The 2025 season was a historic disappointment for the Baltimore Ravens. They got off to a 1–5 start and finished 8–9. The team missed the playoffs for the first time since 2021, leading to the firing of long-time head coach John Harbaugh. While Derrick Henry (1,595 rushing yards) provided individual brilliance, the team struggled with consistency, particularly at home, where they went 3–6.
The season ended on a heartbreaking note in Week 18 when a missed field goal against the Steelers eliminated them from the postseason race. The primary struggles in 2025 were a struggling pass rush and a weak pass defense.
After leading the league in sacks in previous years, Baltimore dropped to just 30 sacks (tied for third-fewest) due to season-ending injuries to Nnamdi Madubuike and Broderick Washington. This lack of pressure forced the secondary into difficult situations, resulting in a unit that ranked 30th in passing yards allowed.
Offensively, the line declined significantly in pass protection, often leaving Jackson under pressure and leading to a league-high pressure rate during their mid-season slump.
1. Trey Hendrickson (EDGE, Cincinnati Bengals)
Hendrickson is the top veteran solution for a Ravens pass rush that disappeared in 2025. He recorded 4.0 sacks and 16 tackles in a limited 7-game season due to injury, but he is one of the most efficient edge disruptors in the AFC North.
Baltimore managed only 30 sacks as a team last year, a far cry from their dominant 2024 form. Hendrickson’s style fits the “Ravens DNA” and would provide the consistent pressure needed to support a secondary that was overexposed last season.
2. Teven Jenkins (OG, Cleveland Browns)
Jenkins is a physical interior blocker who addresses Baltimore’s desperate need for guard stability. He finished the 2025 season with a 77.7 PFF grade over 324 snaps. The Ravens’ offensive line struggled with regression and injuries last year, particularly at the guard spots.
Jenkins’ versatility to play both guard and tackle makes him a great asset for Eric DeCosta. At 28 years old, he provides a long-term, high-ceiling starter to protect Lamar Jackson and open lanes for Derrick Henry.
3. Benjamin St-Juste (CB, Los Angeles Chargers)
St-Juste is a “breakout” target who flourished in a rotational role last season. He recorded 37 total tackles and seven pass deflections. Baltimore’s secondary was carved up for 4,214 passing yards in 2025, ranking 30th in the league.
St-Juste has worked with new head coach Jesse Minter during their time together and fits the profile of a physical, lockdown corner. He offers the depth and size needed to match up with the AFC North’s larger receivers.
4. DeAndre Hopkins (WR, Baltimore Ravens)
Re-signing Hopkins is a crucial move for the Ravens. In 2025, he appeared in 14 games, recording 22 receptions for 330 yards and 2 touchdowns in a rotational role. While he is no longer a high-volume “WR1,” he remains a reliable contested-catch threat that Lamar Jackson can trust in critical situations.
The Ravens’ wideout room, outside of Zay Flowers, failed to show its potential last year. Keeping Hopkins provides a steady receiver presence and a mentor for younger players like Devontez Walker.
5. Tyler Linderbaum (C, Baltimore Ravens)
Linderbaum is the most important internal free agent for the Ravens to retain. He anchored a rushing attack that finished 2nd in the NFL with 2,662 yards in 2025. Despite the team’s overall struggles, Linderbaum remained elite, consistently ranking among the top five graded centers.
Letting him walk would create a massive void in the heart of the offensive line that Baltimore cannot afford to fill with a rookie. Re-signing him is important for the stability of the interior and the continued success of the Henry-Jackson duo.
6. Dre’Mont Jones (DE, Baltimore Ravens)
Jones proved to be a productive mid-season acquisition, producing a career-high 55 quarterback pressures after being traded to Baltimore. He finished the 2025 campaign with 43 tackles (19 solo and 24 assists) and 7.0 total sacks.
Given the injuries to Madubuike and Washington, Jones’ ability to disrupt from the interior is crucial for the 2026 defense. Retaining him ensures the Ravens have at least one proven, versatile playmaker to lead the defensive line revival under the new coaching staff.
7. Tyler Huntley (QB, Baltimore Ravens)
Re-signing “Snoop” Huntley is a necessary move to take care of the backup quarterback position. In 2025, Huntley appeared in 5 games, completing 77.6% of his passes for 426 yards and adding 151 rushing yards. Baltimore’s experiment with Cooper Rush proved to be a poor fit for their offense.
Huntley knows the system, has chemistry with the starters, and provides a dual-threat capability that keeps the play consistent if Jackson misses time. He is a high-floor insurance policy for a team with championship aspirations.
8. Alohi Gilman (S, Baltimore Ravens)
Gilman is a versatile safety who provided much-needed depth during a season where Kyle Hamilton was frequently forced to play multiple roles. He appeared in 12 games for the Ravens in 2025, posting 68 tackles (39 solo, 29 assists) and six pass deflections.
With several veteran defensive backs expected to depart, Gilman offers a reliable, high-IQ presence in the backend. He is an effective “Swiss Army knife” defender who can play in the box or in deep coverage.
9. Isaiah Likely (TE, Baltimore Ravens)
Likely is a high-upside playmaker who recorded 27 receptions for 307 yards and 1 touchdown in 2025. While he played in the shadow of Mark Andrews, his fourth-quarter performance in the season finale showed his game-breaking potential.
With the Ravens needing more reliable pass-catchers, retaining Likely is a priority to maintain their elite “12 personnel” packages. He offers the vertical speed and yards-after-catch ability that make the Ravens’ offense difficult to stop when both he and Andrews are on the field.
10. Jordan Stout (P, Baltimore Ravens)
Stout has quietly developed into a reliable specialist, proving his value during a 2025 season where field position was often a struggle. He finished the year with a career-high net punting average and showed significant improvement in pinning opponents inside the 20-yard line.
Following Justin Tucker’s departure, the Ravens’ special teams unit is in transition and cannot afford to lose another consistent leg. Re-signing Stout ensures stability in the kicking game and provides the defense with the long fields they need to be successful.
Also Read: 10 Free Agents Atlanta Falcons Can Target in 2026 Free Agency
