The Ravens use the beginning of free agency to strengthen the supporting cast for Lamar Jackson.

As the NFL’s free agency period kicks off, the Baltimore Ravens find themselves at a crucial juncture in the Lamar Jackson era. The team has faced many highs and lows throughout Jackson’s tenure as their quarterback, and the organization’s decision-making during free agency could define the next phase of their championship aspirations. For the Ravens, the 2025 offseason is about more than just retaining their star quarterback—it’s about surrounding him with the necessary weapons and talent to elevate their offense and make them serious contenders in the AFC.

Throughout his career, Lamar Jackson has proven himself to be one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the NFL, winning the 2019 MVP award and leading the Ravens to multiple playoff appearances. However, despite Jackson’s individual brilliance, the Ravens have struggled to build a consistently high-powered offense around him. Baltimore’s success has often been built on a rugged running game and a stout defense, but the lack of dynamic weapons in the passing game has hindered their playoff hopes. This offseason, with the beginning of free agency, the Ravens have recognized the need to invest in their supporting cast and give Lamar Jackson the tools he needs to thrive.

The Case for Strengthening the Supporting Cast

One of the defining aspects of Lamar Jackson’s career has been his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs. His unique skill set gives the Ravens offense a dimension that few teams in the NFL possess, but even Jackson’s rare abilities can’t carry a team on their own. While his rushing ability has been a major weapon, the lack of a reliable group of pass catchers has often left Baltimore’s offense predictable and limited. In the modern NFL, dynamic passing games are often key to championship success, and the Ravens understand that to maximize Jackson’s potential, they need to bring in the right pieces.

The Ravens’ supporting cast has often been criticized for its lack of star power, especially at wide receiver. While tight end Mark Andrews has been Jackson’s go-to target and is one of the top tight ends in the league, the receiving corps has been thin in comparison to other high-caliber offenses in the AFC. Wide receivers like Rashod Bateman, Devin Duvernay, and James Proche have shown flashes of potential, but none have emerged as a consistent, dominant force. As a result, opposing defenses have been able to focus on stopping the run and limiting Andrews, often forcing Jackson to make plays with limited options.

The Ravens have also struggled to establish a true number-one receiver. While they’ve had success with their ground game and their defense has remained formidable, the lack of a top-tier passing attack has kept them from reaching the next level. This free agency period, however, marks a shift in strategy for the team. The organization has made it clear that improving the supporting cast around Lamar Jackson is a top priority.

Free Agency: A Fresh Start for the Ravens’ Offense

The Ravens entered the free agency period with several key needs, but none were as urgent as bolstering their offensive weapons. As the team looks to develop a more explosive offense, they have turned their attention to several areas of improvement, from wide receivers to offensive line depth. The first steps in free agency have been promising, as the team has made moves to address these concerns.

1. Wide Receiver Upgrades: A Need for Playmakers

The biggest question for the Ravens this offseason has been how to improve their wide receiver position. They have long been in search of a true number-one receiver who can stretch the field, make contested catches, and open up the offense. Free agency provided the Ravens with an opportunity to bring in one or two impact players to fill this gap, and they have acted quickly.

Baltimore made a major splash early in free agency by signing Allen Robinson II, a former Pro Bowl receiver who brings experience and proven production to the table. Robinson, who has had standout seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears, provides the Ravens with a physical, reliable target on the outside. With the ability to make tough catches in traffic and create separation with his size and athleticism, Robinson should be an immediate upgrade over some of the Ravens’ past wide receiver acquisitions.

In addition to Robinson, the Ravens also targeted Juju Smith-Schuster, another veteran wideout known for his ability to move the chains and create mismatches in the slot. Smith-Schuster’s presence allows Jackson to have a dependable option on short-to-medium routes, giving the Ravens’ offense more versatility and an additional weapon in the passing game. These moves show the Ravens’ commitment to improving the talent around Jackson, ensuring that he has multiple targets to work with.

With Robinson and Smith-Schuster on board, the Ravens now have a far more diverse and dangerous group of wide receivers, with a mix of experienced veterans and younger, high-upside players like Rashod Bateman. This new-look receiving corps should give Lamar Jackson more options and allow the offense to spread the field and execute a more balanced attack.

2. Strengthening the Offensive Line

While much of the focus has been on adding talent to the wide receiver position, another key area of concern for the Ravens has been their offensive line. Protecting Lamar Jackson is paramount, as his mobility and playmaking ability are key to the team’s success. The Ravens’ offensive line has had its ups and downs in recent seasons, with injuries and inconsistent play at times limiting the team’s offensive output.

One of the first moves the Ravens made in free agency was securing Isaiah Wynn, an experienced left tackle who brings stability and toughness to the line. Wynn, who played for the New England Patriots, has been a solid protector of the quarterback’s blind side and should immediately upgrade the Ravens’ protection. His ability to both pass-block and run-block gives the Ravens the flexibility to continue running their powerful ground game while giving Jackson more time in the pocket to survey the field.

With Wynn on board, the Ravens also look to develop some of their younger talent along the offensive line, making sure that they have the depth to protect Jackson over the course of a long season. The stability of the offensive line will be critical to the team’s success, as Jackson’s ability to create plays from the pocket and with his legs depends on having adequate time to read defenses and make decisions. Protecting Jackson is a necessity, and the addition of Wynn is an important step toward making that happen.

3. Running Back Depth: A Well-Balanced Offense

Although the Ravens are already one of the most formidable rushing teams in the NFL, free agency has presented an opportunity to bolster the depth of their running back corps. The team has relied heavily on J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards in recent years, but with both players coming off injury-plagued seasons, adding additional depth to the backfield was essential. The Ravens signed Kareem Hunt, a former Pro Bowl running back known for his ability to contribute both in the running game and the passing game.

Hunt’s versatility as a runner and pass catcher provides the Ravens with an extra dimension to their offense. While Dobbins and Edwards bring power and toughness to the ground game, Hunt can serve as a reliable third-down back and help in short-yardage situations. This move gives the Ravens flexibility and depth in the backfield, allowing them to maintain a strong running game while also giving Lamar Jackson additional options in the passing attack.

With Hunt in the mix, the Ravens now have a multifaceted backfield that can complement their improved receiving corps. This will create even more challenges for opposing defenses, as the Ravens’ offense can attack from multiple angles and be unpredictable in how they move the ball down the field.

The Bigger Picture: Championship Aspirations

The beginning of free agency marks the first major step in the Ravens’ pursuit of a championship with Lamar Jackson. The team has been active and strategic in improving their roster, focusing on adding veteran players who can immediately contribute to the offense. With the additions of Robinson, Smith-Schuster, Wynn, and Hunt, the Ravens have significantly upgraded their supporting cast, giving Jackson a more complete set of tools to work with.

However, the key to the Ravens’ success in the upcoming season will depend not only on these new acquisitions but also on how well the offense meshes as a unit. With Jackson at the helm, the Ravens have one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league, but building a championship contender requires a cohesive offensive system that can take advantage of Jackson’s unique skill set. With an improved receiving corps, a more stable offensive line, and a deep running back group, the Ravens are primed to compete at the highest level.

For Jackson, the addition of more reliable playmakers is a critical step toward fulfilling his potential as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. With the proper supporting cast, Jackson’s abilities as both a passer and a rusher will be better utilized, making the Ravens a more complete and dangerous team. As the season progresses, the Ravens’ newly fortified offense will undoubtedly be one of the most exciting units to watch, and their championship aspirations will hinge on how well these pieces come together.

The beginning of free agency is just the start, but the moves made by the Ravens represent a clear commitment to strengthening the team around Lamar Jackson. As the NFL season unfolds, the Ravens will be a team to watch—especially with a more well-rounded offense ready to support their star quarterback in pursuit of greatness.