Ranking the Baltimore Ravens’ Most Important Offseason Choices for 2025

The Baltimore Ravens enter the 2025 NFL offseason with a pivotal set of decisions that could shape the franchise’s trajectory for years to come. After a playoff appearance in 2024 that ended in disappointment, the Ravens are determined to build a championship-caliber roster around Lamar Jackson while addressing some key areas of need. With a few holes to fill and a variety of potential moves to consider, the Ravens’ front office will have their work cut out for them.

In this article, we’ll rank the most important offseason choices the Ravens must make heading into 2025, from roster construction to coaching decisions. Whether it’s about Lamar Jackson’s contract situation, acquiring key free agents, or improving draft strategy, each decision will have a lasting impact on the team’s long-term prospects.

1. Lamar Jackson’s Contract Extension: The Core of the Future

Importance: High
Position: Quarterback
Status: Contract negotiations

At the heart of every decision this offseason will be the contract situation of Lamar Jackson, the former MVP and franchise centerpiece. With his current deal nearing its end, Jackson is entering the final year of his contract in 2025. There has been speculation, frustration, and even some drama surrounding his future in Baltimore, and it’s time for the Ravens to make a long-term commitment to Jackson or explore potential trade options.

The Ravens know that Jackson is the engine that drives their offense. The dynamic, dual-threat quarterback has led Baltimore to multiple playoff appearances and won the NFL MVP in 2019. However, the team’s inability to build a consistently high-powered offense around him has left many questioning whether Jackson can lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl. Despite his tremendous talent, Jackson’s playing style, and his tendency to get injured, have led to calls for a restructured offense and greater investment in surrounding talent.

The Ravens must decide whether to offer Jackson a massive contract extension that locks him in as their quarterback for the next decade or whether they should explore trade options—although the latter seems unlikely at this point, given Jackson’s status as the face of the franchise.

Key Considerations:

• Negotiation Tactics: The Ravens front office will have to consider whether Jackson’s injury history is a concern in a long-term deal or if they are willing to go all-in on their quarterback of the future.
• Offensive Philosophy: With Jackson, the Ravens must continue evolving their offensive strategy. They need to give Jackson more weapons, especially a strong passing game, to unlock his full potential.

2. Wide Receiver Improvement: Supporting Lamar Jackson’s Growth

Importance: High
Position: Wide Receiver
Status: Free agency, draft, internal development

No matter who is under center, one thing remains clear: the Baltimore Ravens have a significant need at wide receiver. In 2024, the team relied heavily on Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers, but neither was able to provide consistent production over the course of the season. Adding another top-tier receiver, or two, will go a long way toward improving the team’s offensive output and giving Lamar Jackson the weapons he needs to succeed.

The Ravens have always relied on a strong running game and tight end play, but the NFL is now a passing league, and Baltimore must find a way to elevate their passing game if they want to compete with the best teams in the league. The most obvious area to address is wide receiver.

In free agency, the Ravens could pursue top targets such as DeAndre Hopkins, Keenan Allen, or Chris Godwin—players who could immediately make an impact and give Jackson a reliable target on the outside. Alternatively, they could look to the 2025 NFL Draft, where a class loaded with talent at wide receiver could provide the team with an opportunity to draft a young playmaker.

Key Considerations:

• Veteran or Rookie: Does Baltimore sign a proven, elite receiver to complement Bateman and Flowers, or do they look to develop a rookie wide receiver through the draft?
• Complementing Jackson’s Skillset: The Ravens need a receiver who can excel both as a downfield threat and as a consistent, chain-moving option—someone who can stretch the field and provide Jackson with more throwing lanes.

3. Offensive Line Upgrades: Protecting Lamar and Enhancing the Run Game

Importance: Medium
Position: Offensive Line
Status: Free agency, draft, internal development

Lamar Jackson’s durability has been an issue throughout his career, and a major factor in his injury struggles has been the offensive line’s inability to provide consistent protection. The Ravens’ offensive line took a step back in 2024, and while they have strong interior players like Tyler Linderbaum and Kevin Zeitler, the tackle position continues to be an area of concern.

The tackle spots, in particular, need to be addressed in the offseason. Ronnie Stanley has struggled with injuries and has not been as dominant as he was earlier in his career. The Ravens need to find a reliable left tackle who can protect Jackson’s blindside and help to solidify the pocket. Similarly, the right tackle position remains inconsistent, and finding a suitable upgrade is essential for both the passing and running games.

In addition, Baltimore could look at depth pieces, as well as internal development from younger players like Daniel Faalele or Ben Cleveland, but the priority will be adding elite talent or a proven veteran through free agency or the draft.

Key Considerations:

• Health of Ronnie Stanley: How much longer can Stanley perform at an elite level? Should the Ravens explore an upgrade here, even if it means moving on from Stanley eventually?
• Draft and Free Agency: Should the Ravens target an elite offensive tackle in the first round of the 2025 draft, or is it better to sign a free agent and solidify the line immediately?

4. Edge Rusher and Pass Rush: Strengthening the Defense

Importance: Medium
Position: Edge Rusher
Status: Free agency, draft

While the Ravens defense has been one of the best in the NFL, they are in need of more consistency in their pass rush. Odafe Oweh has shown potential but has yet to fully develop into the type of game-changer the Ravens need on the edge. The departure of Justin Houston, a consistent contributor, leaves a gap in Baltimore’s ability to pressure the quarterback on a consistent basis.

To take the next step defensively, the Ravens need to add an elite edge rusher who can provide consistent pressure opposite Oweh. This will not only help in sack production but also force more mistakes from opposing quarterbacks, especially in high-stakes situations.

Options for the Ravens could include targeting an edge rusher in the draft or seeking a veteran presence in free agency. Chase Young of the Washington Commanders could be a potential trade target if available, as he fits the bill of a high-caliber, young pass rusher with immense upside.

Key Considerations:

• Pressure from the Edge: How much of a priority is improving the Ravens’ pass rush in comparison to other areas? A dominant pass rusher could elevate this defense to a Super Bowl-caliber unit.
• Free Agency vs. Draft: Should the Ravens opt for a proven veteran in free agency or invest in a potential future star through the draft?

5. Secondary Depth: Bolstering the Defensive Backfield

Importance: Medium
Position: Cornerback / Safety
Status: Free agency, draft, internal development

The Baltimore Ravens’ secondary was solid in 2024, but the team could use some added depth and talent. The cornerback position, in particular, has been a point of concern for Baltimore in recent years, with Marlon Humphrey being the clear leader of the unit but not enough help consistently around him. Marcus Peters, once a star for the Ravens, has shown signs of regression, and there’s always a question of depth behind Humphrey.

Safety also remains a position to watch. The Ravens could look for a new starting safety if Kyle Hamilton doesn’t continue to develop as expected, or they may want to add another versatile player who can play both in the box and as a deep cover option.

The Ravens may seek to add a cornerback or safety through the draft, or they could target a veteran free agent who can help improve the back end of their defense. Players like Jamel Dean or James Bradberry might be available on the market, giving Baltimore a chance to solidify its coverage and better match up with elite wide receivers.

Key Considerations:

• Investing in Secondary Depth: Do the Ravens focus on investing in secondary players early in the draft or free agency to keep up with the pass-heavy offenses in the AFC?
• Internal Development: Can players like Brandon Stephens or Geno Stone step up to provide more depth?

6. Special Teams: Rebuilding the Kicking Game

Importance: Low
Position: Kicker / Punter
Status: Free agency, internal decisions

While the Ravens are primarily focused on the roster’s more high-profile positions, special teams should not be overlooked. The team will need to decide whether to stick with Justin Tucker as one of the NFL’s most reliable kickers and whether they need any changes in the punting department. If the Ravens choose to improve special teams, this could be an area where they take a fl

ier on a new player or improve depth.

Key Considerations:

• Kicker Consistency: Tucker is still elite, but backup options are worth considering.
• Punting Game: Finding a reliable punter can add consistency and field position advantages for the Ravens.