Ravens’ Start to Free Agency Has Been Typical. Yet, Their Toughest Decisions Remain

The NFL’s free agency period often marks a time of rapid change for teams looking to adjust their rosters, fill gaps, or make an immediate splash in the league. For the Baltimore Ravens, the start of the 2025 free agency period has followed a familiar script. While they have made some moves, the major decisions that will shape their future are still on the horizon. The Ravens’ strategy in free agency has always been measured, often making smart signings that complement their existing roster, but their biggest challenges lie ahead. This year, despite some early signings and moves, the most critical decisions will come when the Ravens must address key positions and manage the ongoing contract situations with some of their top players.

The Ravens’ Free Agency Approach: Always Methodical

Over the years, the Ravens have earned a reputation for their patient, calculated approach to roster building. Unlike some teams that throw money at big-name free agents, Baltimore typically prioritizes value and fit over flash. Under the leadership of general manager Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh, the Ravens have been selective in their free-agent pursuits, choosing players who not only improve the roster but also align with the team’s culture.

This strategy has proven successful in the past, as the Ravens have consistently remained competitive while maintaining financial flexibility. The Ravens don’t often make headlines with blockbuster signings in the offseason, but they’ve built a sustained winning culture through smart additions.

In 2025, the Ravens’ free agency has followed a similar pattern. They’ve made a handful of moves early in the period, adding depth and shoring up areas of need. But, as usual, they have not splurged on high-profile free agents. Instead, they’ve stayed true to their philosophy, prioritizing value-based acquisitions that are designed to improve the roster without breaking the bank.

Some of their moves have included re-signing key players, such as veteran defensive back Marcus Peters and offensive tackle Morgan Moses, as well as bringing in a few affordable pieces to add depth to their defense and special teams units. However, it’s clear that the major decisions still loom on the horizon, and they are decisions that could determine the direction of the franchise for years to come.

Lamar Jackson’s Contract Situation: The Elephant in the Room

When discussing the Ravens’ free agency and their toughest remaining decisions, the first place to start is the ongoing contract saga surrounding their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson. The former MVP has been the centerpiece of the Ravens’ offense since his arrival, and his dual-threat ability has changed the way the team plays football. However, after his rookie contract expired, the Ravens and Jackson have been in a prolonged negotiation over a new deal.

The situation is complicated, with both sides reportedly far apart on terms. Jackson has been seeking a fully guaranteed contract, similar to the one given to Deshaun Watson by the Cleveland Browns, while the Ravens have been hesitant to go that route, citing concerns about the long-term sustainability of such a deal for a player who has missed significant time due to injury in the past.

The uncertainty surrounding Jackson’s future has cast a shadow over the Ravens’ free-agent decisions. While they have made some moves, the team’s ability to commit long-term to other free agents or even explore big-ticket acquisitions has been hampered by their current cap situation and the uncertainty of Jackson’s contract. Baltimore’s brass must decide whether to sign Jackson to a long-term deal, apply the franchise tag, or let him walk entirely. Each of these choices has massive implications for the team’s future.

If the Ravens commit to Jackson long-term, it could limit their ability to sign additional pieces in free agency. A fully guaranteed contract could restrict the team’s cap space, especially if Jackson’s contract takes up a significant portion of the team’s salary cap, as Watson’s contract has done in Cleveland. The Ravens must weigh whether investing heavily in Jackson’s future is worth the potential limitations it could create in terms of roster flexibility.

Alternatively, the franchise tag could serve as a short-term solution to keep Jackson in the fold for another year, giving the Ravens more time to work out a long-term deal or assess Jackson’s health and play in 2025. However, the downside to the franchise tag is that it does not solve the long-term problem, and it would further delay the inevitable decision that the Ravens must make regarding their star quarterback.

The Ravens’ next steps with Lamar Jackson are the biggest decision that the franchise faces, and they will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the team’s future. The longer the situation remains unresolved, the more difficult it becomes to plan for the rest of the offseason and to make the necessary moves to stay competitive in the AFC North.

Wide Receiver Conundrum: The Need for a Playmaker

Another key challenge for the Ravens moving forward in free agency is addressing their wide receiver position. While the team has invested in some solid talent at wide receiver, it’s clear that they still lack a true number one option who can consistently stretch the field and be a game-changer on the outside.

In 2024, the Ravens tried to address this issue by acquiring veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who was expected to bring playmaking ability to a group that had struggled to consistently generate big plays. However, while Beckham showed flashes of his old self, injuries have continued to hamper his performance, and he’s no longer the explosive game-changer he once was.

This year, Baltimore faces the decision of whether to add another wide receiver in free agency or through the draft. Given that the Ravens have often been conservative in their spending on wide receivers, the team may look to the draft for help, especially considering the wealth of talent available in the 2025 class. However, this also raises the question of how much faith the Ravens have in their current roster of receivers. Can they really afford to go another season without a true playmaker at the position? The team’s free agency strategy could hinge on whether they are willing to make a big splash at wide receiver or continue to rely on their existing players.

The Ravens also have to navigate their relationship with wide receiver Rashod Bateman, who has shown promise but has dealt with significant injuries early in his career. Bateman’s potential is undeniable, but his ability to stay on the field and become a consistent contributor will play a major role in how the Ravens approach the wide receiver position moving forward.

In free agency, the Ravens could look for a veteran presence who can come in and complement Bateman and others, or they could roll the dice on a young player with more upside. Regardless of their decision, the Ravens cannot afford to ignore the need for a legitimate playmaking wide receiver, especially if they want to make a deeper playoff run in the coming seasons.

Defensive Line and Secondary Depth: Filling the Gaps

The Ravens have long prided themselves on having one of the most physically imposing defenses in the league. Under defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, the Ravens have built a defense that can dominate up front and create havoc for opposing quarterbacks. However, while the Ravens’ defense is solid, there are still areas where they could use reinforcement.

One such area is along the defensive line. The Ravens’ pass rush has been inconsistent in recent years, and while they have solid players like Calais Campbell and Odafe Oweh, the team needs to ensure that they have the depth and versatility to remain effective. This could be another area where the Ravens decide to make a move in free agency, bringing in a player who can help generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks or add depth to their already strong defensive front.

Similarly, while the Ravens’ secondary has been one of their strengths, they may look to add more depth in the form of cornerbacks or safeties. With Marcus Peters aging and some uncertainty surrounding the future of other defensive backs, strengthening the secondary could be a priority. In this regard, free agency may offer opportunities to bring in younger, more affordable players who can contribute immediately and help maintain the Ravens’ defensive dominance.

Final Thoughts: The Tough Decisions Ahead

While the Ravens have made a few moves to bolster their roster during the 2025 free agency period, the toughest decisions are yet to come. From Lamar Jackson’s contract saga to questions surrounding their wide receiver corps, defensive depth, and future plans for free-agent acquisitions, the Ravens are entering a critical phase that will determine their success in the years to come.

The front office’s ability to make smart, measured decisions will be crucial in keeping the team competitive. They have already demonstrated that they know how to make the right moves when it comes to shoring up weaknesses, but now they must address the big-picture issues that could shape the team’s future.

For Ravens fans, the coming months will likely be filled with uncertainty, but if history is any guide, DeCosta and Harbaugh will find a way to navigate the free agency landscape and put the team in a position to continue their playoff-contending ways. Whether they lock up Lamar Jackson long-term, add another weapon to their offense, or shore up their defense, the decisions they make in the coming weeks will set the course for the future.

In the end, the Ravens’ start to free agency may have been typical, but their toughest challenges and decisions still lie ahead. How they handle those decisions will determine whether they remain a perennial contender or struggle to maintain their place among the league’s elite teams.