ExtremeRavens

Opening day is near. The Orioles will begin their 2025 season on Thursday in Toronto against the Blue Jays with high hopes. After winning at least 91 games each of the past two seasons, Baltimore is projected to be among the best in the American League again. How many games will they win this season? We want to know your thoughts. After you vote, leave a comment and tell us why and we might use your take in The Baltimore Sun. The Baltimore Sun reader poll is an unscientific survey in which website users volunteer their opinions on the subject of the poll. To read the results of previous reader polls, click here. View the full article

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

Odafe Oweh turned his iPhone camera around, his jaw fell to the floor and his right hand smacked against his forehead. Then the Ravens pass rusher flipped the camera forward. He was a few rows back from Kentucky’s bench at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Oweh’s phone shook mightily, jumbling his screen into muddled royal blue. His younger brother, Otega, dribbled the length of the floor, past two Oklahoma defenders, and flicked up a baseline floater over a third with 0.5 seconds left. That game-winning shot earned Kentucky a spot in the Southeastern Conference Tournament quarterfinals. Big bro was beside himself. “It was looking bleak,” Odafe said, having watched Otega cough up a costly turnover 20 seconds earlier. “He’s just crazy. Like the poise, the stoicism. … I wanted to run on the court. I was just so happy for him.” This No. 3 seeded Kentucky team isn’t under the NCAA Tournament spotlight the way it has been in years past. Fans loved them or hated them, but always talked about them, under John Calipari. After a 15-year Hall of Fame career in Lexington ended with a stunning upset at the hands of No. 14 Oakland, he left for Arkansas. These less-discussed Wildcats, who are set to play No. 6 Illinois on Sunday evening in the Round of 32, are piloted by a first-year coach and member of Kentucky’s 1996 national championship team. Mark Pope rebuilt the entire roster. His fifth commitment was a former four-star prospect from New Jersey who played two seasons at Oklahoma, wasn’t getting much buzz nationally, and has an older brother in the NFL. Odafe has been forging a career in his own right, spending the last three seasons trying to find a consistent role along the Ravens’ defensive line. It wasn’t until this year, a 10-sack season worthy of a custom Chuck Smith hoodie in Year 4, filling a much-needed pass rush vacancy, that he broke out in the NFL. The same could be said for Otega, who transferred and made a name for himself this winter. Otega leads the Wildcats in scoring with 16.4 points per game at an impressive 49.4% shooting clip. His 4.7 rebounding average is tied for the team’s second best mark. Once thought by pundits that he might not fit into Pope’s system, Otega has become a core tenet of Kentucky’s success this season. Ravens outside linebacker Odafe Oweh has been enjoying watching his brother flourish at Kentucky this season. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) The Wildcats have a long list of March Madness heroes: Anthon Davis, John Wall and Aaron Harrison, to name a few recent ones. In Kentucky’s first-round win over Troy on Friday, Otega became the program’s first player to reach at least 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists in an NCAA Tournament game since 1996. “When he was playing at Oklahoma, he would have flashes,” Odafe said, “but obviously, the situation that he was going through there — something that a lot of us have gone through in our family of having to prove who we are because people don’t know off the jump, and we have to work our way up. I saw him do that in Oklahoma. The coach wasn’t, for whatever reason, giving him the time and the opportunities that he needed to flourish. But I always saw little spurts and little times where he would show dominance. Related Articles College Sports | Wisconsin loses to BYU 91-89 despite John Tonje’s 37 points, ending the Big Ten’s perfect NCAA Tournament start College Sports | Roddy Gayle leads Michigan past Texas A&M for a spot in the Sweet 16 — one year after a 24-loss season College Sports | 2 men arrested in shooting death of former Morgan State basketball player, police say College Sports | March Madness: Maryland women’s basketball avoids upset bid from Norfolk State, 82-69 College Sports | Rick Pitino’s St. John’s dream season comes to end in NCAA Tournament loss to John Calipari-led Arkansas “And I knew that if he got the opportunity to be who he is and to have a coach that believed in his game, that he would flourish. Funny enough, it came at Kentucky. That’s a school that has history. And if you do your thing there, you’re going to be immortalized, so in hindsight, it’s crazy how all of it is happening.” Pope has given Otega a long leash, and it’s paid off. Back in January, the coach said, ”From time to time I have to close my eyes and look away.” He was asked about that line on Saturday, saying, “He has an unbelievable makeup ability.” Faced with adversity, Otega responds. He did it in the SEC Tournament against Oklahoma. And he did it a month earlier, also against the Sooners, when his former fans booed him relentlessly. Otega responded by scoring Kentucky’s final 18 points, including the game-winner. “I liken it to when LeBron [James] went to the Heat,” Odafe said, “and he went back to Cleveland to play. Whenever he would touch the ball, he would get booed, and that’s what it was like in Oklahoma. Whenever the kid would touch the ball, the whole arena — and I’m not being dramatic — the whole arena would boo.” Maybe that’s the product of growing up with two competitive older brothers, Odafe and Kaylen. They battled playing video games. One-on-one in the driveway. Dunk contests. Who could shoot the farthest. Everything was a competition. That flourished into the kind of work ethic where Odafe would visit home from Penn State and barely see Otega, then still at Blair Academy, getting out the door at 5 a.m. to spend the whole day in the gym. Few are prouder than Odafe to be sitting in the stands seeing the fruits of that labor. When Otega made the second game winner to beat Oklahoma, he found Odafe with his family in the crowd. Odafe returned a look, saying, “Well, you did it.” “My prediction is Kentucky all the way,” Odafe said. “Yes, you can count on me being there. I’m training during this time, but you know I’m going to make my way there. I’m going to try to see him as much as I can because I don’t get these moments a lot.” Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article

Heisman Trophy winner, two-time NFL Most Valuable Player … Emmy Award nominee? Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is already a popular television draw on the football field, but now he’ll get the spotlight in a different arena — as an actor. The 28-year-old superstar will make his acting debut in an upcoming episode of “Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” according to People magazine. Jackson will appear as a guest star in one episode in season four of the crime drama series on Starz, People reports, playing a character named E-Tone who is described as an “intimidating figure not to be messed with.” “I’m so excited for fans to see me in this new role and thrilled to be part of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” Jackson wrote on Instagram. “My character, E-Tone, is a deadly, dangerous character – you don’t want to get on his bad side!” According to IMDB, “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” is a prequel set in the 1990s that chronicles the early years of Kanan Stark, the character first played by executive producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. The series, featuring Mekai Curtis, Omar Epps and rapper Joey Bada$$, has an average rating of 7.7 out 10 on IMDB and 85% on Rotten Tomatoes. Jackson has long been a fan of the show, posting on X in December 2023 that it was “so gas” and that he wanted to appear on a few episodes. Less than two years later, he’s getting his wish. New episodes of “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” premiere Fridays at 8 p.m. on Starz and appear on the app at midnight. 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 and University of Michigan assistant coach Matt Weiss allegedly accessed the accounts of more than 150,000 student-athletes and downloaded “personal, intimate digital photographs and videos that were never intended to be shared beyond intimate partners,” according to a federal indictment issued Thursday. Weiss, 42, is charged with 14 counts of unauthorized access to computers and 10 counts of aggravated identity theft. The indictment from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan alleges that between 2015, when he still worked for the Ravens, and January 2023, Weiss “gained unauthorized access to student athlete databases of more than 100 colleges and universities that were maintained by a third-party vendor. After gaining access to these databases, Weiss downloaded the personally identifiable information and medical data of more than 150,000 athletes.” The indictment goes on to allege that: “Using the information that he obtained from the student athlete databases and his own internet research, Weiss was able to obtain access to the social media, email, and/or cloud storage accounts of more than 2,000 target athletes.” The 14-page document portrays him as a computer whiz, saying Weiss “cracked the encryption protecting the passwords, assisted by research that he did on the internet.” “Weiss primarily targeted female college athletes,” the indictment said. “He researched and targeted these women based on their school affiliation, athletic history and physical characteristics.” Weiss kept notes on photos and videos that he downloaded, commenting on the bodies and sexual preferences and sometimes returning years later to look for new images, the indictment said. Weiss’ attorney, Doug Mullkoff, did not immediately respond to messages from The Associated Press seeking comment. Michigan fired Weiss, the Wolverines’ co-offensive coordinator under coach Jim Harbaugh, in January 2023 after he failed to co-operate with a university investigation. A public records request by The Associated Press found that an athletic department official had told Weiss that the university had evidence he “inappropriately accessed” computer accounts. Weiss worked for the Ravens from 2009 to 2020 under coach John Harbaugh, serving in various roles from defensive quality coach to running backs coach before he left for Michigan. If convicted, Weiss faces a maximum of five years imprisonment on each count of unauthorized access to computers and two years on each count of aggravated identity theft. Weiss’ initial court appearance on the charges was not determined. The Associated Press contributed to this article. Have a news tip? Contact Childs Walker at daviwalker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6893 and x.com/ChildsWalker. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Protecting Justin Tucker: Ravens kicker hires law firm for those facing ‘high-profile reputational attacks’ Baltimore Ravens | Free agents Ravens could consider to fill needs at cornerback, safety, edge Baltimore Ravens | 5 things we learned from the Ravens’ first week in free agency Baltimore Ravens | Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley returns to franchise with ‘unfinished business’ Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: Who will win the NCAA men’s basketball tournament? View the full article

Sarah Palin, after The New York Times wrongly linked her to a mass shooting. Dominion Voting Systems, after Fox News aired false claims that the company rigged the 2020 election. Members of the Sackler family, who owned Purdue Pharma, as the Oxycontin scandal unfolded. Harvard’s president amid accusations of plagiarism. And now, Justin Tucker, the Baltimore Ravens kicker, facing claims of sexual misconduct during massages in local spas. All turned to the Clare Locke law firm, considered by some the go-to for prominent individuals and companies facing what the firm’s website calls “high-profile reputational attacks.” An Alexandria-based boutique firm, Clare Locke has developed a reputation of its own for winning big verdicts and settlements, going hard against opponents and being part of a movement to make it easier to sue the media and publishers for defamation. “They’re aggressive. They’re knowledgeable. They are used to dealing with high-profile clients and high-profile defense lawyers,” said Lucy Dalglish, a professor at the University of Maryland journalism school and a former media lawyer and journalist. “They play hardball, and you better be prepared to play hardball too.” Clare Locke is perhaps best known for being one of the firms that represented Dominion in a defamation suit against Fox, claiming the network knowingly aired lies including that the company’s voting machines flipped votes in 2020 from Donald Trump to the ultimate winner, Joe Biden. With the trial about to start, Fox instead agreed to pay Dominion $787.5 million, the largest known defamation settlement ever. Related Articles Local News | Ravens’ Justin Tucker expresses empathy for accusers in new statement denying allegations Local News | Ravens clarify zero-tolerance policy amid Justin Tucker allegations: ‘There are no absolutes’ Local News | NFL investigators in Baltimore interviewing Justin Tucker accusers Local News | Ravens brass call Justin Tucker allegations ‘concerning’: ‘You don’t want to read about it’ Local News | Experts consider Ravens’ response to allegations against Justin Tucker | ANALYSIS Local News | Ravens’ Justin Tucker: ‘Massage therapists deserve to work in a safe and respectful environment’ Founded in 2014 by a now-married couple, Tom Clare and Libby Locke, the firm first came into wider notice two years later. It successfully sued Rolling Stone magazine and a writer for defamation over a since discredited and retracted article about an alleged gang rape at the University of Virginia, and the school’s supposed uncaring treatment of the student who reported it. A jury awarded $3 million to the firm’s client, an associate dean who said she was made the “chief villain” in the article. The widely covered cases have brought much attention to the firm — and additional clients. Among them: UnitedHealthcare, as it contends with anger over its industry unleashed after the shooting death of its CEO in December. Police say Luigi Mangione, the Towson native and 2016 Gilman valedictorian charged in the murder of Brian Thompson, bore animosity toward the health care industry, which has resonated with those who now view him as an outlaw hero. The firm was hired after a doctor in Austin, Texas, posted videos on social media complaining about UnitedHealthcare, triggering a strongly worded letter from Clare Locke. The firm’s letters have become legendary — one ran 77 pages — dense documents that read like legal briefs, filled with citations and footnotes, demanding changes, retractions or apologies. Its relentless style representing aggrieved clients against both major media outlets and lesser-known individuals figures prominently in a just-published book, “Murder the Truth: Fear, the First Amendment, and a Secret Campaign to Protect the Powerful,” by David Enrich, a New York Times investigations editor. “We are unapologetic about protecting our clients’ rights as far as fairness and accuracy in reporting,” Tom Clare said in an interview with The Baltimore Sun. “It’s advocacy, not bullying or intimidation.” Clare said the letters serve to give reporters a required “notice of facts, and the legal significance of those facts.” Tucker is also represented by attorney Joe Terry of Washington-based Williams & Connolly, who in 2023 won a dismissal of a defamation suit filed by former NFL quarterback Brett Favre against the firm’s client, Shannon Sharpe, the sportscaster and one-time Ravens tight end who is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In representing Tucker, Clare said he is awaiting the outcome of an NFL investigation before determining how to proceed. Tucker has not been charged criminally nor have the allegations resulted in any civil cases. “When the dust settles, we’re going to take a look at everything,” Clare said. “We don’t just charge in and start filing lawsuits. I think our goal is to make sure, one way or another, our clients’ interests are protected, and the record is clear on what did or did not happen.” Since taking on Tucker, the firm has handled responses to media inquiries about the case. Its first statements were straight-out denials of the accusations first reported in The Baltimore Banner, which included that Tucker had exposed himself, brushed his penis against masseuses and left what they thought was ejaculate on their massage tables. His attorneys also noted it was “not news” that their client might have become exposed as he shifted around during a massage. In a later statement to The Sun, the lawyers clarified that the “not news” statement didn’t refer to the accounts of the massage therapists themselves but instead to the “reasonable conclusion that accidental exposure” is possible during more than 10 years of therapy sessions. In a new statement, which Clare said was made in response to an article taking a different angle, Tucker expressed his “absolute respect” for massage therapists, crediting them with helping him stay in playing shape and saying they deserve to work in “a safe and respectable environment.” Dalglish, the former executive director of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, said the more recent statement reflects a “sophistication” in Clare Locke’s strategy, and its attention to public relations. Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, shown in November, has not been charged criminally nor have the allegations resulted in any civil cases. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) “My guess is they wanted to make clear football players get a lot of massages, they have to,” she said. “They wanted to do whatever they could to position their client as respectful.” While some media lawyers declined to speak about their experience with or views of the firm, it drew praise from one staunch advocate for free speech who regularly defends media outlets against defamation suits. “It’s a serious law firm, a first-rate law firm, and an educated law firm as to libel law,” said renowned First Amendment lawyer Floyd Abrams. “They are not just a worthy opponent, but a threatening one to defendants.” Abrams, who successfully defended The New York Times’ publication of the confidential Pentagon Papers, said many libel cases in the past were brought by lawyers without expertise in the niche field. “Someone gets angry, they call their lawyer,” he said, and not always one with specialized knowledge of defamation law. “That was good for me on the other side.” Still, he and others say, Clare Locke’s rise comes at a worrisome time for the media as officials, including President Trump, have called for a loosening of defamation laws that they say overly protect reporters. Clare’s wife and business partner, Libby Locke, has been particularly outspoken on the subject, despite the fact that the firm has won major defamation cases under the laws as they currently stand. Amy Kristin Sanders, a professor of First Amendment studies at the Penn State journalism school, said she has “no doubt” that Clare Locke is looking for a case that would lead to the Supreme Court reconsidering the landmark decision, New York Times v. Sullivan. To win a defamation case, the 1964 decision requires public officials, later expanded to all public figures, to prove a defendant didn’t just report derogatory information but bore “actual malice” by knowingly publishing a falsehood or recklessly disregarding whether it was false. Two justices, Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch, have urged its reconsideration. Clare, noting the firm doesn’t only represent wealthy, prominent people, said Sullivan sets such a high bar that getting justice reputations harmed by flawed reporting can be prohibitively costly. “The press has an enormous amount of power over people’s reputations,” Clare said. “There has to be accountability.” Sanders said efforts to overturn Sullivan are part of a rise in anti-press rhetoric, serving “to undermine the public’s trust in journalism” and “discourage people from speaking out critically.” Sanders said making it easier to win a defamation suit can stifle the free flow of information, particularly for freelancers, independent journalists and others without the resources to defend themselves in a costly litigation battle. “It’s dangerous in a democratic society to see these really public calls for the repeal of Sullivan,” she said. “It has a very robust chilling effect on the freedom of expression.” Have a news tip? Contact Jean Marbella at jmarbella@baltsun.com, 410-332-6060, or @jeanmarbella.bsky.social. View the full article

The first wave of NFL free agency has come and gone. In its wake, a new best team in the league has been revealed, at least in the eyes of the objectively subjective graders at Pro Football Focus, which has the Ravens No. 1 in its power rankings. Offseason lists are what they are, but there are plenty of reasons to consider Baltimore at or near the top of the heap, and spring is when hope blossoms. Though it’s a different conversation when it comes to the brutal cold of postseason performance, there’s no denying that the Ravens again have at least one of the most talent-rich rosters in the NFL. It’s one of the reasons left tackle Ronnie Stanley, who was poised to be one of the top free agents available in both a free agent and draft class with a dearth of top-tier talent at the position, chose to stay home rather than exploring the likely riches of a new address. Retaining Stanley was the predominant free agent priority of general manager Eric DeCosta’s offseason, and in that regard he did well at $20 million a year to make the 31-year-old veteran only the ninth-highest paid tackle in terms of annual value — and less than what the Tennessee Titans gave the lesser-talented Dan Moore Jr., to provide just one example of this year’s free agent folly. The Ravens know what they have in Stanley, who proved when healthy and motivated, as he was last year, that he is still a high-level performer. It simply wasn’t worth the risk to look elsewhere when it came to trying to keep $260 million quarterback and two-time NFL Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson upright for at least a couple more seasons in a division stacked with elite pass rushers. The re-signing of fullback Patrick Ricard was not quite as significant but still important given his versatile role as bulldozer and barrier, while the return of wide receiver Tylan Wallace — who now has a meeting room named after him in the team’s facility — and offensive lineman Ben Cleveland provides respectable and familiar depth. Three-time All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in what will be his age 33 season is in the gloam of his career, but he gives Baltimore more depth alongside the ascendent Zay Flowers, a Pro Bowl selection last year, and Rashod Bateman, who had career highs in yards and touchdowns. And the signing of linebacker and special teams ace Jake Hummel helps somewhat make up for the free agent departures of Malik Harrison and Chris Board. Simply put, there’s a lot of talent on both sides of the ball. On offense, the Ravens, who were historically great last season, also return tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely and running backs Derrick Henry, Justice Hill and speedster Keaton Mitchell. On defense, there is All-Pro or Pro Bowl talent at every level in do-everything safety Kyle Hamilton and veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey, inside linebacker Roquan Smith (though he took a step backward last year) and defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, plus rising young players in corner Nate Wiggins and defensive tackle Travis Jones. Yet for all that skill position and front-line ability, Baltimore still has holes it needs to fill. For one, it’s worth remembering that the Ravens were the healthiest team in the league last year by a wide margin in terms of adjusted games lost, according to FTN Fantasy. The San Francisco 49ers, by comparison, were at the other end of the spectrum and consequently finished 6-11. For another, the teams that end up playing for the game’s ultimate prize do so because of talent, yes, but also how good they are around the margins. Some of the Ravens’ holes will be filled in next month’s draft with 11 picks, but they will also turn to lingering free agents and a “right player, right price” approach. Among Baltimore’s biggest needs: cornerback, safety, defensive line, edge rusher and offensive line depth. Here’s a look at the best available players who are still free agents they could possibly target: The Ravens have one of the best rosters in the NFL, but general manager Eric DeCosta still has some holes to fill. (Michael Conroy/AP) Asante Samuel Jr., cornerback With little on the market, Samuel checks a few of the Ravens’ boxes. He’s experienced, plays out wide, has 37 career pass breakups over four years and at age 25 is still young. He’s also relatively affordable at a projected $14.5 million a season for three years, per PFF — a number that could drop as time goes on and because of a shoulder injury that limited him to only four games last season with the Los Angeles Chargers. The downsides: At 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, he’s undersized and relatedly struggles with his tackling, missing 22.2% last year, according to PFF. Still, he could be an affordable option opposite Wiggins and would allow Baltimore to continue to play Humphrey more inside, as it did last year, leading to his All-Pro selection in the slot. Stephon Gilmore, cornerback Gilmore will turn 35 in September, but he still has some juice left and plays physically. Last season with the Minnesota Vikings, the 10th overall draft pick in 2012 had nine pass breakups, one interception and 56 tackles in 15 starts, though his 94.1 passer rating against was the highest mark of his career. Still, he’s a veteran presence who can impart wisdom on some of the Ravens’ young secondary. Julian Blackmon, safety Like corner, there’s not much to choose from. It’s also not a deep draft class, and the Ravens need a proven third safety after releasing the struggling Marcus Williams and having only untested second-year players Sanoussi Kane and Beau Brade behind Kyle Hamilton and Ar’Darius Washington (who himself could leave if another team gives him an offer the Ravens decline to match). Blackmon, who will turn 27 in August and spent his first five years with the Indianapolis Colts, would be a good fit. He’s a traditional deep safety, though he showed versatility in playing more snaps in the box in 2023. He also has 10 career interceptions, four fumble recoveries and 300 tackles and last season played through a torn rotator cuff. A reunion with veteran defensive tackle Calais Campbell would make sense for the Ravens. (AP Photo/David Richard) Calais Campbell, defensive lineman The former Raven was set to rejoin Baltimore last season ahead of the trade deadline until Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel stepped in at the last minute to nix the potential deal. The 38-year-old Campbell played well in Miami, tallying 52 tackles, five sacks and five pass deflections. The question of course is how much he has left since he will turn 39 in September, though the Ravens could use him as a depth piece and respected locker room presence after the retirement of nose tackle Michael Pierce and with veteran defensive lineman Brent Urban a free agent. Za’Darius Smith, edge rusher The former Ravens star nearly re-signed with Baltimore three years ago before bolting for the Vikings. Traded to the Cleveland Browns in May 2023, he had 10 1/2 sacks in 25 starts before being dealt to the Detroit Lions last season and racking up four more sacks. He’ll turn 33 in September, but the Ravens have a long history of success with veteran pass rushers, including Kyle Van Noy, who had a career-high 12 1/2 sacks at age 33 last season. Like most of the players on this list, Smith would also be an affordable option. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | 5 things we learned from the Ravens’ first week in free agency Baltimore Ravens | Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley returns to franchise with ‘unfinished business’ Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: Who will win the NCAA men’s basketball tournament? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens, QB Cooper Rush agree to 2-year deal to be Lamar Jackson’s backup Baltimore Ravens | Ravens re-sign OL Ben Cleveland a month after arrest on suspicion of DUI Carl Lawson, edge rusher Lawson spent his first four years in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals, racking up 20 sacks across 51 games (14 starts), before a two-year stint with the New York Jets and one season with the Dallas Cowboys. Like a lot of names on this list, the former fourth-round pick has an injury history. Lawson did appear in 15 games with five sacks and a forced fumble for the Cowboys last season, though, and in his age-30 season perhaps can be rejuvenated in Baltimore. Dalton Risner, guard Baltimore isn’t going to invest big money on the interior of its line, but the former starter for the Denver Broncos and Vikings could provide insurance and experience to a line that at the moment does not have a lot of either. He rates well as a pass blocker in particular with his 76.2 PFF grade last season ranking 13th among all guards. Risner, who will turn 30 in July, also didn’t allow a sack or commit a penalty in 2024. Trystan Colon, guard Like Risner, Colon would come cheap. A former undrafted free agent, he also spent his first three years in the league in Baltimore as a backup center and appeared in 20 games during that span. With the Arizona Cardinals the past two years, he has played primarily as a left guard but has logged time at right guard as well. His PFF grade of 71 in 2024 ranked 18th among guards. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

The Ravens, with little wiggle room under their salary cap and relatively little uncertainty around their roster, were never going to be among the most aggressive spenders at the start of NFL free agency last week. Nonetheless, the moves they have made, from re-signing left tackle Ronnie Stanley to adding backup quarterback Cooper Rush, tell us plenty about how they view their team. Here are five things we learned from the Ravens’ first week in free agency: They weren’t going to let a void at left tackle upend their Super Bowl ambitions A year ago, the Ravens took an aggressive, youth-forward tack in reconstructing their offensive line. Out with battle-tested veterans Kevin Zeitler and Morgan Moses, in with Roger Rosengarten, Daniel Faalele and Andrew Vorhees. At the same time, Stanley took a significant pay cut, setting himself up for a “prove it” season that could make or break his NFL future. In that context, it was easy to assume the Ravens were already thinking about what might come next at the most important spot on their line. For his part, Stanley, five years removed from his last healthy season, checked every box in 2024. He showed up in good shape, hardly missed any practice time, solidified himself as the wise elder in the unit and, most importantly, proved he could still do a very good job keeping the league’s best edge rushers away from Lamar Jackson’s blindside. As the 2025 free-agent market took shape and it became apparent there would be nowhere near enough quality tackles to go around, Stanley’s name suddenly shot to the top of those ubiquitous top 50 and top 100 lists. If the Ravens could not re-sign him, they faced the prospect of shifting Rosengarten to the left side and/or needing to hit on a starting tackle with the No. 27 or No. 59 pick in this year’s draft. Not ideal for a team that must protect Jackson to reach its lofty goals. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley returns to franchise with ‘unfinished business’ Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: Who will win the NCAA men’s basketball tournament? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens, QB Cooper Rush agree to 2-year deal to be Lamar Jackson’s backup Baltimore Ravens | Ravens re-sign OL Ben Cleveland a month after arrest on suspicion of DUI Baltimore Ravens | WR DeAndre Hopkins eager to join QB Lamar Jackson, Ravens: ‘They’re dogs’ Who could have guessed at this time last year that Stanley, gifted but oft-injured, would be the key to the Ravens’ 2025 offseason? But general manager Eric DeCosta and coach John Harbaugh recognized that he was, and by the time they spoke at the NFL scouting combine last month, they made it clear he was a priority. Other suitors lurked, likely to offer more money if Stanley reached the open market, but a reunion made enough sense for both sides that they reached a three-year, $60 million accommodation two days before the legal tampering window opened. “I think it was a good balance that could help the team and something I’m still happy with,” Stanley said. The deal looked better and better for the Ravens as lesser blockers signed lucrative contracts with other teams. The injury worry will always be there with Stanley, whose legs have been a minefield since he badly injured his ankle in 2020. But with a team good enough to win it all this season, the Ravens could not let the premium spot on their line become a potential Achilles heel. A Mark Andrews trade is possible but less likely, and that’s good for the Ravens short-term The Ravens paid Andrews’ $4 million roster bonus over the weekend, a date some viewed as a soft deadline for any possible deal involving the three-time Pro Bowl tight end. That’s not necessarily the case. The draft still looms, and we know it was the trigger for major deals involving tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and wide receiver Marquise Brown in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The Ravens received first-round draft picks in both those trades. They almost certainly would not in exchange for Andrews. But it’s still a time when teams get aggressive about swapping future value for current help. Ravens tight end Mark Andrews, right, caught 11 touchdown passes in the team’s final 12 regular-season games this past season. While he might not put up eye-popping stats in 2025, the Ravens view him as a positive contributor offensively. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff file) DeCosta has sent mixed signals regarding Andrews. At the team’s end-of-season news conference, he said he was glad Andrews and Isaiah Likely are both under contract for 2025, meaning he could put off an inevitable choice at tight end. At the scouting combine, however, DeCosta spoke of Andrews in almost elegiac terms, noting that he’ll surely be in the Ravens’ Ring of Honor one day. Did that mean he was no longer thinking of Andrews as a factor for the 2025 team? Not exactly. DeCosta quickly added: “I know he’s going to have an amazing season. We’ll figure out all of the roster machinations over the coming weeks, but I can tell you, there’s no bigger fan of Mark Andrews than me.” But that did not stop some observers from surmising the Ravens were open for business on the franchise’s career touchdowns leader. And they probably were for the right compensation, perhaps a Day 2 pick in this year’s draft. They have Likely, waiting to thrive in a bigger role as one of Jackson’s primary targets. They signed wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who could sop up red-zone targets. Andrews might not even mind going to a team more eager to extend his deal. But the Ravens are not going to dump him just to clear cap space. They don’t need to, given their aggressive embrace of void years as a means of delaying budget pressure. And Andrews is still too good a player as he approaches his 30th birthday. Remember that before his crushing fumble and drop in the playoff loss to Buffalo, Andrews had caught 11 touchdown passes in the team’s last 12 regular-season games. The Ravens aim to go the distance in 2025, and he would help them do it. They could still move him, but it became less likely with that $4 million payment (money they can no longer save against the salary cap) over the weekend. That’s best for this team, this season. The DeAndre Hopkins signing demonstrated Lamar Jackson’s powerful sway DeCosta was asked at the combine about Jackson’s input on roster moves. In his answer, he referred to the franchise quarterback as a “stakeholder.” In effect, he acknowledged the reality that no one — not DeCosta, not Harbaugh, not owner Steve Bisciotti — is more central to the Ravens’ identity than Jackson. Over the next half-decade or more, they’ll go as far as No. 8 takes them. So of course they’ll tailor their roster planning to his wants and needs. Fellow players recognize this more clearly than anyone. Coming to Baltimore means negotiating with DeCosta and playing for Harbaugh. But really, it means boarding Jackson’s ship. For a twilight star such as Hopkins, that’s an attractive prospect. The five-time Pro Bowl pass catcher said as much when he spoke to reporters last week, calling the chance to pair up with Jackson “a big part of my decision.” Hopkins watched his offseason workout partner and former teammate Derrick Henry run wild last year, taking full advantage of Jackson’s tractor-beam effect on defenses to post the second-best season of his career at age 30. Lamar Jackson’s presence makes the Ravens a popular free-agent destination. (Kim Hairston/Staff) He might not gulp from the Jackson fountain of youth to quite that degree. But Hopkins, who will turn 33 in June, is a master tactician near the goal line, and he surely perceives the upside in working with a quarterback who led the league’s most efficient red-zone offense in 2024. If he could not stay in Kansas City, the Ravens were his next best bet as he seeks a valedictory Super Bowl ring. This parade of graying superstars, willing to work for modest cost in exchange for partnering with a unique offensive force, will not end with Henry and Hopkins. More than any player in team history, even Ray Lewis, Jackson creates a gravitational pull, both on the field and in the offseason. The Ravens are living in the age of Lamar. The Ravens finally invested seriously in a backup quarterback In an ideal world, the Ravens would use late draft picks to find Jackson’s No. 2. They tried with Devin Leary last year, but he did not progress quickly enough for them to feel confident he could take over backup duty from Josh Johnson. So they signed Rush to a two-year, $6.2 million deal worth up to $12.2 million — not a bank-breaker but a significant investment given how much money they have to build out the rest of their roster. By comparison, they signed Johnson for one year, $1.38 million last year. Why now? Perhaps the Ravens felt they got away with something, losing Jackson to zero injury time in 2023 or 2024. What if he misses a few games in 2025, and the Ravens need to win one of those for playoff positioning? Rush isn’t a starter, but he did win nine times in 14 starts over seven seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He isn’t a running threat but throws well enough that the Ravens’ high-powered offense could at least function with him at the wheel. He’s anyone’s definition of a fine backup, something the Ravens have not always had in the Jackson era. The counterargument is that if Jackson goes down for a significant stretch, the Ravens would be toast anyway as we saw in 2021 and 2022. So why spend money on a backup who couldn’t lead them to the Super Bowl? The Ravens hope this debate remains an abstract one, with Rush anchored to the sideline as an unused insurance policy while Jackson does his thing. The Ravens saved their most shocking move for a backup guard Raise your hand if you foresaw another year of Ben Cleveland in Baltimore. We’ll wait. After starting just seven times in four seasons and barely registering in a wide-open guard competition last summer, the 2021 third-round pick seemed almost certain to be in someone else’s training camp come July. The Ravens seemed even less likely to feel any pangs for the 6-foot-6, 360-pound Cleveland after he was arrested in Georgia on suspicion of driving under the influence last month. But wonders never cease, and competent NFL linemen don’t come cheap. So the least probable headline became reality last Saturday when they re-signed Cleveland for a one-year, league-minimum deal. It actually makes sense viewed through Ravens logic. They don’t see Cleveland as a starting candidate, but they know all there is to know about him and feel comfortable throwing him into the breach if an injury arises. He understands their needs on special teams — hello, blocked field goal against Washington — and for a sixth lineman in heavy sets. He’ll serve a necessary function and allow the Ravens to spend money and draft picks addressing other needs. We view Cleveland as a disappointment because we know the Ravens expected more when they picked him 94th overall out of Georgia. But let’s switch sports and think about it in light of Earl Weaver’s old gospel — focus on how a player can help you rather than dwelling on how he can’t. Cleveland might never start another game at guard for the Ravens, but he’s a cheap, usable part on a roster that needs those. Have a news tip? Contact Childs Walker at daviwalker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6893 and x.com/ChildsWalker. View the full article

Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley knows what he has around him in Baltimore. From two-time NFL Most Valuable Player and quarterback Lamar Jackson to five-time Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro running back Derrick Henry to a defense that over the second half of last season was one of the best in the league, it’s a trove of riches, even without a Super Bowl trophy to prove it. It’s the collection of those players, he said Monday, that was the “biggest driver” behind his decision to forego a likely even more lucrative payday in free agency and instead re-sign with the Ravens earlier this month. Make no mistake, Stanley, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, including last season, did not come cheap, but he was relatively inexpensive at $60 million over three years with $44 million guaranteed in the first two. He was also willing to give Baltimore “first dibs” when it came to a new contract “out of respect” for being the team that drafted him sixth overall out of Notre Dame in 2016. “I knew I was going to give Baltimore the best bargain that I offered any other team,” he said in a video call with reporters in his first comments since re-signing with the Ravens. “But that being said, I still wanted to be happy with what I’m making and getting the value that I feel like I deserve.” That has him tied for the ninth-highest-paid left tackle in the NFL in terms of annual average value ($20 million), with the Detroit Lions’ Taylor Decker, according to Over The Cap. It also means the Ravens could keep intact the majority of an offensive line that helped pave the way for the most yards per game (426.5) and yards per play (6.8) in the NFL last season. With only starting left guard Patrick Mekari and reserve guard/tackle Josh Jones having departed in free agency, Baltimore will return four of its five starters from this past season. That includes left guard Andrew Vorhees, who was a starter the first three games of the 2024 season before suffering an ankle injury and being replaced by Mekari the rest of the way, as well as second-year right tackle Roger Rosengarten, who settled in at the position after some early hiccups as a rookie. As for Stanley, his legacy has also come to be important. Baltimore is the only NFL team he has played for and there’s a sense of “unfinished business.” “I’m realizing how rare of a thing it is,” he said of being with one team for what will be his 10th professional season this year. “I think it’s just a really cool thing to be able to spend 10 years of my career-plus with the same team I got drafted with.” Still, Stanley’s curiosity was piqued by outside interest. The Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Commanders and New England Patriots were among the teams reportedly interested in signing Stanley if he hit the open market. Things never got that far along where he thought he might leave, he said, but he considered the options. Karl Merton Ferron/The Baltimore SunRavens left tackle Ronnie Stanley, shown in 2022, has only ever played for Baltimore. He’s excited to stay with the team that drafted him for the next few seasons. (Staff file) “I was open to whatever was going to happen,” Stanley said. “I knew the cap situation we were in and how many players we need to pay, current and future younger guys, so I knew it wasn’t going to be a personal thing. “It ended up working out for the best.” Now Baltimore hopes it can say the same. Last season, Stanley, who turns 31 on Tuesday, played every game for the first time in his career and was on the field for a career-high 1,089 snaps. But his injury history is well-documented with 36 games missed since 2020. But when he has been healthy, he’s been among the game’s best at his position. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: Who will win the NCAA men’s basketball tournament? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens, QB Cooper Rush agree to 2-year deal to be Lamar Jackson’s backup Baltimore Ravens | Ravens re-sign OL Ben Cleveland a month after arrest on suspicion of DUI Baltimore Ravens | WR DeAndre Hopkins eager to join QB Lamar Jackson, Ravens: ‘They’re dogs’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens rework Marlon Humphrey contract to create salary cap space There’s also the matter of getting to and winning a Super Bowl. Only once during Stanley’s tenure have the Ravens advanced past the divisional round of the playoffs, losing to the Chiefs in the AFC championship game at M&T Bank Stadium in January 2024. This past January, the Buffalo Bills knocked them out of the playoffs in the divisional round for the second time in five years in a familiarly mistake-filled game in which Baltimore turned the ball over three times in the 27-25 defeat that also included a dropped game-tying 2-point conversion by tight end Mark Andrews with 1:33 remaining. “Definitely took me a minute to get over that,” Stanley said of the loss. “Those type of games stick with you for a while, even a lifetime.” What will it take to get over that proverbial hump? “I think it’s as simple as [executing better in the playoffs],” he said. “I think it’s just getting out of our own way a little bit, not beating ourselves.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

March Madness has arrived. The brackets were unveiled Sunday night, with Duke, Houston, Florida and Auburn earning No. 1 seeds. Locally, Maryland is a No. 4 seed, while Mount St. Mary’s will play a First Four game against American on Wednesday for a chance to play the mighty Blue Devils on Friday. Who are you picking to win it all? After you vote, leave a comment and tell why the team you picked will take home the NCAA championship trophy in San Antonio on April 7. 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

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has a new backup. Cooper Rush has agreed to a two-year, $6.2 million deal worth up to $12.2 million with Baltimore, a source with direct knowledge of the deal confirmed to The Baltimore Sun. Rush spent his first seven seasons in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys, where he was the backup to Dak Prescott. He replaces 38-year-old Josh Johnson, who is a free agent and was Jackson’s backup each of the past two seasons. The only other quarterback on Baltimore’s roster is Devin Leary, a sixth-round draft pick last year who struggled through training camp. Rush, 31, brings plenty of experience. He has appeared in 38 games (14 starts) and the Cowboys went 9-5 in games he started. Last season, he appeared in a dozen games for Dallas, including the final eight as a starter. He completed 60.7% of his passes for 1,844 yards and 12 touchdowns with five interceptions. This article will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens re-sign OL Ben Cleveland a month after arrest on suspicion of DUI Baltimore Ravens | WR DeAndre Hopkins eager to join QB Lamar Jackson, Ravens: ‘They’re dogs’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens rework Marlon Humphrey contract to create salary cap space Baltimore Ravens | Ravens place less expensive tender on S Ar’Darius Washington in calculated risk Baltimore Ravens | DeAndre Hopkins could be Ravens’ best late-career WR addition | ANALYSIS View the full article

First, little-used and oft-criticized Ravens offensive lineman Ben Cleveland unexpectedly found a permanent home on Baltimore’s special teams after blocking a field goal attempt in a win over the Washington Commanders last October. Now, surprisingly, he’ll be sticking around a bit longer. The Ravens announced on Saturday that they have re-signed the 6-foot-6, 360-pound Cleveland, whose contract was up and was an unrestricted free agent. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The move comes after Baltimore lost versatile lineman and last season’s starting left guard Patrick Mekari, who signed a three-year, $37.5 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and reserve guard/tackle Josh Jones, who landed a one-year deal for up to $4.75 million with the Seattle Seahawks, in free agency earlier this week. It also takes place despite Cleveland having seen his playing time cut sharply in recent years. A third-round draft pick out of the University of Georgia by Baltimore in 2021, Cleveland, who will turn 27 in August, has appeared in 54 games across four seasons with just seven starts in that span. Last year, he was never in serious contention during training camp for either of the two open guard spots or right tackle. He ended up playing just 49 snaps on offense, easily the fewest of his career after playing 367 on offense as a rookie. He did manage to contribute on special teams, however. After approaching special teams coordinator Chris Horton Jr. with the idea of joining the field goal and extra point block teams early in the season, he was inserted into the unit in place of injured defensive tackle Broderick Washington. Then came his heroics, with Cleveland blocking Austin Seibert’s 52-yard field goal try at the end of the first half of an eventual 30-23 Ravens win. He stayed on the unit and logged a career-high 117 special teams snaps. But last month, Cleveland was also arrested in Georgia on suspicion of driving under the influence. According to Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office documents obtained by The Baltimore Sun, he was stopped after police observed his black Ford F-250 “failing to maintain its lane” and “weaving in between the lines” and nearly going into a ditch. Cleveland told police that he was coming from a nearby country club and admitted to drinking “approximately 3-4 beers” but had not consumed any alcohol within two hours, according to the incident report. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens, QB Cooper Rush agree to 2-year deal to be Lamar Jackson’s backup Baltimore Ravens | WR DeAndre Hopkins eager to join QB Lamar Jackson, Ravens: ‘They’re dogs’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens rework Marlon Humphrey contract to create salary cap space Baltimore Ravens | Ravens place less expensive tender on S Ar’Darius Washington in calculated risk Baltimore Ravens | DeAndre Hopkins could be Ravens’ best late-career WR addition | ANALYSIS When Cleveland was issued a breathalyzer at the scene, the result came back with a blood alcohol level of 0.178, police said, more than double the state’s legal limit of .08. He was arrested and a second breath sample at a nearby jail returned a blood alcohol level of 0.161, according to police. Cleveland was issued citations for driving under the influence of alcohol and failure to maintain his lane. While Daniel Faalele and Andrew Vorhees are expected to start at right and left guard and Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten at left and right tackle next season, Cleveland does at least provide depth and experience. Baltimore’s only other offensive linemen currently on the roster are starting center Tyler Linderbaum and his backup Nick Samac, second-year guard Darrian Dalcourt and second-year tackle Corey Bullock. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

DeAndre Hopkins was running a few minutes behind for his news conference with reporters Friday afternoon in Owings Mills. It turns out he was getting a workout in after officially signing his contract with the Ravens earlier in the day. It’s also been a busy few days for the three-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver since agreeing on that one-year deal worth up to $6 million in free agency. He talked to quarterback Lamar Jackson a couple of days earlier. He also spoke with running back Derrick Henry, a former teammate of his with the Tennessee Titans in 2023. Hopkins, who will wear No. 10 in Baltimore and will turn 33 in July in what will be his 13th season in the NFL, also recently watched YouTube highlights to familiarize himself with the Ravens’ offense, which was No. 1 in the league last season and the first to top 4,000 passing and 3,000 rushing yards in the same season. Here are five takeaways from what else he had to say. Playing with Lamar Jackson Five years ago, Hopkins posed the question on social media of how many touchdowns would he, Jackson and Henry would score playing together. Does he have a number in mind? “Man, hopefully enough to win a lot of games and win the games we need to win,” he said. “I don’t have a number, but hopefully more than a little bit.” His captivation with Jackson extends back a decade when Jackson was the quarterback at Louisville. In a wild 42-36 loss to Hopkins’ alma mater and fifth-ranked Clemson in 2016, Jackson led the No. 3 Cardinals on a 26-0 run after trailing 28-10 at the half. Louisville came up short in the end, but Jackson threw for 295 yards and a touchdown with one interception and ran for 162 yards and two more scores on 31 carries. “Who is this guy?” Hopkins, then in his fourth year in the league with the Houston Texans, said he remembered thinking when asked the first time Jackson came across his radar. “He was basically a couple plays away from singlehandedly beating them. I was like, ‘Man this kid’s gonna be special.'” Over the years, Hopkins-to-Baltimore was often a potential trade deal that ultimately never happened, with the receiver first dealt to the Arizona Cardinals in 2020 before he signed with the Titans as a free agent two years ago. What most impresses him now about Jackson all these years later? “His football IQ,” he said, adding that Jackson being the quarterback was a big part of his decision to sign with Baltimore. “Lamar is known for running, but watch film … he makes some incredible throws. “He knows how to thread the needle, so for me that was a big part of my decision.” Hopkins said the conversation with Jackson was short and to the point. “He was ready to get work,” Hopkins said. “Not much to be said.” Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins says his personality meshes well with the organization. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Henry’s influence If Jackson was the main reason Hopkins signed with Baltimore, Henry was No. 2. The wide receiver called the 31-year-old running back, five-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time All-Pro one of his “best friends.” They also share a trainer in Dallas, A.J. Billings, and briefly spoke on Friday. “Like family,” he said of Henry. “Derrick and I have a long relationship.” Hopkins said he was also impressed by what Henry did in his ninth season. Henry’s 1,921 rushing yards were second in the NFL behind only Saquon Barkley. His 5.9 yards per carry were a career high and his 18 total touchdowns (16 rushing) tied for second-most in the league. With Hopkins’ addition, Baltimore now has the NFL’s active receiving yards leader and active rushing yards leader. How he will fit in the offense? Hopkins joins a long list of accomplished receivers who have signed with Baltimore in their twilight, though there is perhaps evidence to suggest that his impact could be better than most, if not all. How does the veteran think he will fit in Todd Monken’s offense and alongside Pro Bowl selection and third-year wideout Zay Flowers and 2021 first-round draft pick Rashod Bateman? Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken has plenty of offensive talent to work with in 2025, including former Titans teammates Derrick Henry and DeAndre Hopkins. (Amy Davis/Staff) “I can give a lot to this receivers group,” he said, adding that he hasn’t yet given much thought to his role. “Those are some very talented young receivers.” They are also a group that should complement each other, with Hopkins’ ability to get open in the short and intermediate range as well as make contested catches, Flowers’ motion and yards-after-the-catch zig zags and Bateman’s route running and downfield speed. How much does he have left? At a soon-to-be 33, Hopkins will be one of the oldest wide receivers in the league next season, with only a handful of players older than him at his position. Like Henry a year ago, there are the inevitable questions of how much he has left in him. Hopkins’s 38.1 receiving yards per game and 10.9 yards per catch last season were career lows. His response to those questions? “I really never thought about that,” Hopkins said. “They say you’ll know when your body gives out on you and it hasn’t given out on me yet. Who knows, man.” Clearly he’s not the same player who produced seven 1,000-yard seasons, but he doesn’t have to be given the talent around him. He also brings a cunning and craftiness to the position, ranking 20th last season in ESPN’s open score metric, which assesses the likelihood a receiver would be able to complete a catch regardless of whether he was targeted. (Former Ravens wideout Nelson Agholor ranked 145th.) That’s something Hopkins will continue to lean on in Baltimore, along with still being one of the best players in the league at making catches in a crowd. “Playing 13 years, you learn defensive coverages and how to get open,” he said. How the deal came together The Ravens have long had their eye on Hopkins. They tried to trade for him in 2020. He was one of the players Jackson told general manager Eric DeCosta he wanted when the quarterback was going through contract negotiations two years ago. It perhaps took longer than DeCosta perhaps would have liked, but he finally got him — and at a low price. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens rework Marlon Humphrey contract to create salary cap space Baltimore Ravens | Ravens place less expensive tender on S Ar’Darius Washington in calculated risk Baltimore Ravens | DeAndre Hopkins could be Ravens’ best late-career WR addition | ANALYSIS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens DT Michael Pierce retires from NFL after 9 years Baltimore Ravens | Ravens have 11 picks in NFL draft after compensatory selections awarded “D-Hop is a player whom we have competed against and admired for a long time,” DeCosta said in a statement earlier this week. “He fits our style of play and is another weapon for our offense.” The same was true of Baltimore. When it became obvious that he wouldn’t be back in Kansas City, Hopkins said the Ravens were at the top of his list of teams he was interested in joining. The reasons spanned from Jackson to Henry to coach John Harbaugh to them being yearly contenders for a Super Bowl title, something that has been elusive in the receiver’s career after the Chiefs were blown out by the Philadelphia Eagles in this year’s Super Bowl, which was Hopkins’ first. Now he’s hoping finally uniting with Jackson and Henry will get him a ring. “They’re dogs,” he said of the Ravens. “This organization, this team matches who I am.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

The first wave of the free agency frenzy has slowed, with moves now coming at a more measured pace. But Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta and vice president of football administration Nick Matteo, among others in the front office, have been busy. In addition to re-signing left tackle Ronnie Stanley, adding wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and other moves, they’ve been clearing out much-needed salary cap space. A $13.39 million chunk of it was opened up with the restructuring of All-Pro slot cornerback Marlon Humphrey’s contract. Per Russell Street Report and Over The Cap, Baltimore utilized a maximum contract restructure, reducing what was an $18 million salary for 2025 to the NFL minimum of $1.255 million and converting the rest to a $16.74 million bonus. Two void years were also added. That’s way down from what was scheduled to be a $25.38 million cap hit for 2025, which was second on the team to only quarterback and two-time NFL Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson’s. Humphrey, whose contract runs through 2027, also now has three total void years on his deal through 2029. Restructuring the contract of Humphrey — rather than extending it beyond the 2026 season — was one of the many priorities this offseason with the cornerback turning 29 in July. It also comes after what was a bounce-back season after an injury-plagued 2023 for the 16th overall draft pick in 2017, who was selected to the Pro Bowl for the fourth time and was a force all over the field and particularly on the inside. In a critical Week 16 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium, Humphrey intercepted a Russell Wilson pass early in the fourth quarter and returned it 37 yards for a touchdown to help seal a 34-17 win. Six games earlier, in a showdown at home against the Cincinnati Bengals, it was his interception of a Joe Burrow pass ripped from the hands of Ja’Marr Chase that shifted momentum and helped spark a wild 35-34 comeback victory. And in Week 7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he had two first-half interceptions in an eventual 41-31 win. Humphrey finished the season with 67 tackles, including a career-high five tackles for loss, 15 pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a career-high six interceptions. He will also be heavily relied upon again in the Ravens’ secondary this season with a thin and inexperienced group behind him. Brandon Stephens signed with the New York Jets in free agency and veteran cornerback Tre’Davious White, whom Baltimore traded for at the deadline last year, is also an unrestricted free agent. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens place less expensive tender on S Ar’Darius Washington in calculated risk Baltimore Ravens | DeAndre Hopkins could be Ravens’ best late-career WR addition | ANALYSIS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens DT Michael Pierce retires from NFL after 9 years Baltimore Ravens | Ravens have 11 picks in NFL draft after compensatory selections awarded Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis of Ravens signing WR DeAndre Hopkins The only other cornerbacks on the Ravens’ roster for now are second-year standout and 2024 first-round pick Nate Wiggins, fourth-year veteran but oft-injured Jalyn Armour-Davis and unproven 2024 fourth-round pick T.J. Tampa. DeCosta is fond of saying that Baltimore can never have too many cornerbacks, and it’s likely he’ll add more in free agency as well as with at least some of the Ravens’ 11 picks in next month’s draft. Creating more salary cap space helps that endeavor. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

The Ravens placed a right-of-first-refusal tender on safety Ar’Darius Washington on Wednesday, the first day of the new NFL year. At $3.3 million, it is worth less than the second-round tender of $5.3 million. It also means that any team has until April 18 to sign the 25-year-old to an offer sheet, and if Baltimore declines to match it, it won’t get any draft pick compensation in return. Had Baltimore, which is tight on salary cap space after re-signing left tackle Ronnie Stanley to a three-year, $60 million extension ahead of free agency, among other moves, used the more expensive second-round tender, the Ravens would have received a second-round draft pick if Washington got an offer sheet from another team and the Ravens chose not to match it. Washington, who is entering his fifth year in the league after signing with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent out of TCU in 2021, is coming off what was far and away his best season with 64 tackles and two interceptions. He also helped steady a shaky secondary after being inserted into the starting lineup a little more than midway through the season for struggling Marcus Williams and alongside two-time Pro Bowl safety and 2023 All-Pro Kyle Hamilton. Through the first 10 games of last season, the Ravens had one of the worst defenses in the league, allowing the most passing yards per game in while ranking 27th in total yards and 26th in scoring. Over their final eight games of the regular season, however, the Ravens rose to first in the league in each category. “Ar’Darius earned that opportunity,” coach John Harbaugh said in mid-November and after Washington’s insertion into the lineup. “He earned that chance by the way he practiced and also by the way he played when he was in there over the course of the season.” Washington also produced one of the more memorable moments from the Ravens’ 12-5 regular season. In a Christmas Day showdown with the Houston Texans, he made a key fourth-down stop near Baltimore’s goal line. That prompted a wild celebration on the sideline in which he collided with and knocked down first-year defensive coordinator Zach Orr. But now the Ravens could potentially be at risk of losing Washington. It’s a risk they’re willing to take. At 5 feet 8 and 180 pounds, Washington is undersized for the position. He has also struggled to stay healthy. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | DeAndre Hopkins could be Ravens’ best late-career WR addition | ANALYSIS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens DT Michael Pierce retires from NFL after 9 years Baltimore Ravens | Ravens have 11 picks in NFL draft after compensatory selections awarded Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis of Ravens signing WR DeAndre Hopkins Baltimore Ravens | Ravens, WR DeAndre Hopkins agree to 1-year deal After appearing in three games as a rookie, Washington suffered a season-ending foot injury. A year later, he was cut before the season, signed back to the practice squad and elevated for three games but wasn’t signed to the active roster until the postseason. In 2023, Washington began the season in the slot and through the first two games had 11 tackles, two pass breakups and a sack. But he suffered a chest injury that landed him on injured reserve and did not return until the playoffs, where he played on special teams. Over four seasons, Washington has appeared in 25 games (10 starts), making 78 tackles while recording two interceptions and a forced fumble. In other moves, Baltimore elected not to tender exclusive rights free agent running back Owen Wright nor restricted free agent cornerback Christian Matthew. Cornerback Arthur Maulet’s release also became official. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Five years ago at the annual NFL Honors ceremony, DeAndre Hopkins posted a photo to social media that included himself, Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry and posed the question, “How many TDs would this trio total?” Two years ago, while Jackson was amid contract negotiations with the Ravens, the quarterback requested to general manager Eric DeCosta that Baltimore acquire Hopkins and Odell Beckham Jr. to improve the team’s wide receiver corps. Jackson got Beckham for one season in 2023, and now he gets Hopkins, who is the latest in a long line of once-premier pass catchers to sign with the Ravens in the twilight of their careers on the cheap after agreeing to a one-year deal worth up to $6 million on Tuesday. The list of past-their-prime receivers who have resided in the Charm City is long: Anquan Boldin (2010-2012), Steve Smith Sr. (2014-2016), Mike Wallace (2016-2017), Jeremy Maclin (2017), Michael Crabtree (2018), Dez Bryant (2020), Sammy Watkins and DeSean Jackson (2022), Beckham (2023) and Nelson Agholor (2023-2024). For the most part, that group had an underwhelming impact. Where does Hopkins, who will turn 33 in June and is entering his 13th season in the league, fit in? While he’s past the point of his career in which he will put up 1,000-yard seasons — something the three-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl selection did seven times, including most recently in 2023 with the Tennessee Titans — there is evidence to suggest that Hopkins could have a greater impact than the bulk of the aging receivers the Ravens have previously brought in. Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman Flowers is coming off a 74-catch, 1,059-yard sophomore season in which he was selected to the Pro Bowl. Bateman, a first-round draft pick in 2021, had career highs in yards (756) and touchdowns (nine). In other words, Hopkins will be expected to be a complementary third receiver alongside two ascending players. Add in tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, along with Henry and fellow backs Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell, who is now 15 months removed from the torn ACL that ended his 2023 season, and there are plenty of impactful players that defenses will have to account for. That should make the job of Hopkins, who still has excellent hands and guile in his route running, easier than it was last season in Kansas City and certainly Tennessee. Still productive Hopkins put up respectable numbers last season with 56 catches for 610 yards and five touchdowns despite being slowed by a knee injury at the start of training camp and being stuck on a bad Titans team before being traded to the Chiefs. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens DT Michael Pierce retires from NFL after 9 years Baltimore Ravens | Ravens have 11 picks in NFL draft after compensatory selections awarded Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis of Ravens signing WR DeAndre Hopkins Baltimore Ravens | Ravens, WR DeAndre Hopkins agree to 1-year deal Baltimore Ravens | Ravens re-sign fullback Patrick Ricard to 1-year deal He obviously isn’t the same player he was in his prime — his 38.1 receiving yards per game and 10.9 yards per catch were career lows, and he was last selected to a Pro Bowl in 2020 — but there were other bright spots last season that portend a potentially meaningful year in Baltimore. Only 16 players had more contested catches than Hopkins’ 12, per Pro Football Focus, which also ranked him 23rd out of 98 receivers. He also ranked 20th in ESPN’s open score metric, which tied with Ja’Marr Chase and Calvin Ridley and was ahead of such players as Justin Jefferson and George Pickens. Hopkins also had just two drops last season, showing he’s still a highly dependable target, something that is bolstered by a 6-foot-1, 212-pound frame that makes him a threat in the red zone and in short-yardage situations. How will he fit? One interesting note from last season is that the Ravens used three-wide receiver sets just 27% of the time, ranking last in the NFL. But that came when veteran Nelson Agholor or little-used Tylan Wallace were operating as Baltimore’s No. 3 receiver, and neither of whom have the same ability as Hopkins. It should help, too, that Flowers, a run-after-the-catch dynamo, and Bateman, a smooth route runner with deep ball speed, complement what Hopkins does in short and intermediate areas of the field and in crowds. Hopkins is also durable. Only his 2021 season was significantly impacted by injuries (hamstring, MCL) over his first 12 years in the league, though he was suspended for the first six games of the 2022 season for a violation of the league’s performance-enhancing drugs policy. Hopkins could also perhaps bestow his football wisdom on an otherwise relatively young receiver room, much the way Beckham did, and finally gets to see just how many touchdowns he, Jackson and Henry can total. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

After a nine-year career and one memorable interception, Ravens nose tackle Michael Pierce has announced his retirement from the NFL. “After much prayer, talking to my family, just going through the grind, man, and being satisfied where I am, looking forward to doing other things in life, I’ve decided to call it a career,” he said on the Sports Spectrum podcast on Wednesday. “It’s been a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful nine years.” Pierce, 32, played eight seasons in the NFL — he opted out during the COVID-19 season in 2020 — after signing with Baltimore as an undrafted free agent out of Samford in 2016. All but one of those was with the Ravens. He had a year remaining on his contract but said injuries had taken a toll. “I don’t have any gaudy stats I was chasing,” Pierce said on the podcast. “I’ve had a ton of injuries. “I found joy in my job. I loved my job. But once you’re in the trenches for so long and those injuries start to mount up, you’re kind of trying to prevent the next one. Instead of walking on that field with joy toward the end of that season last year, I was more like, ‘I don’t need to get hurt.’ You don’t want to play without that child-like joy without that excitement.” Those injuries included what Pierce revealed on the podcast to be a torn quad that he said he suffered while running in a straight line last offseason. He opted not to have surgery, and other injuries continued to pile up for the 6-foot, 355-pound run-stuffer. Pierce suffered a calf injury during a Week 8 loss to the Cleveland Browns that landed him on injured reserve and caused him to miss five games. When he returned, his snap count somewhat diminished. Still, he provided one of the most indelible if not unbelievable images of Baltimore’s season when he intercepted a pass from Bailey Zappe in the closing moments of Baltimore’s regular-season finale and AFC North title-clinching victory over the Cleveland Browns and began rumbling downfield before quickly dropping to a knee at M&T Bank Stadium. Coach John Harbaugh called it “the most crazy, amazing play in NFL history.” Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | DeAndre Hopkins could be Ravens’ best late-career WR addition | ANALYSIS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens have 11 picks in NFL draft after compensatory selections awarded Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis of Ravens signing WR DeAndre Hopkins Baltimore Ravens | Ravens, WR DeAndre Hopkins agree to 1-year deal Baltimore Ravens | Ravens re-sign fullback Patrick Ricard to 1-year deal “There’s a long history of turning big guy interceptions into memes,” Pierce said after the game. “So at the risk of ruining a career play like that for myself, it was time to go home. The bus was out of gas.” Now it’s for good, but Pierce left his mark. He spent his first four seasons in the league with the Ravens before signing with the Minnesota Vikings in 2020. Pierce returned to Baltimore in 2022 and said he told the team that it would be his last contract with them. A stout defender in the middle of the Ravens’ and Vikings’ defense, he finished with 238 tackles and had 9 1/2 sacks over 99 career games (59 starts). He also helped Baltimore finish in the top five against the run in five of his seven seasons there, including last season when the Ravens ranked No. 1 against the run. His retirement was not terribly surprising. In addition to being hampered by injuries, a helmet was left at Pierce’s locker for teammates to sign the day after the Ravens’ season ended with a divisional round loss to the Buffalo Bills. Pierce was also scheduled to make $1.255 million in the final season of a two-year, $7.5 million contract. If the Ravens process his retirement before June 1, they will save $666,000 in salary cap space with a dead cap hit of $2 million for 2025, according to Russell Street Report. If they do so after, they will save $2 million in cap space for 2025 with a dead money charge of $667,000 and a $1.334 million charge in 2026. “I found joy in my job. I loved my job. But once you’re in the trenches for so long and those injuries start to mount up, you’re kind of trying to prevent the next one,” Michael Pierce, left, said. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff file) On the podcast, Pierce thanked several people, including Ravens executive vice president and former general manager Ozzie Newsome. “Not a lot of people felt I could play,” he said. “But Ozzie and his staff … they gave me a chance when not many people were willing to take a chance on me.” He also thanked current general manager Eric DeCosta, who brought him back for his second stint with Baltimore, as well as Harbaugh, quarterback Lamar Jackson, outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy and defensive lineman Brent Urban, as well as former Ravens Terrell Suggs and Brandon Williams, whom he referred to as his “brothers.” “We’ve been so close to chasing a Super Bowl,” Pierce said. “You can keep pursuing that dream and pursuing that dream, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s gonna happen. I obviously hope that they achieve that dream next year.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Eric DeCosta’s title is general manager of the Ravens. But he’s also known by another, less-formal moniker in NFL circles: comp-pick king. On Tuesday, the league announced the compensatory picks awarded to teams for next month’s draft. Each year, teams are awarded compensatory draft picks between Rounds 3 and 7 based on a formula involving a player’s average salary per year, snap count and postseason awards. A team qualifies for them when they have more qualifying free agents lost than gained in a year. With the free agent departures last offseason of linebackers Patrick Queen and Jadeveon Clowney, safety Geno Stone and guard Kevin Zeitler, Baltimore was awarded the maximum of four such respective picks in this year’s draft: one in the fourth round (No. 136), one in the fifth (176) and two in in the sixth (Nos. 210 and 212). Those are in addition to the seven they already had, giving them 11 in all. Since the inception of compensatory picks in 1994, no team has been awarded more than the Ravens’ 60. The Dallas Cowboys (58), Green Bay Packers (53), Los Angeles Rams (51) and New England Patriots (48) round out the top five. “Any time you have more draft picks, you have the chance to draft more players, obviously, and get lucky on a few guys,” DeCosta said last year. “That’s what this thing is really all about, putting yourself in a position to take advantage and do things to help your team.” It’s a philosophy that has worked out fairly well over the years, though there have been some misses, too. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis of Ravens signing WR DeAndre Hopkins Baltimore Ravens | Ravens, WR DeAndre Hopkins agree to 1-year deal Baltimore Ravens | Ravens re-sign fullback Patrick Ricard to 1-year deal Baltimore Ravens | NFL mock draft (Version 4.0): How free agency changes the first round Baltimore Ravens | NFL free agency: The Ravens are right to sit this mess out | ANALYSIS Three years ago, a fourth-round comp pick yielded the Ravens emergent tight end Isaiah Likely in the fourth round. In 2014, they used one on defensive lineman Brent Urban, also in the fourth round. The year before, they landed future All-Pro and nine-time Pro Bowl selection fullback Kyle Juszczyk (fourth round) and future Pro Bowl center Ryan Jensen. Quarterback Derek Anderson (2005), punter Sam Koch (2006) and fullback Le’Ron McClain (2007) were also notable comp pick selections. Already, the Ravens are in line to receive more comp picks in next year’s draft, too. With guard Patrick Mekari, cornerback Brandon Stephens and linebacker Malik Harrison all signing elsewhere in free agency this offseason, that sets them up to potentially receive three more. Here’s Baltimore’s full assortment of 2025 NFL draft picks: Round 1: No. 27 overall Round 2: No. 59 Round 3: No. 91 Round 4: Nos. 129, 136 (compensatory) Round 5: No. 176 (compensatory) Round 6: Nos. 183 (via Carolina Panthers), 203, 210 (compensatory), 212 (compensatory) Round 7: No. 243 Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Here’s what The Baltimore Sun sports staff had to say immediately after the Ravens’ signing of free agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins: Brian Wacker, reporter: General manager Eric DeCosta said this offseason that the Ravens usually don’t make a lot of “splashes” in free agency, but for the second year in a row they did just that. After adding running back Derrick Henry last offseason, Baltimore agreed to a low-cost, one-year deal with five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. While Hopkins, who will turn 33 in June, is past his prime and won’t have near the impact Henry did, he gives Lamar Jackson a mature and dependable weapon on an offense that was already No. 1 in the NFL last season. Baltimore also desperately needed reinforcements at the position with a thin group beyond Pro Bowl selection Zay Flowers and the highly talented but mercurial Rashod Bateman. This isn’t the Odell Beckham Jr. move of two years ago, either. Hopkins had 56 catches for 610 yards and five touchdowns between the AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs and lousy Tennessee Titans last season, and in 2023 had 75 catches for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns for Tennessee. He won’t put up big numbers on a Baltimore team that has plenty of mouths to feed, but he doesn’t need to. His strength is in his reliable hands, ability to catch passes in traffic and near the goal line and to be a trusty, seasoned target. Childs Walker, reporter: DeAndre Hopkins isn’t Derrick Henry. He’s five years removed from his All-Pro peak and unlikely to fill up the stat sheet game after game. But the Ravens needed a third wide receiver to complement Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. They needed a guy to help Lamar Jackson by making contested catches on third down and especially in the end zone. Hopkins demonstrated that he can still be that player in his run with the Chiefs last season. He has also been durable the last two years after missing a total of 15 games in 2021 and 2022. He comes at a reasonable price, just as his former teammate, Henry, did last March. This was exactly the type of targeted strike the Ravens needed to make after the initial rush of free agency began to calm. Hopkins’ name might be bigger than his production in 2025, but that’s not a problem for a team that doesn’t need him to be a star. He’ll be an overqualified role player on the most efficient offense in football, perfect for a guy approaching his 33rd birthday. Sam Cohn, reporter: This signing feels more akin to when the Ravens got Odell Beckham Jr., rather than Diontae Johnson. Hopkins is a veteran receiver past his prime who still warrants attention from a defense and has played in a Super Bowl. Will he explode playing with Lamar Jackson? Unlikely. But Hopkins’ 2024 regular-season numbers with the Titans and Chiefs were comparable with Mark Andrews’ yards and catch totals. On a one-year deal, he figures to be a legitimate complement to Flowers and Bateman. He showed no signs of needing to be the top target in Kansas City, and the 32-year-old told ESPN earlier this year that “playing meaningful football in January is what’s left on the list.” Presumably, the Ravens are thinking the same thing. C.J. Doon, editor: Yes, he’s 32, but even a diminished version of DeAndre Hopkins is a pretty exciting addition to this Ravens offense. Baltimore has long sought a big “X” receiver who can win on the outside, and the 6-1, 212-pound Hopkins is one of the most decorated in recent NFL history. The biggest question is whether he can still beat man coverage as an isolated target. Hopkins is not going to be a downfield burner at this stage of his career, but he showed in Kansas City that he can still win on quick slants over the middle and in-breaking routes. Given his experience and physical traits, he’s a great complement to younger, faster wideouts Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman and provides the kind of red zone threat that Lamar Jackson simply hasn’t had before. The Ravens’ offense was already a nightmare matchup, and it’s become even more of a headache for opposing defenses with a veteran receiver who still has something left in the tank. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens, WR DeAndre Hopkins agree to 1-year deal: reports Baltimore Ravens | Ravens re-sign fullback Patrick Ricard to 1-year deal Baltimore Ravens | NFL mock draft (Version 4.0): How free agency changes the first round Baltimore Ravens | NFL free agency: The Ravens are right to sit this mess out | ANALYSIS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens CB Brandon Stephens reportedly signing with Jets in free agency Tim Schwartz, editor: It’s might be a few years late, but DeAndre Hopkins and the Ravens have long felt like a good match. He’s not the superstar wideout anymore, but he can still carve out a solid role in Baltimore. He can still go up and get it, and that big-body, jump-ball receiver will always have a place in the pass-happy NFL. Why not take a shot and see if you can catch lightning in a bottle a few Sundays this fall? It fills a need and Hopkins can still put on a show from time to time, too. This move just makes sense. Bennett Conlin, editor: Hopkins isn’t the All-Pro he was during his prime, but he’s still a productive veteran. Last season’s trade for Diontae Johnson ended up being a mistake, as Johnson seemed more focused on individual production than the team’s success. The Ravens shouldn’t have that issue with Hopkins, who is well-respected by his peers and should fit in well in Baltimore’s locker room. Like Lamar Jackson, Hopkins is still chasing his first Super Bowl title. Given the reasonable price of the deal, this is a solid signing for Baltimore to add a hungry veteran with above-average upside. Hopkins won’t drastically change the team’s outlook, but he gives Jackson another reliable target and adds veteran leadership. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor Tim Schwartz at timschwartz@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/timschwartz13. View the full article

The Ravens finally made their free agent splash. Baltimore is signing wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, according to reports. The five-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time All-Pro has agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal that could go up to $6 million. The 32-year-old Hopkins, who was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs by the Tennessee Titans ahead of the deadline last season, helped the Chiefs to a third straight Super Bowl appearance. He had 41 receptions for 437 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 10 games in Kansas City and finished the year with 56 catches for 610 yards and five touchdowns. He also had had two catches for 18 yards and a touchdown in their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59. Over his 12-year career with the Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals, Titans and Chiefs, Hopkins has 984 catches for 12,965 yards and 83 touchdowns and and has topped the 1,000-yard mark seven times. Hopkins bolsters a wide receiver group that already includes Pro Bowl selection Zay Flowers and 2021 first-round draft pick Rashod Bateman, who had career highs in yards (756) and touchdowns (nine) last season. His also gives quarterback Lamar Jackson yet another weapon on an offense that led the league in yards per game last season and was tops in defense-adjusted value over average (DVOA). “He’s one of the greats,” Hopkins said of Jackson in 2023 on the “I Am Athlete” podcast. “I would be lying to sit here and say it wouldn’t be an honor one day … to play with a great guy and a great quarterback like Lamar.” This article will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens re-sign fullback Patrick Ricard to 1-year deal Baltimore Ravens | NFL mock draft (Version 4.0): How free agency changes the first round Baltimore Ravens | NFL free agency: The Ravens are right to sit this mess out | ANALYSIS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens CB Brandon Stephens reportedly signing with Jets in free agency Baltimore Ravens | Ravens versatile lineman Patrick Mekari signing with Jaguars in free agency View the full article

The Ravens broke their free agency silence Tuesday, announcing they agreed to a one-year deal with fullback Patrick Ricard, who has made five Pro Bowls in eight seasons with the team. Ricard, 30, has not played as large a role in two seasons under offensive coordinator Todd Monken as he did under previous coordinator Greg Roman, but he remains a key blocker in the Ravens’ running game, which led the league in rushing yards per game and per attempt last season. He played 39% of the team’s offensive snaps in 2024 and caught three passes for 22 yards and a touchdown. Terms of his new deal were not immediately available. The day after the Ravens’ playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills, Ricard made it clear that he wanted to return to the only NFL team he has known. “I want to stay here,” he said. “I want to be here. I want to retire here.” He said he’s completely comfortable with his place in Monken’s system: “He understands how to use me. I would like to keep being a part of it as long as everyone wants me here, and he wants to keep using me the way he has been using me.” General manager Eric DeCosta had expressed confidence that Ricard would be back. “His agent is a good friend of mine, and I think Pat knows how we feel about him, and I would for him to retire as a Raven,” DeCosta said at the team’s season-ending news conference. “He epitomizes everything that we’re all about. And he’s another undrafted guy who just became — in my opinion — the best at his position. … This is not the first time he’s been a free agent. In fact, I think he’s signed at least two deals with us after his rookie deal, so this is probably his fourth contract now with us, if we can get him signed, and I would say that would be the goal.” DeCosta has followed through on his promise to bring back key players from his 2024 roster rather than spend his limited salary cap room on outside free agents. The Ravens re-signed Ricard three days after they agreed to a three-year, $60 million extension with left tackle Ronnie Stanley. This article will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Childs Walker at daviwalker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6893 and x.com/ChildsWalker. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | NFL mock draft (Version 4.0): How free agency changes the first round Baltimore Ravens | NFL free agency: The Ravens are right to sit this mess out | ANALYSIS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens CB Brandon Stephens reportedly signing with Jets in free agency Baltimore Ravens | Ravens versatile lineman Patrick Mekari signing with Jaguars in free agency Baltimore Ravens | Ravens 2025 free agency tracker: Who’s coming, going and staying View the full article

There’s nothing like the first day of NFL free agency. The sheer volume of moves can be overwhelming — unless, of course, you’re the Ravens. Then it’s more about how many players Baltimore needs to replace and how long it can wait out the market to scoop up some bargains. It’s hard to argue with that approach. Of course, the lifeblood of the Ravens’ success has always been the draft. They enter this year with a projected 11 picks, including No. 27 overall in the first round. How the first wave of free agency changes the picture for the Ravens and the teams picking ahead of them is a worthwhile study, even with more moves coming over the next several days. But there has been enough significant player movement thus far to get a clearer picture of team needs as the draft approaches, beginning April 24. Here are The Baltimore Sun’s latest projections for the first round: 1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami (Fla.) Sam Darnold (Seahawks) and Justin Fields (Jets) quickly found new homes, and Aaron Rodgers is likely headed to Pittsburgh. That leaves Tennessee with an easy choice here – unless they don’t like any of the top quarterbacks available or are blown away by a trade package from a desperate team. By all accounts, Ward has a high enough ceiling to take with the No. 1 selection. 2. Cleveland Browns: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado Trading for Kenny Pickett doesn’t solve the Browns’ quarterback problem. While Sanders has been questioned for his lack of arm strength and brash personality, Cleveland was reportedly impressed with him at the East-West Shrine Bowl in January. With Myles Garrett re-signed, the Browns can keep building some excitement by taking the college superstar. 3. New York Giants: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State Is Russell Wilson the consolation prize for the Giants? This would be a tough scenario for a team that only has Tommy DeVito under contract at quarterback. Carter might seem redundant with Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux on the edge, but the Super Bowl champion Eagles just proved that you can’t have too many pass rushers. Plus, New York re-signed wide receiver Darius Slayton and added cornerback Paulson Adebo to kick off free agency, perhaps ruling out Travis Hunter. Could Travis Hunter be the No. 1 wide receiver the Patriots are searching for? (AP Photo/Eric Gay) 4. New England Patriots: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado This would be a dream scenario for the Patriots, who used their cap space to target their biggest needs but have yet to land an impact wide receiver. If New England feels comfortable making Hunter a primary wide receiver with some cornerback snaps mixed in, he could become the No. 1 target for budding young star Drake Maye. 5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan So far, the Jaguars’ spending spree has not included an interior defensive lineman despite that being a glaring need. At this point, if Graham is still on the board when they make this pick, it would be surprising if they pass on him. 6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State Well, cross quarterback off the Raiders’ wish list. Geno Smith is reunited with Pete Carroll after a surprising trade from the Seahawks, giving Las Vegas the freedom to improve a dreadful rushing attack. Jeanty is well worth a top-10 selection after having one of the best seasons for a running back in NCAA history. Related Articles NFL | NFL mock draft (Version 3.0): Two-round projections after scouting combine NFL | 2025 NFL mock draft: First-round projections after Week 18 7. New York Jets: Armand Membou, OT/G, Missouri With Morgan Moses going to the Patriots, the Jets have a hole at right tackle. Protecting new quarterback Fields should be a priority, so why not take the top offensive lineman available? With his length, size and movement skills, Membou can be a starter from Day 1. 8. Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, Georgia After beefing up the defense in free agency, highlighted by safety Tre’von Moehrig and defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton, the Panthers should keep taking big swings to improve that side of the ball. Walker is a versatile chess piece who might be best suited as a full-time pass rusher. 9. New Orleans Saints: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona As evidenced by Tee Higgins and Chris Godwin staying with their respective teams, it’s hard to find elite wide receivers in free agency. Given long-term concerns about Chris Olave’s health following multiple concussions, the Saints should be thinking about targeting a wide receiver early in the draft. McMillan could blossom into a true No. 1 target. 10. Chicago Bears: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State With the Bears aggressively overhauling their offensive line through a series of trades and free agent signings, they now have plenty of options with this pick. Tight end is a sneaky big need. Last season, only two other teams ran more plays out of 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends) than the Lions when new coach Ben Johnson was the offensive coordinator. Warren could team up with Cole Kmet to give Caleb Williams some big targets over the middle. 11. San Francisco 49ers: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas With cornerback Charvarius Ward and safety Talanoa Hufanga departing in free agency, the 49ers need to restock their secondary. Barron lined up outside, in the slot and in the box for the Longhorns and has the potential to be a difference-making defender with his instincts and ability to break on the ball. 12. Dallas Cowboys: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama With Javonte Williams signing as a free agent and the overall depth at the position in the draft, the Cowboys don’t need to force a running back selection here. Campbell can step into the same role Dallas envisioned for DeMarvion Overshown before he suffered a serious knee injury. Michigan tight end Colston Loveland would be a perfect fit for the Broncos. (Al Goldis/AP Photo) 13. PROJECTED TRADE: Denver Broncos (via Miami Dolphins): Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan With linebacker Dre Greenlaw joining his former 49ers teammate Hufanga in Denver, the Broncos can be aggressive in targeting offensive playmakers. Loveland feels like a natural fit in the “joker” position for coach Sean Payton and has the potential to become the focal point of the passing attack. 14. Indianapolis Colts: Will Campbell, OT/G, LSU Maybe it’s unrealistic to expect Campbell to fall out of the top 10, but that’s just an example of how things can change because of free agency. By signing Ward and safety Cam Bynum, the Colts addressed their leaky secondary. Now they can fix the interior of their offensive line or perhaps upgrade at right tackle with a starting-caliber player who can line up anywhere. 15. Atlanta Falcons: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M The Falcons already had one of the worst defensive lines in the league, and then they cut longtime cornerstone Grady Jarrett. Stewart never had more than two sacks in a season in college, but he crushed the combine with athletic testing scores on par with Garrett. That’s the type of bet Atlanta needs to make to find an impact pass rusher. 16. Arizona Cardinals: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan The Cardinals signed Josh Sweat and brought back Baron Browning to bolster their pass rush, but why stop there? Arizona reportedly made a big push for Milton Williams before he signed with New England, so the appetite for an interior defender is clear. Grant would be an outstanding Plan B. 17. PROJECTED TRADE: Houston Texans (via Cincinnati Bengals): Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas After trading five-time Pro Bowl selection Laremy Tunsil to the Commanders for a package of draft picks, the Texans should use some of that capital to find his replacement. In this scenario, they trade up from No. 25 to pick Banks, who has a high ceiling and is just 20 years old. The drop-off behind him at tackle might be steep enough to push Houston to make this move. 18. Seattle Seahawks: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas It’s been a wild couple of days for the Seahawks, who traded Smith and wide receiver DK Metcalf before signing Darnold to be their franchise quarterback. Jaxon Smith-Njigba needs a running mate for Klint Kubiak’s offense to excel, and Golden fits the bill as a reliable, smooth target who can help make things easier for Darnold. 19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College The Buccaneers have quietly become one of the league’s most steady franchises, as evidenced by Godwin, linebacker Lavonte David and guard Ben Bredeson choosing to re-sign. A one-year deal for Haason Reddick should not preclude Tampa Bay from adding more pass-rush help, so drafting Ezeiruaku as a long-term play at outside linebacker in Todd Bowles’ 3-4 defense makes sense. 20. PROJECTED TRADE: Miami Dolphins (via Denver Broncos): Will Johnson, CB, Michigan Whether it’s safety, interior offensive line or defensive tackle, the Dolphins have clear needs that they have thus far neglected to address in free agency. Cornerback is near the top, too, and if Johnson is still available, they shouldn’t hesitate to take him. Outside of Jalen Ramsey, who just turned 30, there’s not much depth there on the roster. Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka would be a great complement to DK Metcalf in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) 21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State The big trade for Metcalf perhaps signals that George Pickens’ time in Pittsburgh is coming to an end. Egbuka has drawn comparisons to his former Buckeyes teammate Smith-Njigba, who excelled in the slot next to Metcalf in Seattle. Egbuka is a savvy, experienced player who could also thrive with the demanding Rodgers if he ends up being their quarterback. 22. Los Angeles Chargers: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia Khalil Mack is back on a one-year deal, but the Chargers have a hole at edge rusher after cutting Joey Bosa. Williams’ size (6-5, 265 pounds), ability to crush the pocket and strength as a run defender should be appealing to coach Jim Harbaugh. 23. Green Bay Packers: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri By signing guard Aaron Banks and cornerback Nate Hobbs, the Packers addressed two of their biggest needs. Can they find their No. 1 wide receiver in the draft? Maybe. According to NFL.com scout Lance Zierlein, Burden “checks several priority boxes that typically foreshadow an impressive NFL career.” 24. PROJECTED TRADE: Buffalo Bills (via Minnesota Vikings): Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss The signing of Josh Palmer doesn’t rule out a first-round wide receiver for Buffalo, but it certainly isn’t a huge priority anymore. Pairing Nolen with Ed Oliver is an enticing idea for a defense that needs to improve against the run, so much so that it would be worth a small trade up. The former five-star recruit has the tools to be an every-down menace. 25. PROJECTED TRADE: Cincinnati Bengals (via Houston Texans): Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall Given how deep this draft is at defensive line, it would make sense for the Bengals to entertain trading down. After re-signing B.J. Hill and adding T.J. Slayton, adding an edge rusher should be a priority, especially if Trey Hendrickson is traded. Green is a disruptive player who offers more upside than their previous high draft picks Myles Murphy and Joseph Ossai. 26. Los Angeles Rams: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State The Rams seemingly have their starting five set after re-signing left tackle Alaric Jackson, but right tackle Rob Havenstein is 32 and entering the final year of his deal. Los Angeles can bring along Simmons slowly after he suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee last season. The Davante Adams signing probably rules out a wide receiver, even with Cooper Kupp expected to depart. Tennessee defensive end James Pearce Jr. would be a worthwhile bet to improve the Ravens’ pass rush. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) 27. Ravens: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee As is typical for the Ravens, they said goodbye to a handful of players at the onset of free agency in offensive lineman Patrick Mekari, cornerback Brandon Stephens, and linebackers Malik Harrison and Chris Board. But they brought back left tackle Ronnie Stanley, answering their biggest offseason question. At this point, the defensive line or secondary feel like the two areas to target early in the draft. There’s a good argument to be made for Pearce, an explosive player who can perhaps even exceed Odafe Oweh’s ceiling. Only the Ravens can decide whether any reported “character concerns” with Pearce are a real issue. 28. Detroit Lions: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M The Lions brought back Marcus Davenport on a one-year deal and signed cornerback D.J. Reed, but the defensive upgrades shouldn’t stop there. Scourton has the size and pass-rush repertoire to be a worthy pairing alongside Aidan Hutchinson to help fill out an imposing defensive line. 29. Washington Commanders: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina With the additions of Tunsil, wide receiver Deebo Samuel and defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, and the re-signings of tight ends Zach Ertz and John Bates and linebacker Bobby Wagner, the Commanders won’t be painted into a corner come draft time. Replacing versatile safety Jeremy Chinn with Emmanwori, an alluring package of size and speed, would be a savvy move. 30. PROJECTED TRADE: Minnesota Vikings (via Buffalo Bills): Grey Zabel, OT/G, North Dakota State With just four total selections, it’s likely that Minnesota looks to trade down and recuperate some assets. After signing center Ryan Kelly, the Vikings can upgrade one of their guard spots with Zabel, who dominated the Senior Bowl to prove he belongs in the first-round conversation. 31. Kansas City Chiefs: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon By franchise-tagging guard Trey Smith, signing left tackle Jaylon Moore and re-signing wide receiver Marquise Brown, the Chiefs have stabilized their offense. With Wharton leaving and Derrick Nnadi, Mike Pennel and Charles Omenihu now free agents, addressing the defensive line with a promising prospect like Harmon might be a necessary move. 32. Philadelphia Eagles: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama Although the Eagles have the dynamite young pair of Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean at corner, losing Darius Slay, Isaiah Rodgers and Avonte Maddox raises some concerns about the No. 3 spot. Offensive line might be a bigger priority for that front office, though, especially If Mekhi Becton doesn’t re-sign. Booker feels like a natural fit to take over at right guard. 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 script wrote itself once the Ravens on Saturday agreed to a $60 million extension with left tackle Ronnie Stanley. They identified Stanley as the one player they could not comfortably replace with an internal candidate or draft pick, so they used what little financial flexibility they had to to keep him home before the NFL’s free agency stampede kicked off Monday. With that, general manager Eric DeCosta essentially hung a sign outside his door that said “temporarily closed for business.” DeCosta’s time-tested approach — lock up your key guys and hold on to your wallet while the market busts open — looked wiser and wiser as hundreds of millions of dollars flowed to middling free agents. At left tackle for example, former Pittsburgh Steeler Dan Moore Jr. — a durable starter who can’t touch Stanley as a pass blocker — reportedly signed with the Tennessee Titans for $82 million over four years. Suffice to say the Ravens were surely thrilled they had already finished their business at one of the league’s premium positions, signing the superior player in Stanley for less total and guaranteed money. Fans generally itch for their teams to dive into free agency with two fistfuls of cash. All those names and all those dollars choking social media on a Monday afternoon in March? Why sit out such fun? Ravens fans have lamented their front office’s staid approach in the past, but the evidence could not be clearer: Most of the executives spending big this week are playing a loser’s game. Just look at the four free agents — quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons, defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to the Las Vegas Raiders, guard Robert Hunt to the Carolina Panthers and wide receiver Calvin Ridley to the Titans — who signed deals worth more than $90 million at this time last year. Not one of their teams finished with a winning record. Targeted strikes can yield gold as the Ravens and Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles demonstrated when they dipped into a relatively depressed running back market to snap up superstars Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley, respectively. But the teams sucked into bidding wars for non-premium talents — in other words, most of the players who reach free agency — doom themselves to the NFL’s version of Groundhog Day. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens CB Brandon Stephens reportedly signing with Jets in free agency Baltimore Ravens | Ravens versatile lineman Patrick Mekari signing with Jaguars in free agency Baltimore Ravens | Ravens 2025 free agency tracker: Who’s coming, going and staying Baltimore Ravens | Baltimore shop owners say Orioles and Ravens vintage wear has ‘exploded’ Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: How far will Maryland men’s basketball advance in Big Ten Tournament? Which is not to say there’s no pain attached to a more disciplined approach. When the Ravens prioritized Stanley, they effectively said goodbye to another offensive line stalwart, Patrick Mekari, who agreed to a three-year, $37.5 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday. Over six seasons with the Ravens, Mekari started at every offensive line position. He stepped into the breach as a starting guard (the position he’d played least) last year and not only played well but proved his body could hold up to a 19-game (including the postseason) workload. He was an intelligent, dependable, slyly funny figure in the locker room. Would the Ravens have liked to keep Mekari for the rest of his career? Certainly. Were they going to pay what the Jaguars did for a guard who had started one season? Nope. DeCosta foreshadowed as much when he spoke to reporters at the NFL scouting combine last month. “I mean, you guys know the Ravens. [It has to be] the right player [and] right price. We don’t have a lot of cap room. … We call it ‘couch cushion coins.’ We’re trying to find 50 grand here, 75 grand there under a couch cushion,” he said. “But we’re not a team that’s going to make a lot of splashes, generally speaking.” As of late Monday afternoon, the Ravens lost Mekari and cornerback Brandon Stephens, who played 92% of the team’s defensive snaps last season but struggled to build on his 2023 breakout. They added no one amid the initial frenzy, and it won’t be a shock if that remains their story for the next several days as DeCosta waits to see what veteran bargains are left over at cornerback, safety, edge rusher and guard. They’ll add a few potential contributors, in some cases as late as July or August, and rely on next month’s draft to rebuild their depth. Any flashy headlines they make will likely relate to extensions or restructures for players such as Henry, quarterback Lamar Jackson or 2022 first-round picks Kyle Hamilton and Tyler Linderbaum. For the time being, their best way to win the game of free agency is not to play. Have a news tip? Contact Childs Walker at daviwalker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6893 and x.com/ChildsWalker. View the full article

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said that cornerback Brandon Stephens would have a chance to test the free-agent market. It paid off in a big way for the 2021 third-round pick. Stephens is signing a three-year, $36 million deal with the New York Jets, with $23 million of the contract guaranteed, according to ESPN. That makes him the 19th-highest paid corner in the NFL, per Over The Cap, in average annual value, just behind the Philadelphia Eagles’ James Bradberry, at least for now. It also comes after he took a step backward with his coverage in 2024. Once considered a candidate for a contract extension after a strong 2023, Stephens allowed 65 catches on 96 targets (fifth-most in the NFL) for 806 yards (second-most) last season, according to Pro Football Focus. While he was lauded by coaches for being “sticky” in coverage, they also acknowledged that he struggled to locate the ball, something that seemed to get worse as the year wore on and was particularly evident on throws downfield. He also did not have an interception and his 55.8 overall grade by PFF ranked 153rd out of 223 cornerbacks. Stephens appeared in 65 games for Baltimore over the past four years, which included 48 starts. He also moved from safety to cornerback, which he played full-time the past two seasons, and last year had two interceptions to go with a 69.2 overall grade from PFF. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens versatile lineman Patrick Mekari signing with Jaguars in free agency Baltimore Ravens | Ravens 2025 free agency tracker: Who’s coming, going and staying Baltimore Ravens | Baltimore shop owners say Orioles and Ravens vintage wear has ‘exploded’ Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: How far will Maryland men’s basketball advance in Big Ten Tournament? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens re-sign LT Ronnie Stanley just ahead of start of free agency His leaving is also perhaps addition by subtraction: The Ravens will get a compensatory draft pick for Stephens in 2026 because he was a third-round selection. With Stephens’ departure, Baltimore now has an immediate need at outside corner. Nate Wiggins and Marlon Humphrey are the Ravens’ top two cornerbacks, but Humphrey excelled in the slot, where he was an All-Pro last season. Veteran Tre’Davious White could be one option, though he’s also a free agent. Jalyn Armour-Davis, who is entering his fourth season but has struggled to stay healthy, and T.J. Tampa, a rookie who also battled injuries last season, are also possibilities, though it’s likely DeCosta will turn to the draft to add to the position. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

The Ravens’ most versatile lineman over the past six seasons will play elsewhere next season. Patrick Mekari, who started at right tackle and then left guard last season, has agreed to a three-year, $37.5 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars, a source with direct knowledge of the contract confirmed to The Baltimore Sun on Monday, the start of the NFL’s legal tampering period. Mekari’s deal includes more than $20 million of guaranteed money. Players can’t sign contracts until the start of free agency on Wednesday at 4 p.m. It is also not surprising that the 27-year-old former undrafted free agent out of California who is now on his third contract is moving on. Mekari’s agreeing to sign with the Jaguars comes after the Ravens signed left tackle Ronnie Stanley to a three-year, $60 million contract extension that includes $44 million guaranteed over the first two years just days before Stanley was also due to hit the open market. That ostensibly made Mekari unaffordable for the Ravens, who before re-signing Stanley had just over $12 million in salary cap space and need to make a number of other moves to be cap compliant by the start of the new league year, also on Wednesday. Still, Mekari’s loss is a blow for Baltimore. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens CB Brandon Stephens reportedly signing with Jets in free agency Baltimore Ravens | Ravens 2025 free agency tracker: Who’s coming, going and staying Baltimore Ravens | Baltimore shop owners say Orioles and Ravens vintage wear has ‘exploded’ Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: How far will Maryland men’s basketball advance in Big Ten Tournament? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens re-sign LT Ronnie Stanley just ahead of start of free agency After playing all over the Ravens’ offensive line as a sixth man and sometimes starter, he began last season as the starter at right tackle amid a revamped lineup. When left guard Andrew Vorhees suffered an ankle injury three games in, Mekari seamlessly took over and never relinquished the job, with rookie Roger Rosengarten settling in at right tackle. It marked the first time that Mekari started every game in a season and his 71.6 pass-blocking grade, per Pro Football Focus, ranked 17th among guards (minimum 500 pass-blocking snaps) and his pass block win rate of 95%, per ESPN analytics, ranked 18th among all interior lineman last season. He also allowed just one sack and his versatility allows him to play any position on the line. But with Vorhees entering his second full season and expected to be healthy, the third-year player out of USC will be the front-runner to start at left guard again. As for Mekari, he departs Baltimore having appeared in 88 regular-season games, including 53 starts. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article