The Ravens have’serious business’ to do after a strong start to free agency.

The Baltimore Ravens have been making waves during this year’s NFL free agency period, and it’s safe to say that their activities are a signal of something bigger. After a season that saw them finish with an 11-6 record but fall short in the playoffs, it’s clear that the Ravens are determined to position themselves for a stronger run in 2025. This year, the Ravens’ management has shown they’re serious about their goals, with a series of calculated moves that have many around the league taking notice.

Free agency is a pivotal time for NFL teams, as it offers the chance to address weaknesses, bolster key positions, and acquire the kind of high-profile talent that can put a team over the top. For the Ravens, this offseason is particularly crucial. Baltimore has long been known for its stout defense, but in recent years, questions about the offense have risen. The Ravens have already started making moves that suggest they’re preparing to evolve their roster, bringing in new faces that can make an immediate impact, both on offense and defense.

In this article, we’ll explore the Ravens’ offseason so far, analyze their key free agent signings, and look at what it all means for their future.

A Legacy of Defense

For much of their existence, the Ravens have built their success on a defensive-first mentality. Under head coach John Harbaugh, the team has been consistently tough on defense, with elite units like the 2000 Ravens, who won the Super Bowl, and the 2012 squad, which captured the franchise’s second title. The Ravens’ defense has often been their calling card, and they have continued to prioritize that side of the ball in recent years.

However, in recent seasons, particularly in 2023, the team has faced some difficulties in staying as dominant on defense as they once were. While they finished the season ranked 8th in total defense, they have struggled with injuries and with getting consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Ravens have always been known for their ability to stop the run, but their pass rush and coverage schemes have faced some challenges.

With that in mind, the Ravens’ approach to free agency this year has focused on addressing these defensive gaps while also providing support for their offense.

Free Agency: The Early Moves

One of the first major moves the Ravens made this offseason was to bolster their defensive front. As part of their efforts to shore up their defense, the Ravens brought in veteran pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney. The former first overall pick has been one of the most physically gifted pass rushers in the league for years, but his career has been somewhat marred by inconsistent play and injuries. Nonetheless, when healthy, Clowney still has the ability to disrupt offenses and provide a much-needed boost to the Ravens’ pass rush.

Clowney’s signing was significant for a couple of reasons. First, it shows that the Ravens are committed to improving their pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which was an issue last season. Second, it adds a veteran presence to a group that already includes rising star Odafe Oweh, who flashed potential in 2023 but is still developing. By bringing in Clowney, the Ravens have provided Oweh with a seasoned mentor who can help him take the next step in his development.

Improving the Secondary

The Ravens also took action to improve their secondary in free agency. After losing cornerback Marcus Peters to free agency, the team recognized that they needed to add another talented player to complement Marlon Humphrey, one of the league’s top cornerbacks. With this in mind, the Ravens brought in cornerback James Bradberry, who had been a standout with the New York Giants in recent years.

Bradberry is known for his ability to lock down top receivers and create turnovers. His physicality and awareness in coverage will be invaluable to the Ravens, especially as they face high-powered offenses in the AFC. With Humphrey and Bradberry forming a formidable cornerback duo, the Ravens’ secondary should be able to hold its own against the league’s best wide receivers.

Additionally, the Ravens were quick to address their safety position, adding veteran safety Taylor Rapp from the Los Angeles Rams. Rapp’s ability to cover ground in the middle of the field will give Baltimore more flexibility on defense and should improve their ability to defend against the pass in crucial situations.

Together, these moves indicate that the Ravens are serious about their defensive resurgence and intend to remain one of the top defensive teams in the NFL.

Offensive Adjustments

While the Ravens’ defense is often their bread and butter, their offense has been a mixed bag in recent years. Quarterback Lamar Jackson, one of the most electrifying players in the league, is the centerpiece of the offense. However, injuries and inconsistency in the passing game have limited their ceiling in the postseason. The Ravens’ inability to consistently get the ball to their wide receivers has been a point of contention for both fans and analysts alike.

In free agency, the Ravens made a critical move by signing wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, one of the most accomplished receivers of his generation. Hopkins is a proven playmaker and one of the best route runners in the league. He can make acrobatic catches and stretch the field, something the Ravens have lacked in recent years. His presence alongside Jackson will open up the offense and provide Lamar with a reliable target who can win in all areas of the field.

Hopkins’ signing also serves to take the pressure off the running game. The Ravens have long been one of the most dangerous rushing teams in the league, led by Jackson and running back J.K. Dobbins. However, their lack of a true No. 1 receiver has limited their ability to balance the offense. With Hopkins now in the fold, the Ravens have a legitimate deep threat that forces defenses to respect the passing game, creating more opportunities for the run game to flourish.

Lamar Jackson’s Future

Lamar Jackson has long been the subject of debate in Baltimore, particularly due to his contract situation. Jackson, who has been an MVP and one of the most dynamic players in the NFL, has repeatedly shown that he can lead the Ravens to victory, but his future in Baltimore has been uncertain for some time.

As of now, Jackson is still on the roster, but there have been ongoing discussions about a new contract. The Ravens have expressed their desire to retain Jackson, but the quarterback’s contract situation is something that will have to be addressed sooner rather than later. The team’s ability to secure his long-term future will be key in the success of this offseason’s moves.

If the Ravens are able to extend Jackson and keep him as their franchise quarterback, they will be able to fully maximize the offensive improvements they’ve made in free agency. If Jackson is kept happy and healthy, the offense will undoubtedly improve, giving the Ravens a balanced attack that can compete with anyone in the league.

The Coaching Perspective

John Harbaugh has been the head coach of the Ravens since 2008, and his tenure has been marked by consistency and success. Harbaugh has earned a reputation as one of the top coaches in the NFL, known for his leadership, decision-making, and ability to adapt. He’s navigated the team through various transitions, from the end of the Ray Lewis era to the arrival of Jackson and the shift toward a more pass-heavy offense.

Given the changes made this offseason, Harbaugh’s ability to manage a revamped roster will be crucial. He will need to strike a balance between utilizing Jackson’s unique skill set while also developing a more diverse offensive attack. Additionally, Harbaugh will need to ensure that the defense, which is undergoing some changes, remains as strong as ever.

Harbaugh’s coaching acumen, combined with the talent the team has added this offseason, suggests that the Ravens are poised for a deep playoff run in 2025.

Looking Ahead

The Ravens’ free agency moves this year have demonstrated that they are serious about improving their roster and taking the next step as a Super Bowl contender. By addressing both their offensive and defensive needs, they have positioned themselves to compete with the best teams in the NFL.

The key question, however, remains whether they can make it all work on the field. Will Lamar Jackson stay healthy and return to MVP form? Can the revamped defense return to its elite status? Will the addition of Hopkins provide the boost the offense needs?

Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Baltimore Ravens are in “serious business” this offseason, and they are ready to make a statement in 2025.