Ravens Have a Chance with Lamar Jackson Leading the Way
As long as Lamar Jackson stays healthy and continues to perform at an MVP level, the Baltimore Ravens will have a good chance to remain competitive. However, significant changes to the roster are more likely to occur next year than this offseason.
“Not as many tough decisions this year, looking at it, which I’m thankful for,” general manager Eric DeCosta said Wednesday at the team’s end-of-season news conference. “But obviously, as we look out, we’ll have some tough decisions after next season.”
DeCosta’s comments were focused on the tight end position, but his thoughts apply to the entire roster. The Ravens are expected to field a similar team next season after winning their second consecutive AFC North title, though they were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs at Buffalo.
Looking Back at Previous Offseasons
This year is a different situation from the past. Last offseason, the Ravens had to replace key players on the offensive line, running back, and linebacker. Two offseasons ago, the team had to deal with Lamar Jackson’s contract situation, which wasn’t resolved until after the team tagged him with the franchise tag.
Offensive Line Decisions
There’s some uncertainty about whether Ronnie Stanley and Patrick Mekari will return next season. Despite the unknowns, the Ravens successfully replaced three starters on the offensive line last year, without signing a major free agent.
“We made a tough call last year to go younger and have some younger guys play, and we knew we’d have a few growing pains. I think we had a few, but looking back on it, I think it was absolutely the right thing to do,” DeCosta said.
“We are aware that we have some guys whose contracts are up, and we’ll look at that and certainly have some discussions with players. We’ll look at potentially bringing back our guys. We’ll look at the draft. We’ll look at free agency.”
Key Free Agents to Watch
The Ravens would like to re-sign fullback Patrick Ricard, who is more valuable to them than to other teams. Wide receivers Nelson Agholor and Tylan Wallace, along with defensive back Brandon Stephens, are all set to be free agents.
The 2022 draft class is eligible for contract extensions, including standout players like safety Kyle Hamilton and center Tyler Linderbaum. Other contributors from that class, such as tight ends Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar, linebacker David Ojabo, defensive tackle Travis Jones, guard Daniel Faalele, and punter Jordan Stout, are entering the final year of their rookie deals.
A Crunch Next Offseason
The Ravens may face tougher decisions next offseason. After the 2025 season, several key players, including running back Derrick Henry, tight end Mark Andrews, linebackers Odafe Oweh and Kyle Van Noy, and nose tackle Michael Pierce, can become free agents.
Moves That Didn’t Work Out
DeCosta also reflected on a couple of moves that didn’t go as planned, such as signing safety Eddie Jackson and trading for wide receiver Diontae Johnson. Jackson was waived in November, and Johnson was suspended for refusing to enter a game. Johnson is now set to become a free agent.
“Eddie was a two-time Pro Bowl safety earlier in his career, and it really comes down to probably I failed. This was a guy who didn’t really want to accept his role as a backup safety and a special teamer, and I understand that,” DeCosta said.
“If I’m guilty of mistakes, it’s finding value but not always considering how that player is going to handle the situation that he’s being forced into. Eddie just wasn’t happy with his role. He wanted to play football.”
Looking Ahead with Optimism
Despite some setbacks, the Ravens have more positives than negatives this season. Both DeCosta and coach John Harbaugh believe this team has the potential to go further in the playoffs next year.
“We’re all disappointed. Our team is disappointed. We had higher aspirations, and we didn’t achieve those aspirations and goals, but I think it was a successful season,” DeCosta said. “I’m very proud of the team, the players, the coaches, support staff, everybody, and I’ve already moved on.”
