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It was the last question after the last voluntary practice of organized team activities Wednesday in Owings Mills, and pass rush coach Chuck Smith couldn’t wait to share his thoughts on second-year defensive coordinator Zach Orr. The words were as impassioned as they were revealing. Asked about Orr’s growth from last spring to this one, Smith spoke fervently for 2 1/2 minutes about Orr, calling him the “truth,” “smart,” and a “special coach.” His answer also appeared to lessen the impact of former senior adviser Dean Pees. “I was hoping somebody asked me this,” Smith began. “All of last year, I was watching everybody broadcasts and talking. I’ve lived it; I’ve walked it; I’ve seen it. I watched this coordinator stand on 10 toes. Zach is the guy. “Zach Orr, I’m telling you, is going to be an incredible coordinator, and let me tell you why. When we were struggling last year, I watched him stand in front of these mics every week and talk to you all, and he didn’t flinch.” Over the first half of last season, Baltimore had one of the NFL’s worst pass defenses in what was Orr’s first season calling defensive plays on any level. The nadir came in a Week 10 win over the AFC North foe Bengals, with Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow torching the Ravens for 428 yards and four touchdowns despite being without No. 2 receiver Tee Higgins. His top target, Ja’Marr Chase, also went wild, with 11 catches for 264 of those yards and three scores. The game also sparked changes, with Orr meeting with players, altering the structure of defensive meetings as well as making personnel and scheme adjustments. Down the stretch, Baltimore boasted one of the league’s top defenses. “Zach Orr looked those players in the eye, and he never lets the highs get too high or the lows get too low; he stayed in the middle,” Smith said. “And I’m telling you, he always would be positive, but he was tough. He’s tough on the coaches and the players. He would tell everybody, and he would show everybody how close we were to actually having success. It might be an angle of a defensive back running to the ball, or it might be a pass rusher that ran past the quarterback, and the quarterback ran, and he led.” It was after a Week 5 win over the Bengals in another wild shootout, however, that Pees, who was the Ravens’ defensive coordinator from 2012 to 2017, was brought on by coach John Harbaugh. Harbaugh described him as a good sounding board and credited him for connecting last year’s defense to prior ones. Should the Ravens' defense return to being among the best in the NFL this season, Zach Orr could be a head coaching candidate next offseason. (Kim Hairston/Staff) On Wednesday, Smith pointed to Orr, though. “I know last year a lot of people in the media were saying, ‘Well, this guy came in and helped,’” Smith said in an apparent reference to Pees. “No, Zach Orr did it. Zach Orr, in those rooms, with the coaches, he led, he made the changes in support with coach Harbaugh and the guys on that staff. But, Zach Orr truly led the charge. I’m a witness to it, and I’ve been wanting to say this, because the dude is the truth. Dude didn’t flinch, and dude is going to be one of the best coordinators in the league. Related Articles Ravens OTA observations: Owner Steve Bisciotti makes first appearance Ravens rookie watch: This is what practice looks like for Malaki Starks Ravens kicking competition brewing? Both rookies are impressing. Broncos, former Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins agree to one-year deal Ravens OTA observations: Lamar Jackson forfeits $750K workout bonus “He is smart, he is a leader, and when you watch him work every day, this dude comes to work, I’m telling you. I’m just glad that was my last question, because I wanted to set the record straight because I’m a part of it, and I have no reason to come up here and ‘B.S.’ you all, because you know how I roll. But, Zach Orr was the one who changed what we did last year, and give [coach] John Harbaugh a lot of credit. He was in there with us, too. But, I’ve got to give Zach most of the credit for the adjustments that happened in that secondary … He’s a special coach, and I’m really blessed to be around a guy like that.” Should the Ravens’ defense return to being among the best in the NFL this season, Orr could be a head coaching candidate next offseason. Pees, meanwhile, is expected to stay on as a consultant but will not have a full-time role, according to Harbaugh. Pees’ son, Matt, was also hired as the team’s assistant inside linebackers coach this offseason. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Wednesday marked what ended up being the final voluntary practice of organized team activities for the Ravens with coach John Harbaugh deciding to cancel Thursday’s edition, but it marked the first appearance on the field for team owner Steve Bisciotti. Bisciotti made his way to the festivities via his golf cart, then saddled up next to Harbaugh for much of the two hours, bending his coach’s ear at times during warmups and individual drills as well as team action. It’s also not particularly unusual for Bisciotti to be on hand for practices in the spring and summer. Bisciotti, who hasn’t spoken with reporters since 2022, has had a busy offseason, most notably including the team parting ways with kicker Justin Tucker after he was accused of sexually inappropriate behavior by several massage therapists from several Baltimore-area spas. It won’t be his last appearance, either, with the 65-year-old usually a presence during training camp, which will kick off later this month. Hamilton arrives Ravens Pro Bowl safety Kyle Hamilton attended Wednesday’s voluntary practice, his first in since sessions opened to reporters two weeks ago. His presence could be an indication that contract negotiations between the club and Hamilton are moving in the right direction. The Ravens have already exercised Hamilton’s fifth-year option worth $18.6 million, guaranteeing that he will be a member of the team in 2026. As a rookie and No. 14 overall pick in the 2022 draft out of Notre Dame, Hamilton signed a four-year deal worth $16.25 million. He might be NFL’s top safety and last year finished second on the team in tackles with 107. He has also emerged as an impact player near the line of scrimmage as far as stopping the run and rushing the passer. Combined with rookie Malaki Starks, the team’s first-round pick out of Georgia, the Ravens have one of the best safety tandems in the league, but it will cost them. It will be an interesting month or two leading into training camp. Besides Hamilton, the Ravens are expected to extend the contracts of quarterback Lamar Jackson and center Tyler Linderbaum, as well as possibly tight end Isaiah Likely and defensive tackle Travis Jones. Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley is in good shape coming off a bounce-back season. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Stanley in shape The Ravens’ best running play still seems to be the quick toss around the left end to halfback Derrick Henry. Opposing defensive backs don’t want to see the 6-foot-3, 247-pound Henry running behind left tackle and lead blocker Ronnie Stanley followed by 300-pound fullback Patrick Ricard. That will keep a lot of them up late at night. As for Stanley, his lower body appears to be as thick as a year ago, and that’s another good sign heading into training camp. Andrews’ intensity high Tight end Mark Andrews was running 40-yard sprints at full tilt before practice started Wednesday. A year ago, Andrews appeared hobbled at times catching a pass in full stride, but that won’t be the case this season. Andrews has always had that competitive fire, but it seems more intense after his fumble and dropped 2-point conversion attempt in the Ravens’ AFC divisional round loss to the Buffalo Bills last season. Ravens kicker Tyler Loop converted just five of nine field goal attempts during Wednesday's practice. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) In the Loop Rookie kicker Tyler Loop is still the favorite to land the starting job to replace the jettisoned Tucker, but he’s had his ups and downs this spring. Wednesday fell into the latter. During one session the sixth-round draft pick converted just five of nine field goal attempts between roughly 32 and 60 yards (the vantage point from where reporters were allowed to watch made it difficult to see the exact spot). Almost all of the four misses were wide right, with one, from approximately 60, sailing wide left. His makes came from 32, 38, 43, 55 and 53 yards, while his other misses were from 50 and 55 (twice). On the upside, distance was not a problem as he has shown to have plenty of leg. Still, as the one kicker that senior special teams coach Randy Brown identified and stumped for ahead of the draft, there is pressure — on Loop and Brown — with it being the only kicker Baltimore has ever used a draft pick on. Opportunities for young players A lot of veterans and expected starters got a decent amount of rest during team play. That paved the way for some of the younger players hoping to make the roster or practice squad to try to show off their skills. Tight end Sam Pitz was one player who made a couple of really nice catches, including one leaping and twisting grab on a deep ball to the sideline during 7-on-7 play and then another contested grab during full team action. Veteran Anthony Miller, who was on the practice squad last season, also made a nice outstretched catch over the middle on a pass from Devin Leary that was too far out in front of him. He then made another one-handed snag, but was out of bounds in the back of the end zone on an overthrown ball. Dayton Wade, who signed a reserve/futures contract earlier this year after spending his rookie season on Baltimore’s practice squad, also had several catches throughout the course of the day. Kane angling for third safety role Second-year safety Sanoussi Kane was “flying” around Wednesday, as Harbaugh put it. He wasn’t wrong. Kane was a regular pest in the secondary during the two-hour session. Though there’s still a long way to go between now and training camp and the start of the regular season, the seventh-round pick out Purdue has a shot at playing a meaningful role after logging just 22 defensive snaps last season and mostly being limited to special teams. “I think he’s taken a big step this year,” Harbaugh said. “Starting to look like he could be that guy.” Harbaugh added that Kane has a “shot” to be the third safety alongside Kyle Hamilton and rookie Malaki Starks. That would certainly help with Ar’Darius Washington expected to be out for most if not all of the season with a torn Achilles tendon. A proclamation like that from Harbaugh at this point is also revealing. Minor injuries There were a few notable players who missed practice because of injuries. Among them were safety Beau Brade, new veteran cornerback Chidobe Awuzie and rookie edge rusher Mike Green. None were due to anything “serious,” Harbaugh said. He added that Brade and Awuzie were dealing with ankle injuries, while Green, who still hasn’t signed his rookie contract, is “fine.” Meanwhile, backup guard Ben Cleveland participated in the first three quarters of practice but was seen walking softly on the sidelines in the last 30 minutes. The fifth-year player and 2021 third-round pick out of Georgia has struggled to stay healthy during his career. The only other player who spends more time in the training room has been cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis, a 2022 fourth-round pick from Alabama. He has suffered several leg and ankle injuries, but got some extensive work along with second-year cornerback T.J. Tampa Jr. on Wednesday. Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton stretches before works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens cornerback T.J.Tampa Jr., front, works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens kicker Tyler Loop, center, lines up a practice kick with fellow kicker John Hoyland, left, during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens tackle Ronnie Stanley works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley is in good shape coming off a bounce-back season. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens special team coordinator Chris Horton, center, conducts OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens insider linebacker Roquan Smith works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens outside linebacker Adisa Isaac speaks with media after OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens outside linebacker Tavius Robinson speaks with media after OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens pass rush coach Chuck Smith speaks with media after OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens coach John Harbaugh said that "intentionality has been a real big message in this offseason." (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)June 11, 2025: Ravens outside linebacker Tavius Robinson works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens kicker Tyler Loop converted just five of nine field goal attempts during Wednesday's practice. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens outside linebacker Adisa Isaac, left, works out during Wednesday's practice. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens outside linebacker Adisa Isaac, center, works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens outside linebacker Adisa Isaac works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, left, and special team coordinator Chris Horton, right, conduct OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens cornerback T.J.Tampa Jr., works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens cornerback T.J.Tampa Jr., works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens head coach John Harbaugh conducts OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens kicker Tyler Loop lines up a practice field goal during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens outside linebacker Tavius Robinson works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens cornerback T.J.Tampa Jr., works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens outside linebacker Tavius Robinson works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Show Caption1 of 24Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton stretches before works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Expand Final practice Initially, the Ravens were scheduled to have another voluntary practice on Thursday. But on Wednesday, Harbaugh decided to cancel it. The past few weeks, he said, were about “weeding” and preparing for training camp later this month after next week’s two-day mandatory minicamp. The full team is expected to be on hand, including quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has been absent since the first OTA open to reporters. “I feel really great about it,” Harbaugh said of the past few weeks. “Intentionality has been a real big message in this offseason. We’re trying to be intentional about everything we do, understand what we do, we do it for a reason and understand what the reason is. “I believe they’ve really taken it to heart and when you do that it makes for a better practice, so I feel really good about the practices.” In the next breath, however, he said there are still “lots of things” to work on, something we’ll see in earnest beginning next week before players break for camp. Extra points • Let’s see how the Ravens use rookie Aeneas Peebles, a sixth-round pick and defensive linemen out of Virginia Tech. Peebles has exceptional quickness and could be a factor in passing situations, but his 289 pounds is on a 6-foot frame. He could form an effective pass rushing combination with end Nnamdi Madubuike, but he might get pushed around in the run game. • It’s early, but two of the team’s top linebackers have been impressive. That includes veteran Roquan Smith, but third-year outside linebacker Trent Simpson has also played well. Simpson has been effective as a pass rusher, but his added 10 to 15 pounds of bulk is clearly noticeable. • Neither of the backup quarterbacks, Cooper Rush or Leary, have been impressive. Rush has been more disappointing because he had success with Dallas, but he hasn’t shown much touch on the long ball. Leary appears to be a training camp casualty. • Emery Jones Jr., the rookie right tackle and third-round pick from LSU, was expected to challenge for some playing time this season, but that will be difficult after he had recent shoulder surgery and has not lifted weights in several months. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

Nearly every player on the Ravens finds time to kneel during practice. Whether it’s in between drills, as they watch other teammates or during post-practice prayers, most will take a brief break from standing in the summer heat. Except safety Malaki Starks. The first-round draft pick didn’t leave his feet during Baltimore’s practice on Friday. Starks was one of the first teammates to high-five backup defenders after drills, constantly spoke with coaches during breaks and made a leaping interception in man coverage against tight end Mark Andrews. Starks chuckled when asked about his unwillingness to leave his feet. Arriving from Georgia coach Kirby Smart’s program, the rookie was surprised by the relative freedom of the NFL. On his first day in Baltimore, he was told to arrive at the facility at 6:30 a.m. “What time do I [really] have to be there?” Starks asked. The team responded by sending the schedule again. “At Georgia, you don’t sit down,” Starks said. “The league is a little different; they’re not as strict. I mean, this is your job.” To get a sense of the rookie’s early impact in Baltimore, The Baltimore Sun followed Starks for Friday’s practice. Here’s what we observed. Starks wakes up at 5:50 a.m. and is at the Ravens’ practice facility by 6:30 a.m. to use the cold tub and hot tub before practice starts. He warmed up with cornerback Nate Wiggins, safety Beau Brade and rookie cornerback Robert Longerbeam. Starks seemed reserved, calmly going through each workout with relative ease. The rookie is notably bigger than most of his defensive back peers, standing at 6 feet 1 and 203 pounds. But his mobility was also evident during a secondary drill, smoothly flipping his hips back and forth. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr said that Starks can play a variety of positions, but the rookie lined up as the deep safety for the majority of practice. During last offseason, Orr was watching the esteemed Georgia defense and other defensive back prospects. He kept circling back to the Bulldogs’ No. 24. It’s part of why Starks earned the “red star” grade from Baltimore’s scouting department, the team’s highest designation for a prospect. Related Articles Ravens kicking competition brewing? Both rookies are impressing. Broncos, former Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins agree to one-year deal Ravens OTA observations: Lamar Jackson forfeits $750K workout bonus After viral moment, Ravens RT Roger Rosengarten has ‘way more confidence’ Ravens OTA observations: A rookie flashes, but where are the veterans? “By week or by game plan, he played all around the secondary, and he still was the best player back there,” Orr said. Starks played alongside Wiggins, Brade and cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Jalyn Armour-Davis during team periods. He seemed to be a strong communicator, signaling with his hands and talking to Humphrey after reps. During a break, linebacker Roquan Smith and Starks shared a long conversation. Kyle Hamilton has been mostly absent during OTAs, but the All-Pro safety and two-time All-Pro Humphrey are ideal role models for the rookie. “I think my biggest thing is, I want to learn from Kyle,” Starks said. “He’s the best safety in the league, and Marlon is the best nickel in the league. So just being able to be around those guys and take pieces from their game and figuring out and really just pick their knowledge and be a sponge is huge.” The rookie’s highlight of the day came during the 11-on-11 red zone drill. Starks covered Andrews in man-to-man coverage before intercepting a pass from Cooper Rush. The rest of the defense sprinted after Starks, waving their arms in excitement. Senior secondary coach Chuck Pagano even joined in on the fun, pointing at the offensive coaching staff. But the play wasn’t perfect. Starks said that Orr and Pagano told him that he bit on Andrews’ initial fake, letting his eyes wander to the quarterback. He recovered to make the interception, but it was a teaching moment, Starks said. “When you come into an organization that’s very successful and has very high standards, I think the expectation is known,” Starks said. “And I think they also did a really good job of like, ‘Hey, you’re a rookie, you’re going to make rookie mistakes’. But just being able to be myself and learn.” Ravens safety Malaki Starks spent time with former NFL coach Jon Gruden in preparation for the draft. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) On this Friday, there was another respected coach to offer advice to Starks. Longtime NFL coach Jon Gruden observed the Ravens’ practice last week, speaking to the defense on Thursday. Starks and Gruden share a history, as he trained with Gruden in Tampa, Florida, during the predraft process. During their third meeting, the two were watching tape when Gruden told Starks, “Baltimore, they’re going to get you.” Months later, Gruden approached Starks at practice. The circumstances have changed since their last meeting. Starks is expected to be a key cog in the Ravens’ defense alongside Hamilton, forming one of the most potent safety tandems in the NFL. It seems like a perfect fit on paper. “Hey man, I told you [Baltimore was going to get you],” Gruden told Starks at practice. But the rookie’s trying to keep a broader perspective. “It’s not about when you get here. It’s about how long you stay,” Starks said. “Being able to be here for a while, that’s my goal.” Have a news tip? Contact Sam Jane at sjane@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/Sam_Jane230. View the full article

When the Ravens released the embattled Justin Tucker in May, two weeks after drafting a kicker for the first time in the organization’s history, the prevailing reaction was that that selection will be the Week 1 starter. Sixth-round pick Tyler Loop winning the job is still the most likely outcome. But he’s not the only kicker regularly fitting the ball through the uprights during the open portion of practice at organized team activities. John Hoyland has been sharp, too. On Tuesday, Hoyland, an undrafted free agent out of Wyoming, attempted six field goals. The team drill allowed one third-down play for the offense that set up a kick. Hoyland nailed all six, from distances ranging between 37 and 52 yards. Two of them were from an impressive 48. Hoyland’s career long in college was from 56 yards, which he did twice as a senior. Loop last kicked on Monday, part of an alternating plan between the rookies during minicamp and OTAs. He too made all six of his tries from as close as 27 yards and as far as 41. Loop’s most impressive day of voluntary workouts happened last week, when he buried a 60-yarder. His record at Arizona was from 62. The media viewing area at OTAs isn’t always conducive to seeing how close a kick is against either upright. Coach John Harbaugh said Friday that he had a good angle on Loop, noting “they were all right down the middle” and he “made that 60-yarder easily.” These past few days of practice have been particularly strong for the quasi kicking competition. On Thursday, however, Hoyland made only half of his six attempts, including a stretch of three consecutive misses. Both Loop and Hoyland struggled more during rookie minicamp and the first few sessions of OTAs. It seems they’ve both gotten their bearings since. Special teams coach Randy Brown was the one who found Loop. Brown canvassed the country looking for a potential successor to Tucker. He returned to Baltimore and told general manager Eric DeCosta, “There’s one guy that I really covet.” They drafted Loop in the sixth round, making him the favorite in this kicking competition, which has a tad more variability compared to other positions. Related Articles Ravens rookie watch: This is what practice looks like for Malaki Starks Broncos, former Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins agree to one-year deal Ravens OTA observations: Lamar Jackson forfeits $750K workout bonus After viral moment, Ravens RT Roger Rosengarten has ‘way more confidence’ Ravens OTA observations: A rookie flashes, but where are the veterans? Hoyland, on the other hand, was in Baltimore for a tryout last month, then signed with the team after rookie minicamp. He went undrafted, like Tucker in 2012, but is getting every chance to compete. “Both kickers, I thought, looked really good today,” Harbaugh said after the first day of rookie minicamp. “So, we got them out there behind the line with the snap and everything, and I think they made them all, didn’t they? So that’s good to see. It’s a good start that way.” The real competition begins later next month at the start of training camp. Those kicks will be diligently tracked until the powers that be name one a starter and presumably cut the other — although a trade can’t be ruled out. In 2019, the Ravens sent undrafted kicker Kaare Vedvik, a former soccer player from Norway who impressed during the preseason, to the Minnesota Vikings in return for a 2020 fifth-round pick. The Vikings waived him three weeks later, while Baltimore used that selection on defensive tackle Broderick Washington. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. John Hoyland, an undrafted free agent from Wyoming, is making it a competition so far during practices. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) View the full article

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos beefed up their offensive backfield on Tuesday, agreeing with free agent running back J.K. Dobbins on a one-year deal worth up to $5.25 million. A 2020 second-round pick by the Ravens, Dobbins has an extensive injury history, including an ACL tear in 2021 and a torn Achilles tendon in 2023, but he’s been productive when healthy. He gained a career-best 905 yards on 195 carries and tied his career high with nine rushing touchdowns last year with the Los Angeles Chargers despite missing four games with a sprained knee. Word broke of Dobbins’ acquisition just as the first day of the Broncos’ mandatory minicamp was wrapping up, and coach Sean Payton was coy when asked about, saying, “I’m not going to answer to any reports. I think we’re close.” When Dobbins visited the team last week, Payton said: “It’s just another opportunity to possibly bring in another good football player to help us win.” If healthy, Dobbins figures to be one of the primary ballcarriers along with rookie R.J. Harvey, a second-round draft pick out of Central Florida. Other running backs on the roster include second-year pros Blake Watson and Audric Estime, third-year player Jaleel McLaughlin and fourth-year pro Tyler Badie, a 2022 sixth-round pick of the Ravens who spent most of his childhood in Randallstown. A lot will be expected of Dobbins on third down after the Broncos lost their best pass protector in their backfield when Javonte Williams left for Dallas in free agency. One of Dobbins’ best games last season was at Denver in mid-October, when he rushed 25 times for 96 yards and a touchdown in the Chargers’ 23-16 win. “Yeah, he’s a good back, especially when healthy,” Broncos safety Brandon Jones said. “We kind of go back a little bit to high school and college, so I’m very familiar with him as a person and his game on the field. Yeah, he’s a baller. He was one of the running backs that had the better rushing games against us last year. “So, I’m super excited for him to be here.” Related Articles Jets pass rusher Jermaine Johnson ‘excited’ to face Aaron Rodgers and Steelers in Week 1 Aaron Rodgers says his decision to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers this season was ‘best for my soul’ Ravens OTA observations: Lamar Jackson forfeits $750K workout bonus After viral moment, Ravens RT Roger Rosengarten has ‘way more confidence’ Ravens OTA observations: A rookie flashes, but where are the veterans? View the full article

Lamar Jackson was a full participant for the Ravens’ first open practice of organized team activities on May 28. He hasn’t returned to the field since, costing him $750,000 for the second consecutive year. In the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player’s contract through 2027 is a clause that would pay out three-quarters of a million dollars should Jackson attend at least 80% of the team’s voluntary workouts. He’s stacked enough absences to forfeit that bonus money, lowering his 2025 compensation from $43.5 million to $42.75 million. John Harbaugh hasn’t seemed worried. Attendance isn’t something the longtime Ravens coach is measuring, he said last week. Plus, Jackson was an infrequent participant during last year’s OTAs and proceeded to have the best statistical season of his career. While the franchise quarterback has only practiced once thus far, he has not met with reporters since Baltimore’s AFC divisional round loss against the Buffalo Bills. He’s in the minority there. Only two teams have not made a quarterback available: The Ravens and the Colts. Indianapolis is practicing without Anthony Richardson because of a shoulder injury and presumed backup Daniel Jones met with the media when he signed in free agency three months ago. Encouraging attendance Ten players were absent from Tuesday’s voluntary practice. Two were expected because of previous injuries: Safety Ar’Darius Washington (Achilles tendon) and rookie offensive lineman Emery Jones Jr. (shoulder). Outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy has not attended an OTA practice yet and defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike hasn’t been seen at the team’s Owings Mills facility since the first week they hit the field. Jackson, wide receivers Rashod Bateman and DeAndre Hopkins and safety Kyle Hamilton were also, to some extent, expected absentees. There were, conversely, a pair of discouraging absences in the secondary. Second-year safety Beau Brade and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, whom the Ravens signed this offseason, were both seen leaving the field with injuries on Monday. Neither returned on Tuesday. No update has been provided for either. Tuesday was the first OTA practice for Jake Hummel. The linebacker and special team ace who signed in March was away from the facility to be with his wife, who gave birth to a son last week. Related Articles Broncos, former Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins agree to one-year deal After viral moment, Ravens RT Roger Rosengarten has ‘way more confidence’ Ravens OTA observations: A rookie flashes, but where are the veterans? Could the Ravens sign CB Jaire Alexander? Their history says it’s possible. READER POLL: Will the Orioles compete for a playoff spot this season? The rest of the roster was accounted for on what was perhaps the best-attended OTA practice since the first open session. Two takeaways A Ravens practice sans Jackson is bound to feature some shaky quarterback play, with the caveat that most of the 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 drills were run at three-quarters speed with no tackling. Rookie outside linebacker Mike Green grabbed his first interception in a Ravens jersey. The second-round pick undercut a route in the flat on a throw Devin Leary was trying to squeeze to his right side. Green promptly danced and got a noticeable reaction from his teammates. Sanoussi Kane recorded the day’s only other interception. The second-year safety dropped back toward the right side of the end zone and hauled in a floater from Cooper Rush. John Hoyland, an undrafted rookie kicker out of Wyoming, was sharp on Tuesday during Ravens OTAs. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Kicker impresses The undrafted kicker sent out on the practice field fighting for reps with sixth-round pick Tyler Loop looked sharp Tuesday afternoon. John Hoyland went a perfect 6-for-6 on his field goal attempts. Three were from 48 yards, one was from 46 and another was from 37. His longest of the day sailed through the uprights from 52 yards. Presnap penalty issues persist In 2024, the Ravens led the NFL in penalties with 140. Of those infractions, 21 occurred in the first four weeks of the season. All told, Baltimore was a middle-of-the-pack team in presnap penalties — far worse than expected for a team in Super Bowl contention. It was a point of emphasis in meetings all of last year, second-year offensive line coach George Warhop said. And it has continued into camp. Asked whether he’s seen encouraging signs these past few weeks, Warhop said matter-of-factly, “Too many false starts. So, no. We gotta do better.” Warhop said that defensive holding penalties were a particular point of emphasis from Harbaugh. But for the offense, it was presnap infractions. ‘Glad he’s back’ Before left tackle Ronnie Stanley signed his three-year, $60 million extension in March, second-year right tackle Roger Rosengarten was, admittedly, bugging him endlessly. He tried recruiting other offensive linemen to do the same. Rosengarten took a small vacation with his family shortly after the season ended and was still texting or calling Stanley every day. “I was like, ‘Left side’s lookin’ real good,’” said Rosengarten, who would have likely moved to left tackle had Stanley departed in free agency. Rosengarten wanted to keep his mentor and blind side counterpart around, “because I thought we had a really good dynamic duo of me and him bouncing off each other from left to right. I think it all played out at the end of the day, glad he’s back.” Stanley signed the deal in early March. Rosengarten said his message that day wasn’t necessarily a “thank you,” but read more like a “finally” or a sigh of relief for the sake of continuity and keeping the All-Pro in town. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article

Ravens second-year right tackle Roger Rosengarten doesn’t consider himself a “nobody” anymore. “I think last year ‘nobody’ was kind of a harsh word for myself,” he said Tuesday in Owings Mills. “I’d much rather [have said], ‘I know I’m a rookie.'” It was amid last season’s Week 18 rout of the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium that Baltimore’s second-round draft pick out of Washington introduced himself to one of the game’s premier pass rushers, Myles Garrett. Between plays, he sought a jersey after the game from the four-time All-Pro and 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Garrett replied in the affirmative, but then heaped praise on the rookie starter. “Hey, you’re in the league,” he said in a moment that NFL Films captured for “Hard Knocks: In Season With the AFC North.” “Y’all winning games. Y’all looking great. You ain’t never a nobody. I got you.” Just over a week later, Garrett lived up to his word. Quarterback Lamar Jackson delivered an autographed jersey to Rosengarten in the Ravens’ locker room. It was a cool moment for the first-year starter. It was also telling of just how far he’d come in a short time. On Rosengarten’s first play in Week 1 against the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, defensive tackle Chris Jones made the rookie go viral for a different reason. The three-time All-Pro shot past him and strip-sacked Jackson. The turnover led to a go-ahead touchdown for the Chiefs, who never relinquished the lead. Later that week, Rosengarten acknowledged that he’d gotten the “rookie yips” in what was his “welcome-to-the-NFL moment.” Related Articles Broncos, former Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins agree to one-year deal Ravens OTA observations: Lamar Jackson forfeits $750K workout bonus Ravens OTA observations: A rookie flashes, but where are the veterans? Could the Ravens sign CB Jaire Alexander? Their history says it’s possible. READER POLL: Will the Orioles compete for a playoff spot this season? “My first play was not how you want it to go,” he said Tuesday. “I wanted to build off that.” That he did. Two weeks later, it was Rosengarten’s block (along with one by tight end Mark Andrews) that helped spring Derrick Henry for an 87-yard touchdown run on Baltimore’s first offensive play in a blowout of the Buffalo Bills in Baltimore. He continued to progress and by midseason was a largely dependable blocker in the pass and run game. Rosengarten allowed just four sacks and 36 pressures on 548 pass blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. That included not giving up any against Garrett, who finished the year with 14 sacks, in that finale. And despite opening the season with PFF grades of 31.0 in pass blocking and 48.2 in run blocking, he finished the year with a total grade of 70 in the former and 60.7 in the latter — good marks in a division replete with elite pass rushers, including Pittsburgh Steelers standout T.J. Watt and Cincinnati Bengals star Trey Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17 1/2 sacks last season. Still, there is much to work on, offensive line coach George Warhop said. Rosengarten also said that he’s his own toughest critic. There isn’t one specific area he’s trying to improve on — there are “about 10 or 11.” “Too many to list,” he said. “I’m super critical of myself.” Roger Rosengarten said he's "super critical of myself." (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) One thing that should help is the return of left tackle Ronnie Stanley. A Pro Bowl selection last season and All-Pro in 2021, Stanley was due to hit free agency this offseason but instead signed a three-year, $60 million extension to remain in Baltimore. Before that, there had been talk about the possibility of moving Rosengarten to the left side should Stanley bolt. Along the way, Rosengarten, who was one of the players Stanley routinely tutored after practice last season, wrangled some of his fellow offensive linemen to encourage the veteran to stick around with regular text messages about how good the left side of the line could be with Stanley returning. Once the deal was done, the message was “finally.” It was an important one, too. Though the Ravens have some potential questions about their two guard spots with Daniel Faalele returning on the right side and Andrew Vorhees hoping to regain his spot on the left side after suffering an ankle injury an being replaced by the since-departed Patrick Mekari, they are in good shape elsewhere with Stanley, Rosengarten and Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum. “I thought we had a really good dynamic duo of me and him and just bouncing off each other from left to right,” Rosengarten said of his relationship with Stanley. “I think it all played out at the end of the day. “Going into this year, I’m gonna play with way more confidence.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Let’s start this off by saying it was only voluntary organized team activities, and the final Ravens roster won’t be determined for several more months. But it’s never too early to make observations. Several veterans didn’t show up for the third week of OTAs, including quarterback Lamar Jackson, wide receivers Zay Flowers and DeAndre Hopkins, left tackle Ronnie Stanley, defensive end Nnamdi Madubuike, outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, fullback Patrick Ricard and defensive tackle Broderick Washington. Guard Ben Cleveland, who missed the first couple of OTA practices but showed up last week, was at practice in street clothes and did not participate. It’s not that big of a deal; these are, after all, voluntary. But, interestingly, the Ravens had nearly perfect attendance during the first few OTAs, and now they don’t. A lot of the veterans claimed that their divisional playoff loss to the Bills left a “bad taste” in their mouths. I guess that “bad taste” has subsided. Rookie edge rusher is flashing Rookie Mike Green, a second-round draft pick out of Marshall, has outstanding quickness. His “get off” shows the athleticism he needs to become a good pass rusher. We don’t want to anoint him the next Lawrence Taylor, but he has explosiveness, something both outside linebackers of a year ago, Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo, don’t show nearly enough of. In crunch time (aka the playoffs), when the Ravens are facing some of the top quarterbacks in the AFC, they will need a pass rusher who can win a one-on-one matchup or even beat a double-team to get a key sack. Do the Ravens finally have their “go fetch” pass rusher? Or will they have another pass rusher who will disappear against the elite quarterbacks? That’s a key question that could determine their success next season. Checking in on the O-line Second-year right offensive tackle Roger Rosengarten weighed 316 pounds last season but seems to have bulked up in his first full offseason in an NFL weight room. The only offensive lineman who might have outworked him is 6-foot-6, 320-pound guard Andrew Vorhees. Related Articles Could the Ravens sign CB Jaire Alexander? Their history says it’s possible. READER POLL: Will the Orioles compete for a playoff spot this season? Ravens’ Keaton Mitchell running faster after injury: ‘Like a Devin Hester’ Ravens OTA observations: Harbaugh talks Gruden invite, Jackson absence Ravens RB Derrick Henry gets motivation from unlikely source: Adam Sandler Word has it that even the strength coaches got tired of seeing Vorhees in the weight room. As for starting right guard Daniel Faalele, he appears way too big and out of shape. That seems to be the case with the 6-8 and 380-pound Faalele because he always has to play his way into shape. As for the rest of the offensive linemen, it will be hard for any of the rookies to make a major contribution this year outside of Emery Jones Jr, the third-round pick and offensive tackle from LSU. He hasn’t practiced and probably won’t be ready until late in training camp because of a shoulder injury. Mr. ‘Tough guy’ There were a couple of radio guys recently who wanted to hand out the “tough guy” award to Stanley. But he isn’t just tough, he’s smart. Stanley, a 10-year veteran, figured out recently that when a player reaches 30 years of age, he had better work harder in the offseason. He showed last offseason how that would translate to the field, as it finally led to Pro Bowl recognition again after battling knee and ankle injuries for years. It’s no different than other older players who have come through Baltimore, such as tight end Shannon Sharpe, middle linebacker Ray Lewis and defensive back Rod Woodson. One big dude The “Big Body” award goes to C.J. Okoye, the 6-6, 315-pound first-year player and defensive lineman from Agbogugu, Nigeria. We watched him do some work recently, and he punished the two-man sled with straight-up power getting those long arms extended. Not sure how he moves yet, but his muscles and mass are evident. Another player of outstanding girth is 6-3, 327-pound nose tackle John Jenkins. He doesn’t have Okoye’s power, but he could be difficult to move. He looks a lot like former Ravens nose tackle Michael Pierce, just two inches taller. Young guys to watch Some young players to keep an eye on are rookies — cornerback Bilhal Kone, linebacker Teddye Buchanan and second-year receiver Devontez Walker. A perfect match Malaki Starks woke up Monday morning to a text from Baltimore’s new defensive backs coach Chuck Pagano, who eagerly came out of retirement to get back into football. Pagano had sent the rookie safety film at 5 a.m. from Thursday’s practice. “That’s how I want to be coached,” Starks said. “I received that very well. So just being able to have someone like that in my corner, it’s a blessing.” Ravens coach John Harbaugh was without several key veterans during Monday's organized team activities. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Absences are notable The practices are voluntary and plenty of guys have trainers elsewhere that they prefer to work out with in the ramp-up to mandatory minicamp later this month or training camp, which starts in late July. Still, there were plenty of notable absences at the first practice of the week. Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie limped off the field after a play near the left sideline during a scrimmage near the end of practice. Awuzie took his shoe off and had a trainer tape his ankle. Coach John Harbaugh did not speak with reporters, and no update was given on his status. CB Tampa making plays Second-year cornerback T.J. Tampa undercut tight end Charlie Kolar on a pass from backup quarterback Cooper Rush up the seam. Tampa reached out, picked the ball out of the air and pirouetted down to the turf, then took off with an impressive interception. It was a fairly well-placed throw and a savvy read by Tampa. He’s someone who has plenty to prove this summer. Tampa’s rookie year was hampered by an ankle injury, playing just 18 defensive snaps in seven games. He’s someone who will be in the mix as the team’s first replacement should a Ravens cornerback suffer an injury. Pagano name-dropped Tampa last week as one of the younger guys who sought feedback on what film he had. DL coach speaks The Ravens had one of the better defensive fronts last year. They allowed the fewest total rushing yards while bringing down the quarterback 54 times, which was the second most in the NFL last year. Much of that credit is owed to defensive line coach Dennis Johnson, who spoke Monday about two additions to the group. Baltimore drafted Aeneas Peebles in the sixth round out of Virginia Tech. He’s an undersized tackle at 6 feet, 289 pounds. But Johnson said that “Peebles has elite get-off. Obviously he’s going to have to learn to play a little more technically sound, the way we play here as time goes. But he’s taking to it, he’s learning, he cares and he wants to be out here.” The other addition, of course, is Jenkins. That signing became official post-June 1, when Pierce’s retirement was processed. Jenkins is in Year 13, playing for his seventh club. “A very polished vet,” Johnson said of Jenkins. “Already in the meeting rooms, you can tell his wisdom from being in the league for so long. Talking with the younger guys, his ability to pick up a playbook and play the way that we play our techniques fairly quickly. Then he comes out today and is executing more of those things. Gotta get him familiar with the system, but very impressed with him so far.” Rookie kicker Tyler Loop had another strong day for the Ravens on Monday. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Staying in the Loop Rookie kicker Tyler Loop lined up for six field goals opposite a defense during Monday’s practice. He split the uprights on all six, kicking from what appeared to be 37 yards, 32, 35, 37, 41 and 40. Harbaugh said on Friday that all of Loop’s kicks were “right down the middle,” including one from 60 yards that he made “easily.” Monday’s practice yielded similar results. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article

Seven years ago, Jaire Alexander was mid-interview when he found out that the Ravens had used the final pick of the first round of the NFL draft on quarterback Lamar Jackson. “Let’s go, man!” the cornerback said after he was selected by the Green Bay Packers 14 picks earlier in 2018. “I told you.” “That’s my brother there,” Jackson responded after seeing the footage that same night. “I hope I’m going to play against you, bro. I hated going against you in practice.” Now, it’s possible the two former Louisville stars could be teammates once again. On Monday, the Packers released Alexander, finally bringing to an end a months-long saga between the two sides. Green Bay previously had given the embattled and oft-injured two-time Pro Bowl selection permission to seek a trade. After no deals materialized this offseason — including one with the Buffalo Bills — he will now be free to sign with whichever team he chooses. Though talks with Baltimore have yet to take place, there was some interest last season ahead of the trade deadline, though the discussion didn’t go far because the Ravens preferred not to give up draft compensation, a source with direct knowledge of the situation told The Baltimore Sun. But Baltimore also checks a lot of the boxes in terms of what Alexander is looking for. Among those criteria is a one-year deal, which would allow him to seek a bigger, long-term contract next offseason, and playing for a contender. Though Baltimore ranks 21st in the league in effective cap space at just under $19 million, according to Over The Cap, Alexander, who was set to make $17 million this season but will almost certainly get paid significantly less, is a player the Ravens could afford as a short-term rental on a Super Bowl-caliber roster. The Ravens could also create more cap space through contract extensions, of which there are a handful of candidates, including Jackson, or via restructuring other deals. Importantly, signing Alexander would not be a long-term commitment for a Baltimore team that is ready to contend for a title now. Signing him for a year and him leaving in free agency next offseason could also net the Ravens a compensatory draft pick. There’s also the Jackson factor. Related Articles Ravens OTA observations: A rookie flashes, but where are the veterans? READER POLL: Will the Orioles compete for a playoff spot this season? Ravens’ Keaton Mitchell running faster after injury: ‘Like a Devin Hester’ Ravens OTA observations: Harbaugh talks Gruden invite, Jackson absence Ravens RB Derrick Henry gets motivation from unlikely source: Adam Sandler Two years ago, when he was in the midst of contract negotiations, the quarterback requested that the team sign wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and DeAndre Hopkins. It took two separate seasons, but each ended up in Baltimore, with Beckham spending the 2023 season with the Ravens and Hopkins signing this offseason. So, another request, this time to bring Alexander aboard — particularly during another round of contract extension talks — would not be a surprise. Baltimore also has a history of adding veteran, former Pro Bowl players that they can get at the right price. Alexander’s addition would also figure to immediately strengthen a pass defense that ranked 27th in yards allowed per game (238.3) last season and was 17th in interceptions with 13. Currently, Baltimore’s cornerback group includes Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, Chidobe Awuzie, T.J. Tampa and Jalyn Armour-Davis. They also selected two cornerbacks — Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam — in the sixth round of this year’s draft. Bringing Alexander into that fold would give Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr more flexibility and depth. It would also allow him to use Wiggins and Alexander on the outside, with Humphrey, an All-Pro in the slot last season, remaining inside. Awuzie, whom Baltimore signed to a one-year veteran minimum deal this offseason, adds depth and has the versatility to potentially contribute at safety, a position he played in college. Armour-Davis has also seen some reps at safety during voluntary organized team activities this month. Given Awuzie’s and Armour-Davis’ injury history and Tampa’s lack of experience, the Ravens need as much depth as they can find. It’s why Eric DeCosta is fond of saying he can never have too many cornerbacks. Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore SunRavens quarterback Lamar Jackson hurdles Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander during a preseason game in 2019. The play was called back because of a penalty. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Of course, Alexander’s medical file could raise some concerns. He has missed at least 10 games in three of the past four seasons. Last season, he appeared in just seven games because of quadriceps and knee injuries. Only four times in his seven seasons has he played at least 13 games. Only twice has he played a full season. Other reasons could also prevent the Ravens from signing him. A bold player with a brash persona, Alexander was notably suspended for one game in 2023 for “conduct detrimental to the team” when, in his return to the lineup from injury, he inserted himself into the coin toss in a game against the Carolina Panthers — even though he was not designated as a captain with that responsibility that week — and nearly bungled the decision that would have given the Panthers the ball to start both halves. Alexander said afterward that he went onto the field for the coin toss because the game was in his hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. He has also drawn criticism over his availability, or lack thereof, because of injuries. Still, Alexander has been one of the game’s best cornerbacks when healthy. Despite playing in just seven games last season, he finished second on the team in pass breakups (seven) and tied for second in interceptions (two). In 2022, he had five interceptions and 14 pass breakups in 16 games, and in 2019 had 17 pass breakups and two interceptions, also in 16 games. Over his seven seasons, including the playoffs, Alexander has 15 interceptions. Now the only question is whether his next one will come in a Ravens uniform. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Jaire Alexander has 15 interceptions in seven seasons. (Jeffrey Phelps/AP file) View the full article

The Orioles are finally showing signs of life. They went 4-2 on their West Coast road trip and have gotten or are expected to get several key players back from injuries. But with a 26-32 record entering Tuesday’s series opener against the visiting Detroit Tigers, it’s fair to wonder if any turnaround would be too little, too late. Will Baltimore, by season’s end, be in the mix for a playoff spot? We want to know your thoughts. 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

Keaton Mitchell didn’t waste words. “22.4,” he wrote on X, followed by a yawning emoji. It was a month ago Friday that the Ravens’ speedy running back reached that in mph during a workout inside the field house at the team’s training facility in Owings Mills. Through the first two weeks of practices on grass during organized team activities, he has looked the part, too, turning corners and burning angles of would-be tacklers. Just how much better is the 23-year-old former undrafted free agent out of East Carolina 18 months removed from a devastating knee injury that he suffered in December 2023? His top speed shortly after he signed with Baltimore two years ago, he said, was 22.2 mph, so the answer is he’s even faster. “He looks good,” coach John Harbaugh said Friday. “He looks way better than he did at the end of last season just as far as movement. “I have hopes for him. I expect him to be really good.” Though Mitchell returned to the field in Week 10 last season, he did not look the same. He ran with caution. He didn’t have the same level of acceleration that had raised eyebrows and turned heads his rookie season when he averaged 8.4 yards per carry and 10.3 yards per catch. He appeared in three straight games but only logged two snaps apiece in the first two, didn’t have a single carry or reception and looked cautious in the four kickoffs he returned. Mitchell was then inactive for three straight games before returning for Weeks 16 and 17 when he tallied just 30 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. He also returned a kickoff 47 yards in the regular-season finale against the Cleveland Browns but he still wasn’t quite the same player. The road back was also at times difficult mentally for Mitchell, so he leaned on teammates and fellow 2023 rookies Tavius Robinson and Trenton Simpson while he was rehabbing his knee. They kept him up to speed on what was happening with the team and offered encouragement. “When you face adversity, you need those type of guys with you just to keep you in a positive mindset,” Mitchell said. Even after he after he returned, he acknowledged that it took time before he felt like himself again. Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell, shown practicing this past season, feels fully recovered from his 2023 knee injury. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) “The mental part coming back you always thinking about your knee, worried about what’s gonna happen what’s gonna happen if I get tackled,” Mitchell said. “But overcoming that, I’m way much better.” That confidence and a healthy knee also adds another dimension to what was the NFL’s top rushing attack last season, led by Derrick Henry’s bruising 1,921 yards, 5.9 yards per carry and 18 total touchdowns. Mitchell’s speed and shiftiness also gives Baltimore another dynamic weapon alongside quarterback and two-time NFL Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson, receivers Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and DeAndre Hopkins and tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely. His presence will also extend to kick returns. Mitchell said Friday that it’s a role he will “definitely” have this season. “I wanna be the one to return the kickoff returns,” he said. “and being able to be like a Devin Hester, like, don’t-kick-it-to-that-guy type of guy.” Related Articles Ravens OTA observations: Harbaugh talks Gruden invite, Jackson absence Ravens RB Derrick Henry gets motivation from unlikely source: Adam Sandler Ravens react to Aaron Rodgers joining Steelers: ‘It’d be great to pick off A-Rod’ Ravens OTA observations: Jon Gruden invited to practice, speaks to defense Ravens’ ‘DB expert’ Chuck Pagano couldn’t wait to come out of retirement Hester, who played for four teams from 2006 to 2016, mostly for the Chicago Bears before spending his final season with the Ravens, is the only return specialist to have been enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame after five kickoff returns and 14 punt returns for touchdowns. With a change to the new dynamic kickoff rule putting touchbacks at the 35-yard line, up from the 30 last season, Mitchell believes he can have a significant impact in that area of the game. “It’s like a natural instinct,” he said. “It’s like an outside zone play for a running back.” Mitchell also finally isn’t thinking about his knee anymore. “I’m out there like normal,” he said. “not worried about what my knee doing.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

The Ravens wrapped up their second week of voluntary organized team activities Friday in Owings Mills, and for the second straight day former NFL coach Jon Gruden was roaming the sideline during the two-hour session. Gruden and Baltimore coach John Harbaugh go back a long way, with the two having worked on Andy Reid’s staff in the late 1990s when Reid was the coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. The former assistants have kept in touch since and recently ran into each other in Tampa, Florida, where Gruden lives and where Harbaugh’s daughter had a lacrosse game. Harbaugh and his offensive coordinator Todd Monken and tight ends coach George Godsey also spent time down there with Gruden last offseason. While Gruden didn’t get a copy of the playbook or a script — “You can only go so far; you’ve got to draw the line somewhere,” Harbaugh said — he did speak to the defense Thursday and the offense Friday. The former coach of the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers also provided Harbaugh with his insights. “He studied us, and basically the message was, ‘If I was game-planning against you and your defense, what would I do and how would I attack you guys?’” Harbaugh said. “And he didn’t just stop there. He watched our offensive guys, he talked to our offensive guys, looked at all the players and had something for each player. “He’s just phenomenal and very, very detailed. [He’s] a great teacher, too.” Gruden’s coaching career also came to an unceremonious and controversial end when, in October 2021 an NFL investigation into the Washington Football Team for workplace misconduct revealed emails that Gruden had sent between 2011 and 2018 to then Washington general manager Bruce Allen that contained racial, misogynistic and homophobic slurs. In his second stint with the Raiders at the time, Gruden resigned shortly after the emails were reported by the New York Times. Gruden won 122 games as an NFL coach, including a Super Bowl title with the Bucs in the 2002 season. After resigning in 2021, Gruden spent 2023 as a consultant for the New Orleans Saints and is currently employed by Barstool Sports. He had no problem speaking up during the Ravens’ practices. “He was grinding pretty good on some guys,” Harbaugh said. “He was letting them know where they can get better, which I respect. I think a great coach is not afraid to tell people where they can improve, and doesn’t every player want to know that?” Lamar Jackson absent again Since showing up for the second voluntary OTA session last week, Lamar Jackson hasn’t been seen since. Not that Harbaugh is too worried about it. “I’m not taking any position on it or judging it, or whatever,” he said. “Lamar, the day he was out of here, played great. I could see he was in great shape, threw the ball great, made the right reads, knew the offense in an excellent kind of way. I thought he was fantastic. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, shown at OTAs in May, wasn't at OTAs on Friday. Coach John Harbaugh isn't concerned with Jackson's absence at the voluntary workouts. (Kim Hairston/Staff) “And when he comes back and practices, when that happens, I expect him to play at that level. That’s what you measure. … I’m not measuring the attendance. I mean it’s a voluntary camp, so I’m not measuring that. I love being out here, and I think all the players do. And when Lamar’s out here, I promise you, he loves being out here. You could see it when he was out here. So, he’s my guy. I love him, and I can’t wait to just get into this season and get going.” It’s also not dissimilar to what Jackson did last year, when he was in attendance for OTAs early, absent the middle week and then returned during the final week. He then had career highs in passing yards (4,172) and touchdown passes (41) while directing an offense that became the first to surpass 4,000 passing and 3,000 rushing yards in the same season en route to a 12-5 record and AFC North title. Jackson struggled in the playoffs with two turnovers in a divisional round loss to the Buffalo Bills, but it would be a stretch to pin that on voluntary practices taking place in June when he nearly won a third NFL Most Valuable Player Award for his performance during the regular season. That said, if history is any indication, there’s a chance Jackson could be in attendance next week when Baltimore wraps up OTAs with four more practices between Monday and Thursday. Related Articles Ravens RB Derrick Henry gets motivation from unlikely source: Adam Sandler Ravens react to Aaron Rodgers joining Steelers: ‘It’d be great to pick off A-Rod’ Ravens OTA observations: Jon Gruden invited to practice, speaks to defense Ravens’ ‘DB expert’ Chuck Pagano couldn’t wait to come out of retirement Aaron Rodgers agrees to deal with Steelers, ending months-long dance Other observations • Defensive tackle Travis Jones made the play of the day, batting a pass from backup Cooper Rush up in the air and leaping to haul it in for an interception on the first play of full team work. • It was also one of several interceptions on the day, with the veteran Rush and second-year quarterback Devin Leary both struggling with throws that were either well off-target or easy targets for defenders. Rookie safety Malaki Starks and second-year cornerback Nate Wiggins snagged two of them. • Second-year wide receiver Devontez Walker has enjoyed a nice spring thus far. Thursday, he had a pair of contested catches against Wiggins and fellow cornerback T.J. Tampa and made a pretty over-the-shoulder catch in the end zone on a pass from Leary. • The practices are voluntary, but the intensity for some players and coaches is not. That includes tight Mark Andrews, who let Rush hear about it after the quarterback had three straight incompletions at one point, while Harbaugh was in the ear of a couple of players, including Tampa at one point after yanking him out of one seven-on-seven session. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley also had words with Jones after the opening interception. • With temperatures into the 80s under a toasty midday sun, Broderick Washington and Jones were two players who had to take a knee on the sideline at one point. Guard Daniel Faalele, who struggled to stay on the field Thursday, was a little better Friday. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Ravens quarterback Cooper Rush works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, from left, works out with Carson Vinson during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens Sr. Defensive Assistant/Secondary coach Chuck Pagano, right, watches CB work out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens runningback Keaton Mitchell speaks with media after OTA workout at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens head coach John Harbaugh gets ready to speak with media after OTA workout at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens coach John Harbaugh speaks with media members Friday. Harbaugh detailed how former NFL coach Jon Gruden's presence at practice this week was beneficial for the team. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins speaks with media after OTA workout at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens kicker John Hoyland works during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)June 6, 2025: Ravens’ works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens kicker John Hoyland works during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)June 6, 2025: Ravens’ works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens kicker Tyler Loop, right, works out with long snapper Nick Moore, left, and holder Jordan Stout during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens kicker Tyler Loop works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens kicker Tyler Loop works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens kicker Tyler Loop, right, works out with holder Jordan Stout during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens safety Malaki Starks works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens safety Malaki Starks works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens safety Malaki Starks works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens tight end Mark Andrews works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Ravens tight end Mark Andrews works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Show Caption1 of 20Ravens quarterback Cooper Rush works out during OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Expand View the full article

Derrick Henry doesn’t have a lot left to prove. The Ravens running back put up historic numbers in high school, won a national championship and the Heisman Trophy at Alabama and ranks 19th on the NFL’s all-time rushing yards list. About the only thing missing from his resume, like his equally accomplished quarterback Lamar Jackson, is a Super Bowl ring. But there’s something else that will be driving the 31-year-old Henry this season as he seeks to become the first player in league history to rush for 2,000 yards twice in his career: A role in an Adam Sandler movie. Come again? In a recent appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show,” Henry revealed that his favorite actor is Sandler, the 58-year-old star of everything from “Saturday Night Live” to beloved comedies such as “Happy Gilmore” to thrilling dramas like “Uncut Gems.” Patrick then issued a challenge: If Henry gets 2,000 yards again this year, he’d use his connections to get him in a Sandler film. “Cool, say no more. Remember that now,” said Henry, who nearly eclipsed that total with 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns in his first season in Baltimore after nearly a decade with the Tennessee Titans. “Say no more. The bet is on. No pressure at all.” On Friday, Patrick posted a video of him calling up Sandler — or “Sandman,” as he calls him — to make the request and Sandler video chatting with Henry at a recent practice in Owings Mills. “2,000 yards-plus this year gets you not only in the movie, but we have a nice dinner together and talk about Dan Patrick’s facial hair and how hard it is for him to grow it,” Sandler says on the call. “I love ya, keep it up.” Patrick then showed a direct message from Henry to thank the longtime sportscaster and radio personality for connecting him with Sandler. The surprise came just a few weeks after Henry signed a two-year extension with the Ravens worth $30 million. “Dan you’re a real one!” Henry posted in response Friday on X. “@AdamSandler is da [goat emoji: Greatest of All Time] I appreciate the extra motivation!” Henry does have some acting practice already, having appeared in commercials for State Farm, Old Spice and Pepsi, the latter of which premiered before a huge audience ahead of last season’s NFL season opener between the Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs. What movie will it be? Patrick joked that it could be “Grown Ups 3” or “Happy Gilmore 3” but doesn’t know for certain. Sandler has acted in 102 films, been a producer in 37, a writer in 23 and an executive producer in 26, according to Letterboxd, but he’s never directed a movie. Perhaps that’s his next project, with Henry playing the starring role. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon. Related Articles Ravens OTA observations: Harbaugh talks Gruden invite, Jackson absence Ravens react to Aaron Rodgers joining Steelers: ‘It’d be great to pick off A-Rod’ Ravens OTA observations: Jon Gruden invited to practice, speaks to defense Ravens’ ‘DB expert’ Chuck Pagano couldn’t wait to come out of retirement Aaron Rodgers agrees to deal with Steelers, ending months-long dance View the full article

The AFC North already features two quarterbacks on a Hall of Fame trajectory: Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow. The Pittsburgh Steelers added a third star to the division on Thursday, agreeing to a one-year deal with Aaron Rodgers. The 41-year-old Rodgers is 3-0 as a starter against the Ravens in his 20-year career, although he’s only played Baltimore once since 2013. The four-time NFL Most Valuable Player missed the Ravens’ trip to Green Bay in 2017 because of a broken right collarbone but led the Packers to a dramatic 31-30 win at M&T Bank Stadium in Week 15 of the 2021 season. With star quarterback Lamar Jackson out with a sprained ankle, backup Tyler Huntley nearly led the Ravens all the way back from a 31-17 deficit, but his 2-point conversion pass in the final minute fell incomplete. While that loss was the third of six straight for the Jackson-less Ravens as they dropped from an AFC-best 8-3 to missing the playoffs, it was a memorable game for Rodgers, who threw three touchdown passes to tie Brett Favre on the franchise’s all-time list and lead Green Bay to its third straight NFC North title. “That’s why he’s a Hall of Famer,” then-Ravens defensive back Anthony Averett, a special teams contributors thrust into the starting lineup that day because of mounting injuries, said of playing Rodgers. “He can put the ball where you can’t get to it, but [only] the receiver [can], really.” After surprisingly being picked late in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft, Rodgers also got his most playing time as a rookie against Baltimore. Entering in relief of Favre during Baltimore’s 48-3 win in Week 15 that season, Rodgers completed 8 of 15 passes for 65 yards and an interception while being sacked three times. His 36.8 passer rating that day is tied for the fourth-worst of his career. In four total games against Baltimore, including wins over quarterback Joe Flacco and coach John Harbaugh in 2009 and 2013, Rodgers has completed 62.7% of his passes for 911 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions while being sacked 10 times. “We’ve always respected Aaron Rodgers. He’s a Hall of Fame quarterback,” Harbaugh said during the Ravens’ voluntary practice in Owings Mills on Friday. In Pittsburgh, the aging star found a team in desperate need of help quarterback. The Steelers’ struggles at the position were especially discernible against Baltimore last season. Russell Wilson threw for 422 yards against the Ravens’ defense in the regular season, including an 18-16 victory in Pittsburgh in Week 11 that pushed the Steelers to an AFC North-leading 8-2, but he struggled down the stretch and into the postseason. The Ravens then beat Wilson and their archrivals, 34-17, in Week 16 en route to winning a second straight division title and crushed them again, 28-14, in the AFC wild-card round, handing Pittsburgh its fifth straight loss and sixth in a row in the postseason. Both Wilson and Week 1 starter Justin Fields departed in the offseason for the New York Giants and New York Jets, respectively, leaving a gaping hole on the roster. The Steelers brought back veteran Mason Rudolph and drafted Ohio State’s Will Howard in the sixth round, but neither were considered a strong contender to start the season. Enter Rodgers. Related Articles Ravens OTA observations: Jon Gruden invited to practice, speaks to defense Ravens’ ‘DB expert’ Chuck Pagano couldn’t wait to come out of retirement Aaron Rodgers agrees to deal with Steelers, ending months-long dance READERS RESPOND: Some Ravens fans feel stadium renovations cater to wealthy Ravens sign WR Rashod Bateman to 3-year extension: ‘Change the narrative’ After suffering a torn Achilles tendon in his first game with the Jets in 2023, Rodgers returned and played 17 games last season, throwing for 3,897 yards with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while ranking 25th among quarterbacks with a 48.0 QBR. The Jets went 5-12 with him as a starter, which included midseason firings of coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas, and moved on from the veteran quarterback in the offseason after hiring Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey to lead a new era. Despite rampant speculation swirling for weeks about his future, Rodgers waited to sign with the Steelers until late in the offseason. He told “The Pat McAfee Show” in April that his attention was focused on helping people in his inner circle who were “battling some difficult stuff” and that he didn’t want to decide until he knew he could fully commit. He’s expected to show up for mandatory minicamp next week. If he remains healthy, Rodgers’ first appearance against Baltimore will come Dec. 7 at M&T Bank Stadium. The teams will then face off in the regular-season finale on Jan. 4. If all goes according to plan, perhaps that game will have major playoff implications. The Ravens would welcome that. “It would be great to pick off A-Rod,” Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins said. “It’s going to be great facing him.” Have a news tip? Contact Sam Jane at sjane@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/Sam_Jane230. Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunThe Ravens' Justin Madubuike sacks then-Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers during a 2021 game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) View the full article

Chuck Pagano and Jon Gruden, back on an NFL field. The former head coaches each have more than 20 years of experience in the league, posting a combined record of 170-155 in the regular season with eight postseason victories. Pagano reached the AFC championship game in January 2015 with the Indianapolis Colts, while Gruden won Super Bowl 37 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in February 2003. On Thursday, they were in much different roles during the Ravens’ voluntary practice in Owings Mills. After a four-year break from coaching, Pagano joined Baltimore in the offseason as a senior secondary coach. The 64-year-old previously served as the Ravens’ secondary coach from 2008 to 2010 and as defensive coordinator in 2011. “I never really stopped thinking about coaching,” Pagano said. “This was probably the only opportunity that would get me off the couch.” Meanwhile, Gruden was invited to practice by Ravens coach John Harbaugh. The 61-year-old Gruden donned full Ravens gear, conversing with Harbaugh and players such as left tackle Ronnie Stanley and wide receiver Zay Flowers. He spoke to Baltimore’s defense Thursday and will talk to the team’s offense Friday, according to a team spokesperson. Gruden has not coached since resigning as coach of the Las Vegas Raiders after emails he sent before being hired in 2018 contained racist, homophobic and misogynistic comments. He currently works for Barstool Sports, but has previously expressed a desire to return to coaching. “I know I can help a team, I know I can help young players get better, and I know I can hire a good staff, and that’s the only thing I can guarantee,” he told CBS Sports in 2024. In 2023, Gruden also appeared at a training camp practice with the New Orleans Saints, where he talked with his former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr. Then-head coach Dennis Allen said the Saints “thought it was really beneficial for our football team.” Pagano and Gruden did not seem to cross paths Thursday. Pagano joked that he’s relieved when his access to the building is approved every day. That was the highlight of an otherwise slow day of practice, in which quarterback Lamar Jackson did not appear again but newly-extended wide receiver Rashod Bateman and Stanley returned to the field. Versatility in the secondary Pagano’s return to coaching coincides with a strong group of Ravens defensive backs. Kyle Hamilton, Marlon Humphrey, Malaki Starks and Nate Wiggins make up a solid quartet, and defensive coordinator Zach Orr called Jalyn Armour-Davis “the smartest” player in the defensive back room and said that the Alabama graduate is taking reps at safety. Orr said that Starks’ versatility at Georgia was a big reason the Ravens selected him in the first round. Hamilton is one of the biggest defensive weapons in the NFL. Humphrey can play all over the secondary. It’s a shift from the standard positions that players slotted into when Pagano previously coached, but he’s excited about the possibilities. “When you have a guy — I’m assuming you’re talking about Kyle — … Marlon Humphrey, veteran guy in the league … can play outside, can play nickel. Kyle can play deep, play deep in coverage, play man, blitz, all those kind of things,” Pagano said. “When you have chess pieces and you can move those things around, not only his football character, his skill set, his ability to do more things … You’re gonna have to have dudes like that.” Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman practices on Thursday in Owings Mills. The franchise signed Bateman to a new contract Thursday, which keeps him on the roster through 2029. (Stephanie Scarbrough/AP) Bateman, Stanley back in action After signing a three-year, $36 million contract extension, becoming the first wide receiver to secure three multi-year contracts with the Ravens, Bateman practiced on Thursday. The 25-year-old said the new deal was a validation of his ability and his breakout season in which he caught 45 passes for 756 yards and nine touchdowns. It’s a leap of faith from both the organization and player, especially after Bateman publicly complained about general manager Eric DeCosta in a since-deleted tweet in 2023. He struck a much different tone Thursday. “Whatever they want me to do, I’ll do it,” Bateman said. “I just like playing football, I’m grateful for it all. Throw me in the slot, tight end, chip block, whatever, I’ll do it. Especially now.” Related Articles Aaron Rodgers informs Steelers he plans to sign, ending months-long dance READERS RESPOND: Some Ravens fans feel stadium renovations cater to wealthy Ravens sign WR Rashod Bateman to lucrative long-term extension Former Ravens kicker Justin Tucker’s Maryland mansion to hit market Ravens WR Zay Flowers, healthy again, wants to unlock his game Kicker struggles After sixth-round rookie Tyler Loop made all six of his field goal attempts Tuesday, kicker John Hoyland missed several attempts on Thursday. Hoyland went 3-for-6, missing kicks from 56, 51 and 48 yards. He was successful from 39, 42 and 46 yards. The undrafted free agent from Wyoming seems to be behind Loop in the battle to replace former kicker Justin Tucker, who was released early last month. Fans return A swathe of Ravens season-ticket holders and nurses from Southern Maryland were in attendance at Thursday’s practice. They were able to watch the entire practice from the left side of the field, but were unable to take videos. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Jane at sjane@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/Sam_Jane230. View the full article

Chuck Pagano enjoyed the easy-going nature of retirement. He played golf, worked out and visited with his grandkids. He’d do chores around the house. But most days, by 10 a.m., he’d stare at the clock wondering what to do with the rest of his day. “Life was pretty good,” he said. “A lot of my friends were like, ‘Are you out of your mind? Why would you go back to the grind?’ You can’t replicate this. You can’t replicate the grind.” The Ravens’ new senior secondary coach didn’t agree with the idea that he got an itch to return to coaching. Pagano never truly stopped thinking about getting back on the field. It just had to be the right situation. There were offers elsewhere. But the only opportunity “to get me off the couch,” he said, was a reunion in Baltimore, where he served on John Harbaugh’s first coaching staff from 2008 to 2011. Pagano’s most recent NFL gig was as defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears, but he retired in early 2021. He was a head coach in Indianapolis for six seasons before that. The way he stayed connected to the game in retirement was as a regular contributor on “The Pat McAfee Show,” hosted by his longtime Colts punter. “That was kind of my football fix,” Pagano said. But it only kept him in the NFL stratosphere for six months out of the year. The 64-year-old whose family told him he retired too early looked right at ease, trudging off the practice field after the Ravens’ fifth open practice of organized team activities sweating through a black long sleeve T-shirt. Like the way players have to ramp up into football shape wearing pads under the summer sun, “coaching is no different,” Pagano said. He and the Peloton bike have gotten reacquainted as he’s easing back into life as a coach. Baltimore poses a fun challenge with a secondary that has been compared to a chess board this offseason. All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton can play all over the field. As can veteran All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey. The Ravens expect a similar versatility from first-round pick Malaki Starks. Second-year cornerback Nate Wiggins should build on an impressive rookie season too. That’s an intriguing cocktail for a veteran coach who defensive coordinator Zach Orr called a “DB expert.” Pagano told “The Pat McAfee Show” the phone call that pulled him out of retirement seemingly came out of nowhere. Ravens brass made the hire official in late January. It’s fair to say his nearly quarter-century of NFL coaching experience was well received. “A lot of guys went up to him — he might not know I know this,” Orr said, “but a lot of guys went up to him and asked one on one what they could work on. He had an answer for every single one of those guys. A detailed summary.” Some of those guys had plenty of tape for Pagano to parse through before giving feedback. Others hadn’t really been on the field yet, like 2024 draft picks T.J. Tampa Jr. and Beau Brade. It wasn’t just individual notes. Pagano and Orr had conversations about the highs and lows of a confounding year for the collective Ravens’ defense. Chunk yardage was their biggest hindrance, leading the NFL in explosive plays allowed in 2024. But after the bye week, when Ar’Darius Washington solidified into the second safety role, Baltimore’s defense finished near the top of the league. Washington is slated to miss a significant chunk of the 2025 season with a torn Achilles tendon. Related Articles Aaron Rodgers informs Steelers he plans to sign, ending months-long dance READERS RESPOND: Some Ravens fans feel stadium renovations cater to wealthy Ravens sign WR Rashod Bateman to lucrative long-term extension Former Ravens kicker Justin Tucker’s Maryland mansion to hit market Ravens WR Zay Flowers, healthy again, wants to unlock his game Two things stood out to the Pagano, who watched games from his couch at home. He felt like the level of communication on the back end wasn’t where it needed to be, something Orr took onus for. The other note he had was on the defensive backs’ technique, or lack thereof, on those downfield throws. Orr said Pagano noticed guys’ “eyes not right, leverage is not right or body position is not right.” This was the Pagano that Baltimore hoped to be getting. The one who felt a calling to return to the field and help contribute to a Super Bowl contender. “Juice,” “energy” and “knowledge” were the three words Orr used to describe Pagano. He’ll have less time to do chores at home. He won’t have days where 10 a.m. hits and he thinks, “Can’t start drinking. Have to wait to a certain time to start that.” Now he gets to drive into the team’s Owings Mills facility and get his fix of football work. “Every morning when I come in and it says access granted, I’m like ‘Thank you.” Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article

PITTSBURGH — Aaron Rodgers and Mike Tomlin are taking their bromance to the next level. The four-time NFL Most Valuable Player ended months of “will he or won’t he” speculation by informing Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers he plans to join the team for the 2025 season, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on Thursday. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because Rodgers has not yet signed a contract. The Steelers and the 41-year-old Rodgers had been circling each other for months. Rodgers even visited the team’s facility in late March, driving in undercover in a nondescript sedan wearing a hat and sunglasses. While there were plenty of nice words from both sides in the aftermath, Rodgers didn’t rush to put pen to paper, telling “The Pat McAfee Show” in April that his attention was focused on helping people in his inner circle who were “battling some difficult stuff” and that he didn’t want to decide until he knew he could fully commit. With mandatory minicamp coming next week, Rodgers apparently finds himself in a place where he can give the Steelers his full attention. Rodgers joins a team that has been stuck in a transitional period at quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger retired after the 2021 season. Either Rodgers or Mason Rudolph — who returned to Pittsburgh on a two-year deal in March — will likely be Pittsburgh’s fifth different Week 1 quarterback in as many seasons. The Steelers have stayed competitive, up to a point anyway, amid the constant churn at the most important position on the field. Pittsburgh has reached the playoffs four times in the last five seasons, only to be quickly escorted out of the postseason in lopsided fashion each time. Justin Fields and Russell Wilson — who combined to lead the Steelers to a 10-7 record and a playoff berth last season — ended up in New York. Fields will replace Rodgers with the Jets after agreeing to a two-year deal. Wilson is heading to the Giants on a one-year contract. Those deals left Rodgers and the Steelers without any other reasonable options. Both sides have their reasons for consummating what is essentially a marriage of convenience. Rodgers hopes to author a happier ending to his Hall of Fame career after two eventful, if underwhelming, seasons with the Jets. While Rodgers is hardly a long-term solution in Pittsburgh, he is the best option left after the Steelers chose not to use one of their higher picks in April’s draft on a quarterback, instead taking a late-round flyer on former Ohio State star Will Howard. The union brings Rodgers and Tomlin — the longest-tenured head coach in major professional North American sports — together after years of what is the football equivalent of flirting. They’ve long held each other in high esteem and have enjoyed a handful of memorable on-field interactions that went viral. Last fall, they playfully nodded at each other as a sign of respect after Tomlin was forced to burn a timeout when Rodgers tried a quick snap that would have ended with the Steelers being penalized for having too many men on the field. Pittsburgh is hoping Rodgers has enough left physically to go with a football IQ that remains elite. He was solid if not spectacular last season in New York, throwing for 28 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. Yet his play on the field often took a back seat to the drama off it as the Jets cycled through coaches and limped to a 5-12 record, with Rodgers spending much of his time in New York defending comments he made on platforms like “The Pat McAfee Show.” The Steelers are no strangers to drama. If there’s been one constant since the team’s last Super Bowl appearance — a loss to Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in February 2011 — it’s the ability to employ talented, if mercurial players. The list runs the gamut, from Roethlisberger to Antonio Brown to Le’Veon Bell to JuJu Smith-Schuster to George Pickens, traded to Dallas last month. Pittsburgh has retooled a bit in the offseason, including acquiring two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DK Metcalf from Seattle. The Steelers quickly signed him to a new five-year deal to bring some stability (and hopefully maturity) to a wide receiver room that’s lacked both. Related Articles READERS RESPOND: Some Ravens fans feel stadium renovations cater to wealthy Ravens sign WR Rashod Bateman to lucrative long-term extension Former Ravens kicker Justin Tucker’s Maryland mansion to hit market Jim Marshall, the ‘all-time iron man’ and Minnesota Vikings Purple People Eater, dies at 87 Son of former NFL player Milton Stegall found dead in dorm room The one thing Pittsburgh hadn’t done was do the same at the most important position on the field. Tomlin and team president Art Rooney II both kept the door open for Fields and Wilson to return, only to stand by idly when Fields bolted for the Jets and make no serious attempt to retain Wilson. While the Steelers did bring back Rudolph, a season removed from leading them on an improbable run to the playoffs, he is considered a backup. The field of experienced players available eventually winnowed down to Rodgers. His arrival is a stopgap, one that Pittsburgh hopes will keep it competitive until a long-term solution arrives, most likely in the 2026 draft. Until then, Rodgers and the Steelers will try to make the best of a less-than-ideal situation of their own making. Associated Press reporter Rob Maaddi contributed to this article. View the full article

We asked readers if they’re pleased with the upcoming renovations to the Ravens’ M&T Bank Stadium. Here are the results from our online poll: No — 59% (142 votes) Yes — 34% (83 votes) I haven’t noticed proposed changes — 7% (17 votes) Here’s what some fans have told us about the team (answers have been edited for clarity and grammar): Senior vice president of marketing Brad Downs’s exact quote from the Ravens’ press release on their website reads, “These renovations reflect what fans want. They want to get to the stadium earlier, have places to socialize before the game, during halftime, or afterward.” In his defense, he’s probably referencing a high-priced consultant’s survey, but the comment goes against the mantra “make the main thing the main thing” that has been established through three decades of on-field excellence. Wouldn’t you want to use the taxpayer money to improve the main thing? Like the game viewing experience for 98% of the stadium? Or something to boost home-field advantage? No, a 365-day retail store will do. — Brendan The days of watching an NFL game live as a family are gone. Today it’s all about the money. I’ve been a permanent seat license (PSL) holder since “The Bank” opened and this will probably be my last year. The NFL no longer cares about the average fan, as it changes start times for their benefit. How many families are adversely affected with games on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day? The Ravens are only following what every other team is doing so I can’t fault them for their business plan. The NFL experience, a favorite phrase for years has slowly become, the NFL’s once-in-a-lifetime experience! — Ed More of the cheap seats, and they’re not so cheap, are disappearing under this plan. — Mark Fisher Most of the upgrades are for the privileged attendees, leaving the average fan out. Taxpayer money being used for upscale improvements which the majority of Ravens fans — taxpayers — will never see. And the average fan’s ticket price always seems to go up, while the privileged can easily afford whatever the Ravens charge. Might as well just stay home and watch the game on television. — Robert They are making it too expensive for most fans. My son and I go to one or two games a year. We do not need our “game day experience” upgraded. A lot of money to benefit very few people. — Jim The concourse fans in the lower deck must walk around to get to their seats has been rendered dangerously impassible by the stealth interior additions to accommodate the uber wealthy. The taxpayers paid for it and bought the ruination of their own stadium in the process. Hopefully no one buys membership in these new lower deck “clubs” so the Ravens can eat some financial crow for once. For a team that says they care about the fans … what a crock! — Wray The new areas being added will likely enhance the fan experience until you have to use the restroom. The lack of attention to this basic need always puts a damper on an otherwise great experience. The restrooms get overrun at the main entrances and come game time you can end up missing a quarter of the game waiting in line. If the Ravens want to improve the experience, this is an improvement that needs to be made throughout the stadium, especially at the main entrances. — Drew Related Articles Ravens sign WR Rashod Bateman to lucrative long-term extension Former Ravens kicker Justin Tucker’s Maryland mansion to hit market Ravens WR Zay Flowers, healthy again, wants to unlock his game Ravens OTA observations: No Lamar Jackson means a sloppy day for offense Ravens see DeAndre Hopkins as more than just a third wide receiver Making it easier to stay at home and watch the games. Doesn’t do much for the average seat holder but it sure makes the wealthiest look even more important. — Dan Contesti The $489 million should have been used to keep the Washington Commanders in Maryland for 27 more years. Then we could see the Ravens and Commanders play in an all-Maryland Super Bowl with Lamar Jackson and Jayden Daniels, the two best NFL quarterbacks in the past 10 years! — Robin Ficker It’s all about the money. They pour money into the club levels and rip out seats for a closer fan experience, which no average fan will ever afford. They keep pushing the average fan out, and the rich will be the only ones to go to games. The same fans that just come to eat, drink and chat without caring about the game behind them. — Bryan I wouldn’t call ripping out seats of longtime PSL holders and making them move seats and locations with no say in the matter an upgrade for fans. — Chris The Baltimore Sun reader poll is an unscientific survey in which website users volunteer their opinions on the subject of the poll. To see results from previous sports polls, go to baltimoresun.com/sportspoll View the full article

Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman is staying in Baltimore for the long term. Bateman, who posted career highs in yards (756) and touchdowns (nine) last season, has signed a contract extension, the team announced Thursday morning. The deal is for three years and $36.75 million with $20 million guaranteed, a source with direct knowledge of the situation confirmed to The Baltimore Sun. Drafted 21st overall by Baltimore in 2021, Bateman had signed an extension last offseason that kept him with the Ravens through 2026. With the new deal, he’ll be in Baltimore through 2029. This article will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Related Articles Former Ravens kicker Justin Tucker’s Maryland mansion to hit market Ravens WR Zay Flowers, healthy again, wants to unlock his game Ravens OTA observations: No Lamar Jackson means a sloppy day for offense Ravens see DeAndre Hopkins as more than just a third wide receiver How Ravens OLB Odafe Oweh added 20 pounds: ‘Goal for him is to be All-Pro’ View the full article

Former Ravens kicker Justin Tucker’s 6,000-plus-square-foot home in Owings Mills is set to hit the market on Friday, with an asking price of $3.2 million. The house, a brick and stone colonial, features five bedrooms and seven bathrooms, as well as an open floor plan, large windows, an exercise room and a three-car garage. The exterior includes a grilling area, an outdoor pool with multiple seating areas and a converted patio with an outdoor fireplace. The property HOA fees are $1,874 per year and real estate taxes of $18,152 per year, the listing said. The property was purchased for $1.8 million by a limited liability corporation in 2019. The resident agent of the corporation is listed as David Miller, founder and principal of Owings Mills-based Terrain Title & Escrow Company. Miller declined to provide information regarding the corporation and its connection to Tucker. The Baltimore Sun linked Tucker to the address through property records it reviewed, as well as cross-referencing images from the property listing with his Instagram posts of his home. The listing agent, Jeremy Batoff of The Batoff Group, did not respond to requests for comment by The Sun by publication. The longtime Ravens kicker was released from his contract in May after more than a dozen Baltimore-area massage therapists accused him of sexual misconduct. The NFL’s internal investigation is ongoing and could lead to a possible suspension. Tucker has denied all allegations and has not been charged criminally. He also has not faced civil litigation. Got a news tip? Contact Stella Canino-Quinones at scanino-quinones@baltsun.com. Former Ravens kicker Justin Tucker has listed his Owings Mills mansion for sale at $3.2 million. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) View the full article

In one video posted to social media, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson drops back and hits wide receiver Zay Flowers on a deep crossing route. In another, he connects with Baltimore’s leading receiver from last season on a deep corner. The scenes unfolded on South Florida fields last month and the sessions might seem, at least in the larger picture of where the Ravens are trying to ultimately get to, mostly inconsequential. They weren’t entirely without merit, though. “It just get our timing down,” Flowers said Tuesday in Owings Mills during voluntary organized team activities. “Talking about routes, detailing small things on routes.” Though Jackson, among others, was absent from Tuesday’s practice, the bond between the two has been obvious since Baltimore drafted Flowers 22nd overall out of Boston College in 2023. In just his second season, Flowers was selected to the Pro Bowl after posting 74 catches for 1,059 yards and four touchdowns. He was the first Ravens receiver in franchise history to be selected and the first with at least 1,000 receiving yards in a season since Marquise “Hollywood” Brown in 2021. The two clips could also perhaps be a harbinger of how the Ravens might look to deploy him this season. In 2024, Flowers had just eight catches on 21 targets at least 20 yards downfield, per Pro Football Focus. He put up nearly identical numbers (nine catches, 21 targets) his rookie year. But with the addition of DeAndre Hopkins, a three-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl selection who has spent a dozen years carving up defenses in the short and intermediate part of the field, along with the rise of Rashod Bateman in all parts of the field, it’s possible Flowers could have his biggest impact as a deep threat. Last season, Flowers, who was targeted 116 times, ranked 19th in average depth of target (10.40 yards), per FTN Fantasy, among wide receivers with at least 97 targets. For comparison, the leader of that group was Tennessee Titans standout Calvin Ridley with an average depth of target of 15.69 yards on his way to 64 catches for 1,009 yards and four touchdowns. Three of those passes of 20 or more yards to Ridley went for touchdowns. Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers envisions "a lot more explosive plays" for him, Rashod Bateman and DeAndre Hopkins. (Nia Meyers/Staff) Flowers, meanwhile, had only one ball that traveled more than 20 yards through the air that went for a touchdown. That came in a Week 9 victory at home against the Denver Broncos in which he finished with five catches for 127 yards and two touchdowns, including one that traveled 22 yards through the air and went for 54 total yards for his longest score of the year. But even that was emblematic of his skill set after the ball is in his hands — 463 of Flowers’ 1,059 yards last season came after the catch. In fact, the majority of his targets and catches last year came in the 10-to-19-yard range and zero-to-10-yard range, followed by passes he caught behind the line of scrimmage. However Baltimore uses Flowers amid the addition of Hopkins — who, even at age 32, still possesses some of the best hands in the game along with the ability to get open — the rising star will be expected to carry a big load. “We just gotta get hm the ball more,” offensive coordinator Todd Monken said Tuesday. “He’s not only an outside receiver that has elite route running skills but he’s unbelievable with the ball in his hands, so you have a guy who fits two positions, plays two positions. “You can use him in a variety of roles to get him the ball, which allows your volume to go up. … I expect him to take another leap in terms of his consistency.” Related Articles Ravens OTA observations: No Lamar Jackson means a sloppy day for offense Ravens see DeAndre Hopkins as more than just a third wide receiver How Ravens OLB Odafe Oweh added 20 pounds: ‘Goal for him is to be All-Pro’ READER POLL: Are you happy with how the Ravens are renovating M&T Bank Stadium? All about fun: Ravens TE Isaiah Likely hosts charity softball game It helps that Flowers is again healthy after injuring his knee in the 2024 regular-season finale that resulted in him missing Baltimore’s wild-card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and its divisional round loss to the Buffalo Bills the following week. “My knee is great,” he said, adding that it was difficult to watch the playoffs from the sideline. “I feel 100%. I feel I’m ready to go. I’m ready for the season. No limits.” Now the only question is what, if any, limits there will be with unleashing him downfield, an area that Flowers excelled in during his college days and is eager to shine in once again. “It shows I can unlock a whole other level in my game,” Flowers said. “I haven’t unlocked it yet, so once we start hitting those downfield passes more I think we’re gonna be a lot more explosive plays between me and Rashod. And now we got ‘D-Hop,’ so it should be three times as much.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

The Ravens led the NFL in penalties last season, and the problem was exacerbated early on in the year, as they committed 21 offensive infractions in the season’s first four games. At organized team activities on Tuesday, the issue reared its head again. Baltimore was flagged for at least five false start penalties during team periods, including multiple by the starting group. “That’s not very good,” offensive coordinator Todd Monken said. “It’s disappointing. I watch it, I’m as disappointed as anyone, but we’re going to continue [using a hard count cadence], we’re going to continue to chart [penalties] and the guys that continue to get penalties will struggle to get on the field.” Monken said the coaching staff discussed during the offseason how the offense could become better at using multiple cadences, which are words or phrases the quarterback uses before the snap. More repetitions in the summer, despite the sloppiness, was seen as a possible solution. Star quarterback Lamar Jackson’s absence from Tuesday’s voluntary practice certainly did not help with the infractions. Jackson is one of the top signal-callers in the league and, in his third season under Monken, has complete command of the offense, so the unit was obviously uncomfortable without him. Still, it’s only the fourth OTA practice of the year and the playoff rematch against Buffalo is still 96 days away. That’s why Monken is comfortable working out the kinks when the only audience is coaches and reporters. “The reality is we can’t give in to just going to one cadence,” Monken said. “So we’ve got to work it now.” An emerging secondary piece Cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis played less than 100 snaps and appeared in just four games last season. He started just one game, against Cleveland, and allowed six receptions on seven targets, according to Pro Football Focus. But the 2022 fourth-round draft pick earned a majority of the first-team corner reps on Tuesday alongside Nate Wiggins. Armour-Davis made a couple of nice plays, including a well-defended pass breakup against DeAndre Hopkins in the red zone. With safety and nickelback Ar’Darius Washington likely to miss the entire season because of an Achilles tendon injury, Armour-Davis could slot in as the third corner behind Wiggins and Marlon Humphrey. Rush’s in No Jackson meant extended action for newly signed backup quarterback Cooper Rush. The former Cowboy went 9-5 as a starter in Dallas and signed a two-year, $6.2 million deal with the Ravens this offseason. Rush completed 8 of 11 passes during the 11-on-11 period and 1 of 3 in the red zone drill. He threw to his checkdown often and rarely looked to push the ball downfield. “He’s a pro, it’s why he’s made it in the NFL as long as he has,” Monken said. “He’s not Lamar, so he’s got to know where to go with the ball, be on time. … And being able to get the ball out and get it to the checkdown.” Ravens tight end, Zaire Mitchell-Paden during OTAs at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Ravens tight end, Mark Andrews during OTAs at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Ravens wide receiver, LaJohntay Wester during OTAs at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Ravens wide receiver, LaJohntay Wester during OTAs at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Ravens tight ends, Isaiah Likely, left and Mark Andrews during OTAs at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Ravens tight end, Isaiah Likely during OTAs at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Ravens inside linebacker Trenton Simpson goes through a drill Tuesday. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Ravens wide reciever, Zay Flowers during OTAs at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Ravens tight ends, Mark Andrews, left and Isaiah Likely during OTAs at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Ravens offensive coordinator, Todd Monken answers questions after OTAs at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Ravens wide receiver, Jahmal Banks during OTAs at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Ravens wide receiver, Zay Flowers after OTAs at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Ravens wide receiver, Zay Flowers answers questions after OTAs at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers speaks to the media after OTAs on Tuesday at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken speaks to reporters on Tuesday. He said "the guys that continue to get penalties will struggle to get on the field." (Kevin Richardson/Staff)Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers speaks to the media after OTAs on Tuesday at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers speaks to the media after OTAs on Tuesday at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers speaks to the media after OTAs on Tuesday at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator, speaks after an OTAs open practice session on Tuesday at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)Baltimore Ravens tight ends coach George Godsey works with Mark Andrews during Tuesday’s open OTA practice at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)Baltimore Ravens linebacker William Kwenkeu takes part in a tackling drill during Tuesday's OTA at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)Baltimore Ravens rookie wide receiver LaJohntay Wester fields a punt during special teams drills at Tuesday’s OTA session at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)Baltimore Ravens inside linebackers coach Tyler Santucci, left, addresses players during Tuesday’s open OTA practice at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)Baltimore Ravens inside linebackers coach Tyler Santucci, left, addresses players during Tuesday’s open OTA practice at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)Baltimore Ravens linebacker William Kwenkeu takes part in a tackling drill during Tuesday's OTA at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)Baltimore Ravens rookie linebacker Jay Higgins participates in a pass-rushing drill during Tuesday’s OTA session at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)Baltimore Ravens tight ends coach George Godsey works with Mark Andrews during Tuesday’s open OTA practice at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)Show Caption1 of 27Ravens tight end, Zaire Mitchell-Paden during OTAs at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Nia Meyers/Staff)Expand Flowers is healthy Perhaps no player could have felt more frustrated during last year’s playoff loss to the Bills than Zay Flowers. The wide receiver missed the contest because of a knee injury and was forced to watch from home. “I couldn’t really do nothing about [the loss],” Flowers said. Flowers said he’s fully healthy now, though, and coming off a Pro Bowl appearance, is regarded around the league as a true No. 1 option. With Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Hopkins, and tight ends Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews, the Ravens’ receiving corps seems poised for another strong year. “Top everything that I did last year, prove to everybody that say whatever I can’t do, I can do,” Flowers said. Related Articles Ravens WR Zay Flowers, healthy again, wants to unlock his game Ravens see DeAndre Hopkins as more than just a third wide receiver How Ravens OLB Odafe Oweh added 20 pounds: ‘Goal for him is to be All-Pro’ READER POLL: Are you happy with how the Ravens are renovating M&T Bank Stadium? All about fun: Ravens TE Isaiah Likely hosts charity softball game Defensive depth chart Two of the Ravens’ Pro Bowl players, safety Kyle Hamilton and defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike, missed Tuesday’s optional practice, which opened up some playing time for reserves. The main pieces working with the defensive starters were as follows: Defensive line: Odafe Oweh, Broderick Washington Jr., Tavius Robinson, David Ojabo and Travis Jones Linebackers: Roquan Smith and Trenton Simpson Secondary: Nate Wiggins, Jalyn Armour-Davis, Marlon Humphrey, Beau Brade and Malaki Starks Rookie edge rusher Mike Green mainly practiced with the second- and third-stringers. A strong kicking day Tyler Loop, a sixth-round draft pick who was hand-picked to succeed the recently cut Justin Tucker, made all of his field goal attempts, although none were from over 45 yards. Coach John Harbaugh said last week that Loop and John Hoyland, an undrafted free agent out of Wyoming, would alternate practice days. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Jane at sjane@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/Sam_Jane230. Ravens inside linebacker Trenton Simpson goes through a drill Tuesday. (Nia Meyers/Staff) View the full article

Todd Monken shrugged at an inquiry about adding a 12-year veteran and former All-Pro to the most potent offense in the NFL, one that returns two solidified starting wide receivers and a pair of proven pass-catching tight ends. “We’ll see,” he said. “It’s Day 4.” The Ravens signed DeAndre Hopkins to a one-year, $6 million contract in March and he’s only been out on the field with his new team for four practices during organized team activities. But there’s a consensus among the early returns on how Hopkins can, at this stage of his career, contribute to a Super Bowl contender. Hopkins is the third veteran wide receiver in three years brought in to complement the young duo of Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. Odell Beckham Jr. spent the 2023 season in Baltimore and Nelson Agholor played a similar mentor role each of the past two seasons. The former caught 35 passes for 565 yards and the latter, Monken said Tuesday, was viewed as the third receiver on the depth chart. “I don’t really see DHop as our third receiver,” Monken said. “I see it more as we have three starters.” The 32-year-old was traded after Week 7 last year from the Tennessee Titans to the Super Bowl runner-up Kansas City Chiefs. He was never a true difference-maker in that offense and finished the season with 56 catches for 610 yards and five touchdowns. But Hopkins is only one year removed from a 1,000-yard season and, in the tiniest of sample sizes from voluntary practices run less than full speed, Ravens decision-makers see signs of what he could be. “He’s going to be a big-body, contested-catch receiver for us, certainly,” coach John Harbaugh said last week. “He’s moving great.” That only sounds like coachspeak until looking at the players who clocked the top speeds from the team’s second OTA practice last week, which Hopkins posted to his Instagram story, accompanied by a jab at those who say he’s lost a step. Undrafted free agent cornerback Marquise Robinson was alone at the top of that leaderboard with 20.2 mph next to his name. Receivers Devontez Walker and Hopkins were right behind him, each notching 20.0. Flowers, who reached 19.6 that day, good for fourth fastest receiver on that list, was asked about those marks after Tuesday’s practice. “He was tryna expose all of us,” Flowers laughed. He was adamant that his new teammate “still plays fast.” Flowers has been most impressed by how patient and intentional Hopkins is in everything he does. He said “it’s easy to just follow” Hopkins’ lead and “he’ll be great for our group.” “I don’t really see DHop as our third receiver,” Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken said. “I see it more as we have three starters.” (Kevin Richardson/Staff) The difference between Hopkins’ relatively quiet tenure in Kansas City and his projections for a year in Baltimore is the full offseason of preparation. Hopkins was traded to the Chiefs in late October and was catching live passes three days later. Baltimore has the flexibility of a whole summer to, as Monken said, “integrate him into the offense” led by two-time NFL Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson, who was absent Tuesday. Still, there was plenty of praise for the new guy after his first couple of practices. “I think he’s going to be great for our offense,” tight end Mark Andrews said, “just being versatile, having a guy that catches the ball extremely well, runs really fluid routes and knows the game well. When he’s out here, he’s flying around.” Related Articles Ravens WR Zay Flowers, healthy again, wants to unlock his game Ravens OTA observations: No Lamar Jackson means a sloppy day for offense How Ravens OLB Odafe Oweh added 20 pounds: ‘Goal for him is to be All-Pro’ READER POLL: Are you happy with how the Ravens are renovating M&T Bank Stadium? All about fun: Ravens TE Isaiah Likely hosts charity softball game Added tight end Isaiah Likely: “I feel like he’s just going to be him. We have a bunch of playmakers on the field at all times where everybody can go distance, so I feel like when the plays are there to be made, whether the ball is in his hands, whether he’s blocking down the field, whether it’s those crucial situations on third down, whenever, in the red zone, he’s going to be there to make those plays.” For now, that’s all distant dreaming. OTAs are a chance to see Hopkins run around in a purple jersey and to hear the wisdom he’s able to impart on the young guys. Training camp starts near the end of July. That should provide more clarity on how Hopkins assimilates into Monken’s offense. “Can’t wait to go full speed and get the pads on and really see it,” Monken said. “We’re not there yet, he’s not there yet, so can’t wait to get there and really see what we got.” Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article

When the Ravens’ season ended in a dismaying divisional round loss to the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium in January, outside linebacker Odafe Oweh did what a lot of NFL players do once there are no more games to play: He went to Miami. With warm weather, no state income tax and an endless buffet of entertainment and scenery, South Florida has become a natural hibernation destination for professional athletes across all sports. Oweh, coming off a career-high 10 sacks in his fourth season but none in the loss to the Bills, and entering a contract year, also had a bitter taste he was looking cleanse from his palate. “We didn’t have the outing, at least I didn’t have the outing I wanted, so I thought a lot of that had to do with my weight and being able to be stout in certain positions,” he said last week during voluntary organized team activities in Owings Mills. “So, as soon as the season was done, I went to Miami, started eating, lifting and then gaining weight.” Despite being one of the world’s best food cities, it wasn’t quite as appetizing as it sounds. “It actually wasn’t good food,” Oweh continued. “It was a lot of nasty meal prep — dry chicken, Brussels sprouts, asparagus — but it did the job.” Indeed. Between a new diet and new workout routine, the 26-year-old went from 245 pounds during last season to what he says is about 265 pounds this spring. The goal was simple: bulk up and get stronger without losing the speed that had become a hallmark of his game. So through his manager, Oweh enlisted the services of Jordan Collins of DBC Fitness. Collins, a 20-year veteran of the fitness industry who ran track at Auburn and also has a football background, specializes in strength training, linear speed development, deceleration and landing mechanics as well as returning to play from injury. “He had done group sessions his whole career,” Collins said of the company’s individual program. “He really wanted to change things up and really dedicate himself fully.” To Oweh, the relationship was exactly what he was looking for. Despite career highs in sacks and pressures (28, per Pro Football Reference) as well as ranking 17th among edge rushers in pass rush win-rate, per ESPN analytics, a review of game film by Collins revealed a lack of power from the 6-foot-5 specimen. That was evident during the regular season as well as the playoffs. Though Oweh had a sack and three hits on Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson in a wild-card win in Baltimore, he was held to zero sacks and hits on Josh Allen when facing the Bills, who had one of the league’s best offensive lines last season. Enter Collins, who first put Oweh through an orthopedic assessment with DBC performance coach Chaney Knowlton, before drawing up an intense schedule. “The first session we had, he went through five to six bottles of water in 90 minutes with puddles of sweat everywhere. I was like dude,” Collins said. “He was talking to me and said he’d lose maybe 10 pounds a practice and about 15 pounds a game and that it’s hard for him to hold his weight during the season.” So, Collins force fed him, with a nutritional shake after every workout followed by a full meal — one of six or seven during Oweh’s day — before he was allowed to leave the facility following tissue work. The plan was next-level for Oweh, too. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the first half of the sessions focused entirely on a lower body combo of movement patterning, speed and plyometrics, while the second half would entail heavy lower body weightlifting. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the focus was upper body lifting with Oweh pushing as much weight and volume as he could. There was also 10 to 20 minutes of stretching daily, preceded by a daily wellness questionnaire to gauge his soreness, energy level and the amount and quality of sleep from the night before. The routine carried on for six weeks — save for OTAs and other duties for the Ravens — and he’ll return to Miami for a few more weeks once OTAs and mandatory minicamp later this month conclude. “He didn’t have the strength to bulldoze an offensive tackle and hunker down in some of the run game,” Collins said. “Especially from the upper body perspective.” The workouts had to account for prior injuries that included at least two past shoulder surgeries, including one for what Collins said was a torn labrum following the 2023 season. “His goals were be healthy, stronger at the point of attack and move around offensive linemen and be able to rush from anywhere,” Collins said. “It was real simple at that point. Get him as strong as humanly possible, get him as mobile as humanly possible and let the athlete be an athlete.” Being athletic has, of course, never been an issue for Oweh, whom Baltimore drafted 31st overall out of Penn State in 2021. Production, however, has been more mixed. Over his first three seasons, Oweh had just 11 sacks total and never more than five in a season. He also struggled to be consistent and finish plays. His results took a big step forward last season, though, and the progression with his new powerful frame puts the salary-cap-strapped Ravens in an interesting position. Though they appear interested in signing him to a contract extension, there’s no indication the two sides are close on a long-term deal. Baltimore also used a second-round draft pick this year on highly-touted edge rusher Mike Green, despite off-field character concerns over two sexual assault allegations that some teams had over the former Marshall standout. And while fellow outside linebacker and veteran Kyle Van Noy is also in a contract year, along with David Ojabo, the Ravens have hopes for 2023 fourth-round pick Tavius Robinson and 2024 third-round pick Adisa Isaac to continue to develop into every-down players. Another strong year for Oweh could also price him out of Baltimore. Related Articles READER POLL: Are you happy with how the Ravens are renovating M&T Bank Stadium? All about fun: Ravens TE Isaiah Likely hosts charity softball game Mike Preston: Ravens LB Trenton Simpson must take next step | COMMENTARY Ravens offer peek at latest stadium renovations, including premium seating M&T Bank Stadium plans new dining venues ahead of Ravens season “I would be crazy to say that’s not something a little bit in the back of my mind,” he said of his contract. “But every year I try to get better, try to be better than I was last year. So to be honest, that’s really what I’m focused on. I know if I do that, it’s going to take care of itself.” While OTAs — where contact isn’t allowed — don’t offer much in terms of how Oweh’s bulk will translate on the field, coach John Harbaugh has been pleased so far. “I’m just really happy with Odafe right now, in terms of what he’s done in the last three months,” he said. “He’s worked really hard. He’s just very determined to be really great. Again, my goal for him is to be All-Pro. Go be the best, be the best in the business, and that’s tough, because there’s a lot of good players playing his position, but that’s the way he sees himself, and let’s go for it. “I can see him being — if you want to call it that — a more direct rusher. Use his power, use [the] bull [rush] a little bit more.” Could Oweh’s new bulk slow him down, though, and impact his repertoire? “I wouldn’t say change, maybe sharpen it,” he said. “Obviously, I’m kind of a power-savvy, too, with my rush, so I could build off that more. And then, like I said, when I try to dip and bring the rip up, I’ll be more solid and stout in that.” Still, losing speed was one of the reasons why Oweh was hesitant to add more weight in the past, Collins said. Now that he has, however, he has set another goal: more sacks than last season. “Just try to be more than that,” he said. “I’ve got a number in my head though, but I’ll keep that to myself.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

The Ravens on Thursday unveiled the progress of their latest round of renovations to M&T Bank Stadium, which includes a 6,600-square-foot retail space with a second-floor hospitality area and plenty of premium options for the highest paying customers. We want to know your thoughts about how the team is utilizing $489 million that is being spent on the alterations, almost all of which is public money. We want to know what you think. 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