Despite ending their losing streak against the Steelers in 2025, the Ravens struggle to retain linebackers who leave for Pittsburgh.

In the ever-evolving world of the NFL, teams face a variety of challenges every season: managing salary caps, drafting the right talent, navigating injuries, and dealing with player departures. For the Baltimore Ravens, one such recurring challenge has become particularly glaring over the years — their inability to retain linebackers who inevitably end up in Pittsburgh.

In the 2025 season, the Ravens finally managed to end their longstanding losing streak to the Pittsburgh Steelers, a long-awaited and much-celebrated achievement that signified their growth, resilience, and dominance in the AFC North. However, despite this monumental victory, the Ravens still find themselves caught in a much deeper and more frustrating issue — the ongoing exodus of key linebacker talent to Pittsburgh in free agency.

This persistent issue has raised eyebrows across the NFL, especially given that the Ravens are traditionally known for their formidable defenses, particularly their linebacking corps. Over the years, Baltimore has built a reputation as one of the most consistently tough and disciplined defensive teams in the NFL. Yet, despite their prowess in developing top-tier linebackers, the team has repeatedly watched as star players from this unit leave for their AFC North rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

This article will examine the dynamics behind this trend, the implications for the Ravens, and the broader context of free agency, contracts, and inter-team rivalry within the NFL. From the strategic decisions made by both organizations to the personal factors influencing player moves, there’s much to uncover about this fascinating aspect of Baltimore’s roster management.

The 2025 Season: A Victory Over Pittsburgh, but a Bitter Reality Remains

The 2025 season was a turning point for the Baltimore Ravens in many ways. For the first time in years, they finally put an end to their embarrassing losing streak against the Pittsburgh Steelers, securing a crucial win in an emotional, high-stakes matchup. This victory came after a period of rebuilding, led by a revamped coaching staff, a healthy Lamar Jackson, and a defense that had grown increasingly aggressive and opportunistic.

Baltimore’s victory over Pittsburgh was not just another regular-season win; it symbolized their resurgence in the AFC North and provided a much-needed confidence boost to the team. The Steelers, long a thorn in their side, were finally put down in a game that many fans had marked on their calendars for years.

However, just as the Ravens celebrated this victory, another reality began to settle in: key linebackers from their roster were heading for the Steelers once again. This was not an isolated event, but rather a continuation of a troubling pattern that had plagued the Ravens for several seasons. It seemed that, for whatever reason, Pittsburgh had become the preferred destination for talented Baltimore linebackers during free agency — and it wasn’t just about money.

The Linebacker Exodus: A Recurring Theme

The trend of Ravens linebackers leaving for the Steelers is hardly a new phenomenon. For years, key players from Baltimore’s defense have chosen Pittsburgh over remaining in Baltimore, leaving fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. While free-agent departures are commonplace in the NFL, the frequency of this exodus to a bitter rival has become especially noticeable.

There are several reasons behind this curious trend, and understanding them requires looking at various factors: organizational philosophy, player fit, financial considerations, and perhaps even a bit of rivalry-fueled drama.

1. Cultural and Philosophical Fit

One of the most frequently cited reasons for the exodus of Ravens linebackers to the Steelers is the cultural and philosophical fit between the two organizations. Both teams, historically, have prided themselves on having tough, physical defenses. But there are subtle differences in how the Steelers and Ravens approach their defensive units, particularly at the linebacker position.

The Steelers have long been associated with a more traditional, hard-hitting style of football that relies on linebacker play to set the tone for the entire defense. Their famous “Steel Curtain” defense of the 1970s, and more recently, their continued success under defensive-minded coaches like Mike Tomlin, has made Pittsburgh an attractive landing spot for linebackers seeking to continue playing that aggressive, no-nonsense brand of football.

In contrast, the Ravens, while equally known for their tough defense, have evolved their linebacker position with a greater emphasis on speed, versatility, and adaptability. Under defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, the Ravens have developed a more dynamic approach that involves linebackers dropping into coverage, rushing the passer, and being flexible in different defensive schemes. While this system has produced excellent results, it may not appeal to every linebacker who wants to play in a system focused on the raw, downhill style of Pittsburgh’s defense.

For many linebackers, Pittsburgh’s system, with its focus on physicality and aggressive run-stopping, may feel like a better fit. And when an opportunity arises to join the Steelers, it’s often seen as a seamless transition into a system they’re more comfortable with, both on the field and in terms of the team’s broader philosophy.

2. Financial Considerations and Free Agency Dynamics

Another key factor contributing to the linebacker exodus to Pittsburgh is financial incentives. The Ravens, while typically a competitive team, are often constrained by the salary cap, especially when it comes to re-signing key defensive players. Historically, Baltimore has spent heavily to maintain the defense, particularly in terms of securing contracts for their elite players in the secondary or along the defensive line. This leaves the Ravens with less flexibility to retain linebackers who could be commanding lucrative contracts.

In contrast, the Steelers, despite having a similar commitment to defense, have occasionally found themselves in a better financial position to pursue players in free agency. The team’s ability to structure contracts in a way that makes them competitive, even for high-caliber players, has given them an edge over the Ravens in retaining talent at certain positions. When the Steelers are able to offer more competitive contracts or a more attractive deal than the Ravens, players are naturally going to be drawn to Pittsburgh.

For a linebacker who is on the open market, looking for a deal that maximizes their earning potential, Pittsburgh’s financial structure often becomes more appealing. While money is not the only factor in a player’s decision to leave one team for another, the chance to secure a larger payday can often tip the scale.

3. Team Success and Contending for Championships

The Steelers have had a storied history of success, and this historical reputation plays a significant role in attracting top talent. The city of Pittsburgh is synonymous with football greatness, and the Steelers’ ability to consistently contend for playoff spots and Super Bowls has a magnetic pull on free agents.

While the Ravens have undoubtedly been successful, particularly with their championship victory in 2012 and numerous playoff appearances, Pittsburgh’s consistent success under Tomlin makes it an attractive destination for a player seeking to contribute to a team with Super Bowl aspirations. Linebackers, in particular, are often driven by the idea of playing in high-stakes games, and the opportunity to contribute to a defense that is always in the postseason hunt can be a major draw.

In contrast, while the Ravens have seen success in recent years, their playoff appearances have been marred by inconsistent results. The feeling that Pittsburgh is a more stable, championship-contending team often plays into a player’s decision when choosing between two rival organizations.

4. The Rivalry Factor: Personal Connections and Motivations

The intense rivalry between the Ravens and Steelers cannot be ignored. The two teams have shared one of the most bitter and competitive rivalries in the NFL for years, and this rivalry can often create intriguing storylines off the field as well. For a linebacker in Baltimore, the chance to switch teams and join the Steelers comes with a unique motivation: the chance to get the better of their former team.

In many ways, the decision to leave the Ravens and join Pittsburgh can be viewed as an opportunity for players to prove their value in a new environment, especially given the close proximity of these two teams. A linebacker who makes the move from one team to the other may have a personal vendetta, or perhaps a desire to prove that they are still capable of playing at an elite level, even in a new system.

This added layer of personal motivation can sometimes be the tipping point for a linebacker looking for a fresh start. The psychological element of moving to a division rival that they’ve competed against so many times can’t be underestimated, and it provides a level of intrigue and drama that’s unique to the NFL.

The Ravens’ Response: Adjusting and Moving Forward

Despite these challenges, the Ravens are a franchise known for their ability to adapt and rebuild. The linebacker position, though important, is not irreplaceable. Over the years, the Ravens have consistently drafted and developed quality talent, and they are likely to continue their trend of unearthing linebackers who can step up and contribute to their defense.

In response to this ongoing issue, Baltimore will likely need to refine their approach to keeping linebackers in-house. This could mean reevaluating their financial strategy, placing more emphasis on retaining homegrown talent, and offering more favorable contracts. Alternatively, the team may focus more heavily on developing linebackers within their system, identifying players in the draft who can immediately contribute and continue the tradition of elite defensive play that has defined the Ravens for decades.

Additionally, the Ravens may look to change the way they run their defense, considering the changing dynamics of the NFL. If the Steelers continue to poach their linebackers, Baltimore will need to find ways to evolve and build a system that is attractive not only to free agents but also to their own players.

Conclusion: The Rivalry That Defines AFC North Football

As the 2025 season unfolded, the Ravens made significant strides on the field, ending their losing streak to the Steelers and showcasing their defensive dominance. However, the challenge of retaining their linebackers continued to loom large. The Ravens’ inability to prevent their linebackers from leaving for Pittsburgh in free agency is

a complex issue that goes beyond simple contract negotiations; it reflects broader cultural, financial, and philosophical dynamics within both organizations.

For the Ravens, this ongoing problem may not be easily solved, but it remains an important part of their narrative as they look to continue building a championship-caliber team. As the NFL evolves, so too must the strategies of teams like the Ravens, who have historically relied on strong defense. If they are to continue competing at the highest level, they will need to address these persistent issues in a way that will ensure their linebackers stay in Baltimore and their defense remains as elite as ever.

The Pittsburgh-Baltimore rivalry, one of the NFL’s most storied and intense, is likely to continue shaping the careers of players and the fates of franchises. And for the Ravens, preventing future linebacker departures to Pittsburgh may become one of the most critical challenges they face in the coming seasons.