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It was two days before Christmas and Lamar Jackson’s name was percolating again in the NFL Most Valuable Player conversation. The Ravens quarterback had just come off a five-touchdown performance against the New York Giants, had tossed three more touchdown passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers and was about to play his third game in 11 days in which he would tally three more scores against the Houston Texans in a blowout victory for Baltimore. Asked before that Houston game what another MVP Award would mean to him, Jackson said it would be “dope” but that he had bigger goals on his mind, specifically getting to and winning a Super Bowl. On Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs will instead try to win their third straight Super Bowl title when they play the Philadelphia Eagles after the Ravens’ season flamed out in a divisional round loss to the Buffalo Bills. Still, Jackson will likely bring home some hardware from New Orleans during Thursday night’s NFL Honors, which is when the league’s major awards will be handed out and the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2025 — with a pair of homegrown Ravens, outside linebacker Terrell Suggs and guard Marshal Yanda, among the finalists — will be announced. After passing for a career-high 4,172 yards and a franchise-record 41 touchdowns with just four interceptions and leading the Ravens to a 12-5 record along with a second straight AFC North title, the All-Pro is the favorite to be named NFL MVP again. He does have competition, though. Bill quarterback Josh Allen, Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and Detroit Los quarterback Jared Goff are the other finalists. Should Jackson win, it would be his third award since 2019 and second straight after becoming the first player in league history to pass for at least 4,000 yards and rush for at least 900 in the same season. He would also become just the seventh player to win it at least three times. The others are all current or future members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Jim Brown (1957, 1958, 1965), Johnny Unitas (1959, 1964, 1967), Brett Favre (1995, 1996, 1997), Peyton Manning (2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2013), Tom Brady (2007, 2010, 2017) and Aaron Rodgers (2011, 2014, 2020, 2021). All, of course, have something Jackson does not: an NFL championship. Still, that doesn’t diminish what was a sterling and often spectacular individual regular season for which the award is based. Simply put, Jackson was perhaps the game’s most dynamic and electric player. As he went, so did Baltimore. Jackson had the second-most touchdown passes and sixth-most passing yards in the league and led all quarterbacks in rushing yards. He also had the league’s highest touchdown rate (8.6%), became the first player to lead in yards per pass attempt (8.8) and yards per rush (6.6), and his passer rating of 119.6 led the league while ranking fourth all-time. He accounted for at least three touchdowns in nine games and threw at least four touchdown passes in three. He also rarely turned the ball over, especially down the stretch, with just one interception and one lost fumble over the Ravens’ final six games as they rallied from two games back of the division lead with four to play. Perhaps that’s why Ravens coach John Harbaugh was so bullish on Jackson before the season even started. “The vision that we have together is that Lamar Jackson is going to become and be known and be recognized as the greatest quarterback ever to play in the history of the National Football League,” he said in July. “That’s the vision. It’s going to happen by Lamar, his work ethic and his brilliant talent, by all of us pouring into that effort together as a team, and by the grace of God and God’s goodwill. That’s how it’s going to happen. And I believe it like we’ve already seen it.” Ravens running back Derrick Henry, right, ran for nearly 2,000 yards this past season and is a candidate for Offensive Player of the Year. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) After Jackson’s impressive season, it’s no wonder then that he is also among the finalists for NFL Offensive Player of the Year, along with teammate and running back Derrick Henry. Together, they formed perhaps the league’s most dangerous backfield, with the Ravens becoming the first team in league history to pass for at least 4,000 yards and run for at least 3,000 in the same season. Baltimore’s 7,224 total yards ranked third in NFL history, and its 426.5 yards per game and 6.8 yards per play led the league. Henry was a major factor. His 16 rushing touchdowns tied for the most in the NFL, his 17 total scores were the second-most in the league behind only the Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs, and his 1,921 rushing yards were the second-most in the NFL behind only Barkley, who is also up for Offensive Player of the Year along with Burrow and Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Should Henry, 31, win, it would be his second time doing so. He was Offensive Player of the Year in 2020 when he became just the eighth player to top 2,000 yards rushing in a season, finishing with 2,027 yards and 17 touchdowns to lead the NFL. This year, though, Barkley added his name to the 2,000-yard club, finishing with a league-best 2,005 on an NFL-high 345 carries. His 125.3 rushing yards per game also led the league to go along with 15 total touchdowns (13 rushing, 2 receiving). Ravens vs. LionsKenneth K. Lam/Baltimore SunFormer Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs was NFL Defensive Player of the Year and ranks eighth on the all-time sack list. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Jackson and Henry are the Ravens’ present. Suggs and Yanda, both Hall of Fame finalists in their first year of eligibility, contributed a combined 29 years of steady excellence to the franchise’s past. Both were key members of the Ravens’ 2012 Super Bowl team, and though they were different personalities — Suggs often the most jocular figure on the practice field, Yanda more apt to hide his sly sense of humor beneath a stoic exterior — they ended up as locker room neighbors and mutual admirers. Suggs’ Hall of Fame case is not difficult to make. He was the 2011 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and ranks eighth on the all-time sack list. The seven players ahead of him and the three behind him have busts in Canton. And Suggs wasn’t some one-dimensional burner off the edge. He became a tough run defender and wily deterrent to all screen passes. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | If Ravens decide to release Justin Tucker, here’s when they might do it Baltimore Ravens | Ravens announce contract extension for offensive coordinator Todd Monken Baltimore Ravens | Ravens fan caught in viral video assaulting Commanders fan pleads guilty to assault charges Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: Who will win Super Bowl 59? Baltimore Ravens | Ranking Ravens free agents: Which key players could return in 2025? It’s always harder for offensive linemen, especially those who play on the interior. No guard has made the Hall of Fame on his first try since Larry Allen in 2013. But Yanda made the Pro Bowl in eight of his last nine seasons (he played just two games the year he missed) and, in the ultimate sign of respect, was a unanimous choice on the NFL’s All-Decade team for 2010 to 2019. Yanda was so good and so versatile that when he hurt his lead blocking shoulder in 2016, he simply switched from right guard to left guard without missing a beat. His last year was Jackson’s first MVP season in 2019. “Watching him on film and how he approached the game, the type of guy he is and leadership he showed, I believe nobody else deserves it more than him,” the quarterback said of his former protector’s Hall of Fame candidacy. Neither Suggs nor Yanda is a no-brainer, first-ballot pick like the three previous homegrown Ravens — Jonathan Ogden, Ray Lewis and Ed Reed — to make it. Voters saw unusual parity in this year’s finalists, with linebacker Luke Kuechly, kicker Adam Vinatieri and quarterback Eli Manning also among the first-time candidates, along with returning contenders such as tight end Antonio Gates, defensive end Jared Allen and wide receiver Torry Holt. That might make it difficult for the usual five modern-era candidates to obtain the required 80% of votes. Longtime Baltimore broadcaster Scott Garceau, who has been the city’s representative in the 49-member Hall of Fame voting body for more than 20 years, expects both Suggs and Yanda to make it eventually. “But this is as wide-open a class as I’ve ever seen,” Garceau cautioned. “There are a whole bunch of good guys. I don’t think there’s anywhere you say, ‘That guy’s a lock.'” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Contact Childs Walker at daviwalker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6893 and x.com/ChildsWalker. Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore SunFormer Ravens guard Marshal Yanda is a Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) View the full article

Justin Tucker is still the Ravens’ kicker. It remains to be seen whether it stays that way after at least nine therapists from five Baltimore area spas and wellness centers accused him of inappropriate behavior between 2012 and 2016. The accusations include Tucker “exposing his genitals, brushing two of them with his exposed penis, and leaving what they believed to be ejaculate on the massage table after three of his treatments,” The Baltimore Banner reported. In response to the reports, a spokesperson from the Ravens said, “We are aware of The Baltimore Banner’s story regarding Justin Tucker. We take any allegations of this nature seriously and will continue to monitor the situation.” Likewise, the NFL said it is aware of the allegations and is looking into them. Tucker has denied the allegations. While it’s still unclear what potential punishment the 35-year-old might face from the league or the team, one possibility could be that the Ravens decide to release him. If they do, it’s also possible that they wait until the start of the new league year on March 12. Because Tucker has no post-June 1 designation, waiting until then to do so would allow Baltimore to spread his $7.51 million salary cap hit for 2025 over two seasons, with a $2.87 million hit this year and a $4.64 million hit in 2026. According to Over The Cap, the Ravens are projected to have just $17.1 million in salary cap space for 2025. Regardless of Tucker’s situation, the team is already tight on space, with free agency and the draft looming, among other roster decisions that will impact its cap space. Cutting ties with Tucker would also wipe his $4.2 million non-guaranteed salary for 2025 from the books. While it is uncertain what the Ravens will ultimately decide, they have been down a similar path before as have other teams. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens announce contract extension for offensive coordinator Todd Monken Baltimore Ravens | Ravens fan caught in viral video assaulting Commanders fan pleads guilty to assault charges Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: Who will win Super Bowl 59? Baltimore Ravens | Ranking Ravens free agents: Which key players could return in 2025? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Justin Tucker faces more allegations of inappropriate conduct In 2014, Baltimore released running back Ray Rice after a video surfaced of him punching his future wife in an Atlantic City casino elevator. Rice was also suspended indefinitely by the league before eventually being reinstated, though he never played in the NFL again. In 2022, quarterback Deshaun Watson was traded from the Houston Texans to the Cleveland Browns in the midst of being investigated over numerous lawsuits in which more than 20 women alleged that he committed sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions. The league eventually suspended Watson for 11 games and fined him $5 million, with Watson denying the allegations and reaching confidential settlements with most of his accusers. As for Tucker, he also had his worst season on the field this season, making a career-low 73.3% of his field goal attempts. Still, the Ravens expressed their intention of bringing him back. “I think he finished the season strong,” general manager Eric DeCosta said at the team’s season-ending news conference last month before the allegations came to light. “I think I have every expectation that Justin’s going to be a great kicker for us next year and moving forward.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

The Ravens made it official Monday. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken has signed a contract to remain in Baltimore, the team announced. The news comes after the deal had been previously reported last week. Terms were not disclosed. It was also not a surprise after the Ravens finished the regular season as the NFL’s top offense for the first time in what was Monken’s second year. Baltimore was also the first team in league history to throw for at least 4,000 yards and run for at least 3,000 in the same season and racked up the third-most total yards in history in a single season. Quarterback Lamar Jackson also flourished, putting together his best season. The NFL Most Valuable Player candidate threw for a career-high 4,172 yards and franchise record 41 touchdowns against just four interceptions. He also ran for 915 yards and four more scores, becoming the first player in NFL history to pass for at least 4,000 yards and rush for at least 900 yards in the same season. Monken, who will turn 59 on Wednesday, drew interest for a second straight year in head coaching openings from around the league, interviewing with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears, before being passed over. His return, however, is significant. Coach John Harbaugh said during the Ravens’ season-ending news conference that while he believes Monken will be a “great” head coach, being able to keep him would be important for the continuity and growth of the offense. “It would be very meaningful if and when we get him back, and we continue [moving] forward,” Harbaugh said last month. “I really am excited about 3.0, that iteration of this offense going forward.” In Monken’s two seasons, the Ravens have averaged the second-most yards (397.6) and points per game (29.4) in the league during that span. This season, Baltimore was first in yards per game (424.9) and yards per play (6.8) and third in points per game (30.1). “He’s a really good football coach. He’s an old-school football coach with kind of a new-school and creative mind. [He’s] always creating,” Harbaugh said. “Todd is one of those guys that can apply his experience, along with the fact that he’s always thinking ahead. He’s always trying to come up with the next idea, and then he’s also very much a collaborator.” Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens fan caught in viral video assaulting Commanders fan pleads guilty to assault charges Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: Who will win Super Bowl 59? Baltimore Ravens | Ranking Ravens free agents: Which key players could return in 2025? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Justin Tucker faces more allegations of inappropriate conduct Baltimore Ravens | Ravens reportedly hire Georgia Tech DC Tyler Santucci as linebackers coach That wasn’t the only announcement. The Ravens also made official the hiring of Tyler Santucci as their linebackers coach after the move was reported by the NFL Network on Saturday. He replaces Mark DeLeone, who was let go after just one season last month in the first change to Harbaugh’s staff this offseason. Santucci, 36, joins Baltimore from Georgia Tech, where he spent last season as defensive coordinator/linebackers coach after being the defensive coordinator at Duke and co-defensive coordinator at Texas A&M. Under Santucci, the Yellow Jackets improved from 74th to 58th in ESPN’s SP+ efficiency rankings and allowed roughly five fewer points and 100 fewer yards per game from the year before and Georgia Tech also improved from 131st in run defense to 30th last season. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

A Ravens fan who was caught on video assaulting three Washington Commanders fans last fall in Federal Hill has pleaded guilty to three counts of second-degree assault, Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates announced Monday. John W. Callis, 24, was indicted in October on one count of first-degree assault and three counts of second-degree assault, offenses that carry a maximum punishment of up to 55 years’ imprisonment. Video of the attack went viral and was a key piece of evidence against him. In a statement on Monday, Bates called the behavior “abhorrent.” Callis, who spent 105 days in jail, was sentenced to 10 years in prison — all of which was suspended, except for the time he’s already served behind bars, and five years of supervised probation. Callis must also pay $4,000 restitution to his victims, complete 90 Alcoholics Annonymous meetings, attend anger management classes and perform 100 hours of community service. “There is never a scenario in which violence is acceptable in our city. Today’s outcome clearly conveys that my office will not tolerate hate-filled acts,” Bates said in the statement. “The victims in this case have shown tremendous courage, and we hope this resolution provides them with a sense of justice and closure.” Callis’ attorneys did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday. His attorneys had previously asked the court to release him so he could undergo drug and alcohol treatment. They said their client had been on a weekslong alcohol and cocaine binge at the time of the Oct. 13 confrontation with Commanders fans. Scott Richman, an attorney for one of the victims, released a statement condemning the “vicious assault:” “These actions and resorting to violence are totally unacceptable in our society,” Richman said. “I thank the State’s Attorney’s Office and the Court for recognizing the seriousness of these attacks, and the effect these types of incidents have on our community. I hope this guilty plea and sentence gives the victims some sense of closure and allows them to move on with their lives.” Have a news tip? Contact Frank Gluck at fgluck@baltsun.com. View the full article

The big game is nearing. The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to make history by becoming the first team in NFL history to win three straight Super Bowl titles, while the Philadelphia Eagles are seeking their first title since Nick Foles shocked Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 52. Who will win on Sunday in New Orleans? After you vote, tell us what you think by clicking the comments button and we might publish 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 sting of the Ravens’ turnover-filled divisional round playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills still undoubtedly lingers. The troubling allegations against kicker Justin Tucker have cast a dark cloud over one of the franchise’s most recognizable faces and the organization itself. From a football standpoint, the operation moves forward concurrently. There have been assistant coaching changes. Baltimore has signed 11 players to reserve/future contracts. There are scouting and player personnel discussions and decisions. There’s the scouting combine this month, free agency in March and the draft in April. Among the many tasks for general manager Eric DeCosta and coach John Harbaugh are figuring out which of their free agents they would like to — and can afford to — keep. In all, Baltimore has 23 free agents of some kind, with nearly 20 of them set to be unrestricted. But with currently just over $5.8 million in salary cap space — a number that will increase after cuts and restructuring contracts — the Ravens likely won’t be big players on the open market and will have to be selective with their free agents as well. They are also slated to have 11 draft picks, further limiting what they can do in the open market. Though DeCosta made it clear that much of the nucleus of the team will remain intact and thus he doesn’t face “as many tough decisions” as a year ago or after next season, choices of who stays and who goes will have to be made. With that in mind, here’s an attempt to rank who the Ravens’ top 10 free agents will be: 1. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley Stanley, who will turn 31 in March, is easily the Ravens’ top free agent and would be one of the top players available on the open market. After an injury-hampered 2023 season that included a significant step back in his performance, he rebounded. The 2016 sixth overall draft pick didn’t miss a game, allowed just two sacks and ranked 12th in pass-rush win rate among tackles, per ESPN analytics. Translation: He’ll get a healthy raise in 2025. Last season, Stanley was the 16th-highest-paid left tackle in the NFL, according to Over The Cap, after taking a pay cut and earning $7.5 million. By comparison, the top 10 highest-paid left tackles all earned at least $18 million last season. And even if Stanley were to fall outside that range, he could be prohibitively expensive. The next highest-paid left tackle above Stanley was the Miami Dolphins’ Terron Armstead, who made more than $12.8 million. Simply put, Stanley could be let go, particularly with the progress right tackle Roger Rosengarten made his rookie year and with what the team feels is the ability to play either tackle spot. 2. Fullback Patrick Ricard Ricard is a five-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time All-Pro, including this past season. He has also been an integral and versatile part of the offense, playing fullback, tight end and essentially offensive line. The good news for Baltimore is that only about half the teams in the league even roster a fullback, so that limits his market value. The bad news is that he is still a pricey luxury. Last season, Ricard made $4 million and was the third-highest-paid fullback in the league. He said that he’d like to spend his career in Baltimore and retire a Raven. He’ll also turn 31 in May. Offensive lineman Patrick Mekari, left, is due for a pay raise this offseason. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) 3. Offensive lineman Patrick Mekari Speaking of versatility, Mekari has played everywhere on the Ravens’ offensive line. That included at left guard this past season, where he became a full-time starter a month into the season and settled in as a mostly solid performer for much of the year, especially as a pass blocker. While he was less effective as a run blocker, the 27-year-old still helped pave the way for the NFL’s top rushing attack. He also allowed just one sack and played all 17 regular-season games for the second straight year after dealing with a back injury earlier in his career. After making $4.85 million in 2024, Mekari will be in line for a bump. 4. Linebacker Malik Harrison Harrison took a small step back in 2024 after a solid 2023, particularly in his pass coverage. Still, he had some standout performances, most notably with his career-high 13 tackles against the Los Angeles Chargers in November. The 2020 third-round pick also can play inside or outside linebacker and is a core special teamer. Harrison won’t have a big market, though, and is the kind of low-cost, versatile player the Ravens like. He turns 27 in March. Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens tries to intercept a pass against the Bengals. Stephens struggled this season and could be replaced as he enters free agency. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) 5. Cornerback Brandon Stephens In 2023, Stephens moved from safety to starting cornerback and blossomed. Last season, teams were targeting him (and having success). Coaches lauded the 2021 third-round pick for being sticky but acknowledged that he struggled to locate the ball in coverage — and that was a problem. Although Stephens, 27, was once considered an extension candidate before the end of his rookie deal, Tre’Davious White was eating into his snaps by the end of the season. DeCosta said that Stephens will have a chance to test the open market. Put another way, it’s uncertain he’ll be back. 6. Cornerback Tre’Davious White A trade deadline day acquisition that cost basically nothing, White was a solid depth piece and Band-Aid to Stephens’ struggles. The 30-year-old veteran played just 152 snaps on defense (34%) and had 10 tackles and three pass breakups and could return if the cost is right. 7. Quarterback Josh Johnson The Ravens won’t be spending any significant money on a backup, so that could mean that Johnson, who will turn 39 in May, could be back. Importantly, he’s also something of a big brother and a second set of eyes for Lamar Jackson. There isn’t going to be much of a market for him, either. 8. Defensive lineman Brent Urban A respected veteran who provides dependable depth to the Ravens’ defensive line rotation, Urban has said that he’d like to return for what would be his 11th season. Coming off a one-year deal in which he made just over $1.34 million, the 33-year-old is the kind of low-cost contributor the Ravens like to have around. Wide receiver Tylan Wallace has become a valuable special teams player while contributing in the passing game. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) 9. Wide receiver Tylan Wallace Wallace lost his punt return job after a game-winning return in 2023, but on offense, he also filled in nicely and made some clutch catches. The 2021 fourth-round pick played 275 snaps on offense — which was more than his first three years combined — and finished with 11 catches for 193 yards and a touchdown. The 25-year-old also contributed 268 snaps on special teams. It would not be surprising to see him return and perhaps even get another crack at punt returns. 10. Offensive lineman Josh Jones Jones provided veteran depth along the offensive line, usually as a sixth or seventh man. The 27-year-old also contributed some on special teams. While he was never really in the mix for any of the three openings going into training camp last summer, his return could help given some potential turnover up front this year. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Justin Tucker faces more allegations of inappropriate conduct Baltimore Ravens | Ravens reportedly hire Georgia Tech DC Tyler Santucci as linebackers coach Baltimore Ravens | Former Ravens RB Ray Rice named JV football coach at Milford Mill Baltimore Ravens | How might the NFL handle allegations against Ravens kicker Justin Tucker? Baltimore Ravens | Who is Justin Tucker? What you need to know about Ravens kicker Other unrestricted free agents: 11. Wide receiver Nelson Agholor 12. Linebacker Chris Board 13. Linebacker Kristian Welch 14. Offensive lineman Ben Cleveland 15. Wide receiver/returner Deonte Harty 16. Wide receiver/returner Steven Sims 17. Cornerback Trayvon Mullen 18. Wide receiver Diontae Johnson 19. Safety Marcus Williams Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Editor’s note: This article includes graphic details that may not be appropriate for all readers. Another massage therapist has come forward sharing with The Baltimore Sun her allegations that Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker had behaved inappropriately during massage sessions. The woman outlined salacious details about Tucker to The Sun Thursday, much like several unnamed massage therapists told The Baltimore Banner. “People started messaging me, ‘Oh my God … you were right,’” a former Baltimore massage therapist told The Sun on Thursday about the incident she said occurred in 2015. “I feel vindicated.” As of Saturday, reports from at least nine therapists from five local wellness centers included details of Tucker “exposing his genitals, brushing two of them with his exposed penis, and leaving what they believed to be ejaculate on the massage table after three of his treatments,” The Banner reported. The alleged incidents occurred between 2012 and 2016, The Banner reported. Tucker, the most accurate kicker in NFL history, issued a statement last week categorically denying the allegations. “I have never before been accused of misconduct of any kind, and I have never been accused of acting inappropriately in front of a massage therapist or during a massage therapy session or during other bodywork. I have never received any complaints from a massage therapist, have never been dismissed from a massage therapy or bodywork session, and have never been told that I was not welcome at any spa or other place of business,” Tucker wrote in his statement. A representative for Tucker’s agent, Robert Roche, said in an email to The Baltimore Sun that “Justin’s statement remains the one he posted on X on Thursday.” The Ravens, who along with the NFL have said they are investigating the allegations, could not be reached for comment about the new allegations on Saturday. The 37-year-old woman, who asked not to be named given the allegations involved sexual misconduct, told The Sun that she had given Tucker massages on several occasions. She said the first massage was at the Baltimore Spa and Salon at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, which has since closed and been replaced by another wellness center, and then at the Quinntessential Gentleman, known as QG, in downtown Baltimore. The woman, who now lives in West Virginia, said she had given Tucker massages a couple of times at the Baltimore Spa before going to work at QG, where she happened to run into the NFL star. He recognized her, she told The Sun, and asked to be put on her schedule, often receiving massages from her twice a month. “It started with him exposing himself to me,” she said, despite her asking him to wear underwear during sessions. Then one time, the woman told The Sun, as she was massaging Tucker while he was face down on the table, she noticed “his buttocks tightening, and he shook a little.” He said, ‘Can I go to the bathroom?’ I said, ‘Sure,’” she said. She noticed that there was fluid on the table. The woman said she told the manager about his behavior and was told he would be assigned to other staff. But when she learned a 19-year-old massage therapist would be assigned to Tucker, she said “absolutely not” and continued taking him on as a client. The final straw, she said, was when Tucker was on the table and started touching her leg. “He was erect. He laid face down, and his hand reached up on my inner thigh,” she told The Sun. She said she ended the session and left the room. She typed up a statement about the interaction. The woman did not provide the statement to The Sun. She was fired shortly after writing the letter and didn’t contest the termination because she was “pretty fed up” by then with the physically taxing work, she told The Sun Thursday. QG owner Craig Martin declined to comment Friday and could not be reached for comment on Saturday. Michael Belsky and Catherine Dickinson, attorneys with Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, confirmed to The Baltimore Sun that their firm represents six therapists involved in these allegations. Belsky and Dickinson are adjunct law professors at the University of Baltimore in sex abuse litigation and trial advocacy. “My clients are happy to have their voices heard,” Belsky said “At this point, they are just glad that their stories have been told.” The massage therapist told The Sun that she didn’t go public at the time, fearing she would not be believed against one of the most popular pro athletes in the city. “It would be me against the king of Baltimore,” she said. Now, she said she is proud that the other massage therapists came forward and plans to join a lawsuit against Tucker. “I feel like there’s going to be strength in numbers,” she told The Sun. “I’m so happy we can band together, and we can be sure he never harms another woman.” Have a news tip? Contact Jean Marbella at jmarbella@baltsun.com, 410-332-6060 and on X as @Jean_Marbella. Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich. View the full article

The Ravens are pulling from the college ranks to fill a hole on their coaching staff. Baltimore is hiring Georgia Tech defensive coordinator Tyler Santucci as its linebackers coach, the NFL Network reported Saturday. He replaces Mark DeLeone, who was reportedly let go last week in the the first change to coach John Harbaugh’s staff this offseason. Santucci, 36, joined the Georgia Tech staff last year as defensive coordinator/linebackers coach after being the defensive coordinator at Duke and co-defensive coordinator at Texas A&M. He immediately helped improve the Yellow Jackets’ defense, which rose from 74th to 58th in ESPN’s SP+ efficiency rankings and allowed roughly five fewer points and 100 fewer yards per game compared with the previous season. Georgia Tech also went from 131st nationally in rushing defense in 2023 to 30th in 2024 and from 108th in third-down defense to 22nd. In his one season at Duke in 2023 under coach Mike Elko, the Blue Devils had the nation’s 16th-best scoring defense, allowing just 19 points per game. Santucci was a nominee for the 2023 Broyles Award, which honors college football’s top assistant coach. A former All-American linebacker at Stony Brook and a Pennsylvania native, Santucci previously spent three seasons alongside Elko at Texas A&M, serving as linebackers coach from 2020 to 2022 and as co-defensive coordinator in 2022. He has also coached linebackers at Wake Forest (2019) and Texas State (2016), served as a defensive analyst at Notre Dame (2017) and Texas A&M (2018), spent two seasons as a graduate assistant at Wake Forest (2014-15) and four seasons on the staff at his alma mater, Stony Brook (2010-11). Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Former Ravens RB Ray Rice named JV football coach at Milford Mill Baltimore Ravens | How might the NFL handle allegations against Ravens kicker Justin Tucker? Baltimore Ravens | Who is Justin Tucker? What you need to know about Ravens kicker Baltimore Ravens | Ravens kicker Justin Tucker denies allegations of ‘inappropriate behavior’ at high-end spas Baltimore Ravens | READERS RESPOND: Ravens or Orioles? Here’s who fans think will win a title first. Santucci reportedly turned down several coaching opportunities at power conference programs this offseason before being lured away by the Ravens. He’ll inherit a group of linebackers led by three-time All-Pro Roquan Smith, but questionable depth behind him. Former third-round draft pick Trenton Simpson was benched midway through his second season and replaced by the veteran duo of Malik Harrison and Chris Board, who are both entering free agency. The Santucci hire is the Ravens’ second this offseason after former Baltimore defensive coordinator and Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano joined the staff as a senior secondary coach. Former Ravens assistant head coach/pass game coordinator Chris Hewitt, who had been with the Ravens since 2012 before being let go this week, was reportedly hired Saturday by the Colts as their secondary coach and pass game coordinator. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon. View the full article

Former Ravens running back Ray Rice has been named the junior varsity football coach at Milford Mill, the Baltimore County school announced Friday on social media. Rice, 38, was a second-round draft pick by the Ravens in 2008. He played all six of his professional seasons in Baltimore, winning Super Bowl 47 and earning three Pro Bowl selections. But he was suspended and later released after video surfaced of him punching his then-fiancée Janay Palmer in an elevator at an Atlantic City casino on Feb. 15, 2014. While Rice fought his suspension and was reinstated, he never played in the NFL again. Rice has been a coach for the Pikesville Wildcats youth football program, where his son, Jaylen, played on his teams. Many of Pikesville’s players have gone on to Milford Mill when they reach high school, helping the JV program go undefeated for several seasons. Under coach Reggie White, the varsity program has become a regional power, winning a Class 2A state title in 2022 and reaching the state semifinals each of the past two seasons. “He’s a public school-raised kid who went to a public school and that’s what he wants to do — give back to a public school,” said White, who added that Rice came to a few of the Millers’ games this past season. “It’s just about the time, effort and energy and he wants to put it into public school. It just happened that Milford was the right choice for him. JV coach [Daymon] Royster retired this year and sometimes time is on your side.” When asked if he has any concerns about Rice’s past, White said: “Not one.” Crystal Jefferson, whose son Jacob played on Rice’s Pikesville team, believes the former running back will be “great” at high school coaching. “When he talks to the kids, he talks about discipline and how having discipline in football will translate to discipline in life,” she said. “They trust him. He makes a point to have a personal relationship with every single kid. They know he has their back and they want to go out and make him proud.” Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore SunFormer Ravens running back Ray Rice talks with defensive back Anthony Levine Sr. before a 2018 game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Over the years, Rice has been involved with domestic violence awareness groups, including the Childhood Domestic Violence Association and A Call to Men. In 2019, Rice launched Pipeline 2 Prosperity, a nonprofit organization helping underprivileged kids in Baltimore and his hometown of New Rochelle, New York, providing them with toys, sports equipment, peer-to-peer mentoring and other needs. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | How might the NFL handle allegations against Ravens kicker Justin Tucker? Baltimore Ravens | Who is Justin Tucker? What you need to know about Ravens kicker Baltimore Ravens | Ravens kicker Justin Tucker denies allegations of ‘inappropriate behavior’ at high-end spas Baltimore Ravens | READERS RESPOND: Ravens or Orioles? Here’s who fans think will win a title first. Baltimore Ravens | What’s next for Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley as free agency looms? Rice was welcomed back to Baltimore by the Ravens in 2023, when he was named the “Legend of the Game” before the team’s 59-17 win against the Miami Dolphins. The former Rutgers star has also spoken to several NFL and college teams and talks to Ravens rookies at the team’s annual educational seminar. He was honored on the field at M&T Bank Stadium in 2022, along with former teammates, as part of the Ravens’ 10th anniversary celebration of their last Super Bowl title. Rice and Palmer have been married for 10 years and have two kids together, Rayven, 11, and Jaylen, 7, and recently moved back to the Baltimore area full-time, the Ravens said in a story published on the team’s website in 2023. “I truly understand why I was let go and why so many hearts changed,” Rice told the team’s website. “But hopefully people can see where I’m at now. “They say people can change, right? I am not the same person I was 10-12 years ago. That’s just not who I am. Every time I stepped on the field, I gave it my all. But I couldn’t say the same for life. Now I’m trying to be the best version of me.” Baltimore Sun reporter Glenn Graham contributed to this article. Have a news tip? Contact Timothy Dashiell at tdashiell@baltsun.com and x.com/dashielltimothy. View the full article

With Justin Tucker facing accusations of acting inappropriately with six massage therapists at four luxury spas and wellness centers in the Baltimore area, it’s unclear whether he will face discipline from the Ravens or the NFL. A spokesperson for the team said they were aware of report in The Baltimore Banner and that they “take any allegations of this nature seriously and will continue to monitor the situation.” A spokesperson from the NFL echoed similar thoughts, saying they became aware of the allegations from the reporter investigating the story and take “any allegation seriously and will look into the matter.” The NFL’s personal conduct policy for players states that “even if a case does not rise to the level of criminal charges, players are held to a higher standard and could still face punishment, including suspension.” It also states that players could face punishment for “assault and/or battery, including sexual assault or other sex offenses” and that players can also be disciplined if they’ve engaged in conduct posing “genuine danger” to the safety and wellbeing of others or if their behavior “undermines or puts at risk the integrity of the NFL.” The league also has a commissioner’s exempt list, though that typically applies in cases when a player has been charged with a crime, such as sexual assault. It effectively places the player on paid administrative leave and allows the player to not count against the active roster. It has been used scarcely over the past decade. Only NFL commissioner Roger Goodell can place a player on the list. Players cannot play but are permitted to attend meetings, workouts and receive treatments at the team facility. In 2023, the NFL revised its personal conduct policy, imposing a mandatory six-game suspension without pay for first-time violations related to sexual assault, including physical force, threats or coercion. A second violation could see a player expelled from the NFL. Once aware of a potential conduct violation, the league launches its own investigation to determine what, if any, penalty or discipline should be applied. The policy change also allows a player to be held accountable for inappropriate behavior that happened before they entered the league and to face more serious consequences for a pattern of behavior. The changes came in the wake of multiple sexual assault allegations against NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson involving more than 20 women in 2021. Here’s a look at some previous investigations of NFL players. Deshaun Watson was suspended for the first 11 games of the 2022 season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. (Nick Cammett/Getty Images) Deshaun Watson Watson, who at the time was a quarterback for the Houston Texans, was accused by more than two dozen women of exposing himself, and touching them or kissing them against their will during massage therapy sessions before eventually settling out of court with at least 20 of them. Most of the women were either licensed massage therapists or worked in a spa or similar business. He was suspended for the first 11 games of the 2022 season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. A settlement between the NFL and the player’s union also included a $5 million fine against Watson and a commitment to undergo evaluation and treatment. The 29-year-old, who signed with the Cleveland Browns for a guaranteed $230 million after being traded in 2022, settled another case alleging sexual assault in October, the Associated Press reported. In December, the NFL declined to discipline Watson in the latest case, saying there was “insufficient evidence.” Michael Hall Jr. The Browns defensive tackle was arrested after police said he made violent threats against his fiancee. He pleaded not guilty to charges and was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list while the NFL conducted an investigation. Hall pleaded no contest to disorderly conduct after his fiancee recanted her statement that he had held a gun to her head. The NFL suspended him for five games without pay. Brandon McManus was released by the Commanders days after a lawsuit accused him of sexual assault. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola) Brandon McManus The former Jacksonville Jaguars kicker was accused of sexual assault on a 2023 team flight to London by two female flight attendants, who alleged that he tried to kiss one of the women and grinded up against the other. The Washington Commanders released McManus, who had signed a one-year, $3.6 million deal, days after the lawsuit was filed. In September, the NFL found insufficient evidence to punish McManus, who joined the Green Bay Packers midseason, for violating the code of conduct. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Who is Justin Tucker? What you need to know about Ravens kicker Baltimore Ravens | Ravens kicker Justin Tucker denies allegations of ‘inappropriate behavior’ at high-end spas Baltimore Ravens | READERS RESPOND: Ravens or Orioles? Here’s who fans think will win a title first. Baltimore Ravens | What’s next for Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley as free agency looms? Baltimore Ravens | Longtime Ravens defensive assistant coach Chris Hewitt won’t return Ben Roethlisberger The former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback was accused of sexual assault of a 20-year-old in a Georgia bar in 2010. While he was never arrested nor charged with a crime, the NFL suspended him for six games and ordered Reoethlisberger to undergo a behavioral evaluation. The suspension was cut to four games a few months later. Ray Rice In 2014, a video was released showing Ravens running back Ray Rice dragging his fiancee out of an elevator in a casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. At the time, the 27-year-old was charged with assault and the NFL penalized him with a two-game suspension. He apologized at a news conference and Ravens leadership stood by him. But the initial video was only part of the story. Soon, the website TMZ would release an extended cut showing Rice throwing the punch that knocked out his partner. The condemnation was swift, leading the Ravens to terminate Rice’s contract and the NFL to suspend him indefinitely. While Rice fought his suspension and was reinstated, he has never played in the NFL again. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Justin Tucker rarely sees the field compared with his Ravens teammates, trotting onto the turf at M&T Bank Stadium only a few times per game. Still, he’s one of Baltimore’s most recognizable athletes. The kicker, who has been on the Ravens’ roster longer than any other current player, has built a Hall of Fame on-field resume and has been a staple of the Baltimore community since being signed out of college in 2012. Few NFL franchises regularly have fans in the stadium sporting jerseys for the team’s kicker, but Ravens fans have widely supported the former undrafted prospect over the past decade. He’s also now facing off-the-field allegations that threaten his career. The Baltimore Banner reported Thursday that Tucker allegedly acted inappropriately toward six massage therapists in the local area from 2012 to 2016. Tucker denied the allegations. Rise to on-field stardom Tucker wasn’t always destined for NFL stardom. While a highly reliable kicker at the University of Texas from 2008 to 2011, he wasn’t invited to the NFL scouting combine or Senior Bowl after his college career. He went undrafted in 2012 while four other kickers were selected in the seven-round event. He entered training camp for the Ravens competing with incumbent kicker Billy Cundiff. Tucker won the job, and the rest is history. The former Longhorns star won a Super Bowl with Baltimore as a rookie, making all 42 of his regular-season extra-point attempts and 30 of 33 field goal tries. He went a perfect 4-for-4 in the postseason, including a 47-yard game-winner against Denver to move Baltimore into the AFC championship game. He made a pair of fourth-quarter field goals in the team’s Super Bowl 47 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, 34-31. In subsequent seasons, Tucker developed into the gold standard for NFL kickers. He made at least 80% of his field goal attempts in each of his first 12 NFL seasons, earning five first-team All-Pro nods and seven Pro Bowl appearances. He’s the most accurate kicker in NFL history, even after making just 73.3% of his field goal attempts this season. Tucker’s 66-yard game-winning field goal against the Detroit Lions in 2021 remains the longest kick in NFL history. He’s perhaps the most accomplished kicker in league history and a future Hall of Fame candidate. The veteran struggled this season, though, dropping below an 80% success rate on his field goal attempts for the first time in his career. Still, he had the public support of his teammates and coach John Harbaugh. “We’re pretty close,” Harbaugh said in September after cameras captured a heartfelt conversation between the two on the sideline. “We’ve been together for a long time and had a lot of conversations. It was just two guys talking about where we’re at. I love the guy and respect him. He’s everything that you want in a player and a friend.” Off-field persona Part of Tucker’s popularity among fans developed through his off-field personality, which is often described as quirky. He’s been referred to as the best cornhole player on the team and is a trained opera singer, a unique hobby that was spotlighted by NFL Films. Tucker has appeared on CBS’ “60 Minutes” and he’s been a regular on Royal Farms commercials since 2015. “If Justin Tucker ran for mayor of Baltimore, he would win in a landslide,” Max Weiss wrote for Baltimore Magazine in 2021. “So it makes perfect sense that Royal Farms chose the handsome, affable, multitalented Ravens kicker to be their pitchman after Haloti Ngata was traded to the Lions in 2015.” Tucker has posted on Instagram in recent years promoting Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, Walmart and Olipop, among other brands. It’s rare for a kicker to be one of a team’s most recognizable players, but Tucker’s long tenure in Baltimore and willingness to be on camera has made him one of the most well-known athletes in the region. Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, right, has been one of the franchise’s most popular players over the last decade. (Kim Hairston/Staff) The kicker has also been outspoken about his Catholic faith. He has attended Mass at Sacred Heart in Glyndon and at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore during his years in the area, according to a profile the Catholic Review, a publication of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, ran on the kicker during his rookie year. He is known for making the sign of the cross before kicks. Tucker can perform opera in seven languages, including French, German, Italian, Latin, and Russian. He has used that talent to raise funds for the Baltimore-based nonprofit Catholic Charities. Accompanied by the Concert Artists of Baltimore, he sang “Ave Maria” at the organization’s Christmas Festival on Dec. 11, 2015, receiving a standing ovation from a packed house of about 900 people. He sang “O Holy Night” at the same festival in 2016, accompanied by the Morgan State University Choir and the Choral Arts Society. The money raised benefited a program for adults with intellectual disabilities. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens kicker Justin Tucker denies allegations of ‘inappropriate behavior’ at high-end spas Baltimore Ravens | READERS RESPOND: Ravens or Orioles? Here’s who fans think will win a title first. Baltimore Ravens | What’s next for Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley as free agency looms? Baltimore Ravens | Longtime Ravens defensive assistant coach Chris Hewitt won’t return Baltimore Ravens | Ravens bring back Chuck Pagano as senior secondary coach Future in Baltimore Tucker’s contract with the Ravens runs through 2027, and Baltimore’s front office signaled at the end of the season that it plans to keep him as the team’s primary kicker in 2025, even after a subpar performance this season. “We’ll have those discussions, but I think I have every expectation that Justin’s going to be a great kicker for us next year and moving forward,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said at the team’s end-of-season news conference. The Jan. 22 news conference occurred before the reported allegations of Tucker’s mistreatment of massage therapists were published. If Baltimore opts to cut ties and designate Tucker as a post-June 1 release, it would create $4.2 million in salary cap space and a $2.8 million dead cap hit, according to Over The Cap. Baltimore Sun reporter Jonathan M. Pitts contributed to this article. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor Bennett Conlin at bconlin@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/BennettConlin. View the full article

Ravens kicker Justin Tucker acted inappropriately with massage therapists at four luxury spas and wellness centers around the Baltimore area, according to six therapists who spoke anonymously with The Baltimore Banner, allegations Tucker denied vehemently. Managers from two of the spas said Tucker was banned from their establishments, The Banner reported. The accounts from the six therapists included details of Tucker “exposing his genitals, brushing two of them with his exposed penis, and leaving what they believed to be ejaculate on the massage table after three of his treatments,” The Banner reported. The alleged incidents occurred between 2012 and 2016, The Banner reported. Tucker denied the allegations in a lengthy statement posted Thursday afternoon on X. “The allegations in The Baltimore Banner article about me are unequivocally false,” he wrote. “Throughout my career as a professional athlete, I have always sought to conduct myself with the utmost professionalism. I have never before been accused of misconduct of any kind, and I have never been accused of acting inappropriately in front of a massage therapist or during a massage therapy session or during other bodywork. I have never received any complaints from a massage therapist, have never been dismissed from a massage therapy or bodywork session, and have never been told that I was not welcome at any spa or other place of business.” Tucker wrote that The Banner report “takes innocuous, or ambiguous, interactions and skews them so out of proportion they are no longer recognizable, and it presents vague insinuations as fact. This is desperate tabloid fodder.” A Ravens spokesman said, “We are aware of the Baltimore Banner’s story regarding Justin Tucker. We take any allegations of this nature seriously and will continue to monitor the situation.” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said, “we take any allegation seriously and will look into the matter,” and that the league “first became aware of the allegations from the reporter investigating this story as they were not previously shared with the NFL.” Tucker, 35, has been the Ravens’ kicker since 2012 and is regarded as arguably the greatest ever at his position. He’s one of the most popular players on the team and a ubiquitous television presence in Baltimore as the pitchman for Royal Farms. The New York Times Magazine and “60 Minutes” have profiled him as a record-setting athlete who sings opera in multiple languages in his downtime. Attorneys for Tucker denied the allegations of inappropriate behavior to The Banner, calling them speculative and “impossible to prove” and saying Tucker had never been banned from the spas. Attorneys representing four massage therapists, including one who did not speak to The Banner, said it is “empowering” for their clients’ alleged experiences to become public. “Our clients have been afforded comfort in their experiences being investigated and heard by the public and validation in knowing that they are not alone. While it is only one step forward in the recovery process, it is important and empowering for any survivor of sexual misconduct to tell their story and to have people listen,” the attorneys, Michael Belsky and Catherine Dickinson of Baltimore-based SBWD Law, said in a statement. Peter O’Neill, a criminal defense lawyer in Glen Burnie, said prosecuting Tucker would be difficult given the amount of time elapsed since the alleged behaviors. While there are no constraints on when felony charges can be filed, O’Neill said the conduct described in The Banner would not rise above the level of misdemeanor assault or a fourth-degree sex offense, both of which have a one-year statute of limitations. He added that Tucker’s notoriety and wealth present another challenge to any possible legal actions, which are “inherently problematic” because of a lack of witnesses. Baltimore Sun reporters Luke Parker and Brian Wacker contributed to this article, which will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Childs Walker at daviwalker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6893 and x.com/ChildsWalker. View the full article

We asked readers who will win a championship first: the Ravens or Orioles? Here are the results from our online poll: Ravens — 77.6% (309 votes) Orioles — 22.4% (89 votes) Here’s what some readers told us (answers have been edited for clarity and grammar): I believe that the Ravens will win a Super Bowl before the Orioles win a World Series (though wouldn’t it be nice to see them both accomplish the feat in the near term?) simply because, due to the leagues’ differing economic structures, there really are no so-called “small market” teams in the NFL, while MLB has several (including the O’s) who are at an inherent disadvantage when competing for top-level free agents. — Laurence Berbert Unfortunately, MLB has no incentive to level out the playing field. In a world of regional sport networks, the rich just get richer while the smaller market teams look for any competitive advantage that they can find. — Dan from Elkton I would love to be able to say the Orioles but despite the heartbreaks that the Ravens have experienced in recent playoffs, at least they’ve won a playoff game within the last decade. So much more needs to break right for a small market team like the Orioles to break through for a World Series title than an NFL team from the same city. Prove me wrong, O’s!!! — Adrian Eicholtz The Baltimore Sun reader poll is an unscientific survey in which website users volunteer their opinions on the subject of the poll. To see results from previous sports polls, go to baltimoresun.com/sportspoll View the full article

Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley is in Orlando, Florida. A Pro Bowl selection — even as an alternate — he is enjoying the fruits of his labor alongside a few teammates after what was a personally satisfying season. It was also a painfully disappointing one. Baltimore fell short of its yearly stated goal of winning a Super Bowl, losing in the divisional round of the playoffs to the Buffalo Bills in upsettingly familiar fashion. In the locker room afterward, the proud veteran voiced his frustration to teammates, loudly lamenting the Ravens’ lack of rushing attempts and expressing his displeasure with the offense at times overcomplicating things, as he saw it. Speaking with reporters, Stanley said, “This one is going to hurt for a while.” “This is a really hard one to accept for us, especially the guys who have been here for years,” he continued. “There’s just kind of shock about it.” On a personal level, however, it was a rebirth. After being plagued by injuries and poor play in 2023 that resulted in a contract restructure and $7.5 million pay cut, Stanley was not only healthy but highly productive. He didn’t miss a game and allowed just two sacks in 590 pass-pass-blocking snaps. He ranked 12th in pass-rush win rate among tackles, per ESPN analytics, and had a 79.6 pass blocking grade from Pro Football Focus. And his timing was impeccable, individually at least, with the soon-to-be 31-year old due to become a free agent in March. In the aftermath of the loss to the Bills, Stanley said he was going to take his future “day-by-day” and said, “whatever happens, happens,” but that future will soon be upon him as well as Baltimore. Stanley is one of 19 Ravens due to hit the open market. He is also perhaps the best player at the all-important position who will be available in free agency, casting doubt about his future in Baltimore. In a perfect world, the Ravens would likely be more than happy to have Stanley back. He is the blindside protector to their $265 million quarterback, All-Pro and perhaps soon-to-be three-time NFL Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson. He is also a respected presence along a front that had three new starters last season, including rookie right tackle Roger Rosengarten, who blossomed into a dependable blocker opposite his mentor. Ronnie Stanley is perhaps the best left tackle who will be available in free agency, casting doubt about his future in Baltimore. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Per Over the Cap, however, Baltimore currently has just over $5.8 million in salary cap space — a number that will grow with salary dumps and contract restructures — and that raises serious questions as to whether general manager Eric DeCosta can afford to retain the services of Stanley, a two-time Pro Bowl selection and former All-Pro. There are other considerations that complicate matters, too, including a desire to sign Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum and Pro Bowl safety Kyle Hamilton to long-term extensions as they get set to enter the final year of their rookie deals. “I think our goal is to always have the best offensive line that we can have,” DeCosta said at the team’s season-ending news conference last week when asked about Stanley. “We made a tough call last year to go younger and have some younger guys play, and we knew we’d have a few growing pains. I think we had a few, but looking back on it, I think it was absolutely the right thing to do, and we saw our guys improve and get better and really mesh as a unit and jell. “We are aware that we have some guys whose contracts are up, and we’ll look at that and certainly have some discussions with players. We’ll look at potentially bringing back our guys; we’ll look at the draft; we’ll look at free agency; we’ll overturn every rock to find as many good offensive linemen as we can, and I think we have some good young players on the team — they’ve shown that. And one thing we’ve seen over the years with that position, is guys get better as they get older and more established. They get in the weight room, they get stronger and play better, so that’s going to be the case with the guys we have.” There are some homegrown free agents to account for as well, including versatile offensive lineman Patrick Mekari, who started at left guard this season, and All-Pro fullback Patrick Ricard. As for those conversations DeCosta mentioned, they have already begun in earnest. But it’s still early days and there have yet to be substantive contract talks between the Ravens and Stanley, according to a source with direct knowledge of the situation. The Notre Dame graduate could be prohibitively expensive. In 2020, the Ravens signed Stanley to a five-year, $98.75 million extension, making him at the time the highest paid offensive lineman in the sport. The cost of elite left tackles has, of course, gone up since then. The sport’s highest paid left tackle, the New York Giants’ Andrew Thomas, signed a five-year, $117.5 million deal in 2023, making him the highest paid player at his position in terms of total money. San Francisco 49ers standout left tackle Trent Williams, meanwhile, sits at the top of the list in annual value with an average of $27.55 million per year. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Longtime Ravens defensive assistant coach Chris Hewitt won’t return Baltimore Ravens | Ravens bring back Chuck Pagano as senior secondary coach Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, RB Derrick Henry, 2 others pull out of Pro Bowl Games Baltimore Ravens | 18 potential Ravens targets to watch at 2025 Senior Bowl Baltimore Ravens | Ravens fan, Centennial teacher starts GoFundMe for charity supported by Bills TE Dalton Kincaid Stanley’s $7.5 million for 2024 ranked just 16th among left tackles, meaning he’ll see a significant increase this year. Will some team with a young quarterback or another that believes it’s one or two players away from being a contender make an offer that Stanley simply can’t refuse? There should be at least a few suitors. Or is there a creative way for the Ravens to come up with an offer that satisfies both parties and maintains a comfortable continuity? Time will tell. Certainly, teammates know what they’d like to happen. “God willing, I hope we keep Ronnie,” Rosengarten said. “Those [decisions] aren’t in my hands. Ronnie played like an All-Pro this year, in my opinion. … He played his [butt] off all year, and whether that means [that I] go to left tackle or wherever, [if that] happens, I’m willing to do whatever.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Ravens assistant head coach/pass game coordinator Chris Hewitt won’t return next season, a source with direct knowledge of the situation confirmed to The Baltimore Sun on Wednesday, as Baltimore continues to shake up its coaching staff. Hewitt, who had been with the Ravens since 2012, was one of coach John Harbaugh’s longest-tenured assistants. However, Baltimore’s pass defense struggled much of the year, especially early on. It ranked 27th in the NFL in passing yards allowed (238.3) and 19th in yards per pass allowed (7.2). The move also came a day after Harbaugh hired Chuck Pagano as a senior secondary coach. In a statement announcing the hire, Harbaugh said Pagano “will continue to develop and grow our young and talented secondary.” As for Hewitt, who was passed over in favor of Zach Orr for the defensive coordinator opening last offseason, it ends a long run with Harbaugh, who coached the former defensive back at the University of Cincinnati. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens bring back Chuck Pagano as senior secondary coach Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, RB Derrick Henry, 2 others pull out of Pro Bowl Games Baltimore Ravens | 18 potential Ravens targets to watch at 2025 Senior Bowl Baltimore Ravens | Ravens fan, Centennial teacher starts GoFundMe for charity supported by Bills TE Dalton Kincaid Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: Who will win a championship first: Ravens or Orioles? Hewitt joined the Ravens in 2012 as an assistant special teams coach before being promoted to assistant secondary coach in 2014. He was named defensive backs coach in 2015 and in 2020 was promoted to pass game coordinator before having an assistant head coach title added in 2024. Before joining the Ravens, he spent one year as Notre Dame’s assistant strength and conditioning coach and for eight years was running backs and cornerbacks coach at Rutgers. Hewitt is at least the second assistant coach to be let go since the end of the season with Baltimore parting ways with inside linebackers coach Mark DeLeone last week. This article will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

What’s old is new again for the Ravens. Chuck Pagano is returning to Baltimore. Nearly two decades after being hired as part of coach John Harbaugh’s first staff and more than a dozen years after serving as the Ravens’ defensive coordinator for one season, the longtime assistant is coming out of retirement and rejoining Baltimore as a senior secondary coach. In a statement announcing the move Tuesday night, Harbaugh said the 64-year-old Pagano “will continue to develop and grow our young and talented secondary.” “Chuck brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and coaching talent to our team,” Harbaugh said. “He has deep ties to the program and is excited to get to work.” Chris Hewitt is currently Baltimore’s pass game coordinator and an assistant head coach, while Doug Mallory, who joined the Ravens in 2024, is the secondary coach under second-year defensive coordinator Zach Orr. What this hire means for Hewitt and Mallory going forward is unclear. Pagano, meanwhile, has been a contributor on “The Pat McAfee Show” since 2022. His most recent coaching job was as defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears, where he spent two seasons on coach Matt Nagy’s staff in 2019 and 2020 before retiring. Before that, he was the coach of the Indianapolis Colts from 2012 to 2017, though his debut season was interrupted as he underwent treatment for leukemia. In Pagano’s first season in Chicago, the Bears’ defense led the NFC in points allowed per game (18.6) and ranked second in the conference in yards allowed per game (324.1). In Indianapolis, he had a 53-43 record in the regular season, a 3-3 mark in the postseason and led the Colts to two division titles and the 2014 AFC championship game. Pagano, who spent one season as the Ravens’ defensive coordinator in 2011, is the second former assistant to rejoin Harbaugh’s staff in recent months after 75-year-old former defensive coordinator Dean Pees was hired as a senior advisor five games into the 2024 season. The Ravens’ defense struggled early in the year, particularly against the pass. In Baltimore’s first five games this past season, the defense allowed an average of 447.6 yards and 25.2 points per game. And through the first 10 games, the Ravens allowed the most passing yards per game in the NFL while ranking 27th in total yards and 26th in scoring. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, RB Derrick Henry pull out of Pro Bowl Games Baltimore Ravens | 18 potential Ravens targets to watch at 2025 Senior Bowl Baltimore Ravens | Ravens fan, Centennial teacher starts GoFundMe for charity supported by Bills TE Dalton Kincaid Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: Who will win a championship first: Ravens or Orioles? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens reportedly finalizing contract extension with OC Todd Monken Over the final eight games of the regular season and with Pees more heavily involved, however, Baltimore was first in the league in each category. Other changes helped, too. Safety Ar’Darius Washington took over for struggling veteran Marcus Williams, while fellow safety Kyle Hamilton was more often deployed on the deep end of the field. Cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins were also significant contributors, while struggling second-year inside linebacker Trenton Simpson was benched in favor of the more experienced combination of Malik Harrison on running downs and Chris Board on passing plays. The Ravens finished the regular season ranked eighth in both points allowed per game (21.2) and yards allowed per game (319.2). With the bulk of their players returning next season, they should again have one of the league’s top defenses. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/BrianWacker1. View the full article

When the NFL’s Pro Bowl Games kick off this week, the Ravens’ two biggest stars will not be in attendance. Quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry have both dropped out of the league’s weeklong skills competitions and flag football game in Orlando, Florida. Jackson has been replaced by New England Patriots rookie Drake Maye, while Buffalo Bills running back James Cook will take Henry’s spot. It’s common for players to decline an invitation to the annual all-star event, which for decades was a tackle football game in Honolulu, Hawaii, on the Sunday before the Super Bowl before the league changed the format and location. Jackson and Henry will still get credit for making the Pro Bowl roster as part of Baltimore’s league-high 11 nominees. It’s Jackson’s fourth nod and Henry’s fifth. Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy and left tackle Ronnie Stanley were named as injury replacements last week and are set to compete alongside fullback Patrick Ricard, center Tyler Linderbaum, defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, inside linebacker Roquan Smith, cornerback Marlon Humphrey and safety Kyle Hamilton. Tight end Mark Andrews, inside linebacker Chris Board (special teams), guard Daniel Faalele, long snapper Nick Moore and kicker Justin Tucker were all voted as alternates, should any other players opt out. Zay Flowers, who became the Ravens’ first Pro Bowl selection at wide receiver, will not participate after suffering a knee injury in the regular-season finale and missing Baltimore’s two postseason games. He’ll be replaced by Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Brian Thomas Jr. Jackson lost the Pro Bowl starting nod to Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen, but the 27-year-old superstar was named first-team All-Pro and is a finalist to win a second straight and third overall NFL Most Valuable Player Award. Allen, who led Buffalo to a 27-25 divisional round win over Baltimore, will also not participate after the Bills’ AFC championship game loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and will be replaced by Pittsburgh Steelers veteran Russell Wilson. This year marks the third Pro Bowl Games, which will finish with a seven-on-seven flag football game between the AFC and NFC on Sunday with Peyton and Eli Manning coaching the two conferences. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon. View the full article

The NFL draft begins in Mobile, Alabama, as the Senior Bowl likes to say. This week, the top upperclassmen from around the country will gather for a week of practice and an annual exhibition that serves as the unofficial kickoff of draft season. For the Ravens, the draft is perhaps the most important piece of offseason business. After another season ended short of the Super Bowl following a divisional round loss to the Buffalo Bills, the decisions to retool the roster around star quarterback and potential three-time Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson will shape the team for years to come. And with an expected 11 picks in April’s draft, including No. 27 overall, the Ravens will have plenty of chances to add impact players. Here’s a look at 18 Senior Bowl prospects the Ravens could target, with a focus on positions of need — offensive line, cornerback, edge defender and wide receiver — as well as a look at defensive line, safety and inside linebacker. (Note: First-round prospects not listed for some positions based on current projections.) Offensive line First round: Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon With Ronnie Stanley entering free agency, the Ravens could be in the market for a new left tackle. The 6-foot-5, 315-pound Conerly has rare athleticism for his size and has been incredibly dependable for the Ducks, allowing just two sacks during his entire college career. The only problem? If he performs well this week and then tests off the charts at the NFL scouting combine, he could rise up draft boards and out of the Ravens’ range. Day 2: Grey Zabel, North Dakota State For prospects who come from the lower levels of college football, the Senior Bowl and other all-star events are a huge opportunity to prove their worth against elite competition. The 6-6, 305-pound Zabel played exclusively left tackle this past season for the powerhouse Bison, but he lined up mostly at right tackle in 2023 and has experience at left guard and center. That versatility could help him get on the field early for a Ravens team expecting more offensive line shuffling. Sleeper: Charles Grant, William & Mary The 6-4, 300-pound Grant has been a dominant force at the Football Championship Subdivision level, including a 90.7 overall Pro Football Focus grade this past season when he allowed just two sacks on 372 pass-blocking snaps. This week of practice will be a good gauge of whether he can hold up against bigger and better linemen in one-on-one drills. Others: Armand Membou, Missouri; Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona; Marcus Mbow, Purdue, Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota; Wyatt Milum, West Virginia; Tate Ratledge, Georgia Cornerback First round: Azareye’h Thomas, Florida State NFL Network analyst and former Ravens scout Daniel Jeremiah had the Ravens selecting Thomas in the first round of his first mock draft, calling the Seminoles star “a smooth, fluid athlete.” With the Ravens likely saying goodbye to free agent Brandon Stephens, the 6-2, 198-pound Thomas (first name pronounced uh-ZAR-ee-yay) would form a strong young tandem alongside Nate Wiggins on the outside. Day 2: Darien Porter, Iowa State The 6-2, 197-pound Porter has an alluring combination of size and speed with 33-plus-inch arms and a 100-meter time of 10.6 seconds, according to The Athletic’s Dane Brugler. He’s a standout special teams player, too, recording four blocked punts in his college career. Sleeper: Jacob Parrish, Kansas State Although undersized at 5-10 and 195 pounds, Parrish has earned plenty of praise for his speed and toughness, missing just five tackles this past season, per PFF. He was spotlighted before the Senior Bowl by Brugler, who wrote that Parrish “competes with surprising play strength in all areas” and “loves to play press man and challenge receivers” despite not playing cornerback until he arrived at Kansas State. Others to watch: Trey Amos, Ole Miss; Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky; Dorian Strong, Virginia Tech Boston College’s Donovan Ezeiruaku ranked second in the country with 16 1/2 sacks and fourth with 20 1/2 tackles for loss this past season. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth) Edge defender First round: Mike Green, Marshall Odafe Oweh and Kyle Van Noy are penciled in as the starters for next season, but the Ravens have every reason to add depth and look for upgrades at outside linebacker. Green measured in at 6-3 and 251 pounds with 32-plus-inch arms, alleviating some concerns about his size. Everything he’s shown on tape has made him a near-lock to be selected in the first round after a breakout season in which he led the nation with 17 sacks while recording 32 quarterback hurries and 22 1/2 tackles for loss. Day 2: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College Ezeiruaku has been flying under the radar despite ranking second in the country with 16 1/2 sacks and fourth with 20 1/2 tackles for loss. The 6-2, 248-pound Eagles star also has 34-plus-inch arms, which he uses well to set a hard edge. Ezeiruaku led the Power 4 conferences with 30 run-defense stops, according to PFF. Sleeper: Josaiah Stewart, Michigan Only potential No. 1 overall pick Abdul Carter of Penn State earned a higher PFF grade among edge rushers in the Power Four this past season, so perhaps it’s unfair to call Stewart a “sleeper.” But at a listed 6-1 and 245 pounds, he’s been labeled undersized and is ranked just inside the top 100 on the consensus big board. His potential is evident, though, with his 27% pass rush win rate (how often he beats his block within 2.5 seconds) leading the nation. Others to watch: Landon Jackson, Arkansas; Jordan Burch, Oregon; Kyle Kennard, South Carolina; Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M; Nic Scourton, Texas A&M; Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss Wide receiver Day 2: Savion Williams, TCU For the Ravens, taking a chance on a boom-or-bust prospect like Williams might be worth it. Few athletes move as well as the 6-5, 225-pound Horn Frogs star, who forced more missed tackles (43) than any other wide receiver in the country this past season by a considerable margin. Drops are a major concern, as is his ability to separate and run consistent routes, but he’s shown a knack for making contested catches and could also be a playmaker out of the backfield after taking snaps at running back. Sleeper: Jalen Royals, Utah State With nuanced route running, strong hands and an enticing ability to pick up yards after the catch, the 5-11, 210-pound Royals could become a worthy No. 3 target next to Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. He was on pace for a second straight 1,000-yard season before a foot injury ended his 2024 campaign, recording 55 catches for 839 yards and six touchdowns while forcing 17 missed tackles in just seven games. Others to watch: Elic Ayomanor, Stanford; Tez Johnson, Oregon; Xavier Restrepo, Miami; Jayden Higgins, Iowa State; Jaylin Noel, Iowa State Toledo defensive tackle Darius Alexander, right, is an under-the-radar prospect who could be a good fit for the Ravens. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez) Defensive line First round: Walter Nolen, Ole Miss The Ravens have a formidable duo up front in Nnamdi Madubuike and Travis Jones but little depth behind them. In a deep class of interior defensive linemen, Nolen jumps out because of his ability to wreak havoc. The 6-3, 305-pound Texas A&M transfer put together his best season in 2024, recording 6 1/2 sacks, 14 tackles for loss and 25 quarterback hurries while earning an 88.9 PFF grade. Day 2: T.J. Sanders, South Carolina The 6-4, 290-pound Sanders is a gifted athlete who shows promise both defending the run and rushing the passer. He’s recorded 8 1/2 sacks and 16 1/2 tackles for loss over the past two seasons and has the length to be a difference-maker along the interior. Sleeper: Darius Alexander, Toledo Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy said that Alexander has a chance to be the highest-drafted player from the Group of Five this year while hinting at a lofty comparison for the Mid-American Conference star. The 6-3, 304-pound Alexander ranked third nationally with a 90.2 PFF grade and ranked sixth among that group with 37 pressures this past season. Others to watch: Shemar Turner, Texas A&M; Ty Robinson, Nebraska; Deone Walker, Kentucky; Omarr Norman-Lott, Tennessee; Alfred Collins, Texas Safety Day 2: Sebastian Castro, Iowa With Marcus Williams expected to be released and unproven depth behind Kyle Hamilton and restricted free agent Ar’Darius Washington, the Ravens are likely to add a safety this offseason. The 5-11, 205-pound Castro is already 24 years old, but with that age comes experience. He’s a versatile, instinctive player who lined up mostly in the slot for the Hawkeyes. A strong tackler and run defender, he’s comfortable in the box and defending tight ends. Sleeper: Jonas Sanker, Virginia The 6-1, 210-pound Sanker fits the Ravens’ mold as a physical, downhill player who rarely misses tackles in the open field. He finished the 2024 season as the Atlantic Coast Conference’s leader in solo tackles (66) and led the Cavaliers with 8 1/2 tackles for loss. Others to watch: Lathan Ransom, Ohio State; Andrew Mukuba, Texas; Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens fan, Centennial teacher starts GoFundMe for charity supported by Bills TE Dalton Kincaid Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: Who will win a championship first: Ravens or Orioles? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens reportedly finalizing contract extension with OC Todd Monken Baltimore Ravens | Ravens roundtable: Answering questions about Mark Andrews, free agency and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens reportedly part ways with inside linebackers coach in first shake-up of offseason Inside linebacker Day 2: Carson Schwesinger, UCLA Ravens 2023 third-round pick Trenton Simpson was benched midseason in favor of Malik Harrison and Chris Board, who are both entering free agency. If the Ravens want to upgrade, Schwesinger would be a good fit. The 6-2, 225-pound Bruins star is a former zero-star recruit who walked on at UCLA and became the anchor of the defense, ranking third nationally with 136 tackles this past season. His ability to rush the passer, run sideline-to-sideline and drop into coverage would be a welcome addition. Sleeper: Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina The 6-2, 245-pound Knight is PFF’s highest-ranked linebacker prospect and could rise up boards with a strong showing this week. The Charlotte transfer became a fan favorite with the Gamecocks not only for his stellar play but his commitment to his two children and his refusal to give up the game ball after a rivalry win over Clemson. Others to watch: Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon; Cody Lindenberg, Minnesota Have a news tip? Contact sports editor C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon. View the full article

A Ravens fan wanted to return the favor. A week after two Buffalo Bills fans started a GoFundMe to raise money for a charity supported by Baltimore tight end Mark Andrews following a crushing loss to Buffalo, a teacher at Centennial High School did the same for Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid, who dropped a fourth-down pass in the final two minutes of Sunday’s AFC championship game loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. “That was stuck in my head, what Bills fans had done for Mark,” 34-year-old German teacher Will Funk-Heiser told The Baltimore Sun on Monday. “It was really cool.” The Chiefs held on to win, 32-29, to advance to their fifth Super Bowl in six years as they try to become the first team in NFL history to win three straight championships. The loss, meanwhile, left Kincaid fighting back tears. “It was hanging up there and I just wasn’t able to catch it,” the second-year tight end and former first-round draft pick told reporters Sunday night. “Right now it obviously hurts a lot, and it’s going to linger for a while, but eventually you’ve got to move on. And hopefully you grow from this, and I believe that will be the case, but for the time being, it’s going to hurt a lot.” In the wake of the defeat, the darkest corners of social media reacted predictably and malevolently with a slew of vitriol directed toward Kincaid, who’d made a diving attempt at quarterback Josh Allen’s last-ditch heave before the ball bounded off his outstretched arms and fell incomplete. The two moments involving Andrews and Kincaid and the response of the Bills’ fans struck a chord with Funk-Heiser, who grew up in College Park, is a Maryland alum and is a married father of three young boys, who, along with his wife, are all big Ravens fans. “I’d been thinking about it,” he said. “One of the best things about sports is turning something that’s negative into a good thing.” Which is what prompted him to try to raise money for The Summit Center in Getzville, New York, an organization that provides behavioral health and autism services. Kincaid has been an advocate since 2023 and chose to represent the center as part of the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats” in each of the past two seasons. According to the center, there was an outpouring on social media to make donations in support of Kincaid after the game from fan bases of the Bills, Ravens and Chiefs. More than 160 donors had done so as of Monday morning, according to WKBW-7 TV in Buffalo. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: Who will win a championship first: Ravens or Orioles? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens reportedly finalizing contract extension with OC Todd Monken Baltimore Ravens | Ravens roundtable: Answering questions about Mark Andrews, free agency and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens reportedly part ways with inside linebackers coach in first shake-up of offseason Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Is it time for John Harbaugh to go? | COMMENTARY So far, Funk-Heiser’s GoFundMe has raised more than $1,700 from over 80 donors with a goal of $5,000. He’s hoping it will continue to grow. Nicholas Howard and Ryan Patato, the two Canisius University sophomores who started the fundraiser in the wake of Andrews’ drop and Baltimore’s loss to Buffalo earlier this month, eventually raised more than $143,000 for Breakthrough T1D, a type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization that Andrews, who has type 1 diabetes, supports. “I thought we could try to return the favor,” Funk-Heiser said. “I was hoping it would be something people would be really interested in. “Nobody’s really rooting for Mahomes and the Chiefs to three-peat, anyway.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

The Ravens are a week into their offseason after yet another playoff run that ended in disappointment. The same could be said for the Orioles, who in October were swept out of the postseason for the second straight season. Both franchises have elite talent and their competitive windows are still wide-open but neither had not gotten over the hump in the playoffs yet. We want to know what you think: Which Baltimore team will win a title first? 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 architect of the NFL’s top offense is sticking around Baltimore a little longer. The Ravens and their offensive coordinator Todd Monken are reportedly finalizing a contract extension, ESPN reported. The deal comes after Monken directed Baltimore to the league’s No. 1 offense for the first time and helped pave the way for quarterback Lamar Jackson’s best season numerically. The Ravens were also the first team in league history to throw for at least 4,000 yards and run for at least 3,000 in the same season and ranked first in the league in passing and rushing efficiency, according to FTN, en route to racking up the third-most total yards in history in a single season. That Baltimore is able to keep Monken, who will turn 59 next month, is significant for a team that expects to contend for a championship every year and the first step toward what the organization hopes will be its first Super Bowl appearance since 2013. In Monken’s two seasons, the Ravens have averaged the second-most yards (397.6) and are second in scoring (29.4 points per game) in the league during that span. This season, Baltimore was No. 1 in yards per game (424.9) and yards per play (6.8) and third in points per game (30.1). Coach John Harbaugh lauded Monken’s work the past two seasons during last week’s season-ending news conference. “He’s an old-school football coach with kind of a new-school and creative mind,” Harbaugh said. “I really am excited about 3.0, that iteration of this offense going forward, because we found ourselves through the last offseason and into this season, in terms of how we want to organize the offense and tie it all together and use the different platforms that you can use.” No one has thrived more than Jackson, of course. This past season he became the first player in history to throw for at least 4,000 yards and rush for at least 900 in the same season. He also set a franchise record for touchdown passes (41) in a season against just four interceptions, was named an All-Pro for the third time and is the favorite to be named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player for a third time after also winning the award last season. That helped propel the Ravens to a 12-5 record during the regular season, a second straight AFC North title, and a divisional-round appearance in the playoffs before falling to the Buffalo Bills. Last season, Baltimore reached the AFC championship game before losing to the Kansas City Chiefs. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens roundtable: Answering questions about Mark Andrews, free agency and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens reportedly part ways with inside linebackers coach in first shake-up of offseason Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Is it time for John Harbaugh to go? | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley, OLB Kyle Van Noy added to Pro Bowl roster Baltimore Ravens | Ravens TE Mark Andrews addresses playoff drop on Instagram: ‘I’m devastated’ Monken, who came to Baltimore after three seasons as the offensive coordinator at Georgia and back-to-back national championships, has also drawn NFL head coaching interest each of the past two years. Last year, he interviewed with the Los Angeles Chargers and Carolina Panthers. This year, he interviewed with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears before those jobs were filled. Though Monken has never been a head coach in the NFL — his lone head coaching job was at Southern Mississippi from 2013 to 2015 — Harbaugh believes he’s more than capable. “Todd is one of those guys that can apply his experience, along with the fact that he’s always thinking ahead,” Harbaugh said. “He’s always trying to come up with the next idea, and then he’s also very much [a] collaborator. … To me, sometimes a young coach does a good job of that, sometimes an experienced guy understands the value of that and is able to utilize those people really well around him. It’s the guys that last. Those are the guys that kind of prove themselves over time I think, and Todd is one those guys.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

It’s been just over a week since the Ravens’ season came crashing to a halt in a divisional round loss to the Buffalo Bills. The Kansas City Chiefs will play in their fifth Super Bowl in six years, while Baltimore, which boasted the NFL’s top offense en route to a 12-5 record and a second straight AFC North title, is left to wonder why its regular-season brilliance failed to carry over to the postseason again. The Ravens are just 4-7 in seven playoff appearances since their 2012 title season and haven’t won more than one game in the same postseason during that span. What do they need to do to break that streak? Baltimore Sun reporters Brian Wacker, Childs Walker and Sam Cohn and columnist Mike Preston weigh in on this year’s playoffs, Mark Andrews and the future. What do the Ravens need to do to get over the hump and reach the Super Bowl? Wacker: Aside from “hold onto the f—ing ball,” as quarterback Lamar Jackson passionately put it after the loss to the Bills? The Ravens are 0-12 when turning the ball over more than their opponents in the playoffs, and 18-2 when it’s at least even. The reason the Chiefs have won as often as they have is because of talent and coaching, yes, but also by not overcomplicating things when opportunities present themselves and not making costly mistakes at critical junctures. Baltimore not scoring a touchdown on first-and-goal from the Bills’ 2-yard line is a great example of the former, and tight end Mark Andrews getting stripped in the fourth quarter and Jackson simply losing his grip on the ball inexplicably trying to switch hands in the second speak to the latter. When you’re a game or two from the Super Bowl, the margins are typically thin and even the smallest mistakes can be damaging. The Ravens have too much talent not to get to a Super Bowl with Jackson, but the only way they will is by figuring out a way to be precise when the stakes are at their highest or by being fortunate enough to not face teams like the Chiefs or Bills. Walker: This is the existential question facing a franchise that flexes its muscles in almost every aspect of team building, only to come up maddeningly short with the finish line in sight. And there is no good answer. The Ravens were more talented than the Bills. Their offense soared, even in the cold and snow with an enemy crowd blaring. Their leader, Jackson, seemed elated with the team’s form going into the game and not the least bit daunted by the scrutiny he’d face in his matchup with MVP co-frontrunner Josh Allen. No defense, including Buffalo’s, could fully account for both Jackson and Derrick Henry. Second guessing is the reflex move for any fan base after a crushing defeat, but really, what could they have done better in assembling the roster and preparing for the playoffs? The Ravens lost because two of their best players couldn’t hang onto the ball, while the Bills played a clean game. The only thing Jackson and friends can do is keep giving themselves chances until they get it right. That doesn’t satisfy our human needs to assign blame and grasp for control, but it’s the truth. Preston: While watching a lot of teams in the playoffs, one thing I’ve noticed is that they all dial it back a little and become more conservative, especially if you are one of the top seeds in each conference. Both Kansas City and Buffalo have done that in their playoff games, and the Bills kept quarterback Josh Allen on a tight leash during their entire game against Baltimore. Maybe the Ravens need to play in a similar fashion. In the AFC championship game a year ago, a 17-10 loss to Kansas City, the Ravens forgot to run the ball and then became pass happy in the second half. Against the Bills, they didn’t establish running back Derrick Henry until the third quarter despite him running for almost 200 yards in the first meeting earlier in the season, a lopsided Ravens victory. One of Jackson’s strengths is making something out of nothing, and that results in the big play. But in the postseason, when teams are similar in talent, the lack of ball security hurts. I understand the nature of big plays, but there is always a risk with them. After so many playoff losses, the Ravens might consider a different strategy or coach John Harbaugh needs to try a different approach as far as preparation. Cohn: Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Andy Reid need to announce a joint retirement. In all seriousness, the Ravens are no longer measured by their regular-season success while Jackson is still their quarterback. It’s their shaky playoff resume that people care about. And the difference will be whether the turnover-less football they play from September to December can continue in January and February. Easier said than done, but it’s been their biggest hitch. Since 2018, they have 16 turnovers in nine playoff games (seven interceptions and four fumbles). Health would be the 1B issue. Last year, it was Andrews who wasn’t healthy until the AFC championship game. This year, Zay Flowers had plans to come back at the same time. Ravens tight end Mark Andrews is entering the final year of his contract. (Al Bello/Getty Images) Tight end Mark Andrews is entering the final year of his contract. Should the Ravens bring him back for the long-term? Wacker: Jettisoning Andrews now wouldn’t make sense on any level and would be a bad look. Team brass has already said they expect the franchise’s leader in touchdowns to be a “huge” part of next year’s plans, too. Still, the Ravens are in a tough spot for a player who will turn 30 in September, has endured his own dubious playoff foibles and is due to count $16.9 million (fifth among tight ends) against the salary cap. Further complicating matters is that ascendent Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar are both entering the final year of their respective rookie deals. My guess is they will be creative, give him an extension and find a way to keep at least two of the three tight ends for at least a couple more seasons. Walker: General manager Eric DeCosta as much as said they will make that decision after next season, not now. The Ravens could save $11 million by dumping Andrews this offseason, but they’re trying to win the Super Bowl next season, and he’s still Jackson’s top red-zone target. It would also be a soulless piece of business considering Andrews is a locker room pillar who has, as he put it on Instagram, poured “every ounce of my being into playing at the highest level possible.” He’ll be in the Ravens Ring of Honor one day. That said, Andrews is going to want and deserve to be one of the highest paid tight ends in the league. In Likely, who will also be up for an extension after next season, the Ravens have a younger (by five years) alternative who could replace most or all of Andrews’ production. They will probably have to choose one or the other, and Likely makes more sense for the long term given their goal of contending throughout Jackson’s prime. Don’t shove Andrews out the door, but make the rational call when it arises naturally. Preston: If the Ravens can keep both, they will and DeCosta will probably come up with a way to get it done. They won’t get rid of Andrews because of the fumble or the dropped 2-point conversion attempt. He is one of the hardest working players in team history. Speed wise, he isn’t as fast as he used to be, but I like what the Ravens can do with a two tight end set that includes Likely. The set balances up a defense and that’s a key for most offenses. The guess here is that Andrews stays for another season, but Likely is the tight end of the future. That scenario was discussed at the end of the 2023 season in the Ravens’ front office, and it will be front and center in 2025. But to get rid of Andrews at this point would look so bad for a player who has meant as much to this franchise as former tight end Todd Heap. Cohn: As it stands, it feels like the most likely scenario is the Ravens don’t make any big decisions in the tight end room this offseason. Andrews and Likely both have one year left on their contracts. Andrews is 29 and destined for the Ring of Honor; he’s been a security blanket for Jackson since 2018. But Likely is five years younger and ascending quickly. It would be a slight to extend one and not the other this summer. It would be a mistake to sign Andrews and let Likely walk. And it would be expensive to extend both. Heart says stick with the franchise’s all-time touchdowns leader. Mind says pivot to Likely if forced to pick one now. Crystal ball says we’re having this conversation again in a year (unless one regresses). With only about $13 million in projected salary cap space and with 17 unrestricted free agents, including left tackle Ronnie Stanley, left guard Patrick Mekari, fullback Patrick Ricard and cornerback Brandon Stephens, what should Baltimore’s focus in free agency be? Wacker: The biggest priority among their own players should be bringing back Stanley, though it can’t be at any cost given a tight salary cap, impending extensions for safety Kyle Hamilton and center Tyler Linderbaum and other needs. If a desperate team throws a boatload of cash at the rejuvenated Pro Bowl selection, c’est la vie. The Ravens could slide Roger Rosengarten from right tackle to left, re-sign the cheaper Mekari to play right tackle, give Andrew Vorhees another crack at left guard and then draft a tackle in the first round. Outside of their own players, they should explore defensive back, pass rusher, inside linebacker and wide receiver. Some of those needs will get filled through the draft, of course. Walker: This offseason is going to be more about keeping the Ravens’ young stars home than making splashy additions. Stanley presents the most immediate dilemma. If the Ravens could bring their longtime left tackle back on a short, modest deal, they should, because protecting Jackson will always be a premium concern. But they can’t afford to win a bidding war. Trying Rosengarten at left tackle and adding another young tackle on Day 1 or 2 of the draft would be the alternative, and DeCosta showed last spring he’s willing to be aggressive with these choices. Mekari and Ricard are probably more valuable to the Ravens than on the open market, so don’t be surprised if they’re back. A veteran edge rusher, a safety who can cover and a cornerback who can play on the outside are also on the shopping list, though with 10 or 11 draft picks coming, DeCosta can leave some of that business for his favorite weekend of the year. Preston: If Stanley doesn’t cost a fortune, sign him to a two-year extension. The Ravens, though, need to sign Linderbaum and Hamilton to contract extensions, so it will be a busy offseason. Ricard will probably get a nice contract offer, even though he is perfect with Henry. If Rosengarten has a strong offseason in the weight room (and he will), I have no problem with the Ravens moving him to the left side. But Mekari is better at guard than at tackle, which is more isolated and takes more of a thumping without getting help from both sides. I suspect that is why Mekari stayed healthy for most of the regular season. The Ravens can re-sign him with a decent offer, but they are in desperate need of a pass rusher. Those sack totals by the outside linebackers were built against average teams, but where were those players against the Bills in the playoffs? The Ravens also need a corner to start opposite Nate Wiggins, as well as more defensive backs. In the NFL, there is no certain number that guarantees a team will make it through the season without injury. Cohn: If the Ravens can sign Stanley without selling the farm, that should be the top priority. He made his first Pro Bowl since 2019 and was an important figure in helping develop Rosengarten. It would be beneficial to bring back Ricard, who forged a strong relationship with Henry and was a crucial contributor to Baltimore’s run game. We heard last week that there’s interest from both player and front office in having Ricard retire as a Raven. Beyond that, Baltimore’s focus should be on adding a defensive back and pass rusher — two spots that could also be addressed via the draft. But this Super Bowl window won’t be open forever. Ravens punter Jordan Stout holds while Justin Tucker kicks off against the Browns. Tucker could face competition this offseason after struggling in 2024. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Should the Ravens bring in another kicker to compete with Justin Tucker in training camp? Wacker: While Tucker seemed to solve his ills in the second half of the season, it couldn’t hurt to bring in another leg. Better to do so too soon than too late. Tucker has been around a long time and is strong enough in his own belief that it wouldn’t be detrimental. That said, I don’t see the Ravens moving on from one of the greatest kickers in the history of the sport just yet. He was bound to have a down season at some point, just as many of the greats before him did, and there’s little reason to think he won’t return to being one of the top kickers in the league in 2025. Walker: No. If there’s a young kicker they like, it wouldn’t hurt to take a look. But they should in no way treat it as a competition. They trusted Tucker to work through his problems during the season, and he did so. There’s no reason to pull back from that trust now. Preston: Yes. Case closed. Competition is a good thing, and the Ravens always bring in extra kickers. Tucker, as I suspect, will respond appropriately. Cohn: Because of how well Tucker ended the season — perfect since the bye week with a pair of makes through tough conditions in Orchard Park, New York — I’d say no. Players and coaches alike called it a slump and they were confident the most accurate kicker in league history would make the necessary corrections. Well, he did. Keep the option of bringing in competition in your back pocket. Just don’t play that card yet because the old guy’s still got it. Baltimore will have the 27th overall pick in April’s draft and is projected to have 11 picks total, including five in the first four rounds. What should the Ravens’ focus be with their early selections? Wacker: Offensive tackle, pass rusher, cornerback and wide receiver. One thing the Chiefs and Bills have that the Ravens don’t: Great tackles. Stanley was very good this season, but not elite. Baltimore also needs to find a game-wrecker on defense (another thing Kansas City and Buffalo both have), either along the line or on the edge. Those guys are cost prohibitive on the free agent market, so finding one in the draft would be the way to go. We’ve also seen that they can never have enough cornerbacks or wide receivers, the latter a position that was awfully thin beyond Flowers and Rashod Bateman. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens reportedly part ways with inside linebackers coach in first shake-up of offseason Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Is it time for John Harbaugh to go? | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley, OLB Kyle Van Noy added to Pro Bowl roster Baltimore Ravens | Ravens TE Mark Andrews addresses playoff drop on Instagram: ‘I’m devastated’ Baltimore Ravens | READERS RESPOND: Here’s how fans graded the Ravens’ 2024 season Walker: They need a potential starter at tackle and a young defensive back — either an outside corner or one of the top safeties — to supplement the four starters expected to return in the secondary. They probably won’t be in position to draft a plug-and-play edge rusher, so they’ll have to take another developmental shot there, even though that approach has missed more than it has hit. They draft a wide receiver every year, so that feels like a given in the middle rounds. And they won’t stop at adding one offensive lineman with a starting guard spot also possibly up for grabs this summer. Preston: Offensive tackle, if Stanley isn’t re-signed, and go get a big-name pass rusher, even if they have to trade up. They will need a cornerback as well, maybe two, and also a weak-side linebacker. Trenton Simpson took a step back this season, and Malik Harrison, another free agent, is limited. He can go straight ahead, but has problems moving sideline to sideline. Despite the claims about how the defense improved this season, there are still some gaping holes. Cohn: Much of this will become clear once we see how free agency plays out. The Ravens should look for an offensive lineman with their first or second draft pick. Some of that is dependent on whether Stanley stays in Baltimore; if not, they’ll scour for a tackle. If it’s Mekari who isn’t re-signed, they’ll be in the market for a guard. Surely, the Ravens will be eyeing defensive backs, too. DeCosta said last week that he already had his eye on a safety, which would be a big help for Hamilton and Ar’Darius Washington after a carousel there this season. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon. View the full article

The Ravens have parted ways with inside linebackers coach Mark DeLeone, according to KPRC-TV. The move is the first change to coach John Harbaugh’s staff this offseason. Under DeLone, Baltimore’s inside linebackers had an uneven year. Though Roquan Smith was eventually named an All-Pro, he struggled in coverage early in the season alongside second-year linebacker Trenton Simpson. Eventually, Simpson, who had his own struggles against the pass and run, was benched and replaced by the veteran duo of Malik Harrison and Chris Board. The group’s play settled down and Smith went on to have the fifth-most tackles in the NFL. DeLeone had replaced Zach Orr after Orr was promoted to defensive coordinator following the departure of Mike Macdonald to become the Seattle Seahawks’ coach. The 36-year-old came to Baltimore from the University of Kansas, where he was a defensive analyst. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Is it time for John Harbaugh to go? | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley, OLB Kyle Van Noy added to Pro Bowl roster Baltimore Ravens | Ravens TE Mark Andrews addresses playoff drop on Instagram: ‘I’m devastated’ Baltimore Ravens | READERS RESPOND: Here’s how fans graded the Ravens’ 2024 season Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, RB Derrick Henry named finalists for NFL awards He’d also worked in several roles around the NFL, including as inside linebackers coach of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018, the Chicago Bears in 2019 and 2020 — alongside Smith — and the Detroit Lions in 2021. In his season-ending news conference Wednesday, Harbaugh said he was still “pretty early” in the process of determining what changes there could be to his staff. “Of course, I’d love to keep them,” Harbaugh said. “I tell them, I say, ‘I’m rooting for you, and I’ll definitely tell people how great you are, because you deserve it, but if it doesn’t work out for you, I’m really happy that you’re staying with us.’ And our players, I’ve talked to a lot of our players, and I know our players feel the same way.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston answers fans’ questions throughout the Ravens’ season. After a 27-25 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the AFC divisional round on Sunday night, Baltimore is left to sort through another disappointing playoff exit. Here’s Preston’s take on a handful of questions from readers: (Editor’s note: Questions have been edited for length and clarity.) Year after year, the Ravens lose in the playoffs in just what seems to be the most brutal fashion. Lamar’s pick-6 in Buffalo, the Huntley fumble, the Flowers fumble, the Andrews fumble and drop. With Lamar and the amount of talent we have, our Super Bowl window is certainly open, but how long will that remain to be the case? Have you ever seen a team consistently underachieve in terms of execution despite having rosters that are on par with Super Bowl-winning organizations? Is there a fix? Is there any reason for optimism? — Frustrated Fan from North East There is always room for optimism, even for a Frustrated Fan from North East. Fortunately, the Ravens will retain the nucleus of the team they’ve had for the past two seasons, and that means they will be in the hunt again. A year ago against Kansas City in the AFC championship game, the Ravens abandoned the run and got away from their game plan too quickly. Sunday night against Buffalo, the great players didn’t deliver great plays in the big game. You are correct, it’s always something with this team. Maybe the third year is the charm. Maybe they’ll put it all together in 2025 with this great offense and an improved defense under second-year coordinator Zach Orr. It’s hard to win the Super Bowl, which is why there are 12 franchises that have never done it. I’m not a fan of any team, but a fan of the game itself. I suspect there are still a lot of disappointed fans in Baltimore, but that will change when training camp starts in late July or early August. As Ray Lewis used to say, there are 31 teams that are ticked off at the end of the season because only one can win the Super Bowl. I agree. OK, is it time for Harbaugh to go? He’s been great, but maybe it’s time for some new life at the castle. — Rich in Atlanta (from Baltimore) Rich, Rich, Rich. Whenever the Ravens lose, regardless if it’s in the regular season or in the postseason, there are fans who want Harbaugh fired. It’s like death and taxes. I get it because he has been here in Baltimore since 2008. But overall, he is one of the five best coaches in the NFL and the Ravens are usually in contention for the title. Do I agree with Harbaugh’s game day decisions? Hell no. But at this point, I pretty much can predict how he will react to certain situations and it doesn’t bother me. He stays with his philosophy, and that’s good because he is consistent. He has only one year left on his current deal and it will be interesting to see if owner Steve Bisciotti offers him a new contract or if Harbaugh wants to possibly move on from coaching and get into TV as an analyst. I don’t agree with the idea that if Harbaugh moves on there aren’t better coaches available. That’s ridiculous. Quality organizations hire good coaches. The Pittsburgh Steelers have for decades, and so have the Ravens in moving on from Ted Marchibroda to Brian Billick to Harbaugh. We will see how this plays out, but Harbaugh has and continues to do well during his tenure in Baltimore. What, if any, assistant coaching changes might occur with the Ravens? Or do you anticipate the entire staff being retained? — Ed Helinski in Auburn, New York The major question is about offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who is believed to be a candidate for the coaching jobs in Las Vegas and Jacksonville. At age 58, Monken probably needs to be hired this offseason because that’s considered old in the NFL these days. Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken speaks with wide receiver Rashod Bateman during an October practice. Monken is a candidate for a couple open NFL coaching jobs. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) There is speculation that Monken is the “fall back” or Plan B option in Jacksonville and that he would go there because he at least has a quarterback to build around in Trevor Lawrence. The Raiders have no one. In the big picture, Monken’s departure would be a step back for Jackson because he developed well in Year 2 under Monken. The assumption here is that there won’t be as many departures as a year ago, when the Ravens lost three top defensive assistants. Anthony Weaver and Dennard Wilson went on to become coordinators for other teams, while Mike Macdonald became coach in Seattle. During the Bills game, after scoring a TD, Harbaugh elected to go for 2 and we failed, leaving the score 21-19. Subsequently the Bills kicked 2 FGs to make the score 27-19, making it necessary for the Ravens to score a TD and a 2-point conversion. Had Harbaugh just kicked the extra point we would have trailed 21-20. After the Bills scored 2 FGs, we could have tied the game with our late TD and extra point. Why go for 2 when it was totally unnecessary at the time? What am I missing? — Jan in Naples, Florida It was a bad decision, Jan, but again, one that I expected. Harbaugh likes to gamble because he has a lot of offensive talent led by Jackson, running back Derrick Henry, tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely and receiver Zay Flowers. Harbaugh needs to improve his game day decisions. Instead of trying to be too aggressive based on analytics, he needs to rely more on gut instincts and what is going on in the game at the current time. From his very beginning with the Ravens, you have been a believer in Ar’Darius Washington. Is he their safety of the future or just a stop-gap for this year? And in the long run, is the Ravens’ defense better with a safety Kyle Hamilton playing closer to the line where he has a better chance to create havoc on opposing offenses? — Brian Washington can be the starter, but the Ravens also need to draft another safety or sign one via free agency. As for Hamilton, the Ravens need to be able to move him around because it keeps other teams guessing. I like his versatility and the ability to attack an offense in different ways. Of the 17 unrestricted free agents entering this offseason, which ones do you think should be brought back and which ones should be let go? Also, what is the cap space outlook in 2025? It will be interesting to see what the Ravens do on the offensive line. Two unrestricted free agents are left tackle Ronnie Stanley and left guard Patrick Mekari. Stanley will draw interest, but as I’ve mentioned before the Ravens might opt to move rookie right tackle Roger Rosengarten to left tackle, move right guard Daniel Faalele back to his natural position at right tackle and insert Andrew Vorhees at one of the guard positions. The Ravens have some options. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens reportedly part ways with inside linebackers coach in first shake-up of offseason Baltimore Ravens | Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley, OLB Kyle Van Noy added to Pro Bowl roster Baltimore Ravens | Ravens TE Mark Andrews addresses playoff drop on Instagram: ‘I’m devastated’ Baltimore Ravens | READERS RESPOND: Here’s how fans graded the Ravens’ 2024 season Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, RB Derrick Henry named finalists for NFL awards Mekari, though, can play any position on the offensive line and he stayed relatively healthy for most of the 2024 season. Another player to watch is fullback Patrick Ricard. He might earn big money from some teams focusing on the running game again. As for cap space, the Ravens have a projected $13.8 million available, according to Over The Cap, but that to me is never a big issue until the season starts. Teams have time to restructure contracts to find more money. Do you have any book recommendations to keep us busy during the offseason? — Nate Read The Bible. It works for me. P.S. Thanks for the questions this season. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

When the Pro Bowl rosters were announced earlier this month, the Ravens had a league-high nine selections. Add two more to the list. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley and outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy were added to the AFC squad Thursday as injury replacements, giving Baltimore 11 representatives in the annual all-star event. Stanley takes the place of Houston Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil, while Van Noy jumps in for Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt. This season marked a bounce-back year for Stanley, who took a pay cut in the offseason before starting every game for the league’s top offense. He’ll turn 31 in March and enter free agency this offseason, perhaps drawing a lucrative contract from another team. Van Noy, 33, posted a career-high 12 1/2 sacks in his second season in Baltimore to earn his first Pro Bowl selection. The two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots is under contract through 2025. Raven running back Derrick Henry, fullback Patrick Ricard, inside linebacker Roquan Smith and safety Kyle Hamilton were previously named starters, while quarterback Lamar Jackson, wide receiver Zay Flowers, center Tyler Linderbaum, defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike and cornerback Marlon Humphrey also made the team. Tight end Mark Andrews, inside linebacker Chris Board (special teams), guard Daniel Faalele, long snapper Nick Moore and kicker Justin Tucker were all voted as alternates. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens TE Mark Andrews addresses playoff drop on Instagram: ‘I’m devastated’ Baltimore Ravens | READERS RESPOND: Here’s how fans graded the Ravens’ 2024 season Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, RB Derrick Henry named finalists for NFL awards Baltimore Ravens | Jayden Daniels joined Joe Flacco in NFL rookie QB lore. Can he finish the job? Baltimore Ravens | The Baltimore Sun’s Ravens report card: Final grades for 2024 season | COMMENTARY Jackson lost the starting nod to Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen, but the 27-year-old superstar was named first-team All-Pro and is a finalist to win a second straight and third overall NFL Most Valuable Player Award. Jackson could get the chance to start, however, if Buffalo defeats the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship game Sunday and advances to the Super Bowl after knocking out Baltimore, 27-25, in the divisional round. Jackson last competed in the Pro Bowl in January 2020, earning Offensive MVP. Flowers, who became the first homegrown Ravens wide receiver to receive a Pro Bowl selection, will not play after missing Baltimore’s two playoff games with a knee injury he suffered in the regular-season finale. He’ll be replaced by Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Brian Thomas Jr. This year marks the third Pro Bowl Games, which feature weeklong skills competitions and a flag football game. It will take place in Orlando, Florida, and finish with a seven-on-seven flag football game between the AFC and NFC at Nicholson Fieldhouse at the University of Central Florida on Feb. 2 with Peyton and Eli Manning coaching the two conferences. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon. View the full article