The Ravens’ position in the AFC North following the first round of free agency

The NFL’s free agency period is often a pivotal time for teams to address key weaknesses and bolster their rosters in pursuit of a championship. For the Baltimore Ravens, a franchise with a long and storied history, the 2025 offseason has been one of reflection, reevaluation, and strategic maneuvering. The team has long been defined by its tough, defensive identity and physical, run-heavy offense, but with the arrival of the 2025 season, the Ravens have made a series of moves in free agency that could have a lasting impact on their standing in the AFC North.

As the Ravens emerge from the first round of free agency, several key changes to their roster and the rest of the AFC North landscape are now clear. In this deep dive, we will examine where the Ravens stand within their division—one of the most competitive in the NFL—after the opening wave of free-agent signings. We will analyze their strengths and weaknesses, the moves they have made to address specific needs, and how their rivals in the AFC North—the Cincinnati Bengals, the Cleveland Browns, and the Pittsburgh Steelers—have positioned themselves.

The Ravens’ Position in the AFC North: An Overview

At the time of writing, the AFC North remains one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL. The Ravens, Bengals, Browns, and Steelers all feature teams that are capable of challenging for the playoffs and, in some cases, for a deep postseason run. Baltimore’s strategy has always been rooted in a strong defense and a run-first offense. However, their ability to adapt to modern NFL trends—especially with Lamar Jackson as the centerpiece—has kept them relevant and competitive.

In 2024, the Ravens finished with an 11-6 record, making it to the playoffs and narrowly losing in the Divisional Round to the Kansas City Chiefs. With Lamar Jackson continuing to evolve as a passer while still being one of the league’s most dangerous runners, the Ravens’ offense remained potent. However, their playoff exit underscored a few issues—especially their inability to consistently generate offensive balance when facing elite competition.

Free agency in 2025 represented a significant opportunity for the Ravens to address those concerns and strengthen their roster in key areas. As the first round of free agency came to a close, the Ravens had made moves that could either elevate their chances of winning the AFC North or expose weaknesses in a division that has only become more formidable in recent years.

Key Free Agency Moves: What the Ravens Have Done So Far

1. Upgrading the Offensive Line

One of the most glaring issues for the Ravens in 2024 was their offensive line play. While the team remained solid in run blocking, the pass protection was inconsistent, especially against elite defensive fronts. The Ravens’ offensive line allowed 46 sacks in 2024, which tied for the fourth-most in the league. If Lamar Jackson is to stay healthy and continue playing at an MVP-caliber level, the offensive line must improve to give him more time to make plays.

In the first round of free agency, the Ravens addressed this issue by signing right tackle Kaleb McCullough to a five-year deal. McCullough, formerly with the Minnesota Vikings, is known for his size (6’6”, 330 pounds) and his ability to dominate in both run and pass blocking. His arrival will help solidify the right side of the line and allow the Ravens to keep Lamar Jackson protected, especially when operating out of the pocket.

Additionally, the Ravens signed center David Harris to a two-year contract. Harris, a reliable veteran from the Buffalo Bills, will provide stability to the interior of the line. His leadership and experience will be invaluable for a young and talented group of offensive linemen, particularly for Tyler Linderbaum, the Ravens’ standout center, who can learn from Harris in terms of technique and leadership.

These signings were a clear attempt to shore up the offensive line and make sure Jackson has the protection needed to perform at his highest level.

2. Strengthening the Wide Receiver Corps

The Ravens’ receiving corps has long been one of the team’s weakest areas, and though they’ve had some success through the draft and other free-agent signings, the group has never truly been elite. In 2024, Mark Andrews was the team’s top receiver, with Rashod Bateman providing flashes of potential. But the depth and overall talent at wide receiver have been major concerns, particularly as the Ravens look to expand their passing game.

In free agency, the Ravens made a bold move by signing wide receiver Antonio Pitts, a dynamic playmaker who spent the previous season with the Atlanta Falcons. Pitts is a deep threat with elite speed, and his ability to stretch the field will open up more opportunities for the Ravens’ offense to diversify. His 2024 season saw him catch 65 passes for 1,100 yards and 8 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the more underrated receivers in the league.

The addition of Pitts gives Jackson another legitimate weapon on the outside, something the team sorely lacked in recent years. In addition to Pitts, the Ravens also re-signed Devin Duvernay to a three-year extension. Duvernay’s ability to contribute in both the receiving game and on special teams makes him a valuable depth piece who can add versatility to the Ravens’ offense.

3. Fortifying the Defensive Line

While the Ravens have a top-tier defense, their defensive line could use some improvement to compete with the elite offenses in the AFC North. After losing Calais Campbell to retirement, the Ravens needed to add some depth and youth to their defensive front. In free agency, they signed defensive tackle Jamal Dorsey from the Dallas Cowboys to a three-year deal. Dorsey, who posted 6.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss in 2024, brings a powerful interior presence to the Ravens’ front seven.

Dorsey’s presence will be especially important in the run game, where the Ravens struggled at times last season. His ability to disrupt the pocket and pressure quarterbacks will complement Marlon Humphrey and Roquan Smith in the Ravens’ aggressive defensive scheme. The Ravens also signed defensive end Travis Gilmore to bolster their edge rushing depth. Gilmore, known for his quick first step and pass-rush ability, adds another weapon to the Ravens’ pass rush rotation, giving them more options to attack opposing quarterbacks.

4. Retaining Key Players

In addition to adding free agents, the Ravens also made a concerted effort to retain some of their own key players. Roquan Smith, one of the NFL’s top inside linebackers, was signed to a massive five-year extension, locking him into the Ravens’ defensive core for the foreseeable future. Smith’s ability to patrol the middle of the field, play sideline-to-sideline, and contribute both as a tackler and a pass rusher makes him a vital part of the Ravens’ defense.

Meanwhile, the Ravens managed to lock up Marcus Peters on a three-year deal, ensuring the secondary remains strong and experienced. Peters’ ability to create turnovers and lock down wide receivers will continue to be a crucial aspect of the Ravens’ defense, especially in a division that boasts some of the league’s top quarterbacks and receivers.

How the AFC North Has Evolved: Rivals’ Moves

While the Ravens were active in the first round of free agency, their rivals in the AFC North were making their own moves, some of which could directly impact Baltimore’s chances of reclaiming the division title.

1. Cincinnati Bengals: Status Quo with Strategic Additions

The Cincinnati Bengals had a quiet but strategic offseason, opting to retain most of their core pieces. Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins continue to make the Bengals one of the most potent offensive units in the league, and the Bengals remain favorites in the AFC North. In free agency, the Bengals made a key addition by signing offensive tackle Andre Dillard to protect Burrow’s blindside, which was an area of concern last season. While the Bengals didn’t make any massive moves, they remain the team to beat in the division due to their established core and strong roster.

2. Cleveland Browns: A Rebuilding Year with Key Upgrades

The Cleveland Browns are in the midst of a rebuild but made several significant moves in free agency. The biggest addition was defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, who will provide leadership and playmaking ability on a defensive line that needed an influx of talent. On offense, the Browns bolstered their receiving corps by signing wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who adds another dimension to their passing game. If Deshaun Watson can return to form, the Browns could be dangerous in 2025, but there are still many questions surrounding their consistency and depth.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers: A Dark Horse Contender

The Pittsburgh Steelers have always been competitive under head coach Mike Tomlin, and they made several notable signings in free agency. The addition of quarterback Kenny Pickett continues to be the focus for the Steelers, and with the signing of wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster, the Steelers have bolstered their pass-catching options. On defense, the Steelers retained key pieces and added depth to their front seven. The Steelers’ defense remains one of the league’s toughest, and if Pickett can develop into a capable quarterback, they could challenge for the division crown.

**Conclusion: The

Ravens’ Path Forward in the AFC North**

As the first round of free agency comes to a close, the Ravens are poised to compete at the highest level in the AFC North. The addition of key players like Kaleb McCullough, Antonio Pitts, Jamal Dorsey, and the retention of stars like Roquan Smith and Marcus Peters positions the Ravens as a well-rounded and competitive team. However, they will still have their work cut out for them.

The Cincinnati Bengals remain the team to beat, with one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are always dangerous under Mike Tomlin. The Cleveland Browns have made moves that could make them a contender in the division, especially if Deshaun Watson can rediscover his old form. The Ravens will need continued growth from Lamar Jackson, improvement from their offensive line, and strong performances from their new additions to challenge for the AFC North title.

With a competitive division and high stakes, the Ravens’ path forward will be one of calculated adjustments, but after a solid first round of free agency, they are ready to compete for the top spot.