Free agency is well underway and the Ravens have made a couple moves, most notably re-signing Ronnie Stanley and bringing in DeAndre Hopkins.
Here are my thoughts, all in 50 words or less:
- Hopkins could have an Anquan Boldin-like impact. When Joe Flacco needed a crunch-time play, he often leaned on Boldin. Hopkins won't be the Ravens' leading receiver like Boldin was as a Raven, but D-Hop could be a similar outlet for Lamar Jackson by making physical, contested, and clutch catches.
- Think of the plays Boldin made during the 2012 Super Bowl run. The Ravens have had a plenty-talented-enough team to win it all in recent years. It came down to making a couple plays to get over the hump. Hopkins feels like the kind of player that could do it.
- The Ravens have taken many shots on 30+-year-old veteran wide receivers with mixed results. Hopkins has a better shot at hitting than most. He may not be as speedy as he once was, but his game was never defined by that. He has his calling card's number memorized.
- Hopkins made a good first impression Friday as he came to Baltimore to sign his contract and meet his new team. He has a Derrick Henry-like energy – a chill professional who is dedicated to winning. Aside from what he'll bring on the field, Hopkins will be a good culture fit.
- I expect the Ravens to make a veteran addition at cornerback after losing Brandon Stephens and reportedly parting ways with Arthur Maulet. A reunion with Tre'Davious White, coupled with another early draft pick at the position, would make sense. But this is one spot where Baltimore could still swing big.
- Ar'Darius Washington is a restricted free agent who can negotiate with any team, but I fully expect Washington to suit up in Ravens purple this season and be a key part of the defensive secondary whether Baltimore drafts an early-round safety or not.
- Travis Jones stepped into the starting job last season, but Michael Pierce will still be missed. The Ravens weren't surprised by his decision to retire, however, and they'll be prepared to pounce on this strong defensive lineman class. I could see Baltimore taking two swings in the draft.
- Fun fact on Baltimore's special teams moves. The Ravens reportedly brought back Tylan Wallace, who had the walk-off punt return touchdown against the Rams in 2023. On that play, Charlie Kolar made a key block on Rams special teams ace and college buddy Jake Hummel, who the Ravens recently signed.
- Hummel isn't a glitzy signing, but it's a move that could win games. This gives me Miles Killebrew vibes. Killebrew is a reserve safety who has blocked four punts in four years for the Steelers and gone to back-to-back Pro Bowls. Hummel is a fantastic athlete with special teams know-how.
- Backup quarterback is an under-the-radar need and the options are dwindling, but it has always seemed like a reunion with veteran Josh Johnson would be in play. Johnson is well-liked by Jackson and coaches, and he seems just as capable at 39 years old as he was at 38.
- Last year, the Los Angeles Chargers became Ravens West. Now Pittsburgh is turning into Ravens North. Last year, it was Patrick Queen and DeShon Elliott. This year, they signed Malik Harrison and seemingly courted Patrick Ricard. I can't remember a time when so many players switched sides in the rivalry.
