ExtremeRavens

Lamar Jackson and the Ravens are months away from taking the field for the 2025 NFL season. But if betting odds are any indication, Baltimore will enter the year with “Super Bowl or bust” expectations. Legal Maryland sportsbooks such as DraftKings recently released NFL win totals, and the Ravens are tied for the league lead in most projected wins. DraftKings sets the team’s win total at 11.5 games, the same as the Chiefs, Bills and Eagles. The quartet of teams are the only NFL franchises with odds of +700 or lower to win the Super Bowl. Baltimore is also the AFC North favorite (-130), with the Bengals (+220) viewed as the Ravens’ top threat in the division. The Steelers (+475) could also be a contender, while sportsbooks give little respect to the Browns (+3000). It’s no surprise to see the Ravens so well-respected by oddsmakers, as even coach John Harbaugh feels like his team’s roster is nearly complete two weeks before the NFL draft. “I love the fact that we could line up and play right now,” Harbaugh said at the recent owners meetings. “I’ve heard it said before, and it’s a good philosophy, ‘We don’t play any games until September.’ So, when you have issues or holes — if you want to call it that — you do have time to get better, but we could play a game right now with our roster. We have a really good roster right now.” Baltimore returns many of last year’s top contributors, most notably Jackson, running back Derrick Henry, offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, linebacker Roquan Smith and safety Kyle Hamilton. The Ravens also have continuity on the coaching staff with Harbaugh leading the team and coordinators Todd Monken (offense) and Zach Orr (defense) both returning as well. To add to Baltimore’s optimism, the Ravens own 11 picks in this month’s NFL draft. The roster’s few holes — defensive line, offensive guard and defensive back are among the positions that could use an influx of depth — can be filled with the team’s draft haul. Most draft experts have the Ravens picking an impact defender at the end of the first round. With an MVP candidate at quarterback, a future Hall of Famer at running back, a solid defense and more than 10 draft picks, there’s significant optimism that 2025 can be the year Jackson finally reaches a Super Bowl. The team’s 2025 schedule is expected to be released next month. It’s only April, but sportsbooks indicate expectations will be high for Baltimore come September. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor Bennett Conlin at bconlin@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/BennettConlin. Related Articles Mike Preston: Morgan State DT Elijah Williams is easy to root for | COMMENTARY What will the Ravens do in the draft? Adam Schefter, experts weigh in. Thousands of intimate photos found on devices of former Ravens, Michigan assistant Ravens 7-round mock draft: How 11 picks could fill out elite roster READER POLL: How concerned are you about the Orioles? View the full article

During this month’s NFL draft, Morgan State defensive tackle Elijah Williams will be quietly huddled for dinner with family members, but there will be a lot of anxious moments. It’s hard to hide inner feelings. “I honestly don’t know,” Williams said about his emotions. “I would like to say that I’ll be calm. I wouldn’t say I’m too much of an over-thinker. I try to put everything in God’s hands, but for the most part, I won’t know how I will feel. “This is something new. I don’t know if I will feel super overwhelmed with joy or I’ll just be super anxious. We’ll find out when the time comes.” That’s because Williams is on the draft bubble. He isn’t considered a Day 1 or Day 2 pick when the draft is held April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, but he could go on Day 3, and that would be OK with Williams. Even if he signs with a team as an undrafted free agent, he welcomes the opportunity to play. His resume is impressive. Williams recorded 216 total tackles in four years with the Bears, and despite coming to Morgan State as a linebacker, he is the school’s all-time sack leader with 31. That’s what the pro scouts like about the 6-foot-2, 288-pound prospect. He has exceptionally quick hands and the Bears moved him along the line to create mismatches. He could play over a guard or tackle. Heck, he could even match up with a center if that worked in Morgan State’s favor. Morgan State defensive tackle Elijah Williams is hoping to land with an NFL team this offseason, either in the draft or free agency. (Courtesy of Morgan State Athletics) Where will he fit in the NFL? Oh, they might find a place. “We moved him around so he didn’t just play inside for us,” Morgan State coach Damon Wilson said. “One of his best attributes were his hands and his motor. He’s the guy that’s going to play hard for four quarters. He is the all-time sack leader at Morgan, which is a big deal with regards to some of the guys that came to the university before him. “So he’s definitely put the work in and deserves all the accolades and opportunities. He’s not the longest guy, but teams have been looking at him as an inside guy. It’s a possibility that he gets drafted. I think his resume states that he should have a chance to, but that’s for the professionals to decide.” Related Articles NFL win totals: Ravens among league leaders in projected 2025 victories What will the Ravens do in the draft? Adam Schefter, experts weigh in. Thousands of intimate photos found on devices of former Ravens, Michigan assistant Ravens 7-round mock draft: How 11 picks could fill out elite roster READER POLL: How concerned are you about the Orioles? You can tell that Williams is a team favorite. Wilson calls him an old gym rat because he is always first in the weight room or on the practice field and the last to leave. There is always the motivation to push his teammates. Williams is a character. He wore the No. 0 and had the nickname of “Special Agent Zero.” That’s like a major college or NFL player wearing lime green cleats: You better be able to play and back it up. Williams could. “Throughout high school, I was never able to pick my own number,” Williams said with a laugh. “So, when they came out with the zero in my sophomore year in college, I was able to change it. It definitely looked dope, especially on a defensive lineman, so I went for that.” At the HBCU scouting combine in New Orleans in February, which was started three years ago to showcase more Black players, Williams squatted more than 600 pounds and bench pressed the required 225 pounds 30 times. You get the impression that things will work out for Williams, regardless if he makes it in the NFL. He came to Morgan State as a late recruit because of bad grades, but he earned a full scholarship by his sophomore season. His mom, Kathleen, is a medical biller and coder in Jersey City, and his father, Herm, is a photographer and graphic designer. Williams has six siblings, including four sisters, and he appears to be a humble individual. He doesn’t have any favorite musicians but prefers Jersey City club music. Ask him about his favorite author and he responds: “My Lord and Savior, I like to read his book, especially the King James version. Makes me feel a little smarter.” Guys with his type of perseverance always succeed. “I just have to keep grinding,” Williams said. “I need to focus on my main goal and get that done. I don’t try to think too far ahead, just focus on what’s in font of me. I need to to get into the league, make a team and then become a starter.” His priorities are in order. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

The third and final day of the NFL draft — that is, rounds four through seven — is where smart teams find value and depth. See: Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, defensive tackle Broderick Washington and running back Justice Hill, to name just a few players in recent years. It is not, however, when headlines are typically made. But with Baltimore holding eight of its 11 selections in this year’s proceedings during that span, there’s a chance that could change for one specific reason. Justin Tucker being investigated by the NFL over sexual misconduct allegations brought by 18 massage therapists from Baltimore-area spas, according to reporting by The Baltimore Banner, has cast a cloud of uncertainty over the 35-year-old kicker’s future. “If the Ravens were to draft a kicker on Day 3 — which, by the way, I could see happening, that would qualify as one of the biggest storylines on Day 3 of the draft this year,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter told The Baltimore Sun this week. “I could see that happening. It just depends on who’s there [and] the grades they have.” While kicker is the lone position Baltimore has never used a draft pick on, coach John Harbaugh acknowledged at the league’s annual meeting earlier this month that could change. There are also some potential options, including Miami’s Andres Borregales and Florida State’s Ryan Fitzgerald. Borregales made 18 of 19 field goal attempts last season with a career long of 55 yards and hit from 62 yards during his pro day. Fitzgerald, meanwhile, connected on 19 of 21 kicks in 2024 and went 13-for-13 at the scouting combine, which included five attempts from over 50 yards. “Would that surprise me if they drafted a kicker in one of these late rounds?” Schefter said. “It would not.” More surprising, though, would be if the Ravens decided to move on from Mark Andrews. The tight end is in the final year of his contract, and with the ascendant Isaiah Likely behind him on the depth chart and extension eligible in the final year of his rookie deal, there has been speculation that Baltimore could look to deal its all-time touchdowns leader. But Schefter views that as unlikely — for now, at least. “You never know what happens when the draft rolls around, but I would have thought that if [they were trading him] that we would have seen the trade happen already,” he said. “I don’t see it today.” Related Articles Ravens 7-round mock draft: How 11 picks could fill out elite roster Ravens’ biggest needs in NFL draft: Defense, depth a priority 10 Ravens takeaways from the NFL owners meetings NFL on investigation into Ravens’ Justin Tucker: ‘Won’t be giving updates’ Ravens president on Justin Tucker’s accusers: ‘A lot of courage and bravery’ What if a sweeter offer comes along? “I wonder if there’s a team that is looking at [draft prospect] Tyler Warren, a Colston Loveland, and doesn’t get him and turns around and says to Baltimore we’ll give you [a third-round pick] for Mark Andrews; would they listen at that point in time?” Schefter said. “I would have thought if he was going to get traded it would have happened by now; it hasn’t happened, so I don’t think it’s likely. But that’s the kind of situation on draft day you have to wonder about.” Anything involving Andrews or Tucker would obviously qualify as a splash, but the Ravens also have other needs. Though Harbaugh said that he feels the roster is good enough to play a game “right now,” there are positions that Baltimore has to address, both in terms of potential starters (or at least significant contributors) and adding depth and developmental talent. As for how will the Ravens approach them, The Sun spoke with a handful of analysts in recent weeks. ESPN draftnik and Baltimore native Mel Kiper Jr. has the Ravens selecting Georgia safety Malaki Starks with their first-round pick, No. 27 overall, which would give them a third safety alongside All-Pro Kyle Hamilton and Ar’Darius Washington (especially if second-year players Sanoussi Kane and Beau Brade aren’t ready yet). Georgia safety Malaki Starks, shown during his pro day on March 12, could be an option for the Ravens in the first round. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard) Kiper also said that Florida State’s Azareye’h Thomas “looks the part” of a starting cornerback, something that could help replace the departed Brandon Stephens. Alabama guard Tyler Booker is another possibility, he said. NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah, meanwhile, likes Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon for the Ravens at 27th overall, though he said there’s “a lot of depth” along the defensive front in this year’s class and that includes edge rushers. Two players that fit that mold in the former Ravens scout’s eyes: Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart and Boston College’s Donovan Ezeiruaku. “Stewart has a ton of twitch and ability,” Jeremiah said. “[Ezeiruaku] fits what they like in rushers; he’s long, he’s firm, got some power and a lot of production.” ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid also likes the Ravens picking Starks in the first round, calling him “an absolute steal” if he’s available at that spot. He added that because the defensive line class is the deepest position outside of running back, Baltimore could find an interior defensive lineman or edge rusher in the second or even third round. Cornerback is another position with second- and third-round value, he said, with Heisman Trophy winner and Colorado star Travis Hunter and Michigan’s Will Johnson probably the only true top-tier players at the position. Former New York Jets general manager and current ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum projected Marshall edge rusher Mike Green to the Ravens late in the first round. “You can’t go wrong with a young pass rusher,” he said. “When you’re at that part of the draft … it’s hard to say what’s the hole here? I went pass rusher given the depth of position. Some of those guys might get pushed down — I think there’s a good team that goes at the end of the first, top of second, that gets good first-round value.” Schefter agrees that Baltimore could use a young pass rusher to pair with Odafe Oweh and veteran Kyle Van Noy. But he could also see them looking potentially at offensive line, given the free agent departure of versatile guard/tackle Patrick Mekari. “There will be a few players left at 27 they weren’t expecting and I think that will dictate the pick more than the position will dictate the pick,” he said. But the biggest haul could come later in the draft. “When you talk to personnel people, they seem to think the strength of this draft is in the middle rounds,” Schefter said. “That will be a spot where Baltimore has a chance to make its hay.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

By ED WHITE DETROIT (AP) — Investigators have seized thousands of intimate photos and videos from a former Baltimore Ravens and University of Michigan assistant football coach who is charged with hacking into the computer accounts of college athletes, the U.S. Justice Department told victims. The disclosure came in a court filing Tuesday in a lawsuit against Matt Weiss and the university. Lawyers for victims included an email that was sent by the government after he was indicted in March. Weiss got access to the social media, email and cloud storage accounts of more than 2,000 athletes, as well as more than 1,300 students or alumni from schools across the U.S., in an effort to find private images, primarily of women, according to the indictment. The email further describes and quantifies what was found by investigators. “Thousands of candid, intimate photographs and videos have been seized from the defendant’s electronic devices and from his cloud storage accounts. Many show victims naked. Some show victims engaged in explicit sexual acts,” the Justice Department’s Mega Victim Case Assistance Program said. Weiss has pleaded not guilty to identity theft and unauthorized computer access, from 2015 to 2023. He and his lawyer have refused to comment about the case. Near the end of the alleged scheme, Weiss was Michigan’s co-offensive coordinator in 2022 when the Wolverines finished 13-1 and played in the College Football Playoff. He was fired in 2023 during an investigation of his computer use. He had earlier spent more than a decade with the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh, who was Weiss’ boss at Michigan, called the allegations “shocking.” His brother, John Harbaugh, coach of the Ravens, used the same word when talking to reporters at the NFL’s annual spring meeting. Parker Stinar, a lawyer who has filed one of many lawsuits against Weiss, the university and an outside technology vendor, wants a judge to order them to start turning over evidence of what happened. The university has not commented on the lawsuits and has weeks to formally respond in federal court. View the full article

As is the case pretty much every year with the Ravens, they were relatively quiet during the opening stages of free agency. While Baltimore most notably lost cornerback Brandon Stephens, guard Patrick Mekari and linebackers Malik Harrison and Chris Board, they re-signed left tackle Ronnie Stanley and fullback Patrick Ricard, signed wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, linebacker Jake Hummel and backup quarterback Cooper Rush and even retained some key reserves in wideout Tylan Wallace and offensive lineman Ben Cleveland. That leaves only a few obvious needs entering the NFL draft, which begins April 24 in Green Bay. Baltimore could still use a pass rusher, help on the defensive line and another cornerback, but general manager Eric DeCosta and coach John Harbaugh have the flexibility to go in several directions with their 11 picks, including three in the top 100. Using Pro Football Focus’ mock draft simulator, here’s a look at how it could all play out: Round 1, No. 27 overall: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon The Ravens always seem to have a top prospect fall to them in the first round. This year could be no different, with a wide range of opinions on the top players behind the three blue-chip talents predicted to come off the board first: Miami (Fla.) quarterback Cam Ward, Colorado cornerback-wide receiver Travis Hunter and Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter. That makes this selection truly fascinating. What if a wide receiver like Emeka Egbuka, Matthew Golden or Luther Burden III is still on the board? Would the Ravens be tempted by an athletic marvel such as South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori or Texas A&M pass rusher Shemar Stewart? Is there a player they think is worth trading up for, or does it make more sense to trade down and pick up even more picks in a class that’s deep at pass rusher and defensive line? At this point in the draft, Harmon’s athleticism, versatility and motor stand out. At 6-foot-4 and 312 pounds, he was one of only two defensive tackles weighing more than 305 pounds to run under 5.00 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine (4.95). His production last season at Oregon after three years at Michigan State was outstanding, too, including 45 tackles, 10 1/2 tackles for loss, five sacks and two forced fumbles. “He plays like a Raven or a Steeler,” an anonymous NFC executive told NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein. “Off the tape, he reminds me of a young Cam Heyward but bigger.” While the Ravens already have two standout interior defenders in Nnamdi Madubuike and Travis Jones, they need depth and an infusion of youth up front. Plus, the last Oregon defensive lineman they picked in the first round (Haloti Ngata) seemed to work out pretty well. Also considered: Tennessee EDGE James Pearce Jr., North Dakota State OL Grey Zabel, Florida State CB Azareye’h Thomas Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison has nine career interceptions in three seasons. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina) Round 2, No. 59: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame The Ravens have a budding star at cornerback in Nate Wiggins and a reliable veteran in Marlon Humphrey, but even with the addition of Awuzie, there are a lot of question marks behind the two starters. That makes this selection pretty straightforward. The 6-foot, 193-pound Morrison has tremendous ball skills, as evidenced by his nine career interceptions and 20.5% forced incompletion rate over the past two seasons. For fans who grew tired of watching Stephens fail to locate the ball in coverage, Morrison would be a breath of fresh air. A true junior and only 21 years old, Morrison has room to grow, which is important considering his drawbacks. His arm length is well below average, he isn’t a strong run defender and, as noted by Zierlein, he “lacks ideal footwork to mirror and match not only the release but the initial route breaks.” The biggest red flag is two hip surgeries, the latter of which kept him out for the final 10 games of Notre Dame’s run to the College Football Playoff championship game this past season. But if the Ravens are comfortable with Morrison’s medicals, he has the makeup to grow into a long-term starter at a position of need. Also considered: Minnesota OT Aireontae Ersery, Michigan EDGE Josaiah Stewart, Penn State S Kevin Winston Jr. North Carolina State offensive lineman Anthony Belton could be the Ravens’ left tackle of the future. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) Round 3, No. 91: Anthony Belton, OT/G, NC State With Stanley re-signed through 2027 and right tackle Roger Rosengarten coming off a standout rookie season, offensive tackle is far from a major hole on the roster. But it’s never too early to start planning for the future. As encouraging as Stanley’s bounce-back 2024 season was, he still missed more than half of the team’s games the previous four years because of injuries. To expect him to become even more durable at age 31 is unrealistic. Plus, after losing swingman Josh Jones to Seattle, the Ravens no longer have a backup option at tackle. That opens the door for the 6-6, 336-pound Belton, an enormous lineman with enticing length and power who can be molded into the left tackle of the future. PFF notes that Belton is “still raw in a number of areas, including his punch timing, pad level and footwork,” which is especially concerning for a sixth-year prospect. But his length (82nd percentile wingspan of 83 1/8 inches, according to MockDraftable) and above-average athletic testing numbers suggest that he has the tools to improve at the next level with proper coaching. George Warhop, you’re up. At this point in the draft, picking a backup tackle who could potentially take over for Stanley in the event of injury or declining play is a worthwhile investment. In the meantime, Belton could compete to start at left or right guard with Andrew Vorhees and Daniel Faalele. Also considered: Ohio State S Lathan Ransom, UCLA EDGE Oluwafemi Oladejo, Texas WR Isaiah Bond LSU defensive end Sai’vion Jones is coming off a standout senior season with the Tigers. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Round 4, No. 129: Sai’vion Jones, EDGE, LSU OK, we can’t wait any longer without drafting a pass rusher. The Ravens have two promising outside linebackers in Odafe Oweh and Tavius Robinson and ageless wonder Kyle Van Noy, who set a career high in sacks at age 33. Maybe previous high draft picks David Ojabo and Adisa Isaac can still live up to their potential, but at this point, that might be asking too much. The Ravens won’t get over the hump in the postseason without a pass-rushing group that can get them off the field on third down. How about a 6-5, 280-pound prospect who can line up anywhere on the defensive front? Jones is described as “tough, physical and relentless,” and he’s coming off a standout senior season in which he ranked eighth among all edge defenders in the SEC with 43 quarterback pressures. PFF notes that he needs to work on his hand usage, but Ravens pass rush “guru” Chuck Smith should be able to help with that. While the Ravens pass on better edge rushers before picking Jones in this scenario, taking advantage of the depth at the position to land an ascending talent should set them up well. Speaking of pass rushers, let’s throw out this hypothetical: If the New York Giants take Carter at No. 3, should the Ravens consider trading for Kayvon Thibodeaux? The No. 5 overall pick in 2022 could become expendable in that scenario as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. The former Oregon star hasn’t quite lived up to expectations in New York, but he’s shown flashes — including an 11 1/2-sack season in 2023 — that would make him an intriguing bet for a Ravens team that could afford to take a swing. Also considered: Clemson LB Barrett Carter, Colorado State WR Tory Horton, Virginia Tech RB Bhayshul Tuten Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman has elite speed for the position. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams) Round 4, No. 136: Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma While the Ravens still have Roquan Smith patrolling the middle of the field, his play took a noticeable dip last season. On top of that, Trenton Simpson was benched midseason after struggling in his sophomore campaign. Losing Board and Harrison removes some valuable depth at the position, too. Fortunately for the Ravens, this class has some intriguing linebackers available. The 6-3, 233-pound Stutsman is lightning fast, running a 4.52-second 40-yard dash that ranks in the 89th percentile for the position, per MockDraftable. He uses that speed and his instincts to get downhill quickly; over the past few seasons, he leads all Power Four conference linebackers in stops and tackles for loss/no-gain, according to PFF. While his coverage ability is a concern, it’s extremely rare to find a linebacker who is a plus in that area, especially this late in the draft. Getting a potential starter to pair with Smith or a high-end backup in this range would be a home run. Also considered: Virginia Tech EDGE Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Notre Dame TE Mitchell Evans, UConn OT Chase Lundt Pat Bryant led Illinois with 984 receiving yards and a school-record-tying 10 touchdown catches in 2024. (Bonnie Ryan/AP) Round 5, No. 176: Pat Bryant, WR, Illinois Assuming Mark Andrews isn’t going anywhere, the Ravens’ pass-catching group is set for next season. Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and Hopkins will be the go-to wide receivers, while Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar will pair with Andrews at tight end. Wallace and 2024 fourth-round pick Devontez Walker are next in line to get more snaps. So why take a wide receiver now? Hopkins is 32 and playing on a one-year deal, Bateman is a free agent after the 2026 season and Flowers is set to receive a top-of-the-market contract extension soon. Wide receiver might become a bigger need quickly. The Ravens have long sought a traditional outside receiver and finally got one in Hopkins, but again, he’s past his prime. The 6-2, 204-pound Bryant could be the heir apparent. While he’s not going to impress anyone with his speed (he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.61 seconds), Bryant posted well-above-average marks of 37 1/2 inches in the vertical jump and 10 feet, 4 inches in the broad jump, so he’s still a pretty good athlete. PFF notes that “he possesses a strong build, good hands and reliable blocking to make him a rotational X wideout.” That’s exactly what the Ravens need both right now (if Hopkins gets hurt) and in the future. Bryant, who led Illinois with 984 receiving yards and a school-record-tying 10 touchdown catches in 2024, could become a valuable role player sooner than later. Also considered: Nebraska TE Thomas Fidone II, Rutgers RB Kyle Monangai, Georgia DL Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins Clemson safety R.J. Mickens would give the Ravens depth at a key position in their defense. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Round 6, No. 183: R.J. Mickens, S, Clemson Kyle Hamilton and Ar’Darius Washington formed one of the best safety duos in the league when Washington took over for struggling veteran Marcus Williams last season, but it’s not a guarantee that Washington returns. The Ravens placed a right-of-first-refusal tender on the former undrafted free agent, so Baltimore could decline to match an offer from another team if it’s too expensive. While letting an important player leave for nothing seems unlikely, the Ravens have to consider their options. Even if Washington returns, Baltimore likes to have three safeties on the field, and that would mean Beau Brade, Sanoussi Kane or perhaps T.J. Tampa stepping in. There’s a good chance the Ravens still like those players, but none of them are guaranteed to make the 53-man roster. The 6-foot, 199-pound Mickens would be an intriguing fit. The son of a former NFL cornerback answered questions about his speed at the combine with a 4.49-second 40-yard dash, and Zierlein notes that “he plays like a pro with good pre-snap anticipation and post-snap instincts.” Also considered: Rutgers CB Robert Longerbeam, Tulane CB/S Caleb Ransaw, Alabama DT Tim Smith Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II has star potential, though he’s coming off a disappointing year. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Round 6, No. 203: Ollie Gordon II, RB, Oklahoma State Derrick Henry and Justice Hill will get the bulk of the carries next season, and speedy Keaton Mitchell should get more touches another year removed from a brutal knee injury. And with Henry due for an extension, the Ravens probably don’t need a lead back anytime soon. But Henry is 31, and while he looks more than capable of holding off Father Time, the Ravens don’t need to push him too hard. Hill and Mitchell are excellent change-of-pace options, but perhaps another big back could give Henry a break every now and then. The 6-1, 226-pound Gordon certainly qualifies. This time last year, he looked like a potential early-round pick coming off an incredibly productive 2023 season in which he rushed for 1,732 yards, caught 39 passes for 330 yards and scored 22 touchdowns to earn the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s top running back. Those numbers dipped dramatically in 2024 (880 rushing yards, 14 TDs), but an anonymous scout told NFL.com that “he had bad quarterback play, a subpar line and every defense was keyed on stopping him.” This late in the draft, it’s worth chasing the star potential at a position in which the Ravens can afford to take some swings. Also considered: Florida DT Cam’Ron Jackson, Texas C Jake Majors, California LB Teddye Buchanan Miami kicker Andres Borregales made 86% of his field goal attempts during his four-year college career. (Keira Arimenta/Sun-Sentinel) Round 6, No. 210: Andres Borregales, K, Miami (Fla.) It’s too early to know whether Justin Tucker will face any discipline as the NFL continues its investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against the Ravens kicker. Whether the team plans to move on from the 35-year-old after the worst season of his career remains a mystery, too. But Harbaugh left the door open for the team to draft a potential replacement. “You always have to do your due diligence, so we will be prepared to do that on draft day if we feel like we need to and if the right guy is there,” he said at the NFL owners meetings. The 5-11, 199-pound Borregales has been extremely reliable during his four-year college career, making 86% of his field goal attempts (74-for-86), including 75% from 50-plus yards over the past two seasons. He’s missed just one of his 184 extra-point tries. He’s been clutch, too. In a win over Virginia in 2023, he became the first Hurricane to hit three field goals from 45 yards or longer in the same game, including a game-tying 48-yarder to force overtime. Kicking also runs in the family. His brother, Jose, won the Lou Groza Award as the nation’s top kicker with Miami in 2020. Also considered: Florida WR Chimere Dike, Missouri QB Brady Cook, Alabama TE CJ Dippre UCF cornerback Mac McWilliams has the toughness and physicality to compete at the next level. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel) Round 6, No. 212: Mac McWilliams, CB, UCF Given the team’s depth at the position and Humphrey’s contract situation (he has a cap hit of $26 million in 2026, the final year of his deal), it would not be surprising to see the Ravens double-dip at cornerback in the draft. The 5-10, 191-pound McWilliams comes with plenty of question marks, most notably a failure to locate deep throws as well as average speed and length, but his toughness, physicality in run support and ability to change directions quickly are intriguing enough to take a chance on this late in the draft. Also considered: Oregon State G Joshua Gray UCLA tight end Moliki Matavao offers plenty of upside as a pass catcher. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) Round 7, No. 243: Moliki Matavao, TE, UCLA Harbaugh said that he expects Andrews to be on the team in 2025 because “he’s too good of a player,” but what about 2026 and beyond? Andrews, Kolar and Likely are all pending free agents after next season, and while it’s likely that at least one of them stays long term, the Ravens need to start planning ahead. The 6-6, 260-pound Matavao has the requisite size and short-area quickness to stick around at the next level, but he might not be fast enough to separate from defenders downfield and will have to improve as a run blocker. However, his production in his final college season (41 catches for 506 yards) is encouraging for his future as a pass catcher. Also considered: Indiana LB Jailin Walker Have a news tip? Contact sports editor C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon. Related Articles READER POLL: How concerned are you about the Orioles? Ravens’ biggest needs in NFL draft: Defense, depth a priority Ravens QB Lamar Jackson files trademark opposition against NASCAR’s Dale Earnhardt Jr. over use of No. 8 10 Ravens takeaways from the NFL owners meetings NFL on investigation into Ravens’ Justin Tucker: ‘Won’t be giving updates’ View the full article

The Orioles are off to a slow start. After splitting their first series with the Blue Jays, they lost two of three to both the Red Sox and Royals while dealing with inconsistencies and injuries. What is your level of concern at this point in the season? 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

The start of the NFL season is still five months off, but the grin on Ravens coach John Harbaugh’s face was already stretched broad. “I love the fact that we could line up and play right now,” he said last week. “I’ve heard it said before, and it’s a good philosophy, ‘We don’t play any games until September.’ So, when you have issues or holes — if you want to call it that — you do have time to get better, but we could play a game right now with our roster. We have a really good roster right now. “So, our mission right now is to try to improve and try to take it to the next level.” With the scouting combine and owners meeting behind them, and the waves of free agency dissipating by the day, the Ravens’ next big focus will turn to the draft April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. With 11 picks, general manager Eric DeCosta, the rest of the front office and Harbaugh will be busy between now and then. As for Harbaugh’s optimism, it isn’t misplaced. Baltimore is coming off a season in which its offense was historically great and returns almost entirely intact. The defense has some question marks but likewise has several core impact players, along with some coaching changes that could help. Yet there are still positions that need addressing, as well as requisite depth, to complete a roster that will be expected to be good enough to contend for a Super Bowl. With the draft only 2 1/2 weeks away, here is a look at the Ravens’ biggest needs and areas they will likely target: Edge rusher Outside linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh posted career highs in sacks with 12 1/2 and 10 sacks, respectively, last season, but Van Noy is 34 years old, Oweh’s win rate of 13.2% on pass rush snaps last season ranked just 33rd among edge rushers (minimum 200 pass rush snaps), per Pro Football Focus, and there is little depth behind them. Baltimore’s 54 sacks last year were second to only the Denver Broncos, but the Ravens’ pass rush win rate (33%) ranked 29th, per ESPN analytics. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see them wait until after the draft to add a veteran pass rusher when the price will be lower and the signing wouldn’t cost them a compensatory draft pick, but they need to add to the group through the draft as well. Cornerback Brandon Stephens’ free agent departure for the New York Jets — at a somewhat surprising $12 million a season — leaves the Ravens with a possible hole at outside corner. They still have Nate Wiggins, who seemingly improved exponentially by the week during his rookie season last year, veteran Marlon Humphrey, who was an All-Pro in the slot, and added veteran Chidobe Awuzie in free agency for depth, but DeCosta likes to say that one can never have enough cornerbacks. Harbaugh said he expects 2024 fourth-round pick T.J. Tampa to take “a big step” after dealing with injuries most of last year, but he’s unproven. It will be a critical year for Jalyn Armour-Davis as he enters the final year of his rookie deal, but he has likewise struggled to stay healthy. Safety With less than two weeks until the April 18 deadline for teams to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets, there’s a good chance that Ar’Darius Washington will be back alongside All-Pro Kyle Hamilton. Behind them, however, are only second-year safeties and special-teamers Sanoussi Kane and Beau Brade. For a team that likes to utilize a lot of three-safety looks, who will that third safety be? Like edge rusher, the Ravens could add a veteran after the draft after parting ways with Marcus Williams in the offseason, or perhaps Kane or Brade will emerge. Either way, the draft figures to be an avenue to add to the group as well, particularly if a player they like falls to them near the end of the first round or elsewhere. Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton is a proven player, but the team could use additional talent at the position alongside the star defensive back. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Offensive line Signing Pro Bowl left tackle Ronnie Stanley to an extension ahead of free agency helped solidify a line that will have four of its five starters from last season back. The biggest loss, of course, was Patrick Mekari, who took over at left guard four games into the season and landed a healthy pay raise via the Jacksonville Jaguars. Baltimore believes Andrew Vorhees, who started at left guard before suffering an ankle injury, will be able to step back in to fill Mekari’s vacated guard spot, and with center Tyler Linderbaum and second-year right tackle Roger Rosengarten, the line should be in good shape. Still, the Ravens will need to add depth at guard and tackle and figure to address one if not both on Day 1 and/or Day 2 of the draft. Defensive line With nose tackle Michael Pierce having retired and Brent Urban a free agent who will turn 34 next month, the Ravens know they need to add a disruptive presence to join Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones and Broderick Washington. “We have to make sure we have a good solid defensive line,” Harbaugh said. “The good news is the draft is really deep there, and there’s also some [free agent] options. We can bring some guys back. I like our guys, too, that we can bring back.” Related Articles Ravens QB Lamar Jackson files trademark opposition against NASCAR’s Dale Earnhardt Jr. over use of No. 8 10 Ravens takeaways from the NFL owners meetings NFL on investigation into Ravens’ Justin Tucker: ‘Won’t be giving updates’ Mike Preston: NFL should ban the ‘tush push’ used by Ravens, Eagles | COMMENTARY Ravens version of ‘tush push’ staying in playbook as NFL tables matter Linebacker With Harbaugh expecting Trenton Simpson to start at weak side linebacker alongside All-Pro Roquan Smith after being benched down the stretch last season, there’s perhaps less of a need for the Ravens to find an every-down starter. Yet, with only three more seasons left on Smith’s contract, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to add depth after Malik Harrison and Chris Board left in free agency and perhaps find an eventual starter. Most draftniks consider this draft deep at the position even if it’s devoid of many top-tier prospects. Wide receiver Adding veteran and former All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins in free agency gives the Ravens a dependable pass catcher behind Pro Bowl selection Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, who is coming off his best season. Behind them, there is special teams ace Tylan Wallace, second-year speedster Devontez Walker, veterans Keith Kirkwood and Anthony Miller, second-year undrafted free agent Dayton Wade and little used Malik Cunningham. So overall, the Ravens are in pretty good shape. Still, Walker is unproven and the rest are largely role players at best, so it wouldn’t be a surprise for Baltimore to add to the position in the middle rounds. Kicker With Justin Tucker still under investigation by the NFL over sexual misconduct allegations and a potential suspension possibly looming, Harbaugh has acknowledged the need to look at kickers in this year’s draft, a point that is only solidified by the fact that Tucker is 35 and coming off the worst year of his career on the field. While it’s the only position Baltimore has never used a draft pick on, that could change this year. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

A trademark dispute has surfaced between Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr., vying for the right to use the number 8. The two-time NFL MVP is attempting to prevent the NASCAR Hall of Famer from trademarking the number for merchandising, according to a notice of opposition filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Wednesday. Jackson, who wears No. 8 for the Ravens, argued that Earnhardt Jr.’s trademark application for a version of the number used prominently on his race cars conflicts with his own trademark rights. “Applicant’s mark falsely suggests a connection with persons, living or dead, namely, Lamar Jackson, who is well known by the number 8,” Jackson’s attorney said in the filing. This is not Jackson’s first attempt to defend the use of No. 8 for trademark purposes. Last summer, Jackson’s attorneys filed a complaint to block Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman from trademarking the term “EIGHT” to use on apparel. Aikman, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006, also wore the No. 8 collegiately at UCLA and in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. That case is still pending. Trademark attorney Josh Gerben, who is not involved in this case, said most trademark disputes are settled before reaching trial. If the case proceeds on a typical timeline, a trial would not begin until mid-2026, according to Gerben. “As a trademark attorney, you might say, ‘We need to make sure that anyone else who is using or trying to trademark the No. 8, there’s some elbow room between us and them,'” Gerben told The Baltimore Sun. “That could be, in Troy Aikman’s case, they don’t register the actual number; he has the number spelled out, or there is certain agreements on how the mark will be used in that marketplace, so it’s clear it’s related to Aikman versus Lamar … I don’t think either of these cases go to trial.” Jackson’s attorney, Andrea Hence Evans, could not be reached for comment Friday. Jackson currently has trademark registrations for “ERA 8” and “ERA 8 BY LAMAR JACKSON,” that adorn various products such as clothing, duffel bags, sports bags and athletic gear. Earnhardt Jr.’s application similarly seeks protection for apparel and toy products, including shirts, sweatshirts, caps, hats and die-cast cars. In the latest notice of opposition, Jackson’s attorneys argued that he is widely associated with No. 8 because of his popularity as an NFL quarterback and the brand of his merchandise. “Purchasers and prospective purchasers are likely to mistakenly believe that the products Applicant offers under the mark are related to the products and services provided by Opposer under the number 8 and his application and registration If Applicant’s mark is registered,” according to the filing. Meanwhile Earnhardt appears to be forging ahead with the use of No. 8, according to his X account. Earnhardt’s attorney listed in the notice of opposition, Lani Barnes Baxter, could not be reached for comment. Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich. View the full article

PALM BEACH, Fla. — Swaying palms, the glitzy Breakers hotel and occasionally stormy weather provided the backdrop for the NFL’s annual owners meeting, where more than 300 media credentials were issued for what’s become one of the league’s signature events of the offseason. Though Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti did not meet with reporters for a third straight year, team president Sashi Brown and coach John Harbaugh were available. General manager Eric DeCosta, who spoke during the NFL scouting combine at the end of February, also did not meet with reporters, though he is expected to during a predraft news conference later this month as he typically does. There was still plenty to be gleaned from the event, including the latest on the NFL investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against kicker Justin Tucker, possible contract extensions for quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry, an update on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ pursuit of quarterback Aaron Rodgers and more. Here were the 10 biggest takeaways from the week: Baltimore will possibly draft a kicker NFL investigators have interviewed all of Tucker’s accusers thus far who have come forward with sexual misconduct allegations against the longtime kicker, though it’s possible they still need to speak with others. In other words, the investigation continues and likely will for several weeks. Given the cloud of uncertainty looming over that outcome and a potential suspension, the Ravens will look at possibly drafting a replacement should they ultimately move on from Tucker. “We’ll look at [kickers in the draft] next week when we get back,” Harbaugh said. “Obviously, there are a lot of layers to that whole conversation, but it’s something we would have to do no matter what. At this point in time, you have to look. You always have to do your due diligence, so we will be prepared to do that on draft day if we feel like we need to and if the right guy is there.” With Tucker being 35 years old and coming off the worst season of his career, that decision perhaps becomes easier. If the Ravens draft a kicker, it would be the first time in the organization’s history doing so. Mark Andrews doesn’t appear to be going anywhere There’s been some uncertainty over Andrews’ future with the Ravens, given that the soon-to-be 30-year-old is entering the final year of his contract and fellow tight end and the ascendant Isaiah Likely is extension eligible. But then they didn’t release Andrews, a move that would have created about $11 million in much-needed salary cap space. When he was still on the roster on March 17 — the date a $4 million roster bonus kicked in — it was another sign that he would likely be back for at least 2025. Then Harbaugh doubled down this week. “I do fully expect him to be playing for us next year,” he said. “He’s just too good a player.” Could Baltimore still trade him? Of course. But if the offer was, say, primarily a fourth-round draft pick, that probably wouldn’t make much sense because they’d likely get as much in a compensatory pick if Andrews signs elsewhere in free agency next offseason. Exploring Jackson, Henry contract extensions Harbaugh acknowledged that there have been internal discussions with DeCosta and others in the Ravens’ building about a potential contract extension for Jackson, whose current $260 million deal runs through the 2027 season. Extending the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player would not only keep him in Baltimore longer but would lower his salary cap number, which is currently set to balloon to more than $74 million in 2026. “You just have to kind of manage that dance — the salary cap dance — and Lamar is the main part of that because he’s the franchise player,” Harbaugh said. “Sooner or later, that’s definitely going to have to happen.” Earlier this offseason, DeCosta said that he might visit Jackson, who lives about 30 minutes south of where the meetings took place, though it’s unclear if there have been any meetings with Jackson, who does not have an agent. He’s also far from the only player whose contract could be extended soon. Henry, who signed with Baltimore last offseason, is entering the final year of his deal, and after a monstrous season in which he finished second in the NFL in rushing yards (1,921) and averaged a career-high in yards per carry (5.9), he could also be getting a new deal. Even at 31 years old and with a lot of mileage, he still showed that he has a lot left, particularly when he doesn’t have to be the focal point of the offense. “It’s definitely in the conversation,” Harbaugh said. “I know that’s been talked about, and yes, I’d love to see that get done as well.” The Ravens’ John Harbaugh, right, and the Chiefs’ Andy Reid are two of the three oldest coaches in the NFL. (Lynne Sladky/AP) Harbaugh shows no signs of slowing down At 62, Harbaugh is the third-oldest coach in the NFL, behind only the Kansas City Chiefs’ Andy Reid (66) and Las Vegas Raiders coach Pete Carroll (72). He’s also the second-longest tenured behind only the Steelers’ Mike Tomlin. How much longer will Harbaugh, who last week signed a three-year extension that runs through the 2028 season, keep coaching? “I’m happy to be alive. I hope that continues for a while,” he cracked. “What you think about is, how are we going to get better today? How can we get better? What do we need to do? Your players, coaches, schemes. “My dad has the best advice. I think my brother shared this recently. He said, ‘Hey, you coach until you just can’t take it anymore. Until it’s just too much, and there’s no way you want to do it, and you don’t even want to come to work anymore. When you get to that point, you coach for two more years, and then you move on.’” Keaton Mitchell expected to be at ‘whole other level’ Last season, Mitchell made what Harbaugh called a “miraculous” return from a “really tough” injury — three torn knee ligaments, including the ACL, and cartridge damage — that he suffered in December 2023. But it was obvious that the speedy undrafted back out of East Carolina wasn’t the same player. That’s not surprising given the severity of the injury, the impact it has on a player who relies on cutting, quickness and speed, and being back on the field in well under a year. Related Articles NFL on investigation into Ravens’ Justin Tucker: ‘Won’t be giving updates’ Mike Preston: NFL should ban the ‘tush push’ used by Ravens, Eagles | COMMENTARY Ravens version of ‘tush push’ staying in playbook as NFL tables matter Former Ravens star Terrell Suggs sentenced to 18 months probation for disorderly conduct Ravens expand marketing rights to UK, likely setting up more international games The biggest question is, what kind of player will Mitchell be this season? The second year after a major knee injury is typically when running backs are able to bounce back and return to their previous form. Harbaugh, of course, is bullish. “I’m almost certain, as much as you can be sure, he’s going to be [on] a whole other level coming back in the spring and then again into training camp because he is going to be a year and a half out of that deal,” he said. With Henry and Justice Hill likely to play very little in the preseason, it’s probably a safe bet for Mitchell to get at least a handful of touches and for the Ravens to work him into the offense much more than he was last season. Linebacker Trenton Simpson will get another shot Harbaugh said that he expects Simpson, a 2023 third-round pick drafted to ultimately replace the departed Patrick Queen, to be the starting early down weak-side linebacker next to All-Pro Roquan Smith after being benched in December. It wasn’t exactly a ringing endorsement, and it’s likely the Ravens will continue to add to the position both in the veteran free agent market and draft, but he’ll get a chance to show whether he’s ready to fully replace Queen after Baltimore rotated with Malik Harrison and Chris Board — who both signed elsewhere this offseason — down the stretch last year. “We do a lot on passing downs with dime and different kind of personnel groups in the field,” Harbaugh said. “He can continue to grow into that, but I think he’s going to take a big step this year. I remember Patrick Queen took a big step his third year as well, so that would be probably our expectation.” Defensive line will have some new and possibly familiar faces Nose tackle Michael Pierece retired. Brent Urban is an unrestricted free agent and will turn 35 next month. Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones and Broderick Washington, who had a down year last season, are the only defensive linemen with more than one year of experience on the roster. In other words, the Ravens will need to beef up their front and will do so through the draft and perhaps free agency. “The good news is the draft is really deep there,” Harbaugh said. “We can bring some guys back. I like our guys, too, that we can bring back. I’m very confident we’re going to have a good front.” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league would not be providing updates on the investigation into Ravens kicker Justin Tucker. (Lynne Sladky/AP) Tush push tabled and new rules changes Talk of potentially outlawing the polarizing tush push has been tabled until the next league meeting in May, but some rules changes did pass. Overtime during the regular season will now be the same as it is in the playoffs, allowing both teams at least one possession even if the team that possesses the ball first scores a touchdown. However, the extra period will remain at 10 minutes and not be extended to 15 minutes. Owners also approved a proposal that allows replay assist to consult on-field officials to overrule objective calls such as facemask penalties, forcible contact to the head or neck area, horse-collar tackles or tripping if there’s “clear and obvious” evidence that a foul didn’t occur. It will also be able to overturn roughing-the-kicker or running-into-the-kicker penalties if replay shows the defender made contact with the ball. It will not be used, however, to throw a flag if a penalty wasn’t called. The dynamic kickoff rules that went into effect last year were made permanent, though the touchback was moved from the 30-yard line to the 35. Lastly, the K-balls used for kickoffs, field goals, extra points and punts will now be able to be prepared on the eve of game days, just like the balls used on plays from scrimmage. Previously, K-balls were only allowed to be prepared on game days. Aaron Rodgers could be coming to AFC North Though Rodgers is still unsigned, Steelers owner and president Art Rooney II expressed optimism that the future Hall of Fame quarterback will be in black and gold next season. “We keep getting positive sort of signals about it,” Rooney told reporters on Tuesday. “So yeah, I’d say we feel pretty good about it at this point.” Photos and videos a day earlier on social media of Rodgers and Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf throwing in California only added fuel to that confidence. Rodgers has faced the Ravens six times in his career, all when he was with the Green Bay Packers, who were 6-4 in that span between 2008 and 2017. The Ravens won their most recent meeting with Rodgers, a 34-20 victory over the Packers in Baltimore in 2017. Co-owner Jimmy Haslam admitted the Browns “took a big swing-and-miss” in trading for and extending quarterback Deshaun Watson. (Nick Wass/AP) Browns ‘took a big swing-and-miss’ with Deshaun Watson Cleveland Browns co-owner Jimmy Haslam delivered what was probably the quote of the week in stating the obvious about beleaguered quarterback Deshaun Watson. “We took a big swing-and-miss with Deshaun,” he told reporters Monday. “We thought we had the quarterback; we didn’t. And we gave up a lot of draft picks to get him, so we’ve got to dig ourselves out of that hole.” That hole is substantial and one they will be digging out of for a while, with Cleveland having acquired Watson from the Houston Texans in 2022 in exchange for a deal that included three first-round picks and then signing Watson to a $230 million fully guaranteed contract. The decision has been nothing short of disastrous. Watson has played poorly in what has been just 19 starts, and he’s suffered season-ending injuries each of the past two years. He’s not expected back in 2025 after re-tearing his Achilles tendon and having another surgery in January. Cleveland, which acquired former Steelers first-round pick Kenny Pickett from the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason, has pick Nos. 2 and 33 overall in the draft and could elect to take a rookie to start next season. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

PALM BEACH, Fla. — NFL commissioner Roger Goodell declined to give an update Tuesday on the league’s investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against Ravens kicker Justin Tucker. “I haven’t gotten an update for that,” he said at the NFL’s annual league meeting. “I know the review is ongoing. We won’t be giving updates, but when we have something we’ll certainly share something with you.” The response was expected and similar to what Baltimore officials said earlier this week, with team president Sashi Brown saying Sunday that the Ravens have gotten “periodic updates” from the league. Though Brown did not elaborate he did say they are taking their lead from the NFL, which is handling the investigation. At least 16 massage therapists from Baltimore-area spas have accused Tucker, 35, of sexual misconduct, The Baltimore Banner reported earlier this year. Tucker has maintained his innocence throughout and has not been charged or faced any civil lawsuits over the alleged incidents, which were reported to have taken place between 2012 and 2016. Though it’s unclear how long the NFL’s investigation will take, a source with direct knowledge of it told The Baltimore Sun on Tuesday that all of the accusers thus far have been interviewed by league investigators. Goodell also said that there have not been any discussions about perhaps requiring teams to use designated massage therapists when players seek services from providers who do not work for the organization. Along with Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, Tucker became the second player in the past few years to face sexual misconduct allegations from outside massage therapists. “I don’t think there’s any thought that we would restrict people from seeking massage outside of the facility or the team,” he said. “I think everyone’s aware of the seriousness of our policies in this area and has been able to understand the governing and I think we’re going to uphold that.” Meanwhile, Tucker remains with the Ravens and will be allowed to participate in the team’s offseason workout program when it begins later this month as well as voluntary organized team activities in May. Under the league’s personal conduct policy, however, he could be looking at a potential suspension. In 2022, Watson was initially suspended for six games before the league and the NFL Players Association agreed on an 11-game suspension and a $5 million fine after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual misconduct during massage sessions. With Tucker potentially looking at a lengthy suspension, depending on the outcome of the league’s investigation, along with him coming off the worst season of his career in which he made just 73% of his field goals, it’s possible the Ravens could release him. Coach John Harbaugh acknowledged last month that the Ravens are looking at potentially selecting a kicker during next month’s draft and this week reiterated that point. “I think there’s a lot of good kickers in the draft, from what I’m told,” he said. “[Senior special teams coach] Randy Brown is out there. He’s been putting up the frequent flyer miles all over the country, and he texted me. It’s like tracking Santa on Christmas Eve. We’re tracking Randy on the evaluation of kickers right now. He’s doing a great job with that, so he’ll have his list. We’ll look at those guys next week when we get back. Related Articles Mike Preston: NFL should ban the ‘tush push’ used by Ravens, Eagles | COMMENTARY Ravens version of ‘tush push’ staying in playbook as NFL tables matter Former Ravens star Terrell Suggs sentenced to 18 months probation for disorderly conduct Ravens expand marketing rights to UK, likely setting up more international games Ravens have had internal conversations about Lamar Jackson contract extension “Obviously, there are a lot of layers to that whole conversation, but it’s something we would have to do no matter what. At this point in time, you have to look. You always have to do your due diligence, so we will be prepared to do that on draft day if we feel like we need to and if the right guy is there.” In the meantime, Baltimore will continue to wait for the outcome of the NFL’s investigation. “The nature of these allegations we take very seriously,” Sashi Brown said. “These investigations do take time. “That’s never satisfying to anybody involved, probably including Justin and certainly the folks who made the allegations very public. But this is an issue generally as a society in terms of women making claims that takes a lot of courage and bravery, and frankly as a society, we haven’t gotten right for too long.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

NFL executives should have shoved the “tush push,” and any other play where a teammate is assisting a runner, right out of the league. On Tuesday, league officials decided to table discussion of banning the play at the owners meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, and a vote isn’t expected this week. But it’s gotten to a point where it is a clear advantage for the offense and has taken away from the goal-line stand, one of the premiere attractions of the game. Defenses no longer have a chance to succeed, especially when two offensive players are lined up behind the quarterback to shove him forward for a possible first down or touchdown. Let’s be honest: the “tush push” is boring. When watching the Philadelphia Eagles or Buffalo Bills, they have a huge advantage with 500 to 600 pounds of humanity coming to the rescue in short-yardage or goal-line situations because they are basically allowed to shove quarterbacks Jalen Hurts or Josh Allen forward for the necessary 1 or 2 yards. I like old school. In 2005, the NFL clarified its stance, stating that while pulling a runner is illegal, pushing is too difficult to legislate. Yet, we see a combination in every game. How many times have we seen officials allow a ball carriers’ momentum to be stopped only to allow late-charging offensive linemen to come in and move the pile? Is this rugby or football? In some cases, we’ve seen linemen basically shot put teammates into the end zone for a touchdown like a script from the WWE. That’s ridiculous. Assisting a runner should never be allowed. There is such an enjoyment watching running backs in the open field like Gale Sayers, Walter Payton and Saquon Barkley. Power runners like Jim Brown, Earl Campbell and Derrick Henry were exceptional inside the red zone because they could physically wear down defenses. The intrigue of a goal-line defense is gone, tainted by the “tush push.” There used to be so much passion and intensity in these situations. It was simply man-on-man. If a defensive linemen slanted and got inside for a tackle, then it was a great play. If linebackers blitzed a certain gap to shut down a running play, then it was a great call. Offensive linemen lived for goal-line situations. It was personal. It was all about leverage and the concept of “low man wins.” By the end of the game, you always knew who was the better player. It’s not like that anymore. The Eagles like to sneak Hurts because he can squat more than 600 pounds and they have one of the biggest offensive lines in the game. Plus, having two Eagles in the backfield to push Hurts isn’t a bad idea, either. In the 2024 season, Hurts had the fifth most rushing touchdowns in the league with 14. Buffalo ran just as many sneaks with the 6-5, 237-pound Allen last season, and the Bills had a success rate of more than 80%. Clearly, this works to the advantage of the offense, something NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has emphasized since becoming commissioner in 2006. Related Articles NFL on investigation into Ravens’ Justin Tucker: ‘Won’t be giving updates’ Ravens version of ‘tush push’ staying in playbook as NFL tables matter Former Ravens star Terrell Suggs sentenced to 18 months probation for disorderly conduct Ravens expand marketing rights to UK, likely setting up more international games Ravens have had internal conversations about Lamar Jackson contract extension Even Ravens coach John Harbaugh has moved over to the dark side. Despite coaching special teams and defensive backs in Philadelphia from 1998 through 2007, he favors the play. Maybe that’s because he has tight end Mark Andrews taking the snap and a 6-3, 305-pound fullback named Patrick Ricard pile-driving Andrews ahead for the needed yard or two. This was the third year in a row the competition committee had reviewed the play, but the first year a club, the Packers, submitted a proposal aimed at eliminating or restricting it. Those in favor of the play say that an opposing team needs to develop a strategy to stop it. Maybe that could happen if linebackers were allowed to slam or push linemen into certain gaps on the snap of the ball. But that’s illegal. It’s only legal when it comes to offensive players, especially linemen being allowed to assist ball carriers. The “tush push” has been around since 2022, but it needs to be removed along with any other play where a runner can be assisted. This isn’t about safety, it’s about common sense and some form of equity. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

PALM BEACH, Fla. — The NFL’s polarizing “tush push” is getting shoved. On Tuesday at the NFL’s owners meeting, the league decided to table discussion on whether to ban the play made popular by the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles and their quarterback Jalen Hurts and executed by a few other teams — though the Ravens are one of them with their own version involving tight end Mark Andrews. The Green Bay Packers had put forth a proposal to outlaw the rugby-style maneuver, but it won’t even be voted on this week. That means that Baltimore’s use of it will remain in the playbook. The news will also be music to Ravens coach John Harbaugh’s ears. “I feel like it’s a football play,” he said Monday. “If it’s determined that it’s an injury-risk play — which I think the doctors are concerned about right now — then that’s something that we have to address. If we don’t think it’s an injury-risk play, then it’s just a play in football.” Baltimore, along with the Eagles and Buffalo Bills, are the only teams that use it with regularity. Over the past three seasons, the Eagles and Bills ran 163 tush push plays, per ESPN research, which is more than the league’s other 30 teams combined. They also combined for a first down or touchdown 87% of the time. The Ravens’ version with Andrews lining up under center was used far less frequently — he had just four rushing attempts last season — but was nearly as successful. The 6-foot-5, 250-pound tight end picked up a first down on three of the four attempts, with the lone stop coming on a third-and-1 from the Cleveland Browns’ 9-yard line in the regular-season finale. Meanwhile, he converted a third-and-1 against the Steelers from Pittsburgh’s 29-yard line in a December home win, plowed forward for 2 yards on a fourth-and-1 from the Ravens’ own 39 in their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium, and picked up a first down on a fourth-and-1 from their own 17 en route to a road win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Harbaugh also said that banning it would extend beyond just a health and safety issue. “If you want to be consistent, just take all those kinds of pushing situations out of the game,” he said. “Downfield or wherever they are, I mean, we can’t push the quarterback, maybe we shouldn’t be able to push the guards either. If we can’t push the defensive linemen on a field goal rush, why are we pushing the guards? “If you want to make that a rule, it might make sense to make it comprehensive, but right now it’s pretty narrowly written.” Even if outlawing it had been voted on, it was probably a long shot to pass anyway, with 24 of 32 votes from team owners needed for any rule change to pass. The tush push, a play the Eagles have used successfully in recent seasons, won’t be banned this year. (Chris Szagola, AP file) Reaction from coaches this week ran the gamut, but the majority were against taking it out of the game. “There’s a lot of plays that are hard to defend,” New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel told NBC. “I don’t think you can get rid of them every time that you have a tough time stopping it. Like, Lamar Jackson shouldn’t be able to run with the football anymore. How about making that rule because it’s hard to defend?” Former Ravens defensive coordinator and current Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald took a similar stance. “I think it’s a good play,” he said. “I understand the positions people have with the health and safety of it. The question of the matter is if there would be an injury, the severity of an injury that’s at play, you never want to put your players in that type of risk. “But it seems to me there’s enough plays where we feel like that isn’t the case right now, so I think it’s a good play and you gotta defend it and maybe we’ll execute it one day.” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said the first time he saw it take place, he didn’t think it was legal because it is not allowed on a field goal attempt. But like most coaches around the league, he is against taking out of the game. “You hate to be against it because when people are innovative, you want to respect that,” he said. “There have certainly been some teams that have been more innovative than the rest of us in that regard, and we hate to penalize them for it. But again, we got into the discussion on the field goal block because of player safety, and so that still remains to be a component of the discussion.” Safety, or lack of, was unsurprisingly a common theme. But the league said earlier this offseason that data showed there hadn’t been any injuries suffered on the play. “I think we just want to hear more about how the doctors feel about it in terms of, there’s not a lot of those plays so far, so if there’s potential for a wrong kind of injury, then … we’ll have to think about that,” Harbaugh said. “If they feel like it’s safe, or it can be made safer or whatever, then fine. But if it’s safe, then it’s a football play, so we have no problem with it. If there’s a problem with it, safety-wise, then we need to consider what they’re talking about. That’s where we’re at with it.” Still, not everyone feels that way. Packers coach Matt LeFleur, along with general manager Brian Gutekunst, has spoken out against it ad nauseam. They continued to beat the drum this week. Related Articles NFL on investigation into Ravens’ Justin Tucker: ‘Won’t be giving updates’ Mike Preston: NFL should ban the ‘tush push’ used by Ravens, Eagles | COMMENTARY Former Ravens star Terrell Suggs sentenced to 18 months probation for disorderly conduct Ravens expand marketing rights to UK, likely setting up more international games Ravens have had internal conversations about Lamar Jackson contract extension “When you look at the play, I would say I don’t think it’s a great football play,” LaFleur said. “It’s more of a rugby play. Some of the injury concerns, we just want to get out in front of that and be a little bit more proactive.” Likewise, Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay said he doesn’t like the optics of the play and expressed concerns over safety. Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris went a step further. “I don’t like the play for what I have to do stop it,” he said. “I don’t want to push a human into another human submarine style.” But it will remain in the game for now and remain in the Ravens’ playbook. “I haven’t done a poll on it, but if they have it still in the game, we’ll still be doing it with Mark,” Harbaugh said before the topic was tabled. “And if they take it out of the game, then we won’t. That’s pretty much where we’re at with it, football-wise.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Former Raven Terrell Suggs was sentenced in an Arizona court to 18 months of supervised probation Monday following his February guilty plea to disorderly conduct for allegedly threatening someone at a Starbucks drive-thru. The 42-year-old former linebacker had the other charges in his Maricopa County Superior Court case dismissed. The charges stemmed from a March 10, 2024, exchange between Suggs and another personat a Scottsdale Starbucks, per previous reporting. Suggs’ attorney, Craig Penrod, could not be immediately reached for comment. The maximum sentence for disorderly conduct in Arizona is two years, according to court documents, though the “presumptive sentence” for such offense is one year. Suggs will have to complete 100 hours of community service, anger management counseling, a mental health evaluation and any subsequent recommended treatment. He is to have no contact with the victim, according to court documents. Have a news tip? Contact Racquel Bazos at rbazos@baltsun.com, 443-813-0770 or on X as @rzbworks. View the full article

PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Ravens are expanding their reach across the pond. On Monday, the NFL announced that four new teams are participating in the league’s Global Markets Program. The Ravens, along with the Washington Commanders, Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Chargers, are new members beginning in 2025. In doing so, the Ravens were granted marketing rights in the United Kingdom, the Commanders in the United Arab Emirates, the Packers in Germany, Ireland and the United Kingdom and the Chargers in Greece. The UAE and Greece are both new markets for the NFL. Put another way, it also means those teams can likely expect to be part of the league’s growing list of international games in the near future. Already, there will be seven international games this season — up from five a year ago — and the NFL could have as many as 10 in 2026 and 16 if the regular-season expands to 18 games. “Right now the resolution that the owners passed is for up to eight regular-season games,” NFL executive vice president of club business, international and league events Peter O’Reilly said Monday at the league’s annual owners meeting. “That’s part of the current resolution. That does not include what we call the club opportunity model, which the [Jacksonville] Jaguars take advantage of. So, this year the seven is the six [NFL international games] plus the Jaguars game [at Wembley Stadium]. We have the ability to go up to eight via the resolution, not including [the] Jaguars game — or games. That’s the framework at which we look at 2026.” The Ravens have played twice overseas, at London’s Wembley Stadium in 2017 against the host Jaguars and at Tottenham Stadium, also in London, in 2023 against the host Tennessee Titans. Baltimore was blown out by the Jaguars, 44-7, and beat the Titans, 24-16. While the Ravens play road games this season against three teams that have already been announced as host organizations for international games — the Cleveland Browns (London), Pittsburgh Steelers (Ireland) and Miami Dolphins (Spain) — it seems unlikely that Baltimore would play any of those opponents abroad in 2025. The Browns and Steelers are AFC North rivals and the league typically does not like to take away a divisional home game and move it to an international site. The Dolphins, meanwhile, play at Hard Rock Stadium, about 30 minutes from where Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson grew up in South Florida. With the Ravens committing to marketing efforts in the U.K., playing elsewhere would be an awkward fit. The Ravens also cannot host a game in London this year, with the Browns, Jaguars and New York Jets are already slated to play home games there. Baltimore will have a chance to expand its brand internationally, though, through a variety of avenues, including fan engagement, events, commercial opportunities and NFL Flag development. Since 2003, the UK Ravens fan group has been connecting fans in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland. Ravens Titans FootballIan Walton/APA Ravens fan cheers for his team before entering Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Oct. 15, 2023, in London. (AP Photo/Ian Walton) “We already have a strong support system in place from our U.K. Ravens community, and we’re thrilled to join the NFL’s Global Market Program to grow our fanbase throughout the United Kingdom and beyond,” Ravens senior vice president of marketing Brad Downs said, in part, in a statement. “It has long been a goal of ours to further expand our brand and reach our supporters globally.” With the addition of the Ravens and the other teams, 29 of the league’s 32 teams will participate in 21 international markets as part of the program, which was launched in 2022. That’s up from 25 teams and 19 markets in 2024. Related Articles Ravens have had internal conversations about Lamar Jackson contract extension READER POLL: Who should be Maryland’s next men’s basketball coach? When might Baltimore host the NFL draft? It could be a while. | NOTES Ravens president on Justin Tucker’s accusers: ‘A lot of courage and bravery’ 5 most pressing questions facing Ravens entering NFL owners meetings Teams are able to apply for rights to international markets through a proposal submitted to the league’s International Committee, which then awards rights for a five-year term. Nine teams that currently hold rights will also expand to additional countries: Arizona Cardinals (Canada), Detroit Lions (Brazil), Indianapolis Colts (Switzerland), Kansas City Chiefs (Spain, Ireland, UK), Las Vegas Raiders (Australia, New Zealand), Los Angeles Rams (UAE), Philadelphia Eagles (Brazil), San Francisco 49ers (UAE) and Seattle Seahawks (Australia, New Zealand). As for when the Ravens might play their next international game? That’s still to be determined. But Baltimore has expressed interest in continuing to play abroad. “We have talked to the league,” team president Sashi Brown said Sunday about the league’s International Series. “We also know there’s a large demand for the Ravens, generally, and Lamar and the growth internationally is something that we embrace fully.” The NFL’s full schedule will be announced in May. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

PALM BEACH, Fla. — When quarterback Lamar Jackson signed a five-year, $260 million contract extension with the Ravens in 2023, it immediately made him the highest-paid player in the NFL. But things move quickly in the league, particularly when it comes to the game’s most important position. Despite Jackson having twice been named NFL Most Valuable Player and becoming the first player to pass for at least 4,000 yards and run for at least 900 in the same year, as he did last season, there are now eight other quarterbacks averaging more per year than Jackson’s $52 million per season. That’s just one of many reasons the Ravens have already had “internal discussions,” coach John Harbaugh said Monday at the league’s annual owners meeting, about extending the quarterback’s contract. “How far along that is, I don’t know,” Harbaugh said. And what might the value of a new contract for the star quarterback be? “The value is the top,” the longtime coach said. “When Lamar gets paid, he’s going be the highest paid player in football, just like he was last time. I think every contract he signs, probably until he decides to hang up his cleats, he’s going to be that guy.” An extension would be beneficial to both Jackson, who does not have an agent, and the Ravens. His current deal runs through the 2027 season and is slated to count more than $74.65 million against the team’s 2026 salary cap. At such a high number, it could also be cost-prohibitive for Baltimore, which has other key players on the team due for extensions. “You’ve just got to manage the salary cap dance, and Lamar is the main part of that because he’s the franchise player,” Harbaugh said. “Sooner or later, that’s definitely going to have to happen.” Since signing his last contract, Jackson has elevated his game and further entrenched himself as perhaps the game’s best player. In 2023, he led the Ravens to the NFL’s best record (13-4) and the brink of his first Super Bowl before Baltimore fell to the Kansas City Chiefs, 17-10, in the AFC championship game at M&T Bank Stadium. Last season, he was even better, with career highs in passing yards (4,172) and touchdown passes (41) while also leading all quarterbacks in rushing yards (915) and adding four more rushing touchdowns. Related Articles READER POLL: Who should be Maryland’s next men’s basketball coach? When might Baltimore host the NFL draft? It could be a while. | NOTES Ravens president on Justin Tucker’s accusers: ‘A lot of courage and bravery’ 5 most pressing questions facing Ravens entering NFL owners meetings Ravens coach John Harbaugh signs 3-year contract extension He nearly won a third NFL MVP, too, narrowly losing out to Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Earlier this month, Allen agreed to a six-year, $330 million extension with the Bills that will keep the 28-year-old in Buffalo through the 2030 season. It makes him the league’s highest-paid player for the moment and includes a reported $250 million guaranteed. Jackson’s current deal includes $185 million in guaranteed money, and while his cap number for this season is $43.65 million, it will balloon significantly each of the next two seasons. That creates urgency to get a new deal in the next year to free up salary cap space before free agency next offseason. Not that it will necessarily be easy. Jackson’s last deal took more than two years of arduous negotiation that included a public trade request by Jackson during the 2023 league meeting in Phoenix. But the quarterback’s impact on the organization extends beyond what he does on the field, with general manager Eric DeCosta at last month’s scouting combine referring to him as a “stakeholder” and “partner.” DeCosta also said he could visit Jackson, who lives about 45 minutes south of where this year’s meetings are taking place. On Sunday, Ravens president Sashi Brown didn’t comment on the status of a possible extension for Jackson, deferring instead to DeCosta, but did say, “We love Lamar. We love to see his evolution as a young man and as a football player and team leader.” The knock against Jackson, of course, has been his play in the postseason. The Ravens are just 3-5 in the playoffs with Jackson at the helm and have yet to reach a Super Bowl since drafting him at the end of the first round in 2018. His 11 turnovers in the postseason — which included two in Baltimore’s loss to the Bills in last season’s divisional round — are the most of any player in the league during that span. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Maryland is searching for a new men’s basketball coach. Kevin Willard bolted for Villanova early Sunday, ending a two-week drama-filled saga during which he highlighted the changes he felt were necessary for the Terps to compete at the highest level. Who should be next in line? Tell us who you think Maryland should hire. 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

PALM BEACH, Fla. — The skies above The Breakers hotel were stormy on Sunday afternoon, perhaps a fitting backdrop for the dark cloud that continues to loom over the Ravens amid voluminous sexual misconduct allegations against the team’s longest-tenured player, kicker Justin Tucker. Team president Sashi Brown spoke with Baltimore reporters for about 30 minutes, with questions about Tucker occupying nearly a third of the conversation. But there were several other topics that he also addressed, from the possibility of the draft coming to Baltimore to the Ravens playing on Christmas for a third straight year to ticket prices and more. Here’s what he had to say about the five most compelling topics: When will the NFL draft be coming to Baltimore? Last year, Brown acknowledged that the Ravens had begun talks with the NFL about bringing the draft to Baltimore. It also might be a while before that happens. This year, the draft will be held in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Next year, Pittsburgh will host it. And in 2027, Washington and Denver are among the cities that have expressed interest. Given that schedule — particularly if Washington lands it in two years — it could be several years before Baltimore gets its turn. The Ravens are also renovating their stadium for the next two years, which plays into the equation, as does having enough hotel rooms and other amenities similar to what Super Bowl cities have. Still, the Ravens figure to get their turn at some point for what has become a tentpole event for the league. “The process is, ‘Let us know if you’re interested, gives us some preliminary information’ and the league, similar to how they select Super Bowl sites, will go through months, yearslong processes,” Brown said. “It’s kind of always on a rolling basis. We’re very interested in trying to convince the league that Baltimore is going to be the best site for the draft of all-time. We’re working with the folks at the city of Baltimore and the state … but we’re a ways away before the league makes any decisions on that. It’s just on us to convince them that our city is going to the right site. We’re excited to see what happens in Green Bay. Detroit [last year] was a great experience, Las Vegas before that, and we’ve got some great plans that we plan to present to the league and hopefully convince them to bring it to Baltimore in the next few years.” Related Articles Ravens president on Justin Tucker’s accusers: ‘A lot of courage and bravery’ 5 most pressing questions facing Ravens entering NFL owners meetings Ravens coach John Harbaugh signs 3-year contract extension High school athletes embrace Ravens’ annual female empowerment conference Ravens sign veteran CB Chidobe Awuzie to bolster secondary Will the Ravens play on Christmas for a third straight year? “There’s been a few conversations between us and the league, starting with when the schedule came out last year,” Brown said. “We hope they spread the joy of playing on Christmas on the road to some of our brethren around the league.” One doesn’t have to squint too much to read between the lines that it seems unlikely the NFL would have Baltimore play an away game on Christmas — which falls on a Thursday this year — for a third straight season. It has worked out well for the Ravens, however, as they blew out the San Francisco 49ers on Christmas night in 2023 and followed that up with a rout of the Houston Texans last year. The league has made it clear, however, that it likes having teams play games on Christmas. Will Baltimore play an international game? Two years ago, the Ravens traveled to London to play the Tennessee Titans, marking their first trip overseas in seven years. Could they return in 2025? Three teams on Baltimore’s schedule — the Steelers, Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins — are slated to host international games this season. But the NFL typically does not tab division games for international play because it would take a home game away from a rivalry game, so that likely eliminates Pittsburgh, which will host a game in Ireland, and Cleveland, which will play in London. That leaves the Dolphins, who have been announced as the host team for a game in Spain. But with Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson being from South Florida, that is an appealing matchup for a night game in the U.S. “We have talked to the league,” Brown said about the league’s International Series. “We also know there’s a large demand for the Ravens, generally, and Lamar and the growth internationally is something that we embrace fully.” As for the Ravens hosting an international game, that is also unlikely because the NFL likes to allow teams renovating their stadiums, as Baltimore is for the next two years, to complete those projects before taking a home game away from them. Ravens president Sashi Brown said that, like last year, there will be no hike in ticket prices this season. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Will ticket prices increase again this year? Brown said that, like last year, there will be no hike in ticket prices this season. “We’ve historically had a sequence in terms of ticket prices where we’re off and on,” he said. “It provides some certainty to the fans, so they’re not wondering how much every year my prices are going to go up. It does put a little more pressure on us to keep up with the rest of the league. … We do explore that every year because there are others that feel like it’s easier to have a bit less of a step every year, rather than one larger step every other year.” Are the Ravens making any uniform changes this year? In short, no. To swap out any part of our closet,” Brown said, “we’d [have to] know well in advance.” The Ravens do plan to bring back the “Purple Rising” look they debuted last season, though, which included a new purple helmet along with purple jerseys and pants. Said Brown: ”Players were excited about them, fans loved it and we won, which also matters when you roll these things out.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Ravens continue to get “periodic” updates from the NFL on the league’s investigation into Justin Tucker and the allegations of sexual misconduct against the kicker, but there is no timeline on when that investigation will conclude, according to team president Sashi Brown. “The nature of these allegations we take very seriously,” Brown told a group of Baltimore reporters Sunday at the NFL’s annual owners meetings. “These investigations do take time. “That’s never satisfying to anybody involved, probably including Justin and certainly the folks who made the allegations very public. But this is an issue generally as a society in terms of women making claims that takes a lot of courage and bravery, and frankly as a society, we haven’t gotten right for too long.” A spokesperson for the NFL also told The Baltimore Sun on Sunday only that “the matter remains under review of the personal conduct policy.” At least 16 massage therapists from Baltimore-area spas have accused Tucker, 35, of sexual misconduct, The Baltimore Banner reported. Tucker, meanwhile, has continued to maintain his innocence and has not been charged criminally or faced any civil lawsuits over the alleged incidents, which were reported to have taken place between 2012 and 2016. At the league’s scouting combine last month, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said the team would “wait as patiently as we can for as much information as we can, and we’ll make our decisions based on that.” Brown reiterated that point Sunday, saying that the organization is trying to respect the investigation and “stay arms length” while the NFL handles the investigation. “You wouldn’t want to have multiple investigations going on,” Brown said. “It’s not fair to anybody involved, including those who have made allegations.” Investigators from the league were in Baltimore earlier this month to interview at least some of Tucker’s accusers, and a source with direct knowledge of the investigation told The Baltimore Sun that an update on that process could come in the next two to three weeks. “I don’t think they’re going to take as long as possible, but we certainly know that they’re working prudently and to try to get to what is a number of people who need to provide evidence before they come back to us,” Brown said. “And they have been making progress, we know that.” Related Articles 5 most pressing questions facing Ravens entering NFL owners meetings Ravens coach John Harbaugh signs 3-year contract extension High school athletes embrace Ravens’ annual female empowerment conference Ravens sign veteran CB Chidobe Awuzie to bolster secondary Maryland football hires former Ravens LBs coach as defensive coordinator Brown said he has heard from the fan base as well. “A lot of concern, certainly,” he said. “I think people also understand the nature of the claims here are things that we’ve taken seriously in the past. We’ll continue to. We’ve made a commitment to do that. And so from our standpoint, I think fans have seen these processes play out publicly now [for] the better part of a decade, and they understand that these things take time. “So I think there’s an understanding, but there’s also a concern, understanding that there’s a process involved, but there’s also a concern about the nature of the allegations and volume.” What that means for Tucker’s future with the team remains to be seen. Under the league’s personal conduct policy, players can be disciplined for behavior that poses a “genuine danger” to others or “undermines or puts at risk the integrity of the NFL” and can face a six-game suspension. In 2022, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was initially suspended for six games before the league and the NFL Players Association agreed that he would be suspended for 11 games and pay a $5 million fine after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual misconduct during massage sessions. If the Ravens decided to release Tucker, whose contract runs through the 2027 season, they would take on a $7.51 million salary cap hit, according to Over The Cap, though they can spread those charges over two seasons, with a $2.87 million hit this year and a $4.64 million hit in 2026. That would create some much-needed cap space (about $4 million) this offseason. Ravens vs. ColtsJerry Jackson/Baltimore SunThe NFL’s investigation of Ravens kicker Justin Tucker is still ongoing. (Staff file) It’s also possible they could decide to draft a kicker next month in the event the league does discipline Tucker, or they ultimately decide to move on from him after what was also the worst season of his career on the field last year. “We’re looking at kickers; we’re looking at a lot of positions,” coach John Harbaugh said last month. “We’re looking at every position, but I’d say the kicker position would have been a priority no matter what because Justin is our kicker, we love him, and I always would have expected him to keep going forever, but nobody goes forever.” As for the Ravens’ “zero-tolerance” policy — something they clarified last month by saying they don’t have a specifically-worded one — and how it applies to drafting players, Brown said Sunday that the team does try to gather as much information as possible. “If we have any prospects that have issues of character, we look at those very hard, place a lot of emphasis,” he said. “I can tell you there are players taken off the board almost every year for character. So it’s something that we absolutely take seriously. Doesn’t mean that these circumstances aren’t going to rise.” In the meantime, Tucker will be allowed to take part in the team’s offseason workout program, which begins next month. He can also participate in practices when voluntary organized team activities begin in May. Brown also said the organization will have conversations with players when they’re back in the building this spring about how to “manage these relationships” of massage therapists when using someone from outside the organization, as many NFL players do. “From our standpoint, I think we want to make sure that we have a great understanding of the facts, an actual understanding of the facts, hear both sides of the situation, and that we allow the investigation to properly be conducted and concluded, and make decisions based on the full information,” Brown said. “We would love for this to happen a lot faster than it does. So from our standpoint, we need to allow the investigation to conclude. The NFL understands the urgency that surrounds these types of situations and allegations, and so we need to allow them time.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

For the second straight offseason, there’s a cloud of uncertainty hovering over the Ravens as they head to the NFL’s annual owners meetings. On one hand, they are still one of the best teams in the league, with a roster fit to be a Super Bowl contender. On the other, one of their players is being investigated by the NFL — again. In 2024, it was wide receiver Zay Flowers, who was involved in a domestic violence investigation by Baltimore County Police before it was “suspended” without charges and effectively closed. The NFL also concluded there wasn’t sufficient evidence that Flowers had violated the league’s personal conduct policy, so he faced no punishment from the league. At least 16 massage therapists from Baltimore-area spas have accused Ravens kicker Justin Tucker of sexual misconduct, The Baltimore Banner reported. Though Tucker has maintained his innocence and has not been charged with a crime or faced any civil lawsuits, the league is conducting an investigation. The status of that investigation and its findings will be one of several topics of discussion when owners, executives and coaches from the NFL’s 32 teams descend upon this year’s meetings beginning Sunday at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida, about a 45-minute drive south of Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti’s home on Jupiter Island. Other topics will include potential rule changes, including to the kickoff, with the league’s competition committee putting forth a proposal to make the dynamic kickoff permanent, move the touchback up to the 35-yard line and allow a team that’s trailing to declare an onside kick at any point in the game instead of in just the fourth quarter. Though Bisciotti is not expected to meet with reporters during the week, team president Sashi Brown and coach John Harbaugh — who received a three-year contract extension Friday — are scheduled to. There are several subjects they will address. Here’s a look at the most pressing questions facing the Ravens going into this year’s meetings: What’s the latest on the Tucker investigation? Though league investigators met with at least some of Tucker’s accusers in Baltimore late last month, the process is not fast moving. It is expected to take several weeks, if not months. How many? That depends on several factors, but for comparison’s sake, the NFL’s investigation into Deshaun Watson and sexual misconduct allegations against the quarterback between 2019 and 2021 lasted 15 months. That case also wasn’t quite the same as Tucker’s, with Watson facing 25 lawsuits at the time. Ultimately, Watson was suspended for 11 games without pay and fined $5 million. Related Articles Ravens coach John Harbaugh signs 3-year contract extension High school athletes embrace Ravens’ annual female empowerment conference Ravens sign veteran CB Chidobe Awuzie to bolster secondary Maryland football hires former Ravens LBs coach as defensive coordinator READER POLL: How many games will the Orioles win this year? Expect both Brown and Harbaugh to be asked about Tucker, as well as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, though it’s unlikely there will be much of an update, if any, given that the investigation is ongoing. But it will be interesting to hear what all parties have to say from a league and team perspective. Already, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta called the volume of allegations against Tucker “serious and concerning” during the NFL scouting combine last month and indicated the organization would take its cues from the league’s investigation and proceed from there. How will new wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins fit in the offense? Aside from re-signing left tackle Ronnie Stanley, bringing Hopkins aboard was Baltimore’s splashiest move of the offseason. Even in the twilight of his career, he is someone defenses will have to worry about given his adept hands, ability to find openings and the fact that the Ravens’ offense was already explosive with quarterback Lamar Jackson, running backs Derrick Henry, Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell, receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, and tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely. Importantly, it also gives them reliable depth in case of injury, something that limited them when Flowers went down with a knee injury in the regular-season finale and missed both of Baltimore’s playoff games last season. But how does Harbaugh envision Hopkins in offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s scheme and the role he will play? This will be the first time he has had a chance to field questions about the veteran wideout. What will the offensive line look like? With Stanley returning at left tackle, the Ravens’ offensive line will look largely the same as it did a year ago with one notable exception — longtime versatile lineman Patrick Mekari is now with the Jacksonville Jaguars after signing a lucrative free-agent deal this offseason. The Ravens couldn’t afford to keep both Stanley and Mekari, so they wisely chose to retain their $260 million quarterback’s blindside protector rather than their starting left guard. The belief in the building is that Andrew Vorhees, who started at left guard before suffering an ankle injury three games into 2024, will be able to return and, now in his third year in the league, should be able to seamlessly step into a role as the starter. Right guard Daniel Faalele, meanwhile, was inconsistent at times last season but showed growth. Is he the long-term solution at that spot? And what prompted the Ravens to bring back Ben Cleveland when he was never a serious contender for any of the three open spots on the line last season and played the fewest snaps of his career on offense? What will Chuck Pagano’s role be with the Ravens? (Staff file) What will Chuck Pagano’s role be? Officially, Pagano is Baltimore’s senior secondary coach. He was one of a few new hires this offseason, along with defensive backs coach Don D’Alesio, assistant linebackers coach Matt Pees, inside linebackers coach Tyler Santucci and assistant special teams coordinator Anthony Levine Sr. Gone, meanwhile, are Chris Hewitt, who was Baltimore’s pass game coordinator, and secondary coach Doug Mallory. Certainly, Pagano, who was the Ravens’ defensive coordinator in 2011 before going to coach the Indianapolis Colts, figures to have prominent input on a unit that had its share of struggles last season, with the Ravens ranking 27th in passing yards allowed (238.3), 18th in yards per pass (7.2) and their 12 interceptions ranking in the bottom half of the league. But as for the specifics of Pagano’s role, expect Harbaugh to lay that out. How will proposed rules changes impact the Ravens? Compared with other years, the agenda is relatively light when it comes to rules, bylaws and resolution proposals this year. Only two rule changes have been put forth by the competition committee, while a handful of other proposals have come from teams. The competition committee’s proposals include expanding the use of replay assist to advise officials on elements of a play when obvious video evidence is present and the previously mentioned changes to the kickoff. Other proposals include the Green Bay Packers’ push to outlaw the “tush push,” the Detroit Lions’ proposal to eliminate an automatic first down on defensive holding and illegal contact penalties, and the Philadelphia Eagles’ pitch to use the same overtime rules during the regular season that are used in the playoffs, allowing each team to possess the ball once. How many of these will pass? Any changes must be approved by 24 team owners, so not many. And what do Harbaugh, a former special teams coach and former member of the competition subcommittee, and Ravens executive vice president Ozzie Newsome, who is a member of the committee, make of them? Expect that to be part of the conversation as well. Other notable topics of interest: The possibility of the NFL draft coming to Baltimore; an update on M&T Bank Stadium upgrades. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Ravens coach John Harbaugh has signed a three-year contract extension through the 2028 season, the team announced Friday. The move was expected for Harbaugh, whose three-year contract was set to expire after the 2025 season. Though exact terms were not announced, he likely will remain among the NFL’s highest-paid coaches. It also comes after what was a successful but ultimately disappointing season. Harbaugh, 62, is the winningest coach in the franchise’s 29-year history with an overall record of 185-115 over 17 seasons, which is also the third-most wins among active coaches in the league. That includes a 12-5 mark this past regular season when Baltimore won its second straight AFC North title and sixth overall division crown under Harbaugh but fell to the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round. His 12 playoff appearances are also tied for the second-most in the league behind only Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid’s 20, and he is the second-longest tenured coach in the league behind only the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Mike Tomlin. Regular-season dominance hasn’t exactly translated to postseason success of late, however. Harbaugh, who has a career 13-11 record in the playoffs, has guided the Ravens past the divisional round just once since the Ravens’ Super Bowl title in the 2012 season. That came in 2023, when Baltimore finished with the best record in the conference (13-4) during the regular season before losing to the Chiefs, 17-10, in the AFC championship game at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens also have the dubious distinction of having the most wins (78) in the regular season since 2018 — quarterback Lamar Jackson’s first year in the league — without a Super Bowl appearance. Still, owner Steve Bisciotti has long had no interest in having a coach in a lame duck situation. General manager Eric DeCosta also noted Harbaugh’s adaptability through the years. “John’s changed a lot over the years, in different ways — in mostly all good ways,” DeCosta said during the team’s season-ending news conference. “But when I say that, I think his passion for the team [and] for winning has never wavered. He’s resolute in his beliefs, [and] he’s a man of faith. He comes to work every day, and that’s inspiring, because he has a passion at practice every day that’s probably unmatched amongst anybody — players [and] coaches.” That paid off when it came to navigating several challenges on and off the field this past season. Baltimore started the season 0-2, which included an ugly loss at home to the Las Vegas Raiders. Rookie defensive coordinator Zach Orr also struggled early so Harbaugh hired Dean Pees as a senior adviser five games into the year. There was also the unexpected death of beloved and respected offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris in August. Then there was the hole Baltimore found itself in. After a Week 13 loss at home to the eventual NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles, the Ravens trailed the division leading Steelers by two games with just four to play. But Baltimore erased the deficit by sweeping its final four games, including a 34-17 win over the Steelers in Baltimore followed four days later by a 31-2 blowout of the Texans in Houston on Christmas Day. The Ravens then clinched the division with a rout of the Cleveland Browns in the final game of the regular season before easily knocking off the Steelers in a wild-card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Related Articles High school athletes embrace Ravens’ annual female empowerment conference Ravens sign veteran CB Chidobe Awuzie to bolster secondary Maryland football hires former Ravens LBs coach as defensive coordinator READER POLL: How many games will the Orioles win this year? How the Ravens stack up in the AFC North after first wave of free agency But Harbaugh is also acutely aware of the criticism over the Ravens’ postseason foibles and is resolute about their chances going forward. “If you look at our team this year and in the past, for the past 17 years, you don’t see us getting blown out,” he said. “You don’t see us falling apart. You’re either in a game or in the season. You always see us fighting back. I think that is the real measuring stick; not the narrative that, ‘You can’t do this, you can’t do that.’ “And you keep striving forward to stack those games together and put three or four really good games together, error-free games together, and go ahead and win a Super Bowl. And when you do that, it’s really a great accomplishment. So, we’re capable of doing that. We put ourselves into position to do that, and we’ll keep striving for that. So, if I’ve learned anything, I’ve learned that.” ourselves into position to do that, and we’ll keep striving for that. So, if I’ve learned anything, I’ve learned that.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Ravens assistant strength and conditioning coach Kaelyn Buskey beamed with excitement and energy entering the Under Armour Performance Center on Tuesday morning. She anxiously awaited this day for months. The Ravens welcomed roughly 170 female high school athletes from throughout Maryland to their practice facility for the 10th annual L.I.F.T. (Leading and Inspiring Females to Thrive) Conference. Buskey has worked with the Ravens for four years and Tuesday marked her third time being an integral part of the day’s activities. The event is designed to “empower the next generation of female student-athletes and develop their leadership skills, helping them succeed both on and off the playing field,” according to a news release. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors were selected with many receiving recommendations from coaches and athletic directors. “Look around, there’s 140-plus girls here that get to experience what it’s like to be a Raven for a day,” Buskey said. “I’m very fortunate that I get to do it every day. So, to get to share that experience and even give them a chance to meet some of our players today … really expose them to all of those opportunities, not only in sport, but in football specifically it’s just a rewarding experience. I’m really grateful to be a part of it.” Buskey organized an hour workout session with several drills in the team’s field house. The workout was designed to replicate what the Ravens will be working on when they return for minicamp in a few weeks. She also received help from several players, including inside linebacker Trenton Simpson, safety Beau Brade, quarterback Devin Leary and outside linebacker Tavius Robinson. All the players led groups that practiced the requisite skills for their respective position group. Simpson and Brade focused on the importance of speed and footwork, while Leary practiced dropbacks and throwing mechanics. Meanwhile, Robinson led the girls in pass rush drills alongside defensive assistant and assistant to the head coach Megan Rosburg. The girls spent roughly five minutes at each station and learned what it felt like to train like a Raven. After the workout, Buskey and Rosburg explained more about their roles within the team and the unique relationship they’ve formed with players. “I think strength and conditioning, especially for female athletes is a typically underserved demographic,” Buskey said. “So, I want girls to understand that participating in a strength and conditioning program is the key to a healthy and long career. I just want to give girls the opportunity to experience what that physical preparation to go play elite football on Sundays looks like.” River Hill junior Alyssa Mattes first heard about the conference from her mom. She applied looking to develop new leadership skills and meet new people in the process. A distance runner, she tried several new exercises including the medicine ball slam and sled pushes and also rotated through Brade’s defensive back drill and said it was inspiring to learn from someone who also came from River Hill. Several Ravens players and assistant strength and conditioning coach Kaelyn Buskey pose for a selfie with the more than 140 participants in the Ravens 10th annual LIFT Conference after their workout. (Jacob Steinberg/Staff) Ravens assistant strength and conditioning coach Kaelyn Buskey leads and encourages girls in between drills at the Ravens 10th annual LIFT Conference. (Jacob Steinberg/Staff) Ravens outside linebacker Taviius Robinson leads the students in defensive drills. (Jacob Steinberg/Staff) Ravens outside linebacker Tavius Robinson and Megan Rosburg, defensive assistant and assistant to the head coach, break down their group after defensive line drills. (Jacob Steinberg/Staff) Ravens coach John Harbaugh speaks with the students at the Ravens 10th Annual LIFT Conference. (Jacob Steinberg/Staff) Ravens defensive back Beau Brade leads his group in defensive back drills during Tuesday’s Ravens 10th Annual LIFT Conference. (Jacob Steinberg/Staff) Ravens quarterback Devin Leary leads a group of girls in quarterback drills during Tuesday’s 10th annual LIFT Conference. (Jacob Steinberg/Staff) Ravens inside linebacker Trenton Simpson leads a group in inside linebacker drills during the team’s 10th Annual LIFT Conference. (Jacob Steinberg/Staff) Several Ravens players, coaches and staff members pose with the more than 140 participants in the team’s 10th annual LIFT Conference. (Jacob Steinberg/Staff) Show Caption1 of 9Several Ravens players and assistant strength and conditioning coach Kaelyn Buskey pose for a selfie with the more than 140 participants in the Ravens 10th annual LIFT Conference after their workout. (Jacob Steinberg/Staff) Expand “I really liked the weight room session we did,” Mattes said. “It really takes us into what the football players here really do. I really like the different sessions, too, especially the one about nutrition. That was really helpful and I will definitely use the knowledge I gained to help me.” It was a jam-packed day that began with a 45-minute session from Strive, which provides highly specialized leadership training. Coach John Harbaugh entered next as the girls filled the auditorium where team meetings are held. Harbaugh pointed out the typical seats of several Ravens standouts including Lamar Jackson, Mark Andrews, Marlon Humphrey and Roquan Smith, which prompted especially large smiles from the girls in those seats. Harbaugh espoused several of his valued leadership principles, emphasizing the importance of intentionality and care. He then fielded a variety of questions, which ranged from how it felt facing his brother Jim and the Los Angeles Chargers last season to how he uplifts players in difficult moments. Related Articles Ravens sign veteran CB Chidobe Awuzie to bolster secondary Maryland football hires former Ravens LBs coach as defensive coordinator READER POLL: How many games will the Orioles win this year? How the Ravens stack up in the AFC North after first wave of free agency With brother in starring role, it’s ‘Kentucky all the way’ for Ravens’ Odafe Oweh “Working with purpose on purpose,” he said to the group. “You’ve got something to do here today, right? Are you going to work with purpose on purpose? Are you going to be intentional? What are you going to try and get out of this day?” After Harbaugh’s question and answer session, the student-athletes listened to a panel of five women who work for the organization in a variety of roles. They learned about the responsibilities in those varying positions as each person shared their respective career paths and provided networking advice. Following the group-wide workout and a lunch break, the girls returned to the auditorium. Director of Sports Nutrition Sarah Snyder led a detailed presentation, explaining the benefits of different foods and giving advice on beneficial pregame meals. She also answered questions and explained the intricacies of her job and players’ different dietary needs. The girls returned back to the fieldhouse for one final, 30-minute team-building activity. That concluded an eventful six hours, filled with learning, laughter and a new perspective on what it’s like to be a Raven both on and off the field. “I hope more girls get the opportunity to do this because this is really amazing,” Mattes said. “You get to meet people from different schools that you wouldn’t have met otherwise. I definitely would encourage girls to attend this program. You learn a lot. You take away a lot and it’s really fun. Give it a shot, you’ll learn new things.” Have a news tip? Contact Jacob Steinberg at jsteinberg@baltsun.com, 443-442-9445 and x.com/jacobstein23. View the full article

The Ravens have signed veteran cornerback Chidobe Awuzie to bolster their depleted secondary. The contract is for one year, the team announced Tuesday. It also comes at a minimum cost, with the Tennessee Titans, who released Awuzie earlier this month, owing him $7.5 million guaranteed on the three-year, $36 million deal he signed with the Titans last offseason. The addition of Awuzie, 29, helps replenish a secondary that lost starting cornerback Brandon Stephens, who signed with the New York Jets in free agency, and veteran Tre’Davious White, who remains unsigned for now. Aside from 2024 first-round draft pick Nate Wiggins and All-Pro slot cornerback Marlon Humphrey, the only other cornerbacks on Baltimore’s roster at the moment are fourth-year veteran but oft-injured Jalyn Armour-Davis and unproven 2024 fourth-round pick T.J. Tampa. Awuzie adds plenty of experience and familiarity. A 2017 second-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys out of Colorado, he has appeared in 94 games (81 starts) over the past eight seasons. After spending his first four seasons with the Cowboys, he signed a three-year, $21.75 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021 before joining Tennessee in free agency after that. With the Titans, he started last season opposite L’Jarius Sneed but suffered a groin in Week 3 that landed him on injured reserve before returning in Week 14. He finished the year with 26 tackles, one interception, a forced fumble and four pass breakups in eight games. In his career, Awuzie has seven interceptions, five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 66 passes defensed and 395 tackles. A native of San Jose, California, Awuzie was a two-time All-Pac 12 selection while at Colorado. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Related Articles Maryland football hires former Ravens LBs coach as defensive coordinator READER POLL: How many games will the Orioles win this year? How the Ravens stack up in the AFC North after first wave of free agency With brother in starring role, it’s ‘Kentucky all the way’ for Ravens’ Odafe Oweh Ravens QB Lamar Jackson to make acting debut on Starz show View the full article

Maryland football has its new defensive coordinator. After Jacksonville State announced that it had hired coach Brian Williams to lead its defense, the Terps are filling their vacancy with former Ravens linebackers coach Ted Monachino. Monachino, 58, had been at North Carolina the past two seasons, serving as a senior defensive analyst in 2023 and defensive line coach last fall. But the Missouri graduate who has worked for the Jaguars, Colts, Bears and Falcons in various defensive coaching roles on and off since 2006 is known locally for his time with the Ravens. From 2010 to 2015, Monachino was the outside linebackers coach who contributed to the Ravens’ march to their second Super Bowl title to conclude the 2012 season. Under his tutelage, Terrell Suggs was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year and a first-team All-Pro in 2011 and went to the Pro Bowl in 2010, 2011 and 2013, and Elvis Dumervil was recognized as a first-team All-Pro in 2014 and earned invitations to the Pro Bowl in 2014 and 2015. Monachino also coached Suggs in college at Arizona State, where the defensive star set an NCAA single-season record with 24 sacks in 2002. After the 2015 season, Monachino left for Indianapolis to rejoin former Ravens defensive coordinator and then-Colts coach Chuck Pagano, who returned to Baltimore this year as senior secondary coach. Monachino succeeds Williams, who shared leadership of the defense last fall with Aazaar Abdul-Rahim, the team’s co-defensive coordinator, associate head coach for defense and cornerbacks coach. But the unit finished the year ranked last in the 18-team Big Ten in total sacks (14), second to last in points per game (30.4), third to last in total yards per game (378.1) and total passing yards per game (241.3), and tied for fourth to last in total takeaways (15). Related Articles Basketball school: Maryland teams make history entering Sweet 16 Coach Kevin Willard says ‘as of now, I’m staying’ at Maryland March Madness: Maryland women survive Alabama, 111-108, in 2OT to advance to Sweet 16 ‘I’m from Baltimore’: Derik Queen solidifies Maryland men’s basketball legacy Maryland men’s basketball is for real. Enjoy these Terps while you can. | ANALYSIS The disappointing performances developed despite the return of seven of 11 starters, including linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II and defensive end Quashon Fuller. The unit also welcomed back six of its top nine tacklers and five players who combined to intercept 10 of the 17 passes in 2023. In 2023 under Williams’ tutelage, Maryland held opponents to 22.5 points per game, its best mark since the 2010 squad allowed 22.2 points per game. The defense also intercepted 17 passes, which was tied for fourth at the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision level and second in the Big Ten to Michigan, which won the national title. That season culminated with six defensive players earning All-Big Ten honors, which was the most in a single season since 2014. Cornerbacks Tarheeb Still (second team) and Ja’Quan Sheppard (honorable mention), linebackers Hyppolite (third team) and Jaishawn Barham (honorable mention), Fuller (honorable mention) and safety Beau Brade (honorable mention) were recognized by the league. The Terps will attempt to bounce back from last year’s disappointing overall record of 4-8 and Big Ten mark of 1-8 with two new coordinators on coach Mike Locksley’s staff. In addition to Monachino, the program hired Pep Hamilton to replace Josh Gattis as offensive coordinator. Hamilton — who has spent time with seven NFL teams, including as offensive coordinator of the Texans in 2022 — will be reunited with his son Jackson Hamilton, an incoming freshman quarterback. Have a news tip? Contact Edward Lee at eklee@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/EdwardLeeSun. View the full article

Opening day is near. The Orioles will begin their 2025 season on Thursday in Toronto against the Blue Jays with high hopes. After winning at least 91 games each of the past two seasons, Baltimore is projected to be among the best in the American League again. How many games will they win this season? We want to know your thoughts. After you vote, leave a comment and tell us why 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

The start of the 2025 NFL season is still six months away, but the foundations of it have already begun to be laid with the first week-plus of free agency having come and gone. More moves will trickle in over the weeks ahead. But the significant deals are mostly done. The Bears, Patriots and Commanders were among the league’s biggest winners — at least as much as a team can be in March — with Chicago beefing up both lines, New England using its seemingly endless salary cap space on worthwhile additions and Washington adding Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to protect Jayden Daniels’ blind side while also trading for star wide receiver Deebo Samuel to play opposite two-time Pro Bowl selection Terry McLaurin. The San Francisco 49ers are at the other end of the spectrum after dealing Samuel and losing linebacker Dre Greenlaw, safety Talanoa Hufanga, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw and cornerback Charvarius Ward, among others. The Ravens? They fell somewhere in the middle. Retaining left tackle Ronnie Stanley — still one of the best at his position — to protect quarterback Lamar Jackson was paramount. Adding wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins also strengthens a group that was already in good shape with Pro Bowl selection Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. Baltimore did lose a few players — notably left guard Patrick Mekari, cornerback Brandon Stephens, and linebackers Malik Harrison and Chris Board — but it can find applicable replacements in free agency or next month’s draft, and it did well to bring back fullback Patrick Ricard and wide receiver/special teamer Tylan Wallace. The rest of the AFC North — which the Ravens have won each of the past two years — had more mixed results. Here’s a look at what the rest of the division did — and didn’t do — in free agency with a way-too-early projection for this coming season. 1. Ravens In a division stacked with elite pass rushers that include T.J. Watt, Myles Garrett and Trey Hendrickson, keeping Stanley was wise. At an average of $20 million a season for the next three years (including a guaranteed $44 million split over 2025 and 2026), the price was reasonable for a player of Stanley’s skill set, and the Ravens simply couldn’t risk the unknown at the height of Jackson’s career. Losing Mekari stings, but they could find a younger, cheaper version of him in the draft or a more short-term fix in the free agent market. Hopkins is in his twilight, but he also doesn’t have to carry the burden on an offense with plenty of other mouths to feed between running back Derrick Henry, tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, and Flowers and Bateman, both coming off their best seasons. But what he does add is a valuable set of hands and elite know-how, both of which could be critical come playoff time, especially in short yardage and the red zone. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | With brother in starring role, it’s ‘Kentucky all the way’ for Ravens’ Odafe Oweh Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson to make acting debut on Starz show Baltimore Ravens | Former Ravens, Michigan assistant charged with hacking for athletes’ intimate photos Baltimore Ravens | Protecting Justin Tucker: Ravens kicker hires law firm for those facing ‘high-profile reputational attacks’ Baltimore Ravens | Free agents Ravens could consider to fill needs at cornerback, safety, edge 2. Pittsburgh Steelers Who will play quarterback for the Steelers next season could play a significant role in determining where Pittsburgh finishes in the division. But does it really matter? The Steelers led much of the way last season with Justin Fields and Russell Wilson at the helm before ultimately finishing 10-7 and in second place behind the Ravens. Whoever is under center this fall already has a better offense thanks to the addition of two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver D.K. Metcalf. Pairing him opposite George Pickens gives Pittsburgh a duo that’s as good as anyone not named Chase and Higgins in the division. Add in talented young tight end Pat Freiermuth and multidimensional running back Jaylen Warren, who takes over for the departed Najee Harris, and the Steelers seem poised to be much better than the bottom-third in the league on offense, as long as they don’t make a bone-headed decision on who their next quarterback will be. Cornerback Darius Slay is also an upgrade over Donte Jackson, who signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, and provides a nice 1-2 with Joey Porter Jr. Coach Mike Tomlin will undoubtedly find a way to frustrate Ravens fans, but not enough to escape a runner-up finish again. 3. Cincinnati Bengals Keeping the trio of quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins together, even if it meant spending $276 million on the latter two, ensures Cincinnati will have one of the most dangerous offenses in a league built around offenses. Defense, of course, is another story, especially given the uncertainty of Hendrickson, who wants a new long-term deal or to be traded. The additions of veteran nose tackle T.J. Slaton and linebacker Oren Burks help, but defense and a porous offensive line are still a problem and with a cap hit this year of more than $94 million for just Burrow, Higgins and Chase alone, fixing those problems will have to come via the draft. And if Hendrickson decides to sit out, things will only get worse for the already shaky defense. Perhaps Cincinnati will find a way to outscore enough opponents in 2025, but that’s a tough world to live in — as they found out last year. Browns defensive end Myles Garrett sacks Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow in 2023. (Kirk Irwin/AP file) 4. Cleveland Browns Bad teams have a tendency to stay bad, and even though Cleveland was able to sign Garrett to an extension despite his earlier trade request, there are all sorts of question marks around a Browns team that went 3-14 last season. How much they improve starts with who will play quarterback. Deshaun Watson could be lost for all of 2025 after re-rupturing the Achilles tendon he tore in Week 7 of last season, but even when he has been healthy he’s been a shell of his former self. There’s ex-Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett, now on his third team after being traded from the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this month, but he’s likely a backup. Russell Wilson visited this offseason, but nothing came of it. Kirk Cousins is still with the Atlanta Falcons, but if he gets released, Cleveland could perhaps be in play. The Browns also hold the No. 2 pick in the draft, which they could use on either of the top two quarterbacks, Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders. On defense, veteran lineman Dalvin Tomlinson, a former second-round pick and solid interior presence, bolted for the Arizona Cardinals in free agency. Cleveland in turn added veteran defensive tackle Maliek Collins, but this is a roster that is a long way from being a serious contender in the division. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article