As the NFL season wraps up, the Baltimore Ravens find themselves at a critical juncture in their journey to reclaim supremacy in the AFC. With a rich history of success, including two Super Bowl victories and numerous playoff appearances, the Ravens are in a position to build upon their recent performances and address key areas of concern this offseason. For Baltimore, the offseason is about maximizing their potential and ensuring that they have the tools necessary to compete for championships in the near future.
This preview will analyze the key areas of focus for the Ravens as they head into the offseason, including the salary cap, roster needs, free agency, the draft, and potential internal decisions that could shape the future of the franchise.
Salary Cap and Financial Outlook
Before diving into roster changes and upgrades, the Ravens must first manage their finances to ensure they have the necessary flexibility to improve their team. As of January 2025, Baltimore is projected to have a relatively tight salary cap situation, which will influence the moves they can make in free agency and re-signing key players.
- Cap Space: The Ravens are expected to have a little over $20 million in cap space, but with some key players to either re-sign or restructure, this number could shift. In general, Baltimore has been known for its ability to manage cap space well, often making shrewd moves to free up money when needed.
- Key Contracts: Baltimore’s salary cap situation is heavily influenced by the contract of quarterback Lamar Jackson. As one of the league’s highest-paid players, Jackson’s deal is a significant portion of the cap, but his value to the team as both a passer and a runner justifies his salary. However, the Ravens will likely have to make a few tough decisions on other players to ensure that they can maintain a competitive roster.
The most important thing for the Ravens is to ensure that their cap management allows them to be aggressive where it matters. They will need to prioritize key re-signings and free-agent acquisitions that can push them closer to their goal of winning another championship.
Quarterback Position: Lamar Jackson’s Future
Lamar Jackson is the centerpiece of the Ravens’ offense and the most important player on the roster. His electric playstyle and ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground make him a true dual-threat quarterback, which has revolutionized the Ravens’ offensive system. However, Jackson’s future with the team is still a bit uncertain. After signing a lucrative contract extension in 2023, Jackson remains one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league, and the Ravens will have to continue building around him to fully maximize his talents.
The Ravens’ primary focus this offseason should be making sure that Jackson has the support he needs to succeed. They need to surround him with the proper weapons, offensive line protection, and scheming to get the best out of him.
Offensive Line: Building for the Future
For all the attention that Lamar Jackson garners, a strong offensive line is the foundation of any successful team, and the Ravens are no exception. Baltimore’s offensive line has been a major strength in recent years, but the team will need to address some areas this offseason to maintain a strong unit.
- Re-signing Key Linemen: The Ravens will need to ensure that key free agents along the offensive line, such as guard Ben Powers and tackle Ronnie Stanley, are either re-signed or replaced. While Stanley has been a fixture on the left side, his injury history could be a concern moving forward. Baltimore could look to draft a young, athletic offensive lineman to develop as a future cornerstone.
- Tackles and Guards: While the Ravens have talent at the guard position with players like Kevin Zeitler, they need to find long-term answers at tackle. They may look to bolster the tackle depth via the draft or free agency to ensure that Lamar Jackson has the protection he needs to operate efficiently. If they can solidify the edges of the line, Jackson will have more time to make plays, leading to greater offensive success.
Wide Receiver Corps: Improving Weapons for Jackson
One of the most glaring issues with the Ravens’ offense in recent years has been their lack of elite receiving threats. While Jackson is capable of elevating those around him, the team would benefit immensely from adding more talent to the wide receiver corps. While the team drafted Zay Flowers in 2023, they still need to find a true No. 1 receiver to pair alongside him.
- Free Agency and Trade Opportunities: The free-agent market offers a few intriguing options, and the Ravens should be aggressive in exploring trade possibilities or signing a high-impact wide receiver. Names like DeAndre Hopkins (if available) or even a younger up-and-comer could provide Jackson with an explosive weapon. Additionally, it would be wise for the Ravens to continue developing Flowers and Rashod Bateman, who has shown promise when healthy.
- Drafting a WR: Baltimore should also consider adding a young receiver in the draft, as this is often a fruitful area to target emerging talent. Whether they go for a big-body possession receiver or a speedy deep threat, the Ravens need more help on the outside to truly unlock their offense.
Running Back Room: A Reliable Ground Game
The Ravens are known for their strong running game, and 2025 will likely see them continue to lean heavily on this aspect of their offense. With Jackson at the helm, paired with talented backs, the Ravens can control the clock and dominate the ground game. However, as we saw with injuries to key players like J.K. Dobbins, depth will be crucial.
- Re-signing or Replacing Dobbins: The Ravens should be mindful of Dobbins’ recovery from injuries. If he can remain healthy, he’s an explosive option, but the team may also look to draft or sign another back to serve as an insurance policy and add more competition.
- Other Running Back Options: Baltimore might also consider bringing in a complementary back who can contribute in the passing game or provide a change of pace for their power-based running scheme. This would help maintain balance and keep opposing defenses on their toes.
Defense: A Legacy of Dominance
Historically, the Ravens have been known for their dominant defenses, and that has remained a calling card for the franchise. Despite a few aging stars, the defense remains formidable. In 2025, Baltimore will look to maintain that defensive dominance while also adding new pieces to the puzzle.
- Pass Rush: The Ravens need to bolster their pass-rush capabilities. While players like Odafe Oweh have shown flashes of brilliance, they need a consistent edge rusher to complement their defensive line. They should target edge rushers in free agency or the draft to improve their pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
- Secondary Help: The secondary, while solid, could use some depth and reinforcements. With cornerbacks like Marlon Humphrey and safety Kyle Hamilton anchoring the defense, the Ravens could look to add another cornerback or safety to fortify the back end. With the rise of high-powered offenses in the AFC, ensuring they have elite talent in the secondary will be key to stopping opponents in critical moments.
- Linebackers: The linebacker corps will continue to be a strength for Baltimore with players like Roquan Smith providing leadership and playmaking ability. However, they could look to add another linebacker who can contribute in coverage or as a pass rusher.
Coaching and Leadership: A Continued Commitment to Excellence
Head coach John Harbaugh remains one of the league’s most respected leaders, and his continuity will be essential for the Ravens’ long-term success. Harbaugh has built a culture of accountability and resilience, which has kept Baltimore competitive year after year.
One aspect that should be revisited, however, is the offensive scheme. The Ravens’ offense has evolved around Lamar Jackson’s strengths, but they should continue to find ways to make their passing attack more potent and balanced. The 2024 season saw some changes in offensive philosophy, and the offseason will be an opportunity to refine those adjustments and find the right mix to compete with high-scoring teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills.
