Five bold predictions for the Baltimore Ravens' 2026 NFL offseason
· Yahoo Sports
Baltimore's 2026 NFL offseason is underway, and the Ravens' focus will shift to reshaping the roster and helping quarterback Lamar Jackson take the next step as a passer. One big move will be to restructure Jackson's deal, or sign him to a new, lucrative contract extension. The restructuring could mirror what Kansas City did with Patrick Mahomes on Wednesday. The March 9 legal tampering period is fast approaching, and the Ravens have a $12,262,715 dead salary cap hit that places Baltimore at 16th in the NFL, per Over The Cap, and could grow even bigger.
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Tom Pelissero reports that the NFL informed clubs it is projecting a 2026 salary cap of $301M to $305M per club. Baltimore has 22 unrestricted free agents, according to Over The Cap, with big names like Tyler Linderbaum, Isaiah Likely, Kyle Van Noy, Dre'Mont Jones, Alohi Gilman, Chidobe Awuzie, and Ar'Darius Washington among those Eric DeCosta will evaluate.
With the new league year fast approaching, we're dropping five bold predictions for the Ravens' 2026 offseason.
Ravens sign Lamar Jackson to a deal worth $63M per season
Jackson again holds leverage over the franchise, as his 2026 and 2027 cap hits are unworkable for the organization.
Jackson just finished the third year of a five-year, $260 million contract signed with the Baltimore Ravens on May 4, 2023. Of this, $185 million was guaranteed, of which $135 million was fully guaranteed at signing. As of this article, Jackson is the 10th-highest-paid quarterback in the NFL after Brock Purdy's new contract. Based on recent trends with Dak Prescott and Josh Allen, Jackson can justify $65.5 million to $67 million per year for a contract extension he signs in the coming months. With inflation and an adjustment for the 24.2% increase in the salary cap since he signed in 2023, Jackson could command upwards of $64.5 million per year.
Prediction: Jackson signs a four-year, $252 million contract extension. The
Ravens trade Rashod Bateman
Last season, the Ravens focused on a wide receiver corps that included Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, DeAndre Hopkins, Devontez Walker, Tylan Wallace, and LaJohntay Wester for the bulk of the season. Wester was also the primary punt return player.
The disappointment of an 8-9 season, a good portion of the struggles centered on Rashod Bateman, who had a down year and even missed the AFC North title game due to illness. After a career year in 2024, Bateman finished last season with 13 games played, 12 starts, 38 targets, 19 receptions, 224 yards receiving, and two touchdowns. Baltimore is so uncertain at wide receiver that there could be room to bring back DeAndre Hopkins, who had 39 catches for 330 yards and two touchdowns.
Jesse Minter is the head coach, and Declan Doyle is an innovative offensive coordinator.
Prediction: Bateman is traded as both sides get a fresh start.
Ravens will draft two offensive guards in the first three rounds.
Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten were both solid and above average in 2026, while Tyler Linderbaum, who could depart, earned Pro Bowl honors. During his NFL combine media session, Minter reiterated the importance of offensive line depth, hinting at a rebuilding of the trenches on both sides of the football. The Ravens' offensive line struggled at times, with the very apparent weak spot at offensive guard. Daniel Faalele is a free agent and should depart, while Andrew Vorhees is a cut candidate. In 969 snaps, Vorhees allowed three sacks, and his 54.6 grade from PFF was 60th out of 81 offensive guards. Rookie Emery Jones Jr. spent most of the season rehabbing a shoulder injury, but he only had a 50+ PFF grade in the three games he was active.
Prediction: Ravens use a first and third round pick on offensive guards.
Ravens move Marlon Humphrey to the safety position
When healthy, Humphrey was a Pro Bowl cornerback. In 2024, Humphrey was an All-Pro. In 2025, he regressed and ranked among the league's worst cornerbacks. Humphrey has discussed a potential switch to the safety position, and we expect it to happen in 2026 under Jess Minter.
Ravens swing for the fences to land a pass rusher
Baltimore lost Nnamdi Madubuike and Broderick Washington to season-ending injuries, and Madubuike's future remains uncertain entering free agency. Rookie pass rusher Mike Green got off to a slow start, but eventually found his footing down the stretch. Overall, Green played 713 snaps, finishing with a 46.3 grade from PFF, 3.5 sacks, 19 pressures, and 14 quarterback hits. Still, Baltimore has multiple free agents at the position, and with Minter entrenched as head coach, an infusion of talent is needed. Dre'Mont Jones should be a foundational piece and re-sign, while Tavius Robinson and Adisa Isaac are returning from injury.
Prediction: Ravens trade for or sign a big-name, high-priced pass rusher.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Five bold predictions for the Baltimore Ravens' 2026 NFL offseason