The Baltimore Ravens entered the 2025 season with a roster hailed as the NFL's best, but they fell short of playoff glory—leaving fans and analysts scratching their heads. So, what went wrong, and how do they plan to bounce back in 2026? Let’s dive into the Ravens’ blueprint for redemption, which includes some bold moves and a few controversial decisions that are sure to spark debate.
But here’s where it gets controversial... Despite their star-studded lineup, the Ravens’ 2025 roster didn’t live up to expectations. General Manager Eric DeCosta admitted as much during the team’s season review press conference, stating, ‘When you underachieve, you can blame a lot of things. You look at a lot of situations and players.’ Owner Steve Bisciotti echoed this sentiment, pointing out that several players failed to take the expected leap forward. ‘We’ve got to get to the bottom of that with coaching and scouting,’ he added. So, what’s the plan for 2026? Let’s break it down.
1. Lock Down Lamar Jackson
The Ravens’ first priority is securing a contract extension for star quarterback Lamar Jackson before free agency begins. With Jackson’s salary cap number set to skyrocket from $43.5 million to $74.5 million, a new deal could free up significant cap space. ‘A deal with Lamar would give us the ability to be more active, to re-sign more players, and potentially go after a couple of big-ticket items,’ DeCosta explained. This move would not only solidify Jackson’s future in Baltimore but also provide the flexibility needed to strengthen the roster around him. But here’s the kicker: Will the Ravens break their tradition of being conservative in free agency? Only time will tell.
2. Fortify the Offensive Line
Despite leading the league in rushing yards per game (187.6) and yards per attempt (5.8) in 2024, the Ravens’ offensive line struggled to protect Jackson, who took the ninth-most sacks in the league despite playing only 13 games. Re-signing Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, who has openly expressed his desire to stay in Baltimore, is a no-brainer. However, the guard positions need attention. Daniel Faalele and Andrew Vorhees had inconsistent seasons, and Bisciotti bluntly stated that the offensive linemen ‘didn’t improve.’ With Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten holding down the tackle spots, the Ravens have a solid foundation but need to address the interior line to ensure Jackson stays upright and the run game remains dominant.
And this is the part most people miss... While the offensive line’s performance was inconsistent, DeCosta noted that the Ravens still ranked near the top in rushing—even without as many quarterback-driven runs. This highlights the line’s potential but underscores the need for greater consistency. Adding a high draft pick or a free agent at guard could be the missing piece to this puzzle.
3. Revitalize the Pass Rush
The Ravens’ pass rush took a nosedive in 2025, ranking among the league’s worst with just 30 sacks—a far cry from their 54 sacks the previous season. ‘We’ve got to do a better job of creating pressure on defense,’ DeCosta admitted. The loss of Nnadmi Madubuike to a season-ending injury was a devastating blow, and his absence was felt across the defensive line. Travis Jones led the team with five sacks, but he was often double-teamed without Madubuike alongside him. ‘If he’d had Madubuike next to him, he’d have been singled all year long,’ Bisciotti lamented. The Ravens must decide whether to re-sign veterans like Kyle Van Noy and Dre’Mont Jones or target young talent in the draft or free agency. Here’s the million-dollar question: Can the Ravens rebuild their pass rush without breaking the bank?
Final Thoughts
The Ravens’ 2026 plan is clear: secure Lamar Jackson, strengthen the offensive line, and revive the pass rush. But will these moves be enough to return Baltimore to championship contention? And how will they balance their traditional frugality with the need for high-impact signings? These questions will keep fans and analysts debating until next season. What do you think? Are the Ravens on the right track, or do they need to take even bolder steps? Let us know in the comments!
