Baltimore has a long list of quality players set to hit free agency next year
Being one of the best organizations at drafting and developing players means that the Baltimore Ravens will lose more quality talent to free agency than most teams. With a long list of important players set to hit free agency in 2026 and a quarterback on a massive contract, Baltimore will surely part ways with one or two players they would prefer to keep.
The list of notable Ravens in the last year of their contract includes running backs Derrick Henry and Keaton Mitchell, tight ends Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, and Charlie Kolar, center Tyler Linderbaum, guard Daniel Faalele, safety Ar’Darius Washington, defensive tackle Travis Jones, outside linebackers Odafe Oweh and Kyle Van Noy, punter Jordan Stout, wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Tylan Wallace, and fullback Patrick Ricard.
Today’s Question of the Day is:
Which 2025 free agent is the most important to re-sign for the Ravens?
My answer: Tyler Linderbaum
It was a tough choice between Linderbaum, Likely, Jones, and Henry. Likely has emerged as a reliable playmaker for quarterback Lamar Jackson and has delivered in big moments. With Andrews set to turn 30 this season, locking up Likely to keep him with Jackson long-term would be preferable. If Likely prices himself out of Baltimore with a big season in 2025, then the Ravens can turn to re-signing Andrews at a cheaper price.
Jones is an underrated component of Baltimore’s defense and should be even more important this season following the retirement of defensive tackle Michael Pierce. Jones commands double teams in the middle of the defensive line and allows other players, such as Nnamdi Madubuike, to face more one-on-one battles on passing downs. While he has yet to rack up the individual stats of a player like Madubuike, Jones is a force as a pass rusher.
If anyone can beat Father Time at the running back position, it is Henry, but I am still weary of handing out a big contract to a running back who is set to turn 32 next year. If Henry has another season similar to last year, then the Ravens may not have a choice but to re-sign him to keep the unstoppable duo of Henry and Jackson alive. With the resurgence of running back value in recent years, Henry may fetch a hefty deal on the open market despite his age. Henry’s desire to remain with Jackson in Baltimore will play an important part in whether or not he decides to chase the money.
I decided to go with Linderbaum, not because I feel that he is the best player on the list, but because of the significance of fielding a strong offensive line to protect Jackson. The Ravens had a musical chairs rotation of centers to start Jackson’s career, with Matt Skura, Patrick Mekari, and Bradley Bozeman all starting games at the position before the arrival of Linderbaum in 2022. Inaccurate snaps were a recurring problem in those years, with one even ending in a concussion that took Jackson out of a playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. Linderbaum has provided stability in the center of the offensive line and has all the traits of a franchise staple. While his pass blocking can still improve, Linderbaum is a special run blocker with his athleticism allowing him to reach players down the field that most linemen would not be capable of. The last thing I want general manager Eric DeCosta to do is detract from the offensive line.
Which 2025 free agent do you think is the most important to re-sign for the Ravens? Scroll down to the comment section and let us know!