Ravens Earn High Grade for First Three Days of Free Agency | Late for Work

The Baltimore Ravens have turned heads in the early stages of free agency, garnering widespread praise from analysts, fans, and media alike for their aggressive and strategic moves. As the NFL’s free agency period began, the Ravens were determined to strengthen their roster in key areas to ensure that they could remain competitive in what is shaping up to be a highly competitive AFC North division. In a highly scrutinized period that tests teams’ ability to make significant moves to improve their chances of success, Baltimore has excelled in securing talent, and it’s paying off in the early reviews.

The Ravens’ first three days of free agency were a whirlwind of activity. Their strategy seemed clear: bolster the roster in key positions, including wide receiver, defensive line, and offensive line, while simultaneously keeping an eye on long-term roster balance and cap space flexibility. Baltimore has earned a high grade for its work in the opening days of free agency, with several moves signaling the team’s intent to compete for the playoffs—and even a Super Bowl title—in the 2025 season.

Day One: Setting the Tone

The first day of free agency is often the most chaotic, with a flurry of signings as teams rush to make their mark. The Ravens, however, set the tone with measured, but impactful moves. General Manager Eric DeCosta and Head Coach John Harbaugh have long been known for their ability to strike deals that fit within the team’s salary cap constraints while maximizing the potential return on investment. The opening day was no exception.

Adding to the Receiving Corps

One of the Ravens’ biggest areas of need heading into free agency was wide receiver. Despite boasting a talented quarterback in Lamar Jackson, Baltimore had struggled with a lack of reliable weapons on the outside in recent years. In an effort to provide Jackson with more weapons in the passing game, the Ravens made a splash by signing veteran wide receiver Allen Robinson II to a one-year deal worth $6 million.

Robinson’s addition was a game-changer for the Ravens’ offense. A former 1,000-yard receiver, Robinson had struggled in recent seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, but his talent was undeniable. For the Ravens, Robinson’s size, route running, and ability to go up and get the ball made him an ideal fit for their offense. His signing also signaled the team’s desire to build a more balanced attack, one that could both stretch the field and provide Jackson with a dependable target in critical situations.

In addition to Robinson, the Ravens signed Trey Palmer, a young, speedy wide receiver who is poised to contribute immediately. Palmer’s ability to create separation with his speed and his potential as a deep threat added another layer to the Ravens’ passing game, making them more unpredictable and versatile.

A Key Addition to the Defensive Line

The Ravens’ defense has been one of the team’s most consistent strengths over the years, but they were in need of some depth and fresh talent along the defensive line. On Day 1, the Ravens made a strategic move to improve this unit by signing Jarran Reed, a 6-foot-3, 307-pound defensive tackle who had been a force in the trenches for the Seattle Seahawks.

Reed’s addition to the Ravens’ defensive line was a statement move. While Baltimore had previously relied on talented defensive players like Calais Campbell and Brandon Williams, adding a younger player like Reed gave the team the chance to keep their defensive front fresh and dynamic. Reed’s ability to clog running lanes and pressure the quarterback was a major factor in his acquisition, and his leadership and experience would undoubtedly help solidify Baltimore’s front seven.

The defensive line’s play has been crucial in the Ravens’ ability to stop the run and generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. With Reed in the fold, the team addressed both of these areas, ensuring that their defense would remain formidable in the face of competition from explosive offenses in the AFC.

Day Two: Reinforcing the Offensive Line

As the second day of free agency dawned, the Ravens turned their attention to improving their offensive line. For years, Baltimore’s offensive line has been one of the best in the NFL, but the unit faced some challenges during the previous season. While the Ravens were able to run the ball effectively, injuries and inconsistent play from some players created a few gaps in protection for Lamar Jackson.

Recognizing this, the Ravens made it a priority to bolster the offensive line. They accomplished this by signing Ben Powers, an interior offensive lineman who had previously played for the Denver Broncos. Powers, who excels in both run-blocking and pass protection, was seen as a perfect fit for the Ravens’ system. His versatility allowed him to play both guard positions, and he was expected to provide immediate help in shoring up a crucial area of need.

The decision to add Powers was a direct response to the challenges the Ravens faced during the previous season. With Jackson often forced to make plays outside of the pocket due to inconsistent protection, improving the offensive line became a key focus. By investing in a player like Powers, the Ravens hoped to give Jackson more time to survey the field and make better decisions while also enhancing the run-blocking scheme that is a staple of their offensive identity.

Re-signing Key Players

Day two also saw the Ravens locking up some of their own players, ensuring that the roster would remain intact for another year. Among these moves was the re-signing of cornerback Marcus Peters, who had been one of the most important contributors to Baltimore’s defensive backfield. Peters’ ball-hawking ability and lockdown coverage had made him a key part of the Ravens’ secondary, and his return to the team was a much-needed boost.

Peters’ leadership in the defensive backfield had been crucial to the Ravens’ success in years past, and keeping him on the roster would only help ensure that the defense remained one of the most aggressive and efficient units in the league.

Day Three: Adding Depth and Addressing Long-Term Needs

The third day of free agency brought additional signings and moves designed to give the Ravens a more balanced roster and fill out some of the depth chart with talent. While the big names had already been added, the Ravens continued to make savvy moves to strengthen their roster without breaking the bank.

The Backup Quarterback Situation

One of the most interesting moves on Day 3 came when the Ravens signed veteran backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. With Jackson’s injury history over the past few seasons, adding a competent backup quarterback was crucial for the team. Bridgewater, a former first-round pick and seasoned NFL veteran, was a solid fit for the Ravens. His experience as a starter in the league and his ability to step in if necessary were important qualities.

Bridgewater’s signing provided a sense of security, knowing that if Lamar Jackson were to miss time, the Ravens had a quarterback with a proven track record of leading teams in the NFL. While it was unlikely that Bridgewater would challenge Jackson for the starting role, he was an important acquisition that provided insurance for the team.

Strengthening the Special Teams Unit

The Ravens also made a key addition to their special teams unit by signing Corey Bojorquez, a punter who had impressed in his previous stints with the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns. Bojorquez’s ability to pin teams deep in their own territory and his booming leg provided an upgrade to the Ravens’ special teams, an area that had seen its fair share of inconsistency over the years.

Special teams can often be the difference in close games, and with Bojorquez on board, the Ravens were addressing a position that had sometimes been a weak point. His strong leg would help the team maintain field position and potentially flip the momentum in tight contests.