What We Learned From Ravens' First Week of Free Agency
The Ravens entered free agency tight against the salary cap, so General Manager Eric DeCosta needed to adhere to the franchise's "right player, right price" mantra in making moves to improve the team.
So far, so good.
The Baltimore Sun’s Childs Walker looked at what we learned about the Ravens' first week in free agency. Here are some excerpts:
They weren't going to let a void at left tackle upend their Super Bowl ambitions.
"Who could have guessed at this time last year that Stanley, gifted but oft-injured, would be the key to the Ravens' 2025 offseason? But General Manager Eric DeCosta and Coach John Harbaugh recognized that he was, and by the time they spoke at the NFL scouting combine last month, they made it clear he was a priority.
"Other suitors lurked, likely to offer more money if Stanley reached the open market, but a reunion made enough sense for both sides that they reached a three-year, $60 million accommodation two days before the legal tampering window opened. The deal looked better and better for the Ravens as lesser blockers signed lucrative contracts with other teams."
A Mark Andrews trade is possible but less likely, and that's good for the Ravens short-term.
"The Ravens paid Andrews' $4 million roster bonus over the weekend, a date some viewed as a soft deadline for any possible deal involving the three-time Pro Bowl tight end. The Ravens aim to go the distance in 2025, and he would help them do it. They could still move him, but it became less likely with that $4 million payment (money they can no longer save against the salary cap) over the weekend. That's best for this team, this season."
The Ravens saved their most surprising move for a backup guard.
"Raise your hand if you foresaw another year of Ben Cleveland in Baltimore. We'll wait. After starting just seven times in four seasons and barely registering in a wide-open guard competition last summer, the 2021 third-round pick seemed almost certain to be in someone else's training camp come July. But wonders never cease, and competent NFL linemen don't come cheap. So the least probable headline became reality last Saturday when they re-signed Cleveland for a one-year, league-minimum deal.
"It actually makes sense viewed through Ravens logic. They don't see Cleveland as a starting candidate, but they know all there is to know about him and feel comfortable throwing him into the breach if an injury arises. He understands their needs on special teams — hello, blocked field goal against Washington — and for a sixth lineman in heavy sets. He'll serve a necessary function and allow the Ravens to spend money and draft picks addressing other needs."
Daniel Jeremiah Mocks 'Ultra Disruptive' Defensive Tackle to Ravens
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah has the Ravens selecting Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon in his latest mock draft.
"Harmon is ultra disruptive," Jeremiah wrote. "He plays with outstanding effort and a motor that would be appreciated in Baltimore."
The Ravens have a strong trio on the defensive line in Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones, and Broderick Washington, but they need more depth because of Michael Pierce's retirement and Brent Urban remaining a free agent.
Kyle Van Noy Reveals Thoughts on Lamar Jackson, Steve Bisciotti, Harbaugh
Pro Bowl outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy has had the two best seasons of his 11-year career since signing with the Ravens in 2023.
During a sit-down interview with Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd, Van Noy, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, was effusive in his praise of the Ravens organization and its leaders.
Here are some highlights of the conversation:
On playing with Lamar Jackson: "Lamar Jackson is the best teammate. He hangs out with everybody. He knows everybody's name. He's a joy to be with in the locker room. He's had his downs in the playoffs, but I think that's part of his journey. I also think it's going to propel him. The Lamar Jackson that I know, that I see every day, it's going to fuel him to get him better, and better, and better. We've seen just a little bit. I think he's got a whole other level to go."
On Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti: "Amazing owner. The best I've been around. Loves football, wants the team to win, but he pours money into the organization. He gives everybody that A-1 treatment, it doesn't matter who you are in the building, He does a phenomenal job."
On playing for Harbaugh: "What separates him is his relationships to players. He truly cares about what you think and how you see things, and he literally goes up to anybody and will ask, and he takes tidbits from everybody and he puts it into his program. He doesn't just focus on his way or the highway, he adjusts. That's why he's lasted so long. … The difference between him is that mentality to always get better each and every year, and the trust that he has with his players and the relationship. He's a relationship guy. He's a tough guy. He likes to get after it in the weight room himself. Every single day at 5 o'clock he's in that weight room. And that's the kind of attitude he has throughout the day, and he has that same standard for everybody, that standard of excellence."
Ravens Named Good Fit for Former Colts Safety
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox looked at unsigned free agents "who offer intriguing potential in the right situations" and identified their top landing spots.
He believes the Ravens are a good fit for former Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon.
"Blackmon could rotate with Kyle Hamilton and Ar'Darius Washington at safety and in subpackage," Knox wrote. "Baltimore has regularly utilized a three-safety rotation and recently dumped Marcus Williams from its roster."
Identifying Blackmon's traits, Knox wrote: "Blackmon is instinctual in the passing game and tends to find himself around the football frequently. In five seasons with the Colts, he logged 21 passes defended, 10 interceptions and two forced fumbles. However, Blackmon isn't so reliable against the run. He can struggle to bring down ball carriers. This was a particular issue in 2024, when Blackmon played through a torn Labrum for most of the season."
