Brown: Baltimore's potential free agents in 2025 include Ronnie Stanley, Patrick Ricard, Patrick Mekari, Justice Hill, and Malik Harrison. However, I think cornerback Brandon Stephens is the player in a contract year with the most at stake.
Stephens had an excellent 2023 season in his first year as a starting corner. This season, he wants to establish himself as one of the NFL's top cornerbacks, and if training camp is any indication, he's on his way. In Tuesday's practice, Lamar Jackson tested Stephens twice on deep throws to Devontez Walker and Zay Flowers. Both passes were incomplete, largely due to Stephens' tight man-to-man coverage.
Stephens is only 26 years old and can play outside, slot, and safety. He fits into any defensive scheme and can play special teams. It wouldn't surprise me if he re-signs with the Ravens on a long-term deal before he ever reaches free agency. However, a strong 2024 season from Stephens will equal a huge raise in 2025, no matter who he's playing for.
Ryan: Baltimore's top four is set with Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor, and Walker as roster locks. After that, there are a ton of players fighting for the fifth and potentially sixth spot.
The Ravens like Deonte Harty's return ability, but he's missed a lot of practice time this offseason. Preseason will be a good opportunity for Harty to solidify himself as the primary returner, especially with the new Dynamic Kickoff. Tylan Wallace is another player with some return juice, and he has practiced well in training camp. Those two seem like the favorites right now for the final two receiver sports.
Players like Sean Ryan, Russell Gage, Malik Cunningham, and Dayton Wade all can still prove they deserve to be on the 53-man roster, and the preseason will be a big opportunity.
Ryan and Wade have had strong camps, Gage has numerous productive seasons in the league, and Cunningham looks natural after moving from quarterback to receiver. Friday's preseason game against the Eagles has a ton of interesting sub-plots, and the final receiver spots is one of them.
Brown: I still believe Harty, not Wallace, is the favorite to be Baltimore's top returner. However, the significant reps Harty missed during Organized Team Activities and training camp adds intrigue to the situation.
Harty has more NFL return experience than Wallace, but the Dynamic Kickoff will be new for everyone. I think preseason kickoff reps will be important and what happens in the games could impact the decision.
If Harty is healthy enough to make a good impression either during practices or preseason games, I believe he'll win the job. If not, then Wallace is a strong option. His walk-off 76-yard punt return for a touchdown to beat the Los Angeles Rams in overtime was one of the most electric plays of the 2023 season.
Ryan: With Flowers, Bateman, and tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, the Ravens have a strong pass-catching group but could use another deep threat. Walker could be that guy in Baltimore.
The fourth-round pick has elite speed, running the 40-yard dash in 4.36 seconds, and has the frame (6-foot-1) and athleticism (40.5 inch vertical) to win over defenders. Expecting him to be a huge part of the offense in Year 1 might be too much to ask. A more realistic role for Walker in 2024 is a couple of targets a game, with the occasional deep shot, and consistently stretching the defense.
