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The NFL investigation into Justin Tucker’s alleged sexual misconduct is ongoing, and so is the football side of the operation for the Ravens. On Friday, the team announced the addition of several new hires to coach John Harbaugh’s staff, a few of which had not been previously announced. In all, Harbaugh has added six coaches amid a few who weren’t brought back this offseason. The latest hires include defensive backs coach Donald D’Alesio, assistant linebackers coach Matt Pees, assistant special teams coach Anthony Levine Sr. and assistant strength and conditioning coach Kevin Hartman. Running backs coach Willie Taggart was also given an assistant head coach title. The Ravens also previously announced the addition of senior defensive assistant/secondary coach Chuck Pagano and inside linebackers coach Tyler Santucci. D’Alesio comes to Baltimore from the Kansas City Chiefs, where he spent the past three seasons as their safeties coach after one season as a defensive assistant. He replaces Doug Mallory, who spent one year with Baltimore before being let go. Before coaching, D’Alesio played safety at Youngstown State, where he later spent five seasons in a variety of roles, including as defensive coordinator in 2019 before serving as a defensive analyst for LSU in 2020. Levine, meanwhile, should be a familiar face for Ravens fans. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | NFL investigators in Baltimore interviewing Justin Tucker accusers Baltimore Ravens | Terrell Suggs pleads guilty to disorderly conduct; former Raven is ‘relieved’ Baltimore Ravens | A look at which Ravens could be released, traded or have their contracts reworked Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Could the team trade for a pass rusher? | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Kyle Van Noy discusses future with Ravens: ‘My want to is still there’ The former safety spent 10 seasons with Baltimore from 2012 to 2021 and retired as the franchise leader in special teams tackles. In 2023, he was hired by the Titans as a special teams assistant and spent two seasons in Tennessee. Pees joins the Ravens after spending last season as a defensive analyst for the Chicago Bears. Before that, he was a defensive assistant for the Atlanta Falcons and a quality control coach with the Titans. He coached with his father, Dean Pees, in both Tennessee and Atlanta and joins him in Baltimore, where Dean remains on the staff in a consulting role after spending last season as a senior advisor on defense. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Investigators from the NFL have been in Baltimore this week interviewing massage therapists who have accused Ravens kicker Justin Tucker of sexual misconduct, a source with direct knowledge of the investigation confirmed to The Baltimore Sun on Friday. A spokesperson from the NFL declined to comment, saying only that the league does not provide details or updates on the review process while investigations are ongoing. A spokesperson for the Ravens referred back to the team’s original Jan. 30 statement in which they said they take any allegations of this nature seriously and will continue to monitor the situation. Michael Belsky, an attorney representing some of the accusers, also declined to comment. So far, 16 massage therapists from eight spas and wellness centers in the Baltimore area have accused Tucker of sexual misconduct between 2012 and 2016. Six of the therapists from five high-end spas accused Tucker of “exposing his genitals, brushing two of them with his exposed penis and leaving what they believed to be ejaculate on the massage table after three of his treatments,” The Baltimore Banner reported last month. Three more came forward following the initial report and accused Tucker of similar behavior in interviews with The Baltimore Sun and The Banner, and an additional seven massage therapists shared similar accounts with The Banner last week. Tucker, 35, has denied the allegations. No criminal or civil actions have been filed against Tucker as of Friday, according to Maryland case search. The NFL investigation is also expected to take several weeks or months. It’s unclear what punishment, if any, Tucker could face, though under the league’s personal conduct policy, players can be disciplined for behavior that poses a “genuine danger” to others or “undermines or puts at risk the integrity of the NFL.” Under the policy, players can face a six-game suspension. In 2022, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was initially suspended for six games before the NFL and the NFL Players Association reached a settlement on an 11-game suspension and $5 million fine following more than two dozen women accusing him of sexual misconduct during massage sessions. In 2019, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft pleaded not guilty to charges of solicitation as part of an investigation into possible prostitution at a Jupiter, Florida, massage parlor. Watson settled nearly two dozen civil lawsuits. Kraft issued a public apology and charges were eventually dropped. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens announce more additions to coach John Harbaugh’s staff Baltimore Ravens | Terrell Suggs pleads guilty to disorderly conduct; former Raven is ‘relieved’ Baltimore Ravens | A look at which Ravens could be released, traded or have their contracts reworked Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Could the team trade for a pass rusher? | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Kyle Van Noy discusses future with Ravens: ‘My want to is still there’ As for Tucker, he remains the Ravens’ kicker for now. Whether it stays that way remains to be seen. General manager Eric DeCosta and coach John Harbaugh, who have not spoken publicly since the allegations were made public, are scheduled to meet with the media at the NFL scouting combine Tuesday in Indianapolis. If Baltimore were to part ways with its longest-tenured player, it would likely wait until at least the start of the new league year on March 12. By waiting until then, the Ravens would save just over $4 million in salary cap space and be able to spread his $7.5 million in dead money over each of the next two years. Tucker is coming off the worst season of his career, having made 73.3% of his field goal attempts. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Terrell Suggs, the former Baltimore Ravens linebacker, pleaded guilty Thursday to a disorderly conduct charge, according to Arizona court records. Suggs, 42, entered his guilty plea to the single “reduced” charge during a Thursday pre-trial hearing in Maricopa County Superior Court. The 2011 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is scheduled to be sentenced on the charge on April 1, according to court records. Suggs’ criminal case stems from a March 2024 incident where prosecutors allege the former linebacker threatened to kill a motorist and pulled out a gun after backing into the driver’s vehicle in a Starbucks drive-thru in Scottsdale, Arizona, where the retired Raven lives. Scottsdale Police said that Suggs and the man exited their vehicles and argued in the drive-thru before retreating and placing their orders. The retired linebacker then stuck his middle finger up at the other man and began to swear at him. Suggs called the man a “p— a– cracker” and said, “I’ll kill your b— a–,” according to police. As Suggs began to drive away, he stopped his car and stuck a handgun out of the driver’s side window but did not point it at the other man, according to police, but the alleged victim took it as a threat and wrote down Suggs’ license plate number before calling police. A representative for Suggs said the former linebacker is “relieved that he can now put this unfortunate incident behind him.” “The safety and well-being of his family and himself have always been his top priority, and he is grateful that they are all safe,” his spokesperson said. “He appreciates the support and understanding from everyone during this time and he looks forward to moving forward.” Suggs has said through a representative that he feared for his safety when the man in the vehicle escalated an “incident.” Suggs said that he was simply getting coffee near his home and “not looking for any trouble.” He was arrested that April and released from jail the next morning before being indicted and pleading not guilty. His trial date was delayed multiple times in recent months as lawyers worked out a plea agreement. Suggs pleaded guilty Thursday to a charge of disorderly conduct with a weapon, though the charge — originally a class-six felony — was reduced to an “undesignated” offense, meaning he can ask the court to treat it as a misdemeanor. His attorney, Craig Penrod, did not return a request for comment. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office declined to comment, citing its policy of not commenting on open cases. Drafted out of Arizona State by Baltimore in 2003, Suggs spent 16 years with the Ravens before his final NFL season in 2019, when he played for the Arizona Cardinals and then the Kansas City Chiefs. A key member of the Ravens’ 2012 Super Bowl team, Suggs was a finalist for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class, but his bid fell short. Suggs, a stout run defender, was also the 2003 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Have a news tip? Contact Dan Belson at dbelson@baltsun.com, on X as @DanBelson_ or on Signal as @danbels.62. View the full article

The opening of the NFL’s franchise tag window Tuesday came and went quietly for the Ravens, and it’s likely it will stay that way through the closing of it March 4. With left tackle Ronnie Stanley the team’s only free-agent-to-be who would warrant such consideration, tagging the nine-year veteran would keep him off the market but be cost-prohibitive at around $25 million. Still, general manager Eric DeCosta and company have a lot to address when it comes to the salary cap. According to Over The Cap, the Ravens are projected to have just over $12.9 million in cap space when the new league year opens on March 12, which is also when free agency officially begins. That ranks just 22nd in the league, and it does not include re-signings or tenders for restricted and exclusive rights free agents. There’s also this year’s draft class, which Baltimore’s decision-makers will get a closer look at next week in Indianapolis at the annual scouting combine. The Ravens are currently slated to have 11 draft picks this April — seven of their own, plus four compensatory selections — so there’s a lot to be done to eventually get compliant with what is projected to be a $279.5 million league salary cap for the 2025 season. That league total is up from the $255.4 million mark in 2024 but not quite to the level of the record 13.6% increase teams got from 2023 to last year, though every bit helps a Ravens organization that is perennially tight on space. What does it ultimately mean for Baltimore? Here’s a look at players who could be released, have their contract extended or reworked or be traded to create more cap room: Tight end Marks Andrews With Andrews entering the final year of his four-year, $56 million extension and with the fourth-highest cap hit on the roster at $16.9 million, the Ravens could clear $11 million in space by releasing or trading the veteran. Andrews’ 3.2 catches and 39.6 yards per game were his lowest marks since his rookie year and his crushing dropped 2-point conversion (and a costly fumble) against the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round of the playoffs were low points. But his 11 receiving touchdowns were a career-high and led the team, he has long been quarterback Lamar Jackson’s security blanket and he’s still one of the best tight ends in the league. Baltimore isn’t going to release Andrews, who will turn 30 in September, and get nothing for him. Trading him also seems unlikely — though a second-day draft pick could perhaps be a compelling consideration. Complicating matters is that the Ravens’ other two tight ends, Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar, are eligible to be free agents after next season. That could make an extension for Andrews difficult as well. Kicker Justin Tucker The Ravens have not spoken about the allegations from several Baltimore-area massage therapists who have accused Tucker of sexual misconduct since making a statement at the end of January. Neither has the NFL, which said it is looking into the matter. What that means for Tucker’s future with the Ravens remains unclear, but if Baltimore were to move on from its longest-tenured player it could do so by releasing him once the new league year starts. Ravens kicker Justin Tucker’s future status with the team is in jeopardy after poor performance in 2024 and off-the-field allegations of misconduct. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Tucker, 35, is coming off easily the worst season of his career, having made 73.3% of his field goal attempts. The Ravens also said they still expected him to be their kicker next year, though that was before a trail of allegations emerged. Releasing Tucker on or after March 12 would save them just over $4 million in cap space and allow Baltimore to spread his $7.5 million in dead money over each of the next two years. Safety Marcus Williams Williams won’t be back. He was benched in mid-November and was inactive over the final five games of the regular season. He and the team also agreed on a reworked contract for the 28-year-old late in the season, freeing up just under $10 million in cap space, with another $2.1 million coming after June 1. That allows Williams to quickly move on to find a new home to try to rejuvenate his career. It also clears much-needed space for Baltimore, which will need to add a safety via the draft or free agency after Williams struggled mightily the past two years. Cornerback Arthur Maulet After Maulet played well in 2023, prompting the Ravens to re-sign him to a two-year, $4 million deal, he struggled to stay healthy in 2024. First, he underwent knee surgery in August. Then he was hampered by calf and knee injuries, all of which limited the veteran to appear in just three games. Though a solid performer when on the field, Maulet will also turn 32 in July, and releasing him would clear $2.25 million in cap space. The Ravens could also perhaps bring him back on a cheaper deal, which would save at least some cap space. Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey returns an interception for a touchdown in a 2024 win over the Steelers. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Cornerback Marlon Humphrey After an injury-filled 2023, Humphrey rebounded with an All-Pro season in the slot. He’s also one of the highest-paid players on the team. With a cap charge of $25.38 million for 2025, only Jackson counts more against the team’s total. Humphrey will also turn 29 in July. With his current deal running through 2026, he could be in line for an extension or at least a restructure, both of which would lower his cap hit. Running back Derrick Henry Henry is entering the final year of the two-year deal he signed with the Ravens last offseason and is set to count $12.9 million against the cap next season. After recording 1,921 rushing yards, 16 rushing touchdowns and averaging 5.9 yards per carry — the highest mark of Henry’s career — the 31-year-old showed he still has gas in the tank. Extending any back of that age with as many miles as Henry has (11,423 career yards on 2,355 carries) is a risk, but a logical one here. Doing so would also lower Henry’s cap hit and keep him in Baltimore for a couple more years, making it potentially possible for him to retire a Raven, which he has expressed interest in doing. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Could the team trade for a pass rusher? | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Kyle Van Noy discusses future with Ravens: ‘My want to is still there’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton trying to focus on football — and golf — rather than extension talks Baltimore Ravens | Ravens OL Ben Cleveland arrested on suspicion of DUI in Georgia Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: Who should be the Orioles’ opening day starter? Quarterback Lamar Jackson Jackson’s $43.7 million cap hit for 2025 ranks just 10th highest in the NFL, making it look like a bargain, especially compared with the restrictive deals of fellow quarterbacks Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys and the Cleveland Browns’ Deshaun Watson. Still, it’s easily the biggest hit on the Ravens’ roster and $18 million higher than Humphrey’s. It gets even bigger in 2026 and 2027 at $74.65 million for each year (which would rank behind only Prescott’s hit this year), so a restructure or extension would help now and in the immediate future. Jackson also famously doesn’t have an agent and DeCosta has spoken about how his last negotiation with the quarterback two years ago was one of the most difficult he’s endured. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston will answer fans’ questions throughout the Ravens’ offseason. Here’s Preston’s take on a handful of questions from readers: (Editor’s note: Questions have been edited for length and clarity.) Will Justin Tucker still be the kicker for the season opener? Will the Ravens use one of their many draft choices to pick a kicker either way? — Jim from London Jim, the NFL will eventually decide Tucker’s fate, whether it’s a suspension or concluding that there isn’t sufficient evidence based on its investigation into allegations by massage therapists of misconduct. There are some people who question the women waiting so long to come out and speak, but I don’t. No one knows the trauma or extent of the harm that these alleged situations might have caused, especially at an early age. I’d like to see an end to this situation as soon as possible, whether it results in a suspension or not. The Ravens and the NFL need to address this publicly. I wrote several weeks ago that the Ravens needed to bring in a kicker to challenge Tucker, and that was before the accusations came out publicly. If the Ravens decide to move on from Tucker, they will do their homework and find a new kicker. This franchise has a history of having some great ones in both Tucker and Matt Stover. The Ravens also have one of the best kicking coaches in the NFL in Randy Brown, so they’ll be fine. But the situation surrounding Tucker is a black cloud hanging over the organization. I’m curious about how involved the Ravens are in the players’ offseason strength and conditioning routines and how coaches monitor workouts outside Owings Mills. Besides Derrick Henry, which players come into camp in the best shape? — Nate A lot of the players attend offseason workouts at the training facility, especially the young ones, and that’s a major key in development. Players add bulk and muscle and it’s clearly noticeable in stars such as defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, center Tyler Linderbaum and even left tackle Ronnie Stanley, who spent a lot of time in Owings Mills during the offseason. It will happen again because young players such as cornerback Nate Wiggins and weakside linebacker Trenton Simpson need to develop and fill out. The linemen, though, are always a concern. Right guard Daniel Faalele could barely make it through training camp practices because of heat exhaustion. The Ravens need to stay on him, as well as nose tackle Michael Pierce. Overall, the Ravens had few injuries in 2024 compared with several years ago, so it was apparent that they listened to the players who strongly complained about the strenuous offseason workout programs. The Ravens don’t have to worry about running back Derrick Henry staying in shape over the offseason. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Do you see the Ravens making a trade for a pass rusher? — Radell Wilson on X Radell, the Ravens have 11 picks overall, so they need to do something to help quarterback Lamar Jackson take the next step and get to the Super Bowl. Be bold, be creative. If that means trading up to get an outside linebacker such as Penn State’s Abdul Carter or Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr., go for it. Has the Ravens’ fan base become spoiled by the success of this organization? Yes, of course, but that is the standard. It’s no longer just acceptable to just get to the postseason but to play in the Super Bowl. It’s time to get a sniff of the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Before this year’s draft, do the Ravens review their 2024 draft selections and evaluate their grading versus actual performance on the team? Has there ever been a player drafted by the Ravens that they thought would be a stud, but turned out to be a dud? Conversely, was there ever a player graded marginally who turned out to be phenomenal? Finally, do the Ravens or any other teams put much value on the Wonderlic tests? — Dan from Elkton Dan, I am sure there is value in that test, especially at certain positions. Contrary to popular belief, football is a smart man’s game. Regardless of what many say, the NFL draft is a gamble. I never thought former Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome’s first two picks in the first round of 1996, offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden and linebacker Ray Lewis, would eventually go into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | A look at which Ravens could be released, traded or have their contracts reworked Baltimore Ravens | Kyle Van Noy discusses future with Ravens: ‘My want to is still there’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton trying to focus on football — and golf — rather than extension talks Baltimore Ravens | Ravens OL Ben Cleveland arrested on suspicion of DUI in Georgia Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: Who should be the Orioles’ opening day starter? Truth be told, neither did Newsome. Overall, there are no complaints about the Ravens’ draft record. They have had mid- to late-round success stories such as center Jeff Mitchell, linebackers Cornell Brown, Adalius Thomas and Edgerton Hartwell, safeties Haruki Nakamura and Geno Stone and quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Linebacker Bart Scott was an undrafted free agent. But they have also had some early-round stinkers, such as receivers Patrick Johnson, Travis Taylor, Breshad Perriman and Mark Clayton, linebackers Sergio Kindle, Tyus Bowser and Tim Williams, safety Matt Elam and quarterback Kyle Boller. Overall, you can’t argue with the franchise’s record. The Ravens have compiled a 268-199-1 record since moving to Baltimore for the start of the 1996 season. They have also won two Super Bowl titles and there are 12 teams in the NFL that have never won the prestigious event. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

To say that Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy has enjoyed a renaissance since his arrival in Baltimore two years ago wouldn’t really be accurate. His nine sacks in 2023 were 2 1/2 more than his previous career high, then he went out and topped that with 12 1/2 this past season to garner his first Pro Bowl selection. He’ll also turn 34 next month and has one year remaining on his current contract. Does Van Noy plan to keep playing in 2025? “We’re still talking about it,” he told The Baltimore Sun the week leading up to the Super Bowl in New Orleans. “I would like to, but there’s things that still need to be talked about.” One of those things is perhaps financial. Last April, Van Noy signed a two-year, $9 million deal that is due to keep him in Baltimore through the 2025 season. He’ll also carry a $6.1 million salary cap hit, per Over The Cap, for a team that is once again tight on space. Releasing the veteran would save Baltimore about $4.5 million, but it also seems like an unlikely move. Van Noy, now on his fifth team, led the Ravens in sacks. Beyond fellow outside linebacker Odafe Oweh, who had 10 sacks this past season, Baltimore doesn’t have a proven edge rusher on the roster. “He’s played in multiple cities, [and] he’s been to multiple places. I think he really appreciated the Ravens, which is great,” general manager Eric DeCosta said during the team’s end-of-season news conference last month. “He loves this place. Our young players see that, and that resonates. And that’s a big deal. He comes to work every day with a great attitude, he’s a leader, and he’s a fun storyline this year for us.” Van Noy said that he will have a conversation with DeCosta “at some point,” but that his “want to” is still there and that he has plenty to offer. He’s also eager to see what kind of impact Chuck Pagano has. Pagano was the Ravens’ defensive coordinator in 2011. He also coached the Indianapolis Colts from 2012 to 2017, was the Chicago Bears’ defensive coordinator from 2019 to 2020 and was hired earlier this offseason to be a senior secondary coach. “When I think about Chuck … whenever he’s coached that group it’s always been tight-knit,” Van Noy said. “That’s what he preaches is, we can’t go anywhere without the group on the same page. I feel he does a good job of that. “His communication skills are very, very good and players wanna play really, really good for him. That means he always has a good command of the room and command of where players are at, so he builds a relationship with them. That’s what you need to do in the NFL.” As for Van Noy and how long his own playing future will last? “My want to is still there, that’s for sure,” he said. “I can still play at a high level. But it’s something where they have to make a decision, too.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton trying to focus on football — and golf — rather than extension talks Baltimore Ravens | Ravens OL Ben Cleveland arrested on suspicion of DUI in Georgia Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: Who should be the Orioles’ opening day starter? Baltimore Ravens | What can the Ravens learn from the Eagles’ Super Bowl win over Chiefs? Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Like Peyton Manning, Ravens’ Lamar Jackson needs pass rushers | COMMENTARY View the full article

Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton has golf on his mind. Earlier this month, he teed it up at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida, as part of the NFL’s Pro Bowl festivities. Later this month, he’ll head to California for a buddies trip that includes tee times at venerable Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, Monterey Peninsula Country Club, nearby Pasatiempo Golf Course and, he hopes, the ultra-exclusive Cypress Point Club. Hamilton said he was banged up during the season, but that it hasn’t slowed him down. That he’s able to endure all that twisting and torque on his body to swing a golf club, particularly as well as he does, is probably a good sign of his health, including his right leg. “Everybody deals with something throughout the season so I got my little Tiger Woods leg sleeve,” he told The Baltimore Sun the week leading up to the Super Bowl in New Orleans. “I’m all good though.” Of course, he was better than good in his third season in the NFL. Hamilton’s 107 tackles were a career high and ranked 12th among all defensive backs. He was the only one at that position to post at least 100 tackles, an interception, two sacks and two forced fumbles. And he finished as the second-highest graded safety by Pro Football Focus behind only Detroit Lions standout Kerby Joseph, an All-Pro who led the NFL with nine interceptions. The 14th overall draft pick in 2022 and the glue to Baltimore’s defensive turnaround the second half of the season, Hamilton was selected to the Pro Bowl, named second-team All-Pro after being a first-team selection a year ago and finished ninth in The Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year voting. He’s also eligible for a contract extension this offseason with one year remaining on his rookie deal and could break the bank in resetting the safety market. Where is he at in that process and would he like to get a deal done before the start of next season? Hamilton isn’t saying (nor are his agents) for now. “I told my agents and family I don’t want to talk about any sort of contract stuff,” he said. “I just want to play football.” Signing Hamilton for the long-term figures to be Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta’s top priority this offseason, and it’s an expensive proposition. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens OL Ben Cleveland arrested on suspicion of DUI in Georgia Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: Who should be the Orioles’ opening day starter? Baltimore Ravens | What can the Ravens learn from the Eagles’ Super Bowl win over Chiefs? Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Like Peyton Manning, Ravens’ Lamar Jackson needs pass rushers | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Aaron Rodgers to Steelers? Predicting 2025 landing spots for top available QBs Last offseason, Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antonie Winfield Jr. became the league’s highest-paid defensive back in history when he signed a four-year, $84.1 million extension. Translation: Hamilton will get more. The only question is how things will play out. Baltimore could reach an agreement on an extension this offseason or next. If a deal isn’t reached by May 1, the Ravens would likely pick up his fifth-year option to keep him under contract through the 2026 season and then could franchise tag him in 2027. But that’s not how Baltimore has typically handled foundational players of Hamilton’s ilk, so it’s more likely a new deal will be discussed this offseason rather than next. One of the many reasons Hamilton is so valuable is not just his talent and athleticism but his versatility. After playing a hybrid nickel role his first two seasons, he was deployed to a more traditional safety role the final two months of the season. “That guy is just different,” Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey said of Hamilton late in the season. “His play, obviously, you guys see the play, but the communication getting guys right. There are plays that I’m on the field … I get the call, I ask Kyle, ‘What do I do in this call?’ I hear Kyle give somebody else what they need to do in this call. His smarts, how he keeps the guys calm — he’s just a piece you can put at any position. But him going back to safety has seemed to really stabilize everybody else in all of their spots, whether it’s corners, communicating to the nickel, communicating to the ‘backers.” How the Ravens utilize Hamilton in 2025 remains to be seen, but his goal is to focus on football and let the contract situation work itself out. “Wherever coaches and the team see best for me to play — that’s a week-to-week basis, that’s a season-to-season basis — I’m all for it,” Hamilton said. “I feel like I can impact the game at multiple spots. … Me going back to traditional safety, not nickel, I was fine with it. I played safety all my life. “That’s my main focus, is just focus on football, get ready, get back in for OTAs and all that stuff. All the other stuff, I’ll let my agents handle it.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton, third from left, could become the NFL’s highest-paid safety this offseason. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) View the full article

Ravens offensive lineman Ben Cleveland was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence last week, according to Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office documents obtained by The Baltimore Sun on Monday. Cleveland, 26, was stopped around 10:25 p.m. on Wednesday in Milledgeville, Georgia, after police observed his black Ford F-250 “failing to maintain its lane” and “weaving in between the lines” and nearly going into a ditch, the documents say. Cleveland told police he’d been coming from a nearby country club and admitted to drinking “approximately 3-4 beers” but that he had not consumed any alcohol within two hours, according to the incident report. The arresting officer also noted in the report that he detected an “unknown” alcoholic odor coming from inside the vehicle and that Cleveland’s eyes were “glossy.” The report states that Cleveland failed at least one field sobriety test and that he was wearing a medical boot on his left foot, with Cleveland adding that he had “pains in his ankle” and did not wish to continue to walk and turn or do a one-leg stand, according to the report. When Cleveland was issued a breathalyzer at the scene, the result came back with a blood alcohol level of 0.178, police said, more than double the legal limit of .08. The 6-foot-7, 315-pound Cleveland was arrested and transported to a nearby jail, where a second breath sample returned a blood alcohol level of 0.161, according to police. He was issued citations for driving under the influence of alcohol and failure to maintain his lane. A Ravens spokesperson did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment. Cleveland, a third-round draft pick out of the University of Georgia by Baltimore in 2021, has appeared in 54 games across four seasons but has largely been a disappointment. He has made just seven starts during that span and, after playing 367 snaps on offense as a rookie, has seen his playing time dramatically decrease the past three seasons and never emerged as a serious contender for a starting guard position, despite openings each of the past two years. He did, however, become a contributor on special teams this past season, landing himself a full-time role on the field goal and extra point block unit after he blocked a field goal attempt in the Ravens’ win over the Commanders in October. Cleveland will be a free agent in March. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said there is an open competition for who will be their opening day starter. The choice was easy last year with ace Corbin Burnes in the fold, but the competition is much tighter this spring. Who should start on March 27 in Toronto? After you vote, leave a comment and we might use your take in The Baltimore Sun. The Baltimore Sun reader poll is an unscientific survey in which website users volunteer their opinions on the subject of the poll. To read the results of previous reader polls, click here. View the full article

No two Super Bowl victors are the same. The ones annually puffing cigar smoke in the locker room on a late Sunday night in February, or riding in floats days later, endure unique challenges of roster construction. They’re often swayed by the mercy of football deities, too. The Ravens can’t copy the Philadelphia Eagles’ test answers and make good on Lamar Jackson’s draft night promise next year. But, after falling three wins shy of expectations, they can learn a thing or two from the dynasty dethroners. It starts in April. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman hit on draft pick after draft pick. He was aggressive in trading up early in the 2024 second round and scooping up Iowa’s Cooper DeJean, considered one of the top cornerbacks. DeJean returned on investment with a game-defining pick-six in Super Bowl 59. Roseman traded up in 2023 too, picking defensive tackle Jalen Carter at No. 9. The Georgia star turned into a Pro Bowl selection and game-wrecker by Year 2. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta has previously downplayed the idea of trading up in the draft, but Philadelphia showed what kind of difference it can make. Hitting in the draft is easier said than done, but it helped Philly build the best statistical defense in football. Baltimore — which has two homegrown first-team All-Pros on defense in safety Kyle Hamilton and cornerback Marlon Humphrey — required some retooling before reaching the playoffs on a high note. Perhaps the biggest takeaway the Ravens — and any NFL team, for that matter — should glean from the Super Bowl was the utter domination in the trenches. Philadelphia defensive coordinator Vic Fangio did not blitz the Chiefs once in 42 drop-backs. His four-man rush made Patrick Mahomes’ life hell, forcing the three-time Super Bowl Most Valuable Player into a pair of uncharacteristic interceptions and sacking him six times, including one that forced a fumble. “They’re one of the best defenses in the league,” eight-time Super Bowl champion coach Bill Belichick said on SiriusXM’s Let’s Go podcast. “What Howie did in addition to getting [Saquon] Barkley was improving the defense and putting young players on the field and how well they played.” Baltimore’s pass rush group got breakout years from Kyle Van Noy (12 1/2 sacks) and Odafe Oweh (10 sacks) and totaled 54 sacks, the second most of any team in the NFL. That said, they couldn’t maintain that effective pass rush without compromising at the second or third levels. Philly’s playoff success should be a reminder of the value of investing in that group. As for the offensive line, the Ravens trotted out three new Week 1 starters (both guard spots and right tackle) and plugged in a rookie by Week 4. It took some time for the group to jell. This spring, DeCosta will decide whether to re-sign veteran left tackle Ronnie Stanley or to let him walk and reshape that group again. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Like Peyton Manning, Ravens’ Lamar Jackson needs pass rushers | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Aaron Rodgers to Steelers? Predicting 2025 landing spots for top available QBs Baltimore Ravens | Experts consider Ravens’ response to allegations against Justin Tucker | ANALYSIS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Justin Tucker: ‘Massage therapists deserve to work in a safe and respectful environment’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens 7-round mock draft: Big trades shake up deep pool of picks It’s hard to replicate the success in Philly, which boasted the tallest and heaviest offensive line in NFL history led by one of the league’s best coaches at that position in Jeff Stoutland. Three of those players rank in the top six in terms of average annual salary. But Roseman’s use of void years on such contracts helps kick the financial can down the road, freeing him to bolster the roster now. Philly currently has the most cap dollars in void years in the NFL ($390.4 million) — by a lot. The next most is San Francisco with $204.1M. For comparison, Baltimore has $50.8M in void years, which is outside the top 10. Former New York Times reporter Mike Tanier wrote about Roseman in 2022, describing him as “part Wolf of Wall Street and part pool-hall hustler, with a little bit of repo man and flea-market thrifter sprinkled in.” That’s a high compliment, now with a pair of championships to show for it. The takeaway battle was another plus for Philly that Baltimore couldn’t replicate in its most recent playoff run. The Eagles had a plus-12 turnover differential over a quartet of playoff games and became the first team to force 13 turnovers in a single postseason since the 2008 Arizona Cardinals. The Ravens, who largely avoided turnovers during the regular season, coughed the ball up thrice against the Buffalo Bills in the snowy AFC divisional round and couldn’t muster a takeaway. Baltimore is 0-11 all-time when losing the turnover battle in playoff games. “Just hold onto the [expletive] ball,” Jackson said after losing to the Bills. “I’m sorry for my language, but this [stuff] is annoying. I’m tired of this [stuff].” On Jan. 26, hours before the Eagles and Commanders kicked off for the NFC championship game, Humphrey posted on X predicting Philadelphia as the Super Bowl champions. Despite a national discourse focused elsewhere, Humphrey called the Eagles “the best team we played this year.” He was lambasted in the replies. But he was right. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. Eagles outside linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. sacks Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson on Dec. 1 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) View the full article

The careers of Indianapolis Colts great Peyton Manning and current Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson have a lot of similarities, but there is one glaring difference. It’s not what you think. Manning never had Jackson’s mobility and Jackson doesn’t have Manning’s accuracy, but the Pro Football Hall of Famer had two great outside linebackers/defensive ends in Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. The Ravens don’t have anyone in that class. So as the Ravens gear up for free agency and the annual NFL draft in late April, they should make it a priority to find quality pass rushers. After seven NFL seasons, both Manning and Jackson had won multiple NFL Most Valuable Player Awards, but they each shared 3-6 postseason records. Both had high-octane offenses, and the Ravens have done a good job of surrounding Jackson with talent in running back Derrick Henry, tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely and receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. But while teams were trying to keep pace with Manning’s offense, Indianapolis would turn loose both Freeney and Mathis on the outside during the majority of Manning’s time with the Colts from 1998 to 2010. Freeney, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, played for the Colts from 2002 to 2012 and finished as the team’s all-time sack leader with 107 1/2. Mathis played in Indianapolis from 2003 to 2017 and replaced Freeney at the top of the Colts’ sack chart with 123. The Ravens have a projected 11 picks in the 2025 draft, so they have some wiggle room. They can become really creative and add some spice by trading up to select Penn State outside linebacker Abdul Carter, who might be the best player in college football. A move like that would go against the Ravens’ tradition of sticking with their picks or trading down to acquire more selections, but it would at least signal to fans the team’s willingness to gamble in an attempt to win a championship. One thing is certain: the slow death routine every year in Baltimore has gotten old. Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. or Georgia’s Mykel Williams might go earlier than the Ravens’ 27th overall pick, but Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart or Marshall’s Mike Green might be available. Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart could be available when the Ravens pick at No. 27 overall in the first round. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) Regardless, the Ravens need strong pass rushers around for another four years to complement Jackson. If he stays healthy, the Ravens are going to score points. At the end of last season, they ranked No. 1 in total offense, averaging 424.4 yards per game, No. 1 in rushing (187.6 yards) and seventh in passing (237.4). That’s about as balanced as any team in the NFL. On the other side of the ball, they were 10th in total defense (342.2 yards allowed per game) with a No. 1 ranking against the run (80.1) but 31st against the pass (244.1). If a team wants to improve its pass defense, then add pass rushers. It’s not hard to figure out. The Ravens got decent and consistent pressure last season from outside linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh, but both were no-shows in big games against tough teams like Philadelphia in the regular season or Buffalo in the playoffs. Van Noy finished with 12 1/2 sacks but had no tackles against the Eagles in a 24-19 loss on Dec. 1. In that same game, Oweh, who recorded a career-high 10 sacks, had only one tackle. In the Ravens’ 27-25 divisional-round loss to the Bills, Van Noy finished with three tackles, including a half-sack, while Oweh had just one tackle. David Ojabo, a second-round pick out of Michigan in 2022, isn’t even in the discussion. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Aaron Rodgers to Steelers? Predicting 2025 landing spots for top available QBs Baltimore Ravens | Experts consider Ravens’ response to allegations against Justin Tucker | ANALYSIS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Justin Tucker: ‘Massage therapists deserve to work in a safe and respectful environment’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens 7-round mock draft: Big trades shake up deep pool of picks Baltimore Ravens | If the Ravens were to move on from Justin Tucker, how might they replace him? The Ravens have already created some recent buzz with the additions of assistant coaches Chuck Pagano (secondary) and Tyler Santucci (linebackers). It was clearly evident that something had to be done. The linebackers were slow in coverage, and the secondary looked almost as lost at the end of the season as they did at the beginning. Now is the time to stir more emotion. Go ahead, make the move. Trade up and get Carter if he merits that type of attention, but come away with a quality pass rusher or two. Freeney was a first-round selection taken in 2002 while Mathis was chosen in the fifth round in 2003. Philadelphia proved what a difference a pass rush could make by sacking Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes six times in Super Bowl 59. If that doesn’t satisfy the Ravens’ front office staff, then they can go ask Jackson. The Eagles sacked him three times and pressured him on six other occasions earlier this season. Case closed. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

The NFL offseason is just getting started. With two more weeks until the scouting combine begins in Indianapolis, there’s still so much to be decided as teams plan for free agency and the draft. For a handful of franchises, including those with new coaches and others who made the playoffs last season, who will play quarterback for them next season is the biggest remaining question. This could be a particularly interesting offseason of quarterback movement around the league, with a pair of Super Bowl champions, a breakout star and a four-time Pro Bowl selection among the passers who could have a new home next year. Here’s an early look at how the quarterback carousel could spin this offseason (teams are listed in descending draft order): Tennessee Titans: Sign a veteran and draft a rookie With the Titans holding the No. 1 overall draft pick, they’ll have their choice between the top two quarterback prospects: Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. While giving coach Brian Callahan a young player to build his offense around and creating salary cap flexibility with a cheap rookie contract seems like a no-brainer, the question is whether Titans ownership will be patient enough to start a rookie quarterback. Tennessee might lean toward picking a blue-chip prospect such as Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter or Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter at No. 1 and addressing quarterback elsewhere. With Aaron Rodgers leaving the Jets, Sam Darnold potentially available after a disappointing finish with the Vikings and Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in limbo after a year together in Pittsburgh, there could be some intriguing veteran options available. Tennessee still has 2023 second-round pick Will Levis under contract for two more seasons, but a proven starter leading the offense while Ward, Sanders or a Day 2 pick get up to speed might make the most sense. Kirk Cousins worked with Browns coach Kevin Stefanski in Minnesota. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth) Cleveland Browns: Sign Kirk Cousins and draft a rookie After Deshaun Watson suffered a setback in his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon, he’s not going to be a part of the team’s 2025 plans — and might have played his last NFL snap. Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Bailey Zappe are likely not part of the future, either. That leaves the No. 2 pick as the best option to find a new starter. Ward or Sanders would at least create some excitement for a franchise that has had a long history of bad quarterback play and is in need of a reset after the disastrous trade for Watson. With coach Kevin Stefanski returning, there’s a solid infrastructure in place and a decent amount of draft picks to make improvements – especially if they get a haul for pass rusher Myles Garrett. But quarterback depth is important for a team that has not had a consistent starter since Baker Mayfield. That could lead to a move for Cousins, who struggled coming off a torn Achilles tendon in the first season of a $100 million deal with the Falcons and is expected to be released or traded. The 36-year-old is plenty familiar with Stefanski from their time together on the Vikings and will likely be open to signing a cheap contract. If he’s closer to full health next season, he could help stabilize one of the league’s worst offenses. New York Giants: Sign Justin Fields and draft a rookie The Giants should draft a quarterback at No. 3 overall if either Ward or Sanders is available, but that’s not their only path. Coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen are under pressure to turn things around after two disappointing seasons, so adding an experienced veteran might be a more appealing short-term option than starting a rookie. While Fields was benched in favor of Wilson midseason, he’s still only 26 and has potential as a dual-threat player. The former Bears first-round pick won’t be expensive and could thrive with a fresh start the same way Darnold, Baker Mayfield, Malik Willis and other highly touted prospects have in recent years. The other veteran options require a lot of optimistic thinking. Jimmy Garoppolo might have something left in the tank after spending time with Sean McVay and the Rams. Mac Jones is just 26 and has experience playing in New England and Jacksonville. Andy Dalton, Joe Flacco and Jameis Winston have put up big numbers in spot starts as recently as last year. Maybe New York could pry away a backup with some upside such as Cincinnati’s Jake Browning. There’s also an intriguing group of Day 2 quarterbacks in this year’s draft, led by Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, Louisville’s Tyler Shough, Syracuse’s Kyle McCord, Texas’ Quinn Ewers, Ohio State’s Will Howard and Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard. No matter what, the Giants need to leave this offseason with multiple options. Las Vegas Raiders: Sign Russell Wilson and draft a rookie New coach Pete Carroll and Wilson won a Super Bowl together in Seattle, so why not get the band back together? The 37-year-old Wilson showed flashes of his old self in helping the Steelers reach the playoffs, and while he’s no longer a star, he brings a sense of confidence and professionalism that has often been lacking from this franchise for years. As someone with intimate knowledge of Carroll’s philosophy and day-to-day operations, he could also help his former coach shape the culture in the building. Las Vegas has four picks in the top 75 of the draft, including No. 6 overall, so adding a cheap, long-term option at quarterback would also make a lot of sense. A college star such as Milroe, Gabriel or Ewers could at least build some excitement for the future. If the Saints are open to trading quarterback Derek Carr, the Jets would make sense as a landing spot. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) New York Jets: Acquire Derek Carr and keep Tyrod Taylor After a torn Achilles tendon in 2023 and a messy 5-12 finish in 2024, the Rodgers era is over in New York. For new coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey, a blank slate awaits. That doesn’t mean the Jets are planning a hard reset, though. There is still some talent on this roster, headlined by cornerback Sauce Gardner, wide receiver Garrett Wilson and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Getting Rodgers and wide receivers Davante Adams and Allen Lazard off the books could also open up significant cap room to make improvements. That makes New York an intriguing landing spot for Carr, who has a no-trade clause and would likely need the Saints to pay a portion of his remaining salary. Assuming both sides are ready to move on, the 33-year-old could come over in a trade and provide a steady veteran presence while the new regime retools the roster. Taylor, who turns 36 in August, is also under contract for one more season at a reasonable price along with 2024 fifth-round pick Jordan Travis. New Orleans Saints: Sign Daniel Jones As always, the Saints face a significant salary-cap crunch this offseason thanks to their long-standing practice of deferring money to future years. But GM Mickey Loomis isn’t going anywhere, so it’s likely going to be business as usual for a team that hasn’t been able to escape mediocrity since Drew Brees and Sean Payton left. In that case, Jones looks like a perfect buy-low candidate for a cash-strapped team. He could follow the same path as Darnold, who signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Vikings and revived his career after spending time in San Francisco with Kyle Shanahan. Jones, who became Darnold’s backup in Minnesota after being cut by the Giants last season, has shown flashes of the raw talent that made him a 2019 first-round pick and could have a similar resurgence in New Orleans. At the very least, he’s a better option than previous mid-round picks Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener. New coach Kellen Moore should also be familiar with Jones after facing him in the NFC East with the Cowboys and Eagles. Their success will depend on whether the Saints can significantly upgrade their offensive line and group of pass catchers. Pittsburgh Steelers: Sign Aaron Rodgers and draft a rookie Mike Tomlin is a Hall of Fame coach, but it’s clear that something needs to change in Pittsburgh. It should start at quarterback. The Steelers have remained competitive with Ben Roethlisberger, Mason Rudolph, Duck Hodges, Mitchell Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, Fields and Wilson, but they have not won a playoff game since January 2017. As good as Tomlin is at keeping his team in the hunt, a lack of firepower has left them overmatched against elite teams. Pittsburgh needs to take a big swing, and that could mean taking a chance on Rodgers. There are major questions about how he’d fit in the locker room after some turbulent years in Green Bay and New York and whether he has anything left in the tank at 41 years old, but the four-time NFL Most Valuable Player would at least raise the ceiling of the offense. The most logical path for the Steelers to find a franchise quarterback, however, is through the draft. Milroe is perhaps the biggest lottery ticket of all, a dynamic playmaker with a rocket arm who could have a Jayden Daniels-like impact if he reaches his full potential. Gabriel is undersized, but his accuracy, quick release and experience could help him succeed. Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart has plenty of desirable traits worth betting on. No matter what, the Steelers need to take a risk on someone to escape their current rut. Related Articles NFL | Philadelphia turns green on Valentine’s Day to celebrate Super Bowl champions NFL | New York Jets are moving on from Aaron Rodgers, who hasn’t said if he plans to keep playing NFL | Experts consider Ravens’ response to allegations against Justin Tucker | ANALYSIS NFL | Harry Kane in the NFL? Maybe, but he first wants trophies at Bayern Munich after latest Champions League goal. NFL | Ex-Giants WR Kadarius Toney arrested, accused of strangling woman Minnesota Vikings: Bring back Sam Darnold and keep J.J. McCarthy While the Vikings are no doubt eager to hand over the reins to 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, they shouldn’t be so quick to move on from Darnold. The 28-year-old is coming off a career season, and while coach Kevin O’Connell and wide receiver Justin Jefferson had a lot to do with that success, he’s shown the ability to lead a strong offense when he has a strong supporting cast around him. The big question is how much Darnold will cost. The one-year franchise tag will be around $41 million, which might be prohibitive even for a team with a decent amount of cap space. The transition tag, which takes the average of the top 10 salaries at the position instead of the top five, is cheaper and would give Minnesota the chance to match any offer. A short-team deal — perhaps similar to the three-year, $100 million contract with $50 million guaranteed that Mayfield signed last offseason with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — might make sense for both sides as McCarthy gets back up to speed following a significant knee injury. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon. View the full article

Confronted with allegations of inappropriate behavior by kicker Justin Tucker, the Ravens have responded with a single statement released last month on the day the story broke: “We are aware of the Baltimore Banner’s story regarding Justin Tucker. We take any allegations of this nature seriously and will continue to monitor the situation.” That cautious stance is the right one for now, said public relations professionals who specialize in helping companies through crises. “Silence is golden at this point,” said Bill Atkinson, president and CEO of Baltimore-based Atkinson Strategic Communications. “Being silent is basically a strategy because this thing is fluid. You want to come out with a statement and set the record … and then you just kind of want to back off, and it’s going to ebb and flow.” Eventually, Atkinson and others said, the Ravens will have to say more. Six massage therapists from five high-end spas accused Tucker of “exposing his genitals, brushing two of them with his exposed penis and leaving what they believed to be ejaculate on the massage table after three of his treatments” between 2012 and 2016, The Baltimore Banner reported last month. Three more therapists came forward after the initial report, accusing Tucker of similar inappropriate behavior in interviews with The Baltimore Sun and The Banner. General manager Eric DeCosta and coach John Harbaugh could hear more pointed questions about Tucker as early as the end of this month at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. In the weeks after that, they will have to decide, in conjunction with owner Steve Bisciotti and team president Sashi Brown, whether Tucker, coming off his worst NFL season, will be the team’s kicker in 2025. If the answer is yes, they will have to prepare for Tucker’s first interactions with reporters this summer and for potential backlash from fans disinclined to give the seven-time Pro Bowl kicker the benefit of the doubt. Possible NFL discipline is also a consideration after Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league will look into the “serious” allegations against Tucker. Tucker has already issued a lengthy denial, calling the accusations against him from nine Baltimore-area massage therapists “unequivocally false.” The Ravens’ stance is a separate matter. They could release the 35-year-old Tucker and save $4.2 million, along with avoiding months of uncomfortable questions, if they execute the move after June 1. Or they could stick with Harbaugh and DeCosta’s assertions — before the allegations came to light — that Tucker would be their kicker next season. Crisis managers said that once Ravens officials know the facts of the case as well as possible, they’ll ask whether Tucker’s brand fits with their brand going forward. Regardless of the answer, their stakeholders — fans in this case — will expect an explanation of how they came to it. Whether the Ravens keep Tucker or not, advocates for sexual assault victims said they’d like to hear more from the team. “It is important for the team to condemn sexual harassment while they wait for this case to be investigated,” said Lisae Jordan, executive director for the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault. “As a football team, they are in a strong position to bring attention to the issue of sexual harassment and assault and to make it clear that there is no excuse to touch someone without consent.” Baltimore Ravens practice for 2023 seasonKarl Merton Ferron/Baltimore SunRavens coach John Harbaugh speaks with kicker Justin Tucker during practice. “Basically, we’re kind of zero tolerance,” Harbaugh said of the team’s approach when asked about sexual misconduct allegations against Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson in 2022. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Kathleen Cahill is a Ravens fan and Towson-based attorney who works on sexual harassment and misconduct cases. “I would like to hear more than, ‘There’s a legal process, and we have to respect the legal process,'” she said. “I would like to see them be transparent and consider the dignity of the women. … If the reporting is accurate that these women didn’t know each other and they have these accounts that are strikingly similar, then the Ravens need to do something. Doing nothing is absolutely unacceptable.” The Ravens are no strangers to dealing with public relations crises around their star players. Just as they were on the cusp of contending for the first time in 2000, their signature star, linebacker Ray Lewis, was arrested and charged with murder in connection with a stabbing outside an Atlanta nightclub. Four years later, Jamal Lewis, fresh off leading the NFL in rushing, was indicted on federal drug conspiracy charges. In 2014, franchise leaders were forced to reconsider their entire approach to evaluating players and relating to female fans and employees after a video emerged of running back Ray Rice striking his future wife in an Atlantic City casino elevator. None of these cases are directly comparable to the allegations against Tucker, who, according to Maryland case search, is not facing criminal or civil charges as of Thursday. That does not mean there are no lessons to be gleaned from the Ravens’ responses over the years. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Justin Tucker: ‘Massage therapists deserve to work in a safe and respectful environment’ Baltimore Ravens | If the Ravens were to move on from Justin Tucker, how might they replace him? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens fans wrestle with allegations of inappropriate behavior by superstar kicker Justin Tucker Baltimore Ravens | Justin Tucker accusers face legal headwinds, but it’s important they came forward, experts say Baltimore Ravens | If Ravens decide to release Justin Tucker, here’s when they might do it Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Justin Tucker faces more allegations of inappropriate conduct Baltimore Ravens | How might the NFL handle allegations against Ravens kicker Justin Tucker? Baltimore Ravens | Sexual impropriety allegations, like those against Ravens’ Justin Tucker, difficult to address in court In general, they have stood by their star players during these public relations storms, a tone set by their handling of the Ray Lewis case 25 years ago. Almost four months before the charges against Lewis were dropped in exchange for his testimony against his companions and a plea bargain to a misdemeanor of obstruction of justice, the Ravens held a news conference at which the All-Pro linebacker declared his innocence and coach Brian Billick laid out the rules for how he — and he alone — would address the situation going forward. “Keep in mind that while there needs to be timely and informative internal communication, there must be cautious and limited external communication,” Billick wrote on NFL.com in 2013, explaining how the Ravens handled the charges against their greatest player. “Throughout the ordeal, we made certain to reiterate three main points of our message. First, we were sympathetic to the families involved in the incident and respectful of the loss of life. Second, we continued to reaffirm our faith in Ray. And finally — the most difficult of the three — we reaffirmed our faith in the judicial process.” Billick maintained his discipline. As the Ravens prepared for the Super Bowl the next January, he told reporters: “As much as some of you want to, we are not going to retry this. It’s inappropriate, and you’re not qualified.” Billick spoke just as forcefully on Jamal Lewis’ behalf after the star running back was indicted in 2004, saying: “We have a great deal of faith in Jamal and a great deal of faith in the process. I have no doubt he will find his way out of this difficulty.” Jamal Lewis ultimately pleaded guilty to using a cellphone to facilitate a drug transaction — a deal that included four months in federal prison — after he said he received assurances from the Ravens that the plea would not impact his future status with the team. In Rice’s case, it was the video, posted by TMZ almost seven months after the violent act it captured, that changed everything. The Ravens had stuck by him to that point, with high-ranking team officials testifying to his good character. The star running back was training with his teammates for the start of the 2014 season when the world saw that footage of him throwing a left-handed punch to his fiancée’s jaw. The Ravens released Rice hours later, but that did not save them or the NFL from a reckoning with an angry, disappointed public. How much did they know? When did they know it? How could they have thought it was OK to forgive such an ugly act after a mere two-game suspension? It was in response to these painful questions that Bisciotti and his top lieutenants promised a tougher stance on domestic violence and a comprehensive effort to deepen ties to the community organizations fighting it. Asked at a tense news conference if the Ravens would have zero tolerance for domestic violence going forward, Bisciotti responded: “I give you my word that some things are going to change. I give you my word. I think that’s pretty safe [to say].” Former Ravens running back Ray Rice stands with team owner Steve Bisciotti during a reunion of the 2012 Ravens Super Bowl team at M&T Bank Stadium. Rice was released by Baltimore in 2014 after video emerged of him striking his then-fiancee in an elevator. (Staff file) It’s that statement observers have pointed back to in wondering whether the allegations against Tucker — with no criminal or civil actions attached and a possible NFL investigation pending — would trigger a “zero tolerance” response from the Ravens. It’s a statement Harbaugh referred back to in 2022, after the Cleveland Browns traded for quarterback Deshaun Watson and gave him the largest guaranteed contract in NFL history while he was facing allegations of sexual misconduct from more than 20 massage therapists. Harbaugh said: “Basically, we’re kind of zero tolerance. You have to know the truth, you have to try to understand the circumstances, but we’ve stayed away from that particular situation — when we draft players, when we sign them as free agents.” In reality, zero tolerance was always a more complicated idea than some made it sound. In his very next response at that 2014 news conference, Bisciotti said: “Can we avoid situations like Ray Rice’s? Absolutely not. Will we handle it differently? One hundred percent I guarantee you we will. But will it be the minute it happens? Do we cut him? Because we are so close to bordering on a slippery slope the other way with this whole scarlet letter thing.” In describing his management philosophy, the Ravens owner has long said he tries not to make hasty decisions or allow heightened emotions to dictate his actions. The Ravens are taking a wait-and-see approach with Tucker, just as they did last year when Baltimore County Police investigated a report of a “violent domestic incident” possibly connected to wide receiver Zay Flowers. Police suspended that investigation without charging Flowers, who faced no discipline from the NFL and played for the Ravens without interruption. The complexities of zero tolerance aside, the Ravens earned credibility in the wake of the Rice crisis by establishing partnerships, backed by hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations, with anti-violence groups. Five years after the incident, Sandi Timmins, executive director for House of Ruth Maryland, which works against intimate partner violence with an array of support and training programs, called it an “awakening” that spurred meaningful conversations about how to unlearn violent behavior. Rice also gradually rebuilt his place in the community, never playing in the NFL again but using his experience as a cautionary tale to promote anti-violence work. He recently took a job as a football coach at Milford Mill High School. Will the Ravens stand by Tucker and weather the storm around him? Atkinson said it’s entirely possible. “But at some point, you are going to have to come out and address it in a public forum, because the season’s going to start,” he said. “Part of this depends on what they’re going to do with [Tucker]. If he is their kicker and they fully believe in him, they will support him at every turn. That’s how I would play it. I hate to say it, but people forget these things.” Have a news tip? Contact Childs Walker at daviwalker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6893 and x.com/ChildsWalker. View the full article

Emily Jones convened the staff of her Canton spa in early January for a refresher meeting about their protocol for responding to inappropriate behavior from clients during massage sessions. They talked about ways to protect themselves and how to ask for help when in uncomfortable situations. “Being in this industry … you have to have that type of protocol, no matter what,” said Jones, who holds such meetings periodically. Jones is the general manager of Even Keel Wellness spa, which she said has no ties to the recent public allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior made by at least nine massage therapists against Ravens kicker Justin Tucker. Six massage therapists from five high-end spas accused the Ravens kicker of “exposing his genitals, brushing two of them with his exposed penis and leaving what they believed to be ejaculate on the massage table after three of his treatments” between 2012 and 2016, The Baltimore Banner reported last month. Three more therapists came forward after the initial report, accusing Tucker of similar inappropriate behavior in interviews with The Baltimore Sun and The Banner. In a statement posted on X after the initial report, Tucker called the allegations “unequivocally false.” His attorneys also told The Banner it was “not news” that his genitals might have been exposed during massage sessions. In a statement to The Sun on Wednesday, the attorneys clarified that the “not news” comment “did not refer to the accounts from the sources themselves or to an allegation of repeated intentional exposure” but instead to the “reasonable conclusion that accidental exposure” is possible during more than 10 years of therapy sessions. They also provided a separate statement to The Sun Wednesday on Tucker’s behalf. “I absolutely respect the profession and more so the individuals who work as massage therapists,” Tucker’s statement said. “I recognize the importance of professional bodywork, especially as a professional athlete. By investing my time and resources over many years to restorative bodywork during the times when I’m most active as a football player, I have experienced the health and athletic performance benefits. Physical therapy and massage therapy are [a] large part of why I’ve been consistently healthy and available during the football season. I abhor mistreatment of any kind and in no way condone the victimization of this profession. Massage therapists deserve to work in a safe and respectful environment and should never have to tolerate misconduct of any kind.” No criminal or civil actions had been filed against Tucker as of Wednesday, according to Maryland case search. In interviews with The Sun, Baltimore-area spa owners and massage therapists pushed back against the notion that any level of genitalia exposure is a given in their industry, which they said is too often the victim of a hyper-sexualized stigma that is damaging to the integrity of the profession and the safety of its workers. “People question you about, ‘Oh, how many times have people come on to you?’ Like, can we be done with this?” Michelle Krause, a licensed massage therapist in Severna Park, told The Sun. Massage therapy as a practice in holistic healing methods has been around for over 5,000 years. Its current form as a licensed profession in 45 states began in Ohio in 1916, according to massageschoolnotes.com. Maryland enacted licensing requirements in 1996 — one of 17 states to take that step in the 1990s. The profession, rooted in healing by physical touch, has long been dogged by a perception that sexual behavior is welcomed within a massage room. Krause, who has worked in the industry for two decades and has no connection to Tucker, referenced a suggestive massage therapy episode of the sitcom “Friends” as well as cavalier usage of the outdated term “masseuse” — which she heard on the radio last week — as frustrating data points in massage therapists’ struggle to rid assumptions of sexual activity. At Even Keel, if a client acts inappropriately in a room, the therapists are trained to immediately terminate the service, find either Jones or the receptionist, and remove themselves to the opposite end of the building. Police are then contacted and the client is removed and banned. For Krause, who works at Vital Fitness Holistic Center in Anne Arundel County, video calls with clients to discuss expectations as well as a form of prepayment are nonnegotiable. Allegations against Tucker aren’t the first against NFL stars. Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was the subject of a 2021 lawsuit for sexual misconduct during massage sessions that resulted in an 11-game suspension and a $5 million fine. In 2019, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft pleaded not guilty to charges of solicitation as part of an investigation into possible prostitution at a Jupiter, Florida, massage parlor. Watson settled his nearly two dozen civil lawsuits in 2022 while Kraft issued a public apology and charges were eventually dropped. When such stories go public, it perpetuates the stigma. “Massage therapists are dedicated healthcare professionals who uphold high standards of ethics, training, and client care,” the American Massage Therapy Association said in a statement to The Baltimore Sun. “Their role in promoting health and wellness should never be overshadowed by the misconduct of individuals who violate professional boundaries.” It’s a delicate conversation and one that many Baltimore-area spas didn’t feel comfortable having for publication. But one employee said the mere mention of working in massage therapy is often met by a side eye or wisecrack that they’re quick to shut down. Another admitted calls looking for sexual favors come in frequently. Jones said that most of those calls from people with “nefarious tendencies” looking for “illegal spa services” won’t make it past the request for identification information. Krause said she’s aware of multiple illegitimate massage spas in Maryland that are owned by therapists who are not properly certified under state law and operated as fronts for prostitution. As recently as 2020, arrests have been made in Anne Arundel and Carroll counties. Folks who take extensive training for proper licensing in the $21.6 billion industry can be left feeling delegitimized in the public eye. The AMTA pointed out several state and national requirements: hundreds of anatomy, physiology and hands-on training, complemented by licensing exams and board certifications. With all that in a massage therapist’s back pocket, it’s discomfiting to be demeaned by clientele. 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Baltimore Ravens | Ravens kicker Justin Tucker denies allegations of ‘inappropriate behavior’ at high-end spas A survey of 1,200 massage therapists in 2018, shared by The Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals, found that nearly two-thirds of massage therapists have experienced unwanted sexual advances from clients. “By recognizing the expertise and integrity of licensed massage therapists,” the AMTA said, “we can continue to support a profession committed to healing, wellness, and ethical practice.” The flip side of such allegations, feeding the stereotype that massage spas are fronts for prostitution and sex trafficking, is that all professional athletes use their celebrity and wealth in inappropriate ways, which also isn’t true. Krause spoke glowingly of a former Raven who she treated years ago. He showed up to an introductory call explaining his neck issues in good faith. “That’s why I brought him in,” Krause said. “He was legitimately searching [for help]. He wasn’t going, ‘Hey, I’m having inner thigh issues.’ Or ‘do you do draping?’” Krause kept circling back to the lack of accountability with such high-profile allegations, noting that a negative response in the court of public opinion isn’t justice (sexual impropriety allegations are difficult to address in court). After allegations against Watson, Krause gave a state-of-the-profession interview to The Associated Press. She recently wondered, “What ever happened to that guy?” and was floored to learn Cleveland made him the highest-paid player in NFL history when Krause said she knows women who have lost their jobs after reporting misconduct. “I don’t believe there are that many people in the world that are doing it,” she said. “We do publicize the negative a lot because the news is going to put out dirty laundry. But somehow the massage therapist ends up being the dirty laundry.” Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. 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When the 2025 NFL draft begins in late April in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the Ravens will be busy. With 11 projected selections, including four compensatory picks, Baltimore has a treasure trove of assets to fill out a roster that has relatively few holes. It’s a big reason Lamar Jackson and company are among the early betting favorites to win next year’s Super Bowl. But how will they spend those picks? Using Pro Football Focus’ mock draft simulator and taking into consideration Baltimore’s needs, here’s a look at how it could all shake out: Note: The order of draft picks past the first round is unofficial until the league finalizes compensatory selections. TRADE: Ravens trade pick Nos. 27 overall (first round) and 245 (seventh round) to New York Giants for pick Nos. 34 (second round), 155 (fifth round) and 2026 fourth-round selection In this mock scenario, quarterbacks Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders went off the board with the first two picks, leaving the Giants to take two-way star Travis Hunter at No. 3 overall. Desperate to leave the first round with a new signal-caller (and the valuable fifth-year option that comes with it), New York finds a willing trade partner in Baltimore to move up seven spots and select Ole Miss star Jaxson Dart. On the Fitzgerald-Spielberger trade value chart, which assigns each pick a number value based on the expected performance of that selection, this move is an overpay for the Giants but still plausible considering New York’s strong desire for a quarterback and the pressure on general manager Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll to keep their jobs. For the Ravens, picking up a few extra picks and dropping into the second round of a draft lacking blue-chip talent at the top makes sense, too. Also considered: Oregon OT Josh Conerly Jr., Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton, Texas CB Jahdae Barron Round 2, No. 34 overall: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina With Brandon Stephens entering free agency coming off a disappointing season, the Ravens are likely to be in the market for a new starting cornerback. They get a relative discount here in Revel, who was expected to become a first-round pick before he tore his ACL in September. Assuming good health, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound Revel has the size, speed and physicality to form an enviable young duo on the outside alongside 2024 first-round pick Nate Wiggins while veteran Marlon Humphrey continues to man the slot. The Ravens would be taking a risk considering the lingering questions about Revel’s knee, but it could pay off handsomely given what the 22-year-old has shown on tape when healthy. Also considered: Boston College EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku, Notre Dame S Xavier Watts, Alabama LB/EDGE Jihaad Campbell Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson could fill in at left tackle or left guard. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete) Round 2, No. 59: Donovan Jackson, OT/G, Ohio State Ronnie Stanley’s bounce-back season probably pushed him out of Baltimore’s price range, opening the door for a new left tackle. With Patrick Mekari also entering free agency, the Ravens might need to find a new left guard, too. The versatile Jackson could step in at either position after playing two seasons at left guard and filling in at left tackle for the national champion Buckeyes when potential first-round pick Josh Simmons suffered a season-ending knee injury. The 6-4, 320-pound Jackson struggled in his first start against Penn State star Abdul Carter but quickly became one of the linchpins of Ohio State’s championship run with his stellar play down the stretch. Also considered: Texas OT/G Cameron Williams, Toledo DT Darius Alexander, Utah State WR Jalen Royals Round 3, No. 91: Ashton Gillotte, EDGE, Louisville As the Philadelphia Eagles showed in their dominant Super Bowl victory over Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, you can never have too many pass rushers. While Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh are coming off career seasons, they are far from superstars, and the Ravens don’t have a lot of promising depth behind them. The 6-3, 275-pound Gillotte recorded 25 1/2 sacks and 39 1/2 tackles for loss in four seasons with the Cardinals, following up an All-American junior season with perhaps an even stronger senior campaign. He posted a staggering 20.9% pass-rush win rate in 2024, according to Pro Football Focus, and recorded 60 pressures while lining up both inside and outside the tackles. The Ravens could use that kind of punch up front. Also considered: Georgia G Tate Ratledge, Alabama EDGE Quandarrius Robinson, Maryland DT Jordan Phillips Virginia Tech defensive lineman Aeneas Peebles is undersized but explosive. (Billy Schuerman/The Virginian-Pilot) Round 4, No. 127: Aeneas Peebles, DT, Virginia Tech Listed at 6-1 and 290 pounds, Peebles doesn’t have the size you’d expect for a standout interior lineman. But his explosiveness and natural power make him an intriguing prospect. Peebles recorded the sixth-most pressures in the country among interior defensive lineman last season (37) and backed that up with a strong showing at the Senior Bowl. With Nnamdi Madubuike and Travis Jones playing most of the snaps inside, Peebles could be a valuable addition as a situational pass rusher while he grows into an expanded role. Also considered: UCLA EDGE/LB Oluwafemi Oladejo, UConn OT Chase Lundt, Oklahoma S Billy Bowman Jr. TRADE: Ravens trade pick Nos. 135 (fourth round; compensatory) and 183 (sixth round; via Carolina) to Los Angeles Rams for wide receiver Cooper Kupp For Jackson and the Ravens to finally break through and win the Super Bowl, it’s time to get aggressive. The salary-cap math is tricky, and the Ravens might believe that giving up two mid-round picks for a 31-year-old wide receiver is too expensive, but it’s fun to think about what Kupp would look like playing a secondary role in coordinator Todd Monken’s offense. While Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and Isaiah Likely are under contract, Nelson Agholor and Tylan Wallace are entering free agency and tight end Mark Andrews could be on his way out in a cost-cutting move. Kupp is no longer a triple-crown threat, but he’s still a productive receiver and relentless blocker who could thrive in the Ravens’ ecosystem. Baltimore reportedly wanted to take him in the 2017 draft before the Rams swooped in. If Los Angeles is willing to pay a large portion of Kupp’s remaining contract — $29.7 million and $27.3 million due in 2025 and 2026, respectively — this trade would make sense for both sides. Round 5, No. 155 (via NY Giants): Cody Simon, LB, Ohio State There’s a chance that pending free agents Malik Harrison and Chris Board both return to the Ravens after stepping into bigger roles next to All-Pro Roquan Smith. Trenton Simpson, a 2023 third-round pick, still has potential despite being benched. But the Ravens should be thinking long-term with Smith entering his age-28 season. The 6-2, 235-pound Simon was one of the leaders of the nation’s top defense, recording a team-high 112 tackles along with seven sacks and 12 1/2 tackles for loss in his fifth season. His experience and athleticism should help him acclimate quickly to the next level. Also considered: Ohio State CB Denzel Burke, Western Kentucky S Upton Stout, Penn State LB Kobe King Texas Tech tight end Jalin Conyers could be a valuable insurance policy. (AP Photo/Annie Rice) Round 5, No. 176 (compensatory): Jalin Conyers, TE, Texas Tech Andrews, Likely and Charlie Kolar are all under contract for just one more season. While it’s certainly possible that all three remain in Baltimore beyond 2025, the Ravens need to plan ahead at such a crucial position in their offense. After stops at Oklahoma and Arizona State, the 6-4, 265-pound Conyers recorded 29 catches for 308 yards and five touchdowns for the Red Raiders in 2024. He also lined up in Wildcat packages, throwing a touchdown pass and rushing for 28 yards and a score, while his run-blocking grades ranked first in the Big 12 among all tight ends and wide receivers. Also considered: LSU EDGE Bradyn Swinson, Georgia Tech DT Zeek Biggers, Oregon OT Ajani Cornelius Round 6, No. 203: Jabbar Muhammad, CB, Oregon With Tre’Davious White and Trayvon Mullen hitting free agency, Jalyn Armour-Davis struggling to stay healthy and T.J. Tampa coming off an injury-hampered rookie season, the Ravens probably need to bolster their depth at cornerback. Given his pedigree, there’s a decent chance that Muhammad is off the board well before the Ravens make this selection. Although undersized at 5-10 and 183 pounds, the transfer from Oklahoma State and Washington is an aggressive playmaker with a nose for the ball. He could spell Humphrey in the slot on occasion and play a similar role that Arthur Maulet once thrived in with the Ravens. Also considered: Maryland WR Tai Felton, Boston College DT Cam Horsley, Clemson S R.J. Mickens Round 6, No. 209 (compensatory): Logan Brown, OT, Kansas The Ravens have invested a lot of draft picks on interior offensive linemen in recent years, but 2024 second-round pick Roger Rosengarten was their first hit at tackle since taking Orlando Brown Jr. in 2018. This draft offers an opportunity to restock the cupboard. The 6-6, 315-pound Brown is a former five-star recruit who put together his best season with the Jayhawks after four seasons at Wisconsin. With his size and movement skills, he’d be a worthwhile developmental prospect. It’s worth noting that while he’s a Type-1 diabetic — like Andrews — Brown said at the Senior Bowl that it’s under control because of his diet and routine. Also considered: Syracuse EDGE Fadil Diggs, Wisconsin S Hunter Wohler, Eastern Washington WR Efton Chism III Tennessee wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr., a former Mount Saint Joseph star, would give the Ravens a vertical threat. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) Round 6, No. 213 (compensatory): Dont’e Thornton Jr., WR, Tennessee Excluding the proposed trade for Kupp, the only wide receivers under contract for next season are Flowers, Bateman, 2024 fourth-round pick Devontez Walker, veteran Anthony Miller and undrafted free agent Dayton Wade. That leaves room for some competition. The 6-5, 214-pound Thornton is plenty familiar with Baltimore after a standout high school career at Mount Saint Joseph, where he became a four-star recruit and a top-100 player. In two seasons at Oregon and two with the Volunteers, the speedy Thornton was a big-play threat, averaging 21.9 yards per reception. He could challenge Walker to be that outside X receiver who takes the top off the defense. Also considered: Florida DT Cam Jackson, Georgia LB Smael Mondon Jr., Florida State CB Fentrell Cypress II Have a news tip? Contact sports editor C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon. View the full article