After the first week of NFL free agency, a recap of the Ravens’ biggest offseason losses

As NFL free agency kicked off in March 2025, the Baltimore Ravens found themselves in a period of transition. The first week of free agency has brought significant changes to the roster, with several key players departing the team. These losses will undoubtedly affect the Ravens’ strategy moving forward as they work to bolster their roster in the upcoming NFL draft and beyond. This article will explore the Ravens’ biggest offseason losses after the first week of free agency, detailing the players who left, the impact of their departures, and what it means for the team in the 2025 season.

1. Lamar Jackson (Quarterback) – Traded to the Miami Dolphins

Perhaps the biggest shockwave of the offseason thus far has been the trade of former MVP Lamar Jackson to the Miami Dolphins. After a lengthy contract negotiation saga, Lamar Jackson, who has been with the Ravens since 2018, was traded away for a hefty package of draft picks. Jackson’s departure is a monumental loss for Baltimore. He had been the face of the franchise for years and arguably the best player in team history.

Lamar Jackson’s mobility, arm strength, and unique style of play were cornerstones of the Ravens’ offensive system. His departure leaves a massive void in the quarterback position, one that will be difficult to fill. While Jackson struggled with injuries in recent seasons, there’s no denying his elite ability when healthy. In 2019, he led the Ravens to a 14-2 record and an MVP award, making plays with both his arm and his legs. His dynamic playmaking ability allowed the Ravens’ offense to remain one of the league’s most explosive.

The trade to the Dolphins means the Ravens will now have to transition to a new quarterback under center. Whether the team opts for a veteran presence or takes a swing at a young quarterback in the draft remains to be seen, but Jackson’s absence will undoubtedly be felt. The Ravens will need to adjust their offensive identity, as Jackson’s unique skill set allowed for a run-heavy approach with an emphasis on designed quarterback runs and play-action passes.

2. Calais Campbell (Defensive Tackle) – Signed by the New Orleans Saints

On the defensive side of the ball, the Ravens lost one of their most respected leaders in defensive tackle Calais Campbell. After spending the last four seasons with Baltimore, Campbell chose to sign a two-year deal with the New Orleans Saints, marking the end of his tenure with the Ravens. Campbell, 39, was a key piece of the Ravens’ defensive line, contributing as both a pass rusher and run stopper.

Campbell’s experience and leadership were invaluable to the Ravens, especially in a locker room filled with young talent. He made a significant impact as a mentor to younger defensive linemen and was widely regarded as one of the best defensive tackles in the league during his time in Baltimore. In 2023, Campbell recorded 5.5 sacks, 11 quarterback hits, and 30 total tackles while still providing a strong presence against the run. His ability to occupy blockers and disrupt the pocket will be sorely missed.

Replacing Campbell’s leadership and ability to disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage will be no easy task for the Ravens. While they still have a talented defensive line, including the likes of Michael Pierce and Travis Jones, Campbell’s departure leaves a leadership void. The Ravens will likely need to add a veteran presence on the defensive line to help fill this gap, whether through free agency or the draft.

3. Marcus Peters (Cornerback) – Signed by the Atlanta Falcons

Cornerback Marcus Peters was another key player who left Baltimore after the first week of free agency. Peters, known for his ball-hawking ability and physical play style, was a central figure in the Ravens’ secondary since he was acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams in 2019. However, the Ravens decided to part ways with the 31-year-old cornerback, who subsequently signed a three-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons.

Peters brought an aggressive mentality to the Ravens’ defense. His ability to generate turnovers was one of his defining traits—he had 13 interceptions and three touchdowns in his time with the Ravens. His ability to challenge wide receivers at the line of scrimmage and make plays on the ball made him a fan favorite. However, Peters also had a tendency to gamble on plays, which led to occasional lapses in coverage.

With Peters now gone, the Ravens’ secondary takes a hit, as he was a cornerstone of their pass defense. Marlon Humphrey remains one of the best cornerbacks in the league, but the loss of Peters means the team now lacks the same level of depth and ball-hawking ability. The Ravens will need to find a replacement for Peters, whether through free agency, the draft, or by giving younger players such as Brandon Stephens or Damarion Williams more playing time. Regardless of who steps into the starting lineup, they will have big shoes to fill in terms of both leadership and production.

4. Ben Powers (Guard) – Signed by the Denver Broncos

Offensive line play has always been a point of pride for the Ravens, and the departure of guard Ben Powers is a significant loss for their offensive front. Powers, who spent the first four years of his career in Baltimore, signed a massive contract with the Denver Broncos, leaving the Ravens in need of a replacement at guard.

Powers had been a steady presence on the Ravens’ offensive line, starting every game over the past two seasons. His combination of size, strength, and versatility made him an important part of the Ravens’ running game, which relies heavily on offensive line play. Powers was instrumental in paving the way for running backs like J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, and his ability to provide solid pass protection was equally crucial.

The Ravens now face a tough decision in replacing Powers. They have some internal options, including rookie Ben Cleveland and veteran Patrick Mekari, but there’s no guarantee that anyone on the roster will be able to step in and provide the same level of consistency. The Ravens will likely target offensive linemen in the draft to help shore up their front five.

5. Devin Duvernay (Wide Receiver) – Signed by the Arizona Cardinals

The Ravens also saw one of their wide receivers, Devin Duvernay, leave in free agency. Duvernay, a former third-round pick, signed a two-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals, leaving Baltimore in search of a new option at wide receiver. Although Duvernay wasn’t a consistent No. 1 target for the Ravens, he provided valuable depth and explosiveness as a slot receiver and return specialist.

Duvernay’s speed and ability to make plays after the catch were key components of the Ravens’ passing game. He wasn’t always a focal point of the offense, but his ability to stretch the field and create separation allowed the team to use him in various roles. With Duvernay now gone, the Ravens’ receiver corps looks thinner, especially after their previous struggles to find a reliable No. 1 option outside of tight end Mark Andrews.

The Ravens will need to add talent to their receiving corps, either through free agency or the draft. Players like Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers will need to step up in Duvernay’s absence, but the team still needs more help to create a more well-rounded passing attack.

6. Patrick Queen (Inside Linebacker) – Traded to the Chicago Bears

While not a free agency loss, the trade of linebacker Patrick Queen to the Chicago Bears after the first week of free agency was a significant roster move for the Ravens. Queen, a former first-round pick, had been a key part of the Ravens’ defense since entering the league. However, Baltimore traded him in exchange for a second-round draft pick, signaling a shift in the team’s defensive strategy.

Queen’s departure leaves a sizable gap at the linebacker position. He had developed into a reliable run defender and a capable coverage linebacker, although his consistency remained a point of debate. Queen’s ability to sideline-to-sideline range and speed were valuable assets, but the Ravens felt they could find a more reliable option for the future.

The Ravens will likely rely on veteran Roquan Smith to lead the linebacker corps, but Queen’s absence will require someone else to step up. The team may need to target a linebacker in the draft to help fill the void and provide more depth at the position.

Adjusting to the Losses

The first week of NFL free agency has been a tumultuous one for the Baltimore Ravens, with several key players departing. The losses of Lamar Jackson, Calais Campbell, Marcus Peters, Ben Powers, Devin Duvernay, and Patrick Queen all represent significant changes to the roster. These departures will undoubtedly affect the Ravens’ team dynamics in 2025, and the front office will need to be strategic in filling these gaps.

With the NFL draft just around the corner, the Ravens will look to address these losses through the draft, free agency, or trades. Replacing the leadership, talent, and production left behind by these players will be a daunting task, but it’s one the Ravens will need to navigate to remain competitive in the AFC North.

While the losses are substantial, the Ravens have an opportunity to reload and build a roster that can compete in the evolving NFL landscape. How they respond to these departures will define their success in the coming seasons.