Ravens free-agency tracker: A look at Baltimore’s signings, trades and cuts

The NFL offseason is a crucial time for teams to build and reshape their rosters. For the Baltimore Ravens, 2025 presents an exciting opportunity to make strategic moves during free agency, where they can address needs, fill gaps, and position themselves for a successful season. The Ravens, with their rich history and strong roster, are consistently a contender in the AFC, and this offseason will be no different. Let’s break down the Ravens’ key signings, trades, and cuts throughout free agency and examine what these moves mean for the team’s 2025 season.

1. The Impact of Lamar Jackson’s Contract Situation

Before diving into individual player signings, it’s important to address the context surrounding Lamar Jackson’s contract status. The Ravens’ star quarterback has been the subject of significant offseason conversation. His potential contract extension, or the application of a franchise tag, looms large over the team’s approach to free agency. While the Ravens have added talent in key areas, the resolution of Jackson’s contract situation will ultimately determine the direction of the franchise in 2025.

If Jackson signs a long-term deal, the team will have more financial flexibility to pursue free agents and retain key players. If Jackson is franchised or, in the worst-case scenario, leaves, the Ravens will need to rethink their approach to the season, possibly looking for a new quarterback or focusing their resources elsewhere.

2. Key Signings During Free Agency

Wide Receiver – DJ Moore

One of the Ravens’ most important moves this offseason has been the signing of wide receiver DJ Moore, who comes over from the Carolina Panthers. Moore has been a dynamic and consistent receiver throughout his career, and adding him to the Ravens’ roster gives Lamar Jackson another weapon in the passing game. The Ravens have struggled in recent years to find consistent playmakers at wide receiver, and Moore’s addition is designed to change that.

At 26 years old, Moore has the physical tools to become a top target for Jackson. His ability to stretch the field, make contested catches, and contribute to all areas of the passing game will be a huge asset for the Ravens’ offense. The signing comes with a hefty price tag, but it’s one the Ravens are willing to pay to give Jackson a true number-one receiver. Moore’s presence should also help elevate the play of other receivers on the roster, as defenses will have to account for him on every play.

Offensive Tackle – Orlando Brown Jr.

The Ravens’ offensive line has been solid but inconsistent in recent seasons. To bolster their protection for Lamar Jackson and improve their rushing attack, the team signed offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. The former Chiefs tackle brings both experience and strength to the left tackle position, an area where the Ravens have been searching for stability for years.

Brown is known for his exceptional pass protection and ability to open running lanes. His addition will allow the Ravens to keep Jackson upright and give him more time in the pocket to make plays. Additionally, Brown’s presence should help the Ravens’ running game, which has been one of their defining features under head coach John Harbaugh. Adding a proven veteran to the offensive line provides both short-term stability and long-term potential for the Ravens.

Cornerback – James Bradberry

Defensively, the Ravens made a splash in free agency by signing cornerback James Bradberry. The veteran corner, who played for the New York Giants before joining the Ravens, will immediately help improve the team’s secondary. Bradberry is an experienced and reliable corner who has been productive in both man and zone coverage schemes. His ability to lock down wide receivers and create turnovers makes him a key addition to a secondary that already features standout players like Marlon Humphrey.

Bradberry’s leadership will be invaluable to a relatively young secondary, and he should have an immediate impact in terms of both his on-field play and his mentorship of younger players. His signing shores up a key area of need for the Ravens and strengthens their defense as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season.

3. Trades That Shape the Roster

In addition to free agency signings, the Ravens have also made moves via trade to improve their roster for the 2025 season.

Trade for Linebacker Roquan Smith

In one of the biggest trades of the offseason, the Ravens acquired linebacker Roquan Smith from the Chicago Bears. Smith, a Pro Bowler and one of the league’s best tacklers, provides an immediate upgrade to the Ravens’ linebacker corps. Smith’s ability to read the field, cover sideline to sideline, and defend both the run and pass gives the Ravens another elite player to work with in their already dominant defense.

The trade came at a steep price, but the Ravens were willing to make that investment to ensure they have one of the most well-rounded and dominant defenses in the NFL. Smith’s addition allows the Ravens to maintain their reputation as a defensive powerhouse and strengthens their ability to compete with other high-powered offenses in the AFC.

Trade for Wide Receiver – DeAndre Hopkins

In a move to further bolster their offense, the Ravens made a blockbuster trade to acquire wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Arizona Cardinals. Hopkins, one of the top receivers in the league, has been an elite playmaker for most of his career, and his acquisition gives the Ravens a bona fide superstar at wide receiver. This move is particularly significant given the uncertainty surrounding Lamar Jackson’s contract. Hopkins gives Jackson an elite weapon, regardless of the quarterback situation.

Hopkins’ experience, elite route running, and ability to make spectacular catches make him a perfect fit for the Ravens’ offense. With both Moore and Hopkins in the fold, the Ravens’ passing attack is poised to be much more explosive than in previous seasons.

4. Cuts and Roster Adjustments

While the Ravens have added several key players, they’ve also had to make tough decisions about who to part ways with. Roster cuts are a natural part of any NFL offseason, and the Ravens have had to let go of several veterans to create space for new additions.

Cutting Running Back Gus Edwards

One of the most surprising moves came with the decision to cut running back Gus Edwards. Edwards, who had been a staple of the Ravens’ backfield for several seasons, was released as the team looked to restructure its running game. Edwards had been solid for the Ravens but had struggled with injuries in recent seasons. His departure creates an opportunity for the Ravens to focus on younger running backs or add another piece to the backfield via the draft.

Releasing Wide Receiver Sammy Watkins

Another notable move was the release of wide receiver Sammy Watkins. Watkins, who had been with the Ravens for one season, was a disappointment in terms of production, especially after the team brought him in as a veteran presence. With the additions of Moore and Hopkins, the Ravens are now much deeper at wide receiver, and Watkins’ departure clears the way for younger players to step into more prominent roles.

Defensive Line Shake-Up

The Ravens also made some cuts along the defensive line to give younger players more opportunities. Veteran linemen who were on the back end of their careers were released to free up cap space, and the team is looking to infuse fresh talent into their defensive front. The decision to release some of these veterans is indicative of the Ravens’ desire to continue building their defense for the long term, with an emphasis on speed and youth.

5. Looking Ahead to the 2025 NFL Season

With these moves, the Ravens are positioning themselves for a deep playoff run in 2025. The team has improved both offensively and defensively, addressing key areas such as wide receiver, offensive line, and secondary. The acquisitions of Moore, Brown, Bradberry, and Hopkins give the Ravens an added edge in both their passing game and defense, while the trade for Roquan Smith solidifies the linebacker position.

The future of Lamar Jackson is still a key factor in the team’s success, and the outcome of his contract negotiations will ultimately determine how the Ravens approach the upcoming season. However, with their current roster moves, Baltimore is primed to be a serious contender in the AFC.

Fans can expect an exciting 2025 season filled with promise and high expectations. The Ravens have positioned themselves well in free agency and trades, and with a solid draft still to come, they will be ready to challenge for the championship once again. The road ahead will be full of challenges, but the Ravens are ready to meet them head-on with a balanced and talented roster. Keep an eye on how these moves play out as the season progresses.