The Ravens have enjoyed a strong first week of free agency, addressing some important tasks on their offseason checklist.
Re-signing Ronnie Stanley was a top priority. Check.
After being the NFL's top rushing team in 2024, they Ravens wanted to keep Pro Bowl fullback Patrick Ricard from leaving. Check.
Baltimore began free agency needing more depth behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. Mission accomplished. De’Andre Hopkins is in the house, and Tylan Wallace will reportedly re-sign. Check, check.
Now, which roster spots become priorities moving forward? Here are a few positions the Ravens are likely looking to fortify.
The Secondary
Baltimore would like more depth at cornerback after losing Brandon Stephens (New York Jets) and releasing Arthur Maulet.
Veteran cornerback Tre'Davious White was a solid addition to the Ravens' secondary rotation in 2024 and he remains a free agent. It would not be surprising to see the Ravens draft at least one corner, even if they sign White or another veteran. Darien Porter of Iowa State and Jahdae Barron of Texas are two draft prospects who could be targeted by Baltimore on Day 1 or 2.
At safety, the Ravens are seeking a player who would allow All-Pro Kyle Hamilton to line up in multiple spots. Malaki Starks of Georgia and Nick Emmanwori of Texas A&M are coming off impressive performances at the Combine that raised their stock. Either could be Baltimore's choice if still available at No. 27.
Versatility and secondary depth have long been key components in Baltimore's defense. Jalyn Armour-Davis, T.J. Tampa, Sanoussi Kane, and Beau Brade have an opportunity to earn more playing time, but the Ravens aren't done addressing their back end.
Defensive Line
Michael Pierce's retirement has made the defensive line a higher priority and Brent Urban remains a free agent. Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones, and Broderick Washington are a strong threesome, but Jones (third round, 2022) is the only defensive tackle Baltimore has drafted in the past four years.
With 11 picks in April, the Ravens have the draft capital to use two picks on defensive linemen if they desire, and this draft is deep at the position.
Interior Offensive Line
Patrick Mekari signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars means the Ravns will have a new starting left guard. Andrew Vorhees started the first three games in 2024 before his ankle injury, and he'll be looking to reclaim a starting job. But the Ravens' offensive line depth is thin, particularly at guard.
Signing a veteran or drafting a guard or two are options for Baltimore. Aireontae Ersery of Minnesota, a prospect who is projected as both a guard and tackle, has the kind of versatility the Ravens prefer with their offensive linemen.
Special Teams
The Ravens signed former Los Angeles Rams special teams standout Jake Hummel after losing Malik Harrison (Pittsburgh Steelers) and Chris Board (New York Giants). Harrison and Board were experienced special teams players, but their departure will be softened by Hummel and the return of Wallace, another regular on special teams.
Some of the Ravens' 11 draft picks will almost surely become members of next season's special teams units. The Ravens prioritize special teams and always value young players who have that skillset.
Inside Linebacker
The starter at inside linebacker next to All-Pro Roquan Smith is not set in stone. Trenton Simpson began the 2024 season as a starter, but his snaps decreased as the year progressed.
Baltimore still looks like a team in the market for a few young or veteran inside linebackers who can compete for snaps and play special teams.
Backup Quarterback
Josh Johnson is a free agent. Devin Leary spent last season as the No. 3. The Ravens will likely look to add, or keep, a veteran quarterback. Johnson will turn 39 years old in May, but he has the trust of Lamar Jackson and the Ravens coaching staff.
The Ravens have not been a team that wants to spend big money on a backup quarterback. With 11 picks, Baltimore could take another shot at a young long-term backup.
