OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- The Baltimore Ravens have made strategic moves during the 2025 NFL free agency to fortify their roster for the upcoming season. Rather than making big splashes, the team focused on retaining key players and adding fresh talent, setting the stage for their pursuits as they approach the NFL Draft.
Free agency began on March 11, 2025, and saw the Ravens primarily focusing on their pressing needs. One of the notable re-signings was Tylan Wallace, who agreed to a one-year deal. Wallace, known for his reliability on special teams, is expected to contribute to both the receiver corps and special teams. He particularly shone during the 2023 season, where he returned a punt 76 yards for the game-winning touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams, and played 56% of the snaps on special teams. Despite his limited production as a receiver, totaling just 18 catches for 260 yards and one touchdown over four seasons, Wallace’s ability to make big plays gives the Ravens depth at the position.
Adding to the receiving group, the Ravens secured DeAndre Hopkins on a one-year, $5 million deal. At 33, Hopkins brings his veteran experience and proven track record to Baltimore, having been named to the All-Pro team three times throughout his illustrious career. Although he had only 610 receiving yards last season, his remarkable hands and catch ability -- tied for sixth-best with just 1.5% drop rate over the last five years -- make him a valuable asset for quarterback Lamar Jackson.
“The Ravens hope they found a No. 3 wide receiver for Lamar Jackson,” reported by ESPN. While there are questions about how much Hopkins has left, the signing aims to inject some scoring reliability for the team.
On the defensive side, the Ravens added linebacker Jake Hummel, who will provide much-needed support on special teams after the departure of Malik Harrison and Chris Board. Previously playing for the Rams, Hummel proved his worth by recording eight special teams tackles last season, and even managed to block a punt which led to a touchdown.
Retaining the services of Patrick Ricard, often celebrated as the league's most formidable fullback, adds depth to the Ravens' already potent rushing attack. At 6-foot-3 and 311 pounds, Ricard, nicknamed "Pancake Pat" for his knack for blocking, was named first-team All-Pro last season. His presence helped the Ravens lead the NFL with 5.8 yards per carry, demonstrating how integral he is to their success. “Any time Ricard is in front of me, I'm comfortable,” running back Derrick Henry stated last season, demonstrating the trust the team places in him.
Another anchor for the offensive line, Ronnie Stanley, was retained on a lucrative three-year, $60 million deal. His performance has improved since his return from injury; Stanley allowed only 3.39 seconds on average time to pressure last season, ranking him fourth among all left tackles. The Ravens managed to keep Stanley from hitting the open market, which is considered beneficial for Jackson's security.
Yet, the return of Ben Cleveland stirred some controversy after legal issues arose. On February 12, 2025, Cleveland was arrested for driving under the influence, with his blood alcohol concentration measured at .178. While this raises questions about his future, his abilities when on the field are undeniable, making it uncertain how this situation could impact his career moving forward.
One key addition was quarterback Cooper Rush on a two-year deal worth up to $12.2 million, which certainly qualifies as an upgrade from last season's backup, Josh Johnson. At 31 years old, Rush has garnered respect as a capable backup and has 14 starts on his record. Over his career, he has completed about 60.7% of his passes, accumulating 3,463 yards, 20 touchdowns, and with only 10 interceptions. His experience as Dak Prescott's backup with the Cowboys should offer stability for the Ravens.
Rush's signing also signifies the Ravens’ security behind Jackson, who has often faced injuries. This move marks somewhat of a departure from the Ravens' usual strategy of minimal investment in backup quarterbacks. “The Ravens have typically not spent notable money on filling the backup quarterback position,” noted The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec. Indeed, the last significant investment made for the backup role was for Robert Griffin III back in 2019.
Despite this new direction on quarterback investments, the Ravens are still dedicated to the compensatory pick strategy. Cooper Rush’s contract, at $3.1 million annually, doesn’t impact their compensatory pick formula, allowing them to possibly earn two fifth-round compensatory picks for 2026 as they lost key players like cornerback Brandon Stephens and guard Patrick Mekari during free agency.
General manager Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh appear satisfied with the team's initial free agency performance as they look toward the upcoming draft on April 24. With these foundational moves, the Ravens are not just preserving their competitive edge but are also shaping the team strategically, ready to tackle the 2025 season with renewed vigor.
