further bolstering a Ravens defense that thrives on being opportunistic and disruptive.

4. Signing Offensive Guard Ben Powers

While much of the offseason attention has centered around the signing of Beckham and the Ravens’ defensive acquisitions, the team also made an important move to improve their offensive line by signing Ben Powers. Powers, who previously played with the Denver Broncos, is a durable and powerful guard who provides the Ravens with additional depth along the interior of their offensive line.

For quarterback Lamar Jackson to succeed, the Ravens need to keep him protected, especially given his dual-threat ability. The signing of Powers allows the Ravens to better protect Jackson from interior pressure and helps open up more holes in the running game. This improvement to the offensive line should result in a more efficient offense that can both air it out and control the clock on the ground.

The addition of Powers could prove crucial as the Ravens aim to keep pace with other high-powered offenses in the AFC. By shoring up their offensive line, the Ravens are ensuring that their star quarterback remains upright and that their dynamic ground game remains effective.

Marlon Humphrey’s Plans for Free Agency and the Ravens’ Long-Term Outlook

While the Ravens’ front office has been proactive in making moves this offseason, Marlon Humphrey, one of the team’s most important defensive players, is making plans of his own. The two-time Pro Bowl cornerback has been a standout performer for Baltimore since he was drafted in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. As one of the best cornerbacks in the league, Humphrey is widely regarded as the leader of the Ravens’ secondary, a unit that has been one of the team’s strengths over the years.

With the 2025 offseason in full swing, Humphrey’s future with the team is a key point of focus. The cornerback’s contract situation is becoming a pressing issue, and he could be looking to negotiate a new deal or secure a long-term contract extension with the Ravens. After already securing major additions to their roster, the Ravens will need to ensure they retain their cornerstone players, like Humphrey, to maintain their elite defense.

Humphrey’s Importance to the Ravens’ Defense

Humphrey is the type of cornerback who can completely change the trajectory of a game. Known for his physicality, ball skills, and ability to lock down the opposition’s top receiving threats, he is crucial to the success of Baltimore’s defensive scheme. His ability to disrupt routes, create turnovers, and provide leadership on the back end makes him an irreplaceable asset for the Ravens.

As the Ravens’ defense continues to evolve under defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, keeping Humphrey in the fold will be critical to maintaining their elite defensive status. With an aging Calais Campbell, the Ravens will rely on Humphrey and other younger stars to continue their defensive dominance.

Contract Negotiations and Long-Term Vision

The biggest question for Humphrey and the Ravens now is his contract situation. With the salary cap always a consideration, there is speculation that Humphrey could be looking for an extension that locks him up for the long term. Given the current state of the market for top-tier cornerbacks, Humphrey’s value is undoubtedly high, and it will be interesting to see how the Ravens balance his contract demands with their overall roster-building strategy.

With several important players either under contract or secured through recent signings, the Ravens will need to evaluate how best to allocate their cap space. While it’s certainly in their best interest to retain Humphrey, they’ll also have to plan for the future, ensuring they have enough flexibility to continue adding pieces to a Super Bowl-contending team.

The Ravens’ Long-Term Outlook

Even without an official deal for Humphrey at the moment, the Ravens’ future remains promising. Their combination of defensive prowess, offensive upgrades, and well-timed acquisitions positions them as one of the top teams in the AFC for the 2025 season and beyond. As Lamar Jackson continues to grow as a passer and with Beckham now in the fold, the Ravens have a team that can challenge for the AFC North and make a deep playoff run.

Additionally, the continued development of young players such as Patrick Queen, Rashod Bateman, and Tyler Linderbaum will only enhance the team’s overall capabilities. With John Harbaugh at the helm, the Ravens are known for their consistency and ability to get the most out of their roster, making them a perennial contender in the NFL.

Conclusion: The Ravens Are Ready for 2025, but Humphrey’s Future Remains Crucial

The Ravens have unquestionably had one of the most successful offseasons in the NFL, making key acquisitions like Odell Beckham Jr., Bobby Wagner, and Ben Powers while maintaining the integrity of their defense through the re-signing of key players like Calais Campbell. Their roster is now more well-rounded than ever, and the team is primed to make a serious run at the AFC North title in 2025.

However, as the Ravens look toward the future, Marlon Humphrey’s status will be a critical piece of the puzzle. His leadership in the secondary and ability to shut down top receivers is invaluable to the Ravens’ overall success. Whether through a contract extension or free agency negotiations, Humphrey’s future will play a pivotal role in the team’s chances for

sustained success in the years to come.

With all the moves made this offseason, the Baltimore Ravens are undoubtedly one of the most dangerous teams in the AFC, and with Humphrey’s leadership and potential extension, they could solidify their place at the top for years to come.