Five Ravens who might be cut to free up contract space before the 2025 NFL free agency

As the 2025 NFL free agency period approaches, teams across the league are carefully planning their rosters to balance salary cap constraints with the goal of improving their squads. The Baltimore Ravens, a team that has consistently been a contender in the AFC, are no different. With a roster full of talent, the Ravens may find it necessary to part ways with certain players to free up cap space in order to make room for new acquisitions or retain key free agents.

In the NFL, salary cap management is often a delicate balance. While the Ravens have a solid foundation, they must make tough decisions, especially with some big contracts on their books. Here, we’ll take a look at five players on the Ravens’ roster who could be cut before the 2025 free agency period to create financial flexibility.

1. Lamar Jackson – Quarterback

While it might seem unthinkable to cut Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ franchise quarterback, his enormous contract could be a significant hurdle for the team in terms of salary cap flexibility. Lamar signed a five-year, $260 million extension with the Ravens ahead of the 2023 season, making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. However, with the Ravens still struggling to surround him with elite offensive weapons, some are wondering whether cutting ties with Jackson—if the situation were to ever arise—could be an option to free up substantial cap space.

Why He Might Be Cut:

• Contract Size: Jackson’s contract carries a significant salary cap hit, especially in the upcoming seasons, with base salaries in excess of $40 million. The Ravens may face difficult decisions if they believe the financial burden of the contract is holding them back from improving their roster elsewhere.
• Playoff Performances: Despite his exceptional regular-season performances, Jackson’s playoff record has been underwhelming. If the Ravens fail to make a deep playoff run or meet organizational expectations, they may consider reallocating resources to other areas of the team.

Financial Impact of Cutting Lamar:

It would take significant maneuvering to cut Lamar Jackson, and the Ravens would face major dead money ramifications. That said, cutting him would free up a large amount of space in future seasons, potentially paving the way for a rebuild or a more balanced roster. However, this is the least likely of the options listed, as Lamar is the face of the franchise and a generational talent.

2. Marlon Humphrey – Cornerback

One of the most prominent defensive players on the roster, Marlon Humphrey has been a fixture in the Ravens’ secondary since being drafted in the first round in 2017. Humphrey is known for his physicality, versatility, and ability to shut down elite wide receivers. However, his large contract might make him a potential candidate for release if the team needs to clear up space.

Why He Might Be Cut:

• Salary Cap Hit: Humphrey’s contract carries an average annual value of around $15 million, with a significant portion of that being guaranteed. Cutting Humphrey would free up much-needed cap space.
• Depth at Cornerback: The Ravens have a young, talented secondary, with players like Rock Ya-Sin and Brandon Stephens emerging as contributors. If the Ravens believe their depth is sufficient, they could consider moving on from Humphrey to reallocate funds elsewhere, especially on the offense.
• Injury Concerns: Humphrey has dealt with injuries in recent seasons, and if his health continues to be a concern, the Ravens may look to move on from him in favor of a younger, healthier option.

Financial Impact of Cutting Marlon:

Cutting Humphrey would save the Ravens around $10 million in cap space, though it would leave them with some dead money. While it would significantly weaken the secondary, the savings could be worth the sacrifice if the team decides to focus on other areas of need.

3. Ronnie Stanley – Offensive Tackle

Ronnie Stanley, one of the league’s highest-paid left tackles, has been a cornerstone of the Ravens’ offensive line since being drafted in the first round in 2016. However, injuries have plagued Stanley in recent seasons, and his performance has not been as dominant as it once was.

Why He Might Be Cut:

• Injury Concerns: Stanley has played in just 13 games over the last two seasons due to a series of ankle and foot injuries. While he is still a talented player, his injury history makes him a risky investment moving forward.
• Cap Hit: Stanley’s contract carries a significant cap hit, with a base salary of $12 million in 2025. If the Ravens feel that his health and performance are not worth the cap burden, they could look to cut him or restructure his deal.
• Depth at Offensive Tackle: The Ravens have a solid group of offensive linemen, including Tyler Linderbaum, Kevin Zeitler, and Morgan Moses. If the team believes they can find cheaper, younger alternatives, cutting Stanley would be an option to save money.

Financial Impact of Cutting Ronnie:

Cutting Stanley would save the Ravens around $10 million in cap space, but it would also come with some dead money. The move would significantly weaken the offensive line, so it would only make sense if the Ravens could find a suitable replacement or if they felt Stanley’s injuries would continue to affect his play.

4. Gus Edwards – Running Back

While Gus Edwards has been a reliable contributor to the Ravens’ backfield, his contract is one that the team may look to move on from in the near future. Edwards, who has had multiple seasons of 500+ rushing yards, is known for his downhill running style and ability to gain tough yards. However, the Ravens now feature a crowded backfield with J.K. Dobbins and Justice Hill, both of whom are younger and could see more opportunities moving forward.

Why He Might Be Cut:

• Backfield Depth: The Ravens have several running backs capable of carrying the load. Dobbins is seen as the future of the position, while Hill and even Keaton Mitchell have shown promise. If the Ravens feel that Edwards is no longer the most effective option, they could part ways with him to make room for younger talent.
• Cap Space: Edwards’ cap hit isn’t massive, but cutting him would save the team approximately $3 million in cap space. Given the limited financial flexibility that the Ravens have in 2025, every bit counts.
• Production Decline: Edwards has not been as explosive as he was earlier in his career. If the Ravens believe they can get similar or better production from cheaper options, they could choose to move on.

Financial Impact of Cutting Gus Edwards:

Cutting Edwards would free up around $3 million in cap space, giving the Ravens a little more breathing room. While he’s been a reliable player, his decline in production and the presence of other capable backs make him a candidate for release.

5. Clayton Campbell – Defensive End

Veteran defensive lineman Clayton Campbell has been a key contributor to the Ravens’ defense over the years. However, his contract has become increasingly expensive as he enters the twilight of his career. With the emergence of younger defensive linemen such as Travis Jones and Broderick Washington, Campbell may become a casualty of salary cap management.

Why He Might Be Cut:

• Age and Decline: At 35 years old, Campbell is no longer the disruptive force he once was. While he remains a solid presence in the locker room and a leader on defense, his production on the field has declined.
• Cap Hit: Campbell’s cap hit for the 2025 season is over $9 million, and his contract is structured in a way that could make him a prime candidate for release. The Ravens can clear his salary off the books, saving them significant cap space.
• Youth Movement on Defense: With younger players like Jones, Washington, and Odafe Oweh continuing to develop, the Ravens could choose to go in a different direction and invest in younger, cheaper defensive linemen.

Financial Impact of Cutting Campbell:

Cutting Campbell would free up around $5 million in cap space, making it an appealing option for the Ravens as they continue to prioritize long-term growth. While his leadership and experience would be missed, it may be time for the Ravens to move on from their aging defensive tackle and invest in younger, more dynamic options.

Conclusion: Balancing the Roster and Cap Space

As the 2025 NFL free agency period looms, the Baltimore Ravens will face difficult decisions when it comes to managing their salary cap. The team is built to compete, and freeing up cap space will be key to strengthening their roster and addressing areas of need. Cutting veterans like Marlon Humphrey, Ronnie Stanley, Gus Edwards, and Clayton Campbell will save the team significant money, but it will also result in a restructured roster that could impact the team’s depth and leadership.

The decisions will ultimately depend on the Ravens’ overall strategy and their assessment of the roster’s strengths and weaknesses. Whether they decide to move on from some of these key players or restructure their contracts, the upcoming offseason will undoubtedly be one of change and opportunity for the Ravens as they look to remain a top contender in the AFC.