Recap of the Ravens’ major offseason additions after the first wave of free agency.

The 2025 offseason has been one of the most eventful and impactful periods in recent Baltimore Ravens history. After falling short of their Super Bowl aspirations once again, the Ravens have taken a bold and calculated approach to improving their roster. With Lamar Jackson still at the helm, and the Ravens’ organization keen on enhancing their roster to compete with the league’s elite teams, Baltimore’s front office has made several key moves in the first wave of free agency. These additions are aimed at solidifying the team’s offensive and defensive units, providing Jackson with the necessary weapons to make a deep playoff run and building a defense capable of shutting down the best offenses in the league.

This recap takes a deep dive into the major additions the Ravens have made in free agency, the strategic reasoning behind each signing, and how these moves could help the team not only reach the Super Bowl but potentially win it. From bolstering the receiving corps to adding crucial depth on defense, the Ravens have clearly prioritized balance and competitiveness.

Offensive Additions: Strengthening the Passing Game

One of the most glaring weaknesses of the Ravens in recent years has been their passing game. Despite Lamar Jackson’s ability to make plays with his legs, the team has often struggled to provide him with a consistent and dynamic receiving corps. This offseason, the Ravens have gone all in to remedy that, making a significant push to improve their aerial attack.

1. The Addition of Wide Receiver Tyreek Hill

Arguably the most significant acquisition of the Ravens’ offseason thus far is the signing of wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who was traded from the Miami Dolphins to Baltimore in a blockbuster deal. Hill’s elite speed, route-running, and playmaking ability make him one of the most dangerous receivers in the NFL. Over the past few seasons, he has been a key weapon in Miami’s high-powered offense, and now he will bring that same explosiveness to Baltimore.

For Lamar Jackson, Hill’s arrival could be a game-changer. While Jackson’s passing has often been scrutinized, especially on deep throws, Hill’s incredible speed will help mitigate any accuracy concerns. Hill can outrun virtually any defender in the league, which means Jackson doesn’t need to be perfect with his throws—Hill’s ability to adjust in the air and create separation gives the quarterback a significant margin for error.

The combination of Hill’s big-play ability and Jackson’s ability to extend plays will open up new dimensions for the Ravens’ offense. No longer will defenses be able to load the box to stop Jackson’s run game without worrying about the deep ball. Hill will stretch defenses vertically and horizontally, providing Jackson with more options and forcing defenses to play more cautiously, giving Baltimore’s offense a new layer of unpredictability.

2. Tight End Darren Waller (Trade Acquisition)

In another move aimed at strengthening their offense, the Ravens traded for All-Pro tight end Darren Waller from the Las Vegas Raiders. Waller’s addition gives Lamar Jackson another reliable target in the middle of the field. Known for his size, athleticism, and ability to create mismatches against smaller defenders, Waller is a weapon in both the red zone and between the 20s. He is capable of lining up both in-line and in the slot, giving offensive coordinator Todd Monken the flexibility to use him in various formations.

For Jackson, Waller represents a safety net that can be relied upon in short-yardage situations or when the team needs to move the chains. His presence will also open up opportunities for other receivers, including Hill and the Ravens’ young wideouts like Rashod Bateman, as defenders will now need to account for the tight end in key situations. This added dynamic will elevate the Ravens’ passing game and take pressure off Jackson to carry the offense entirely on his own.

3. Offensive Line Reinforcements

The Ravens also made moves to bolster their offensive line, which has been a key factor in both their success and failure in recent seasons. While Lamar Jackson’s mobility often masks issues in the pocket, a more stable offensive line could help him avoid unnecessary hits and allow the passing game to flourish.

To improve the line, the Ravens signed veteran guard Ben Powers from the Denver Broncos, a powerful and versatile lineman who will instantly strengthen their interior offensive line. Powers’ ability to move defenders in the running game and protect Jackson in pass protection makes him a crucial addition. His familiarity with Ravens’ offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s scheme also helps ensure a smooth transition into the system.

Additionally, the Ravens brought in Orlando Brown Jr., a familiar face who previously played for the team before being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. Brown, a massive left tackle, will help stabilize the edge and provide Jackson with better protection, which will be crucial as the Ravens look to build a more balanced offense.

Defensive Additions: Rebuilding a Championship-Caliber Defense

While the Ravens’ offense has been a major focus this offseason, the team has not ignored the defensive side of the ball. Baltimore’s defense has been the backbone of the franchise for years, and this year, the Ravens are looking to bolster that unit further, making them a more complete team capable of competing for a Super Bowl.

1. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey (Trade Acquisition)

The Ravens’ defense got a significant boost with the acquisition of cornerback Jalen Ramsey, one of the premier players at his position in the NFL. In a trade with the Los Angeles Rams, the Ravens added the six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro corner to their already strong secondary. Ramsey has consistently been regarded as one of the top cornerbacks in the league, with his physicality, coverage ability, and playmaking skills making him a matchup nightmare for opposing offenses.

Ramsey’s presence gives the Ravens a true No. 1 cornerback capable of locking down top receivers, allowing defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to be more aggressive in his playcalling. With Ramsey on one side of the field and a solid group of complementary corners on the other, the Ravens now have one of the deepest and most formidable secondaries in the league. This addition will be crucial in facing off against high-powered offenses like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals, where the Ravens will need elite cornerback play to compete in shootouts.

2. Edge Rusher Bradley Chubb (Trade Acquisition)

Another pivotal defensive move for Baltimore came with the acquisition of edge rusher Bradley Chubb from the Miami Dolphins. Chubb, who has been one of the most consistent pass rushers in the league since being drafted, will provide an immediate boost to the Ravens’ defensive front. Chubb’s ability to get to the quarterback and disrupt plays in the backfield will complement the Ravens’ already strong defensive line, featuring standout players like Calais Campbell and Patrick Queen.

The addition of Chubb gives the Ravens a well-rounded pass-rush unit capable of applying constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks. This will not only help the Ravens defend against the pass but also make them more formidable in stopping the run. Chubb’s presence will allow the defense to be more aggressive, and his versatility will enable the Ravens to use him in a variety of roles, further complicating offensive schemes for opposing teams.

3. Inside Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (Free Agency Acquisition)

The Ravens also made a key acquisition at linebacker by signing Tremaine Edmunds from the Buffalo Bills. Edmunds, a rangy and instinctive linebacker, is known for his ability to cover the field and make plays in both the running and passing game. His coverage skills in the middle of the field will help the Ravens’ defense stay strong against tight ends and running backs out of the backfield, as well as covering deep crossing routes from receivers.

Edmunds’ size, speed, and experience will allow the Ravens to run more complex defensive schemes, including zone blitzes and coverages that can confuse opposing quarterbacks. His addition provides much-needed depth and experience to the linebacker corps, which will complement the playmaking abilities of players like Queen and Roquan Smith.

Special Teams and Depth Additions

While the focus has been on the offense and defense, the Ravens have also made some shrewd moves in adding depth and improving their special teams unit. Baltimore signed veteran kicker Matt Gay from the Indianapolis Colts to solidify the placekicking duties, providing reliability in high-pressure situations. Additionally, the team signed a few special teams aces, including veteran long snapper Morgan Cox, to ensure their kicking game and overall special teams units continue to perform at a high level.

Depth at key positions is always important for a team’s long-term success, and the Ravens have made smart investments in solidifying their roster from top to bottom. They also used their draft picks to add young talent at positions of need, ensuring that the future remains bright for the team.