As Ravens players cleaned out their lockers after another playoff trip ended prematurely, the focus for some players has already, in part, turned ahead.
The NFL moves fast, and the Ravens will now begin the process of building back up to make another run at reaching the Super Bowl in 2025.
Here's a look ahead to Baltimore's free agency outlook:
Pending Unrestricted Free Agents
- WR Nelson Agholor
- LB Chris Board
- OL Ben Cleveland
- LB Malik Harrison
- WR Deonte Harty
- QB Josh Johnson
- OL Josh Jones
- OL Patrick Mekari
- CB Trayvon Mullen
- FB Patrick Ricard
- WR Steven Sims
- CB Brandon Stephens
- IDL Brent Urban
- WR Tylan Wallace
- LB Kristian Welch
- CB Tre'Davious White
Reported Voided Contracts
- LT Ronnie Stanley
- S Marcus Williams
Restricted Free Agents
- DB Ar'Darius Washington
- CB Christian Matthew
Salary Cap Outlook
The Ravens are projected to have $17.1 million in salary-cap space by OvertheCap.com. As always, they could clear more space with contract restructures.
Top Free Agents
LT Ronnie Stanley
Stanley started every game and returned to being one of the league's best offensive tackles, earning a spot as a Pro Bowl alternate. He'll turn 31 in March, and the question is whether he will repeat that success moving forward. If the Ravens believe he will, they will probably make a strong effort to keep him. Stanley has spent his entire career in Baltimore and loves blocking for Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. The Ravens stuck with him, even after he suffered a major ankle injury just days after a mega extension. Another new deal could make sense for both sides.
FB Patrick Ricard
Ricard is headed to his fifth Pro Bowl and has proven that, even in Todd Monken's offense, he's a very valuable weapon. Ricard's physicality set the tone and he's a big reason why Henry nearly ran for 2,000 yards this season. He'll turn 31 this offseason, and Ricard said he wants to retire a Raven.
CB Brandon Stephens
Stephens has been a starting corner for the Ravens the past two seasons. He's a hard-nosed player, but no cornerback in the league was targeted more over the past two seasons than Stephens, per Pro Football Focus (PFF). Stephens was often sticky in coverage, but he surrendered the fourth-most catches in the NFL this season, again according to PFF. It's hard to say what Stephens' market would be, but it's tough to see how Baltimore would retain both him and White, who they traded for at midseason.
OL Patrick Mekari
Mekari proved himself as a full 17-game starter in his sixth season (three at right tackle, 14 at left guard) and helped the Ravens offense be the best in the league. Baltimore could look to bring him back in that role, but they have also been grooming other younger guards, such as Andrew Vorhees. One of Mekari's greatest strengths is his versatility, as he can play every spot on the offensive line. While that has often made him a super-sub, Mekari may want to be somewhere where he knows he's a starter.
Top Needs
Left tackle: The Ravens went through Phase 1 of their offensive line rebuild last offseason, letting three veterans walk in free agency and replacing them with Daniel Faalele, rookie Roger Rosengarten, and Mekari/Vorhees. Now Baltimore has to figure out what to do at left tackle with Stanley set for free agency. They could sign him back, but after a strong and healthy campaign, it won't be cheap. If they can, they will probably continue to augment the line via the draft.
Safety: The Ravens will presumably do what it takes to keep Washington as a restricted free agent, but they will probably add more competition for the starting job next to Kyle Hamilton. Washington proved he can be a starting safety, but he could also be a valuable nickel cornerback. Without Williams, the Ravens have shoes to fill.
Cornerback: It depends on what happens with Stephens and White, but the Ravens are always on the hunt for cornerback depth, even after Nate Wiggins' highly successful rookie season. Marlon Humphrey said after the final game that he's not sure what his future holds, as the Ravens could save $12.7 million by releasing him, per OverTheCap.com. However, after an All-Pro campaign and team-high six interceptions, Humphrey would be a big loss.
