Baltimore has built its identity on physicality and defensive excellence. In this era of track-meet offenses, though, the Ravens are still missing one explosive element. If the Miami Dolphins fully commit to a financial and cultural reset, Baltimore should be ready with a bold proposal for Jaylen Waddle.

Endings in 2025

The 2025 Ravens campaign was a rollercoaster. A disastrous 1-5 start threatened to derail everything. Jackson’s Week 4 hamstring injury only deepened the crisis. Of course, whispers about John Harbaugh’s future grew louder by the week.

Yet Baltimore refused to fold. Behind the steady hand of Tyler Huntley and a punishing ground attack led by Derrick , the Ravens clawed back into relevance. They won seven of their next 10 games. They entered Week 18 with the AFC North on the line.

Then came the gut punch. A loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers ended Baltimore’s playoff hopes. It effectively closed the Harbaugh chapter. At 8-9, Baltimore turned the page to a new regime with unfinished business.

Financial chess

Heading into 2026, the Ravens face both opportunity and constraint. Jackson remains the franchise centerpiece. However, his $74.5 million cap hit looms large. A long-term extension is the necessary grease to unlock flexibility. Without it, Baltimore sits at roughly $22 million in cap space. That’s buoyed by the $301.2 million league-wide cap spike but still tight for blockbuster moves.

The good news? General Manager Eric DeCosta holds 10 draft picks, including the No. 14 overall selection. That capital provides ammunition for either youth infusion or aggressive trade maneuvering.

Before any splashy acquisition, Baltimore must also consider retaining foundational pieces like All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum. Now, if those dominos fall correctly, the Ravens could realistically pursue a premium weapon who changes defensive geometry instantly.

Waddle’s 2025 bounce-back

Jaylen Waddle’s 2025 season quietly reaffirmed his elite status. Despite Miami’s instability, he delivered 64 receptions for 910 yards. He also had six touchdowns across 16 games. His mid-season stretch was particularly electric, highlighted by a consistent 14.2 yards-per-catch average that kept defenses honest.

Though sidelined in Week 18 with a rib injury, Waddle still finished as Miami’s leading receiver. He remained a primary target regardless of who lined up under center. Waddle’s speed remains world-class. His route-running continues to evolve. Most importantly, he proved that even amid chaos, he can be a stabilizing explosive force.

Why Miami may listen

If the Dolphins embrace a total reset, difficult decisions become unavoidable. They will face a projected negative cap situation and the financial aftershocks of Tua Tagovailoa’s contract, As such, Miami may view Waddle as its most valuable movable asset. His 2026 cap hit of $11.6 million is manageable. However, it balloons to $33.8 million in 2027.

For the Ravens, maximizing value before that spike makes strategic sense. A first-round pick becomes the foundational chip for a reset. That’s especially true if the front office wants to construct a rookie quarterback timeline free from expensive veteran obligations.

Why Baltimore makes the call

From the Ravens’ perspective, this is about finishing the offense.

Lamar Jackson has Zay Flowers as a high-volume separator. He has Derrick Henry’s bruising presence if the veteran remains on the roster. Still, Baltimore lacks the true “take-the-top-off” threat that forces safeties to play 20 yards deep every snap.

Insert Waddle into a Todd Monken system, and AFC North defenses face a nightmare. You cannot stack the box against Henry if Waddle threatens to score from anywhere. You cannot blitz recklessly against Jackson if one broken contain means a 60-yard touchdown.

The perfect trade framework

Acquiring a receiver of Waddle’s caliber requires bold capital.

The proposed package:

• Ravens receive Jaylen Waddle.
• Dolphins receive Baltimore’s 2026 first-round pick, a 2027 third-round pick that can escalate to a second based on performance thresholds, and wide receiver Rashod Bateman.

The first-round selection is the non-negotiable centerpiece. The conditional 2027 pick protects Baltimore against injury volatility. It also gives Miami upside if Waddle thrives. Including Bateman provides Miami a relatively young, affordable replacement option while opening a fresh start for him. It’s calculated aggression.

Track-meet reality

Imagine the optics. Baltimore will have Jackson in the shotgun, Henry offset, and Flowers motioning across the formation. Waddle, meanwhile, will split wide. He would dare a defense to single-cover him.

You cannot bracket everyone. You cannot crash the box. You cannot spy Jackson without leaving grass exposed. The math just becomes impossible. Baltimore’s offense has long been efficient. Waddle makes it terrifying.

Cap calculus

Waddle’s 2026 cap hit sits at approximately $11.7 million. That figure is absorbable without dismantling the core. The financial pain arrives in 2027. By then, though, the league cap is projected to rise well above $300 million. Extensions and restructures can smooth that climb.

This is about good timing. Baltimore can execute this move without sacrificing cornerstone defenders like Kyle Hamilton or key offensive pillars like Linderbaum. That matters.

Alabama connection

There’s also a cultural alignment here. Baltimore has historically valued Alabama pedigree. Players like Marlon Humphrey have thrived under the Ravens’ “Play Like a Raven” mantra-tough, fast, and professional. Waddle fits that mold seamlessly. He’s disciplined, explosive, and built for high-leverage games.

The Ravens are closer than their 8-9 record suggests. With Lamar Jackson healthy and a new defensive voice guiding the franchise, Baltimore’s window remains open.

Of course, windows close quickly in the AFC. If Miami truly blows it up, Eric DeCosta should not hesitate. Jaylen Waddle is the missing acceleration button in an offense that has long been one gear short of unstoppable.

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During televised linebacker drills, NFL Network flashed a Simulcam comparison between Styles’ workout and Hamilton’s 2022 metrics. The numbers were staggering: Styles, listed at 6-foot-5 and 244 pounds, blazed a 4.47-second 40-yard dash and exploded for a 43.5-inch vertical. That towered over Hamilton’s 4.59 and 38-inch marks at a lighter frame. Watching from home, Hamilton reposted the graphic on X with a self-aware caption: “I just got brutally framemogged.”

I just got brutally framemogged pic.twitter.com/ar4bhkyIJT

— Kyle Hamilton (@kyledhamilton_) February 27, 2026

The playful reaction only amplified Styles’ jaw-dropping showing. “Framemogging,” which is internet slang for being physically overshadowed, seemd to fit the moment. Styles not only measured bigger and heavier. He also tested faster and jumped higher, reinforcing why scouts are buzzing about his rare athletic ceiling.

Hamilton, however, has already proven the combine is only part of the story. In 2025, he earned his third straight Pro Bowl and second AP First-Team All-Pro nod. He tallied 105 tackles, nine pass breakups, and two forced fumbles while lining up everywhere from deep safety to edge rusher. His versatility helped anchor one of the league’s most complex defenses.

As for Styles, he enters the 2026 NFL Draft as a top-10 projection thanks to that unprecedented size-speed blend. At his size, Styles profiles as a three-level defender capable of matching tight ends in coverage and chasing plays sideline-to-sideline. Minor technical refinements aside, his potential has evaluators dreaming big.

For now, Hamilton remains the standard. After Thursday night, though, he may have some athletic company.

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Jordan Schultz shared an update from the NFL Combine and the chatter that has been about Likely’s free agency.

“Have heard from several teams at the Combine who are very high on Ravens free agent TE Isaiah Likely and what he could do as a TE1 for their team. Still just 25 years old and has never played more than 60% of snaps in a season. He seems poised for a nice payday and a bigger role.”

2025 was a contract year for Likely, and he had his worst season as a pro in four years. He caught just one touchdown in 14 games with 27 receptions and 307 yards, all career lows. This happened one year after a career high of six touchdowns and 477 yards in 2024. The Ability for him to become a threat as a pass catcher is there. Likely will be 26 years old this season and is in the middle of his prime. There is no reason why teams won’t want to put a flyer out for him to take over as TE1.

The tight end position is one of the most important offensively, bringing in a deep threat like Likely is a no-brainer. The Ravens are aware that Likely may want to branch out.

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If Baltimore wants to reestablish itself as a contender in 2026 under new head coach Jesse Minter, it must rediscover its ability to hunt quarterbacks.

Frustration and transition

The Ravens’ 2025 campaign was a classic “what-if” season. A disastrous 1-5 start dug a hole too deep to fully escape. A debilitating hamstring injury to two-time MVP Lamar Jackson only compounded the challenge. Despite the chaos, Baltimore refused to fold.

Tyler Huntley steadied the offense during Jackson’s absence. The Ravens clawed their way back to relevance with a legitimate shot at the postseason. That hope evaporated in a heartbreaking loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. That defeat that ended their playoff dreams and marked the close of the John Harbaugh era after 18 seasons.

Offensively, there were bright spots. Derrick Henry powered his way to 1,595 rushing yards. Meanwhile, Zay Flowers blossomed into a true No. 1 target with 1,211 receiving yards. Still, defensively, the cracks were undeniable. Baltimore managed just 30 sacks. They ranked 24th in the league. Too often, they failed to close games because they couldn’t finish drives with pressure.

Toothless pass rush

The Ravens’ defensive slide in 2025 wasn’t subtle but structural. After posting 54 sacks in 2024, Baltimore’s production plummeted to 30 in 2025. That drop-off transformed the entire complexion of the defense. Without consistent edge pressure, quarterbacks had time to dissect coverage. Blitz packages became predictable. Third-and-long situations no longer felt like automatic wins.

Compounding the issue, the Ravens face uncertainty with pending free agents like Dre’Mont Jones and Kyle Van Noy. The depth chart lacks a proven, double-digit sack threat in his prime. Baltimore historically thrives when its front four can win one-on-one matchups. In 2025, that simply didn’t happen.

If Minter’s defense is going to work in 2026, it needs someone who doesn’t just generate pressures but converts them into drive-killing sacks.

Delicate cap situation

Financially, the Ravens sit in the middle of the league pack with roughly $22.7 million in effective cap space. On the surface, that number doesn’t scream “big splash.” As always in Baltimore, though, there’s nuance.

Jackson’s $74.5 million cap hit looms large. That accounts for nearly a quarter of the team’s allocation. A restructure or extension is almost inevitable to create breathing room. The front office can also unlock significant flexibility through restructures involving Roquan Smith and Marlon Humphrey.

The bigger balancing act lies in managing major defensive commitments. Nnamdi Madubuike carries a cap hit north of $30 million. All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum also headlines a list of high-priority internal decisions. Add 19 unrestricted free agents and only 48 players under contract, and the margin for error tightens quickly. Still, this is not the offseason for half-measures.

The solution: Trey Hendrickson

If Baltimore is serious about restoring its defensive DNA, the answer is Trey Hendrickson.

Yes, he enters 2026 at age 31. Yes, he is coming off core muscle surgery. That said even in his early thirties, Hendrickson remains one of the NFL’s most relentless and technically refined edge rushers. He is just one season removed from finishing as Defensive Player of the Year runner-up. He just represents the exact type of “boom-or-bust” investment contenders make.

How does he fit Baltimore? First, there’s instant credibility. Hendrickson has averaged double-digit sacks across most of the last five seasons. Even in years when the stat sheet dips slightly, his pressure rate remains elite. In 2025, no Raven recorded more than 30 quarterback pressures. Hendrickson routinely eclipses that number before Thanksgiving.

Second, there’s the divisional calculus. Stealing Hendrickson from Cincinnati does more than fill Baltimore’s biggest hole. It would also weaken a direct rival. The AFC North is defined by physical trench battles. Removing the Bengals’ top pass rusher while adding him to your own front is a double-edged advantage.

Third, there’s the Minter factor. Minter’s scheme relies on edge defenders who can win without excessive blitzing. Hendrickson thrives in one-on-one situations. He’s a technician with violent hands and a relentless motor. He is someone who can close games when the defense needs one more stop. Baltimore hasn’t had that finisher recently. Hendrickson is exactly that.

Reclaiming their identity

The Ravens don’t need to reinvent their offense. With Lamar healthy, Henry pounding defenses, and Flowers stretching the field, the scoring will come.

What they need is to make quarterbacks uncomfortable again.

Thirty sacks in 2025 were not just a statistical dip. They were a philosophical departure from what Baltimore football represents. When Ray Lewis-era Ravens stepped onto the field, opposing quarterbacks felt pressure before the snap. When Terrell Suggs anchored the edge, games tilted late because of one decisive play. Hendrickson restores that feeling.

He may not single-handedly elevate the unit to No. 1 in total defense. However, he changes third downs. He changes red-zone sequences. He changes the way offensive coordinators script protection. For the Ravens, those marginal shifts can translate into two or three additional wins.

The verdict

Baltimore’s path back to AFC relevance runs through its front seven. Trey Hendrickson isn’t a perfect player. He’s not the youngest option. That said, he is the most direct solution to the Ravens’ most glaring flaw.

If DeCosta is willing to restructure contracts and commit to one bold acquisition, Baltimore can restore the pass-rush dominance that once defined it. Again, in the AFC North, that might be the difference between watching January football and dictating it.

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But the mission remains the same in 2026 for Lamar Jackson and company, and that’s to bring home the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Of course, part of that will be to get back to the NFL playoffs after missing it in 2025, when they finished second in the AFC North Division with an underwhelming 8-9 record.

With the 42-year-old Minter taking over the head-coaching gig, Baltimore has to recapture the competitiveness and consistency that go along with their incredible talent as a team.

“I think it’s a capable team in a sense that there’s certainly moments throughout the year where they’re playing as well as anybody in the league,” Minter told reporters on Tuesday (h/t Jamison Hensley of ESPN).

Minter added: “I think for me, as a optimist and now the coach, that’s what jumps out and so there’s a consistency level that we got to find.”

With still one of the best quarterbacks in the league in the form of multi-NFL Most Valuable Player Award winner Lamar Jackson, the Ravens will look to make loud noises again in the 2026 campaign under Minter, who was the Los Angeles Chargers’ defensive coordinator before heading to Baltimore.

This is Minter’s first time as a head coach at any level, but he’s proved himself as a winner before when he helped the Michigan Wolverines win the 2023 College Football Playoff championship.

Moreover, Minter wasn’t a stranger to Baltimore when he accepted the job, as he used to be part of the team’s coaching staff from 2017 to 2020 before going back to the college level.

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The Ravens ‘remain hopeful’ in signing center Tyler Linderbaum to a contract extension, via NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Once he hits the open market, Linderbaum will have no shortage of suitors.

“The center is the extension of the coach for most of these teams, and he’s 25, a 3-time Pro Bowler, and just getting started in his career,” an NFL executive said.

When Ronnie Stanley was set to become a free agent, the Ravens secured him long-term with a three-year, $60 million extension. Making a similar move with Linderbaum would keep a key figure in Baltimore’s offensive line in place. But with interest expected to be so high on the center, the Ravens would need to make quite the offer for Linderbaum to not at least see what’s out there.

The center has started 66 games since joining the Ravens in 2022, making the Pro Bowl over his last three seasons. During the 2025 campaign, Linderbaum ranked fifth out of 40 centers with his 80.3 grade from Pro Football Focus. His 83.7 run blocking grade ranked fourth. The center played a major role in helping the Ravens rank second in rushing during the regular season, averaging 156.6 yards per game.

If Linderbaum is to hit the open market, he would be the crown free agency jewel of any team capable of signing him and in need of a center. But the Ravens are hoping it doesn’t come to that point. While Minter’s arrival is expected to bring some changes, Baltimore doesn’t want their starting center to be one of them.

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“DeCosta said Ravens have made Tyler Linderbaum a “market-setting” offer.”

And Linderbaum appears to be worth it, according to a post on X by Josh Norris.

“Eric DeCosta calls Tyler Linderbaum “the best Center in the league”

It’s nice to have that kind of a head start in putting together a strong offensive line for new head coach Jesse Minter.

Ravens looking to lock up C Tyler Linderbaum

A first-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, Linderbaum has flourished with the Ravens. He has started all but two games in his four seasons with the team. He finished seventh in offensive rookie of the year voting. And he followed it up with three straight Pro Bowl appearances.

It surely seems that Linderbuam is that dude. Linderbaum grew under the tutelage of John Harbaugh, according to baltimoreravens.com.

“He is one of the best coaches in the league for a reason,” Linderbaum said. “He’s been doing it for a long time. At the end of the day, it’s our responsibility as players to go out there and play as hard as we can, no matter what the situation is.”

Now he will try to continue his upward plane under Minter. The Ravens already have an advantage with the mobility of Jackson. And they also have an edge with the power running of Derrick Henry.

Linderbaum rated No. 4 in the NFL with his run-blocking grade (83.7), according to Pro Football Focus. However, his pass protection could use work as his grade of 63.4 ranked No. 22. Still, the combination of those put him at 80.3. And that was good enough for the No. 5 spot in the league.

There’s a lot to like about Linderbaum. And he certainly provides an anchor for the Ravens’ offensive line. It ranked middle of the pack at No. 16, according to PFF.

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Despite a challenging 2025 season where he recorded 27 catches for 307 yards while recovering from a foot injury, Likely is expected to be a highly sought-after name in free agency.

His ambition to thrive as a primary target likely signals the end of his tenure in Baltimore, especially with a potential hometown reunion with the New England Patriots recently teased on social media.

General Manager Eric DeCosta remains confident in the leadership at the position. According to Josh Tolentino on X, DeCosta believes Mark Andrews still has a lot in the tank after the Ravens secured the veteran with a three-year extension before the end of last season.

DeCosta also acknowledged that the team held discussions with Likely and felt the pressure of having 3 tight ends simultaneously heading toward the market.

The decision to retain Andrews follows a season of mixed results for the Ravens’ passing attack. Baltimore finalized a $39.3 million extension for the three-time Pro Bowler in December, ensuring he remains a Raven through 2028.

Although his yardage totals were lower than usual during the 2025 campaign, his effectiveness in the red zone remained high with five touchdowns. As Likely prepares to command top dollar on the open market, the Ravens are banking on Andrews’ veteran presence and competitive drive to keep their offense formidable in the AFC North for years to come.

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Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine that he’s “confident” the team will get an extension done with QB Lamar Jackson, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Jackson has two seasons left on the five-year, $260 million extension he signed back in 2023. He has large salary cap hits of $74.5 million in each of the next two seasons.

Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti declared back in January that Baltimore wants to extend Jackson before free agency. Extending Jackson could lower the quarterback’s salary cap number in 2026, freeing up budget to add free agents.

“The urgency of that matters to me because we’ve got free agents and I don’t want to go into free agency with that hanging over our head,” Bisciotti said. “And I made that clear to Lamar and I think he was very appreciative of my stance and hopefully willing to work with Eric [DeCosta, Ravens general manager] and not get this thing dragged out into April like the last time. It’s very hard for him to build a roster when that thing is not settled.”

That makes a lot of sense for the Ravens. It also provides more context for other comments DeCosta made at the NFL Scouting Combine.

DeCosta also declared that Baltimore has made a “market-setting” offer for center Tyler Linderbaum, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Linederbaum is set to enter free agency as one of the best players available.

Baltimore currently has just $22.04 million in cap space to start the offseason. They may not be able to retain Linderbaum without a Jackson extension.

Hopefully Jackson and the Ravens can agree to a new contract over the next few weeks.

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If the Ravens want to make that happen as quickly as possible, they’ll need as many resources as they can muster this offseason. That includes simply freeing up more salary cap space.

Baltimore enters the offseason with roughly $22.04 million in cap space. That does give them enough budget to sign a few players during NFL free agency in March. However, it leaves them almost no wiggle room.

It would not surprise me to see the Ravens make a couple roster moves to free up additional cap space before free agency.

But how will Baltimore go about shedding cap space? And will it require them to part with any important players?

Below we will explore four roster moves the Ravens need to make to save salary cap space during the 2026 NFL offseason.

H2goeshere restructure Lamar Jackson’s contract

Perhaps one of the best ways Baltimore could create more cap space is restructuring Lamar’s current contract.

Jackson has a whopping $74.5 million cap hit during the 2026 season. That is roughly one quarter of the NFL’s $303.5 million salary cap, which puts significant stress on Baltimore’s ability to add new players this offseason.

Reducing Jackson’s massive cap hit could be the difference between landing a priority free agent and missing out. For that reason alone, the Ravens need to at least explore this possibility.

Lamar has a base salary of $51.25 million in 2026. The Ravens could convert a large chunk of that into a signing bonus to gain some cap space. It is important to note that Jackson’s contract does include two void years, which is essential for spreading a signing bonus out over multiple seasons.

Another route could be renegotiating a long-term extension with Jackson this offseason. That would both keep him in Baltimore for additional seasons and give the team the opportunity to lower his cap hit in 2026.

The biggest downside to that option is the necessity of negotiating with Lamar and his agent.

Either way, the Ravens need to put some work into Lamar’s contract to help reduce his cap hit.

Baltimore needs to cut Tavius Robinson, Brockerick Washington

The Ravens could always go with the simple approach and just cut a few players.

I see a few tempting options on Baltimore’s roster that could create some cap space without hurting the team’s competitiveness too much.

The first move I would make is cutting reserve defensive lineman Broderick Washington. He went on injured reserve early in the season with an Achilles injury alongside Nnami Madubuike.

Baltimore would be right to worry about Washington’s career in the NFL after suffering such a major injury. His future in Baltimore is far from guaranteed.

The Ravens can save $4 million in cap space by simply cutting Washington. I think cutting Washington, then replacing him with a rookie, would be a great pair of moves.

Meanwhile, Baltimore could also cut reserve edge rusher Tavius Robinson.

The 2023 third-round pick has been a rotational pass rusher for the past three seasons. He’s been fairly consistent, missing only seven games during his career.

Cutting Robinson is not an obvious move like cutting Washington is. In fact, I could understand if the Ravens decide to keep him for one more season then let him walk in free agency the following offseason.

Ultimately, Baltimore could save an additional $3.61 million in cap space by cutting Robinson this offseason.

I think this move is also worthwhile, as long as the Ravens can replace him with a cheaper player.

Should the Ravens trade Marlon Humphrey to an NFC contender?

This is easily the most controversial move on the entire list.

Now could be a smart time to move on from four-time Pro Bowler Marlon Humphrey.

The veteran cornerback has been a mainstay in Baltimore’s secondary for years. He proved that he’s still got it in 2025, hauling in four interceptions during the regular season. But he is nearing the end of his current contract and is getting up there in age.

If the Ravens trade him this offseason, they could get a solid return. That is, if they can find a trade partner.

Humphrey currently has a $26.28 million cap hit in 2026. If the Ravens can trade him, they’ll save $7.33 million in cap space. Any team trading for Humphrey would be forced to take on a $19.25 million cap hit.

In my eyes, the only reasonable trade partner for Humphrey is another contending team. Those are the only teams that may want to add a talent like Humphrey on what could be a one-year rental at a high price.

Perhaps an NFC contender like the Rams, Seahawks, or Lions could take a swing at Humphrey.

This trade only makes sense for Baltimore if they get a good return for Humphrey. Otherwise, they’re better off keeping him for (at least) one more season.

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Although coaches cannot force players to attend OTAs, Doyle said they are mandatory if the Ravens want to consider themselves Super Bowl contenders. Doyle, the youngest coordinator in the NFL, wasted no time establishing himself as a no-nonsense leader.

“We expect them to be here,” Doyle said. “It certainly is voluntary, but if you want to say that you’re going to win a championship, you want to say that you have championship goals and expectations, that’s going to take work and collaboration. That’s going to take the beginning of building the relationship with their coaches, other players, starting off this regime on the right foot.”

"I think that's a big move by Declan Doyle. It's establishing respect."@mspears96 weighs in on the new Ravens' OC expecting all of his players to attend voluntary OTAs pic.twitter.com/SyAcLT7f2i

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) February 20, 2026

Some fans initially mocked the hiring of Doyle, who is the same age as Jackson and younger than many of the Ravens’ players. But after a strong year with the Chicago Bears in 2025, his first as an offensive coordinator, he is already viewed as one of the top up-and-coming coordinators in the league.

ESPN analyst praises Ravens OC Declan Doyle’s demand

While Doyle’s demand might not be popular among Baltimore’s veterans, it was unanimously praised by ESPN’s ‘NFL Live’ crew. Analyst Marcus Spears was a strong supporter of the move, saying it would establish respect within the organization.

“I think that’s a big move by Declan Doyle,” Spears said. “It’s establishing respect. It’s establishing, ‘I’m the offensive coordinator, but I’m wanting my quarterback here, the guy that I’ve seen do big things in this league to be a big part of the success that we have.’ This will be the most polarizing offensive coordinator job in the league because of who Lamar Jackson is.”

After the team fired John Harbaugh for not making a Super Bowl, the Ravens’ young coaching staff will be under immense pressure to succeed immediately in 2026. Few coordinators will be under more scrutiny than Doyle, who steps into a role in which the fan base expects nothing short of elite production.

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The Ravens have 24 players who will enter free agency this offseason. Some of these players are players that the team would want to keep, while others might be in consideration to keep on a lower contract. However, there are a couple of players that Baltimore should let go in free agency. Let’s analyze who these players are and the reason why the Ravens should be comfortable allowing these players to leave.

Ravens’ free agents

The most notable free agent for the Ravens this offseason is center Tyler Linderbaum. One of the best centers in the league, Linderbaum is set to command a huge contract this season. Most of Baltimore’s efforts this offseason will be dedicated to keeping Linderbaum on the team this season.

Outside of Linderbaum, the Ravens have more free agents on offense. Their much-maligned offensive line has a few players set to hit the open market: guard Daniel Faalele and left tackle Joseph Noteboom. Pat Ricard, one of the few notable fullbacks in the NFL, will also be a free agent, along with tight ends Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar. Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will also be a free agent this offseason.

On the defensive side of the ball, standout cornerback Chidobe Awuzie will hit the market after his one-year contract has expired. Other defensive free agents for the Ravens are pass-rushers Kyle Van Noy, Dre’Mont Jones, and David Ojabo, and safety Alohi Gilman.

Daniel Faalele, guard

The Ravens’ offensive line had its worst performance last season in the Lamar Jackson era. Baltimore’s pass protection has always been good enough for the last few years, but 2025 was a disastrous year. Most of the offensive line outside of Linderbaum struggled for parts of the season, and the multiple injuries to the line didn’t help.

In all that chaos, though, one player unfortunately stood out as the worst: Daniel Faalele. It’s never a good sign when your name becomes a meme, but that’s exactly what happened to the Ravens guard last season. Faalele struggled heavily last season, grading out as a below-average guard according to PFF. After this ordeal, it’s best for both the Ravens and Faalele to part ways.

OLB David Ojabo

Football is won in the trenches, so it’s no surprise the Ravens struggled when both their offensive and defensive lines struggled last season. While the o-line allowed pressure on Jackson with concerning regularity, the defensive line was unable to do the same to opposing quarterbacks. That inability to get to the quarterback exposed the rest of the defense’s issues.

It’s clear that a retooling of the offensive line is in order this offseason. Ojabo, a second-round pick by the Ravens in 2022, has gotten a few opportunities to show his talents over the last few years. However, he hasn’t shown enough production to warrant staying on the team. With the defensive line being a top priority, Ojabo might be one of the first players out.

Dre’Mont Jones, EDGE

Speaking of the defensive line, Dre’Mont Jones was a nice standout for the Ravens this season. Picked up at the trade deadline by the Ravens from the Tennessee Titans, Jones was one of the few solid pass-rushers for Baltimore this season. Jones recorded 2.5 sacks for Baltimore this season and had 4.5 with Tennessee before the trade.

Those are good numbers for a pass-rusher, but it might not be enough. Jones will likely command a bigger contract this offseason, one that would not be worth his production. With more talented pass-rushers in the draft and in free agency, the Ravens are better off using that money on other defensive linemen.

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The Chargers dealt with a major weakness on the offensive line after injuries to star tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, along with key injuries to running backs Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton. They did that not only with the stellar play of quarterback Justin Herbert, but also by winning games with their defense. Jesse Minter was the biggest part of that, but the play of veteran edge rusher Khalil Mack also had a big impact.

At nearly 35 years old, Mack isn’t the game-wrecking force that he once was back in his prime when he won the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year with the Raiders and nearly won it again in 2018 with the Bears. However, he is still a quality pass rusher and is great against the run. In 2025, Mack racked up 5.5 sacks, six tackles for loss and four forced fumbles in just 12 games.

Now, Mack is a free agent and the Chargers will have to decide if they want to pay up to keep him in Los Angeles for another year. Where could the former top five pick land in free agency?

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens’ defense started off as a liability in 2025, but Baltimore’s defense really turned things around as the season went on. An injury to Kyle Hamilton hurt this unit in its final loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but there is no question the talent is there on this roster to make a big leap and be a truly elite unit in 2026.

The hire of Minter as Baltimore’s new head coach to replace John Harbuagh should only supercharge that unit. Minter obviously worked with Mack for the last two seasons in Los Angeles and the two had a lot of success together, so this makes sense as a landing spot for Mack in free agency.

From a personnel perspective, edge rusher is probably Baltimore’s biggest need coming into this offseason, especially after trading Odafe Oweh to the Chargers midseason. Minter is known as a master of maximizing his personnel after taking a undermanned Chargers defense and turning it into a top 10 unit last season. Adding Mack to a unit that already includes stars like Hamilton could turn this into a buzzsaw in 2026.

Los Angeles Chargers

Of course, the Chargers would love to keep Mack around this offseason if possible after he formed a formidable edge group with Oweh and Tuli Tuipulotu during the back half of the season. The scheme will obviously be different next season, but new defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary has worked under Minter before, so there will be some familiarity there.

Unfortunately for Los Angeles, there is a world out there where this defense takes a big step back without Minter next season because of what it lacks on the personnel front, even if O’Leary ends up being a quality defensive coordinator. Bringing Mack back would give the Chargers someone who can play all three downs against both the run and pass, which would be a big boost. Having him back in the locker room would be a big plus as well.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers are in a bit of a weird spot after missing out on the playoffs in 2025, in large part due to their shortcomings on defense. Injuries in the secondary were costly for Todd Bowles and company played a big part in that, but the lack of a pass rush was a big reason why opposing quarterbacks were able to have their way with the Tampa Bay defense.

The Bucs finished third in the NFL in pressure rate this season, but that’s a bit of a misleading number. It’s no secret that Bowles loves to bring blitzes, and he did that at the fourth-highest rate in the NFL in 2025. When the Buccaneers didn’t blitz, their pressure rate dropped to 10th in the NFL, and they finished with the 18th-highest sack rate in the league on those plays according to Next Gen Stats.

Mack isn’t a game-wrecker as a pass rusher like he used to be, but he is still capable of getting home on a consistent basis without the help of the blitz and can challenge for double-digit sacks if he is healthy all season. It’s unlikely that Bowles ever fully abandons his blitz-heavy style, but having Mack up front would give him the ability to hold back a bit and keep more guys in converge if the situation calls for it.

The post 3 best Khalil Mack free agent destinations in 2026 NFL offseason appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Likely was doing a recent interview with Jon Gruden through Barstool Sports, and Gruden asked him what the process would look like and what Likely talks about with his agent. His biggest thing was wanting to blossom and excel on a team, because he learned so much from Mark Andrews.

“I just wanna be able to blossom,” Likely said. “I feel like the last couple of years I’ve had a great vet in Mark Andrews. He’s taught me everything to be a star-caliber tight end to the point where it’s like now, I feel like I just wanna be on a team where I can get out there and help a quarterback put up as many points as possible.”

The Ravens recently spent a lot of money on re-signing Andrews, which most likely means that Likely is on his way out. It makes sense that he would want to look elsewhere and go somewhere that helps him thrive as the top tight end.

He has likely been a very good backup tight end for Mark Andrews, but had an off year with 27 catches for 307 yards and 1 touchdown, his worst statistical season. Even with that bad season, Likely is still expected to be one of the top available tight ends in free agency, which means a big payday is coming his way.

Likely was recently seen liking an Instagram reply referring to a potential hometown reunion with the New England Patriots. He will command top money despite breaking a bone in his foot in late July and missing the first three games of the regular season. He struggled to find a rhythm last year. There was initially hope he could come back on a cheaper deal, but that will not be the case.

The post The Mark Andrews reason Isaiah Likely is looking to blossom in free agency appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Coming off an 8-9 season, the Ravens will try to erase the bitter taste of missing the playoffs. That’s especially hurtful because the year began with Super Bowl aspirations.

But what direction will the team take with its first round pick? The Ravens select No. 14 overall.

Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Chad Reuter, NFL.com

Tate has been all over the board in the first round. So if he slips to No. 14, it would be hard to imagine the Ravens not jumping on it immediately.

“It seems like Baltimore always finds value in the middle or later parts of Round 1,” Reuter wrote. “In this case, the Ravens scoop up Tate, whose profile is appealing enough that he could go in the top 10; with his strong hands and crisp route-running, he seriously boosts the potency of Lamar Jackson’s arsenal.”

Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

Nate Tice and Charles MacDonald, Yahoo Sports;

Defense is the name of the game for Jesse Minter. And it used to be the name of the game for the Ravens. Perhaps he will get it back there with a pick like this.

“Jesse Minter was hired to help Baltimore get back to having a stalwart defense, but the Ravens will need a bit more talent up front to make that an easier job,” Tice and MacDonald wrote. “Faulk is a high-upside project who can affect the run game right now with his size and power. This is the realistic upside play that the Ravens have cashed in on for the past 30 years.”

Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Tim Crean, ClutchPoints

However, if Tate falls, or if this guy falls, Minter might have to think offensively.

“While Jessie Minter may want to look at defense for his first pick as a head coach, the fact remains that the Ravens go as Lamar Jackson goes, and their quest to find a top pass-catcher to pair with Zay Flowers continues,” Crean wrote. “Jordyn Tyson may have been a top 10 or even top five selection if it weren’t for injuries last season. So if he falls to 14, the Ravens should snap him up and try their best to keep him healthy. If they do, the Jackson should finally have a true WR1 to throw to.”

Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

Cynthia Frelund, NFL.com; Joel Klatt, CBS Sports

There are some nice defensive options in this year’s draft. And Frelund likes the Ravens to go in this direction.

“With 27 career sacks and 35.5 TFLs over his five-year college career, Howell could help a defense that struggled to rush the passer last season,” Frelund wrote. “What stands out about Howell is his lack of fatigue (slowing down in the fourth quarter), especially in true pass-rush situations later in games.”

And Klatt landed in lockstep with Frelund.

“I got to know new Ravens head coach Jesse Minter when he was Michigan’s defensive coordinator for a couple of seasons,” Klatt wrote. “And the principles of that defense start with hard edges. The Ravens also have a need for some pass rush help, ranking in the bottom-five in sacks. Howell was one of the better pass rushers in the country this past season, getting 11.5 sacks in 13 games.”

Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State

Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com

Jeremiah seems to be on a different page from most mocks at this point in the process. And this is no exception. He thinks the Ravens will try to give Lamar Jackson more time, and Derrick Henry bigger holes.

“The Ravens need to upgrade at guard, and center Tyler Linderbaum is due to reach free agency in March,” Jeremiah wrote. “Ioane has a strong case to be considered the best offensive lineman in this year’s draft.”

Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Max Chadwick, Pro Football Focus; Field Yates, ESPN

This would be interesting. With Tyson and Tate already off Chadwick’s board, he still thinks the Ravens try to improve their receiver room.

“The Ravens need to surround Lamar Jackson with more wide receivers outside of Zay Flowers, as 33-year-old DeAndre Hopkins is a free agent,” Chadwick wrote. “Lemon was the best receiver in college football this season, taking home the Biletnikoff Award. His 90.8 PFF overall grade paced all FBS wideouts.”

And Chadwick has company, with Yates bringing the same noise.

“It would be nice for the Ravens to beef up the interior offensive line, but they are a playmaker short in the passing game as well,” Yates wrote. “The Ravens finished 30th in receiving first downs this past season (141), ahead of only the Jets and Browns. They were also 30th in yards after the catch.

“(Lemon) has an off-the-charts catch radius, elevated instincts, and a determined running style after the catch. He can shake defenders in the short and intermediate passing game, which led to him averaging the third-most receiving yards per game in the FBS last season (96.3).”

The overall roundup analysis

Everything is covered in depth. There are receivers, linemen, defenders, the whole bunch.

What all of this means is that the Ravens are a wild card with their pick. They could go so many directions that it’s just a guessing game at this point.

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Rollercoaster season

The 2025 Ravens season was a high-stakes rollercoaster that ultimately concluded in heartbreak-and seismic organizational change. They entered the year as Super Bowl favorites. Baltimore, though, stumbled out of the gates with a disastrous 1-5 start. Defensive regression and a Week 4 hamstring injury to Jackson derailed early momentum. That consequently exposed depth issues across the roster.

To their credit, the Ravens mounted a midseason rally. They clawed back into playoff contention behind improved defensive play and Jackson’s return to form. That resilience set up a dramatic Week 18 “win-and-in” showdown against the rival Pittsburgh Steelers. In a fittingly cruel twist, Baltimore’s season ended on a missed 44-yard field goal by rookie kicker Tyler Loop. That sealed a 26-24 defeat and eliminated them from postseason contention.

The fallout was immediate. After 18 seasons, Harbaugh was relieved of his duties. The torch officially passed to Minter. It signaled the dawn of a new organizational timeline.

Cap gymnastics

Baltimore enters the 2026 offseason walking a financial tightrope. On paper, the Ravens sit roughly $22 million under the salary cap. In practice, that figure is far more restrictive than it appears.

Jackson’s $74.5 million cap hit is the third-highest in the league. That dominates the ledger. Retaining cornerstone free agents like Tyler Linderbaum requires immediate maneuvering. That forces General Manager Eric DeCosta into contract restructures and bonus conversions. Extending Jackson is the most logical lever to unlock an additional $25-30 million in flexibility.

Complicating matters further are massive defensive allocations. Those include Roquan Smith and Nnamdi Madubuike. Tough decisions loom. Veterans such as Marlon Humphrey could become cap casualties if Baltimore opts for aggressive roster remodeling.

Roster needs

2025 exposed Baltimore’s erosion at the line of scrimmage. The Ravens generated just 30 sacks. That was bottom-three league production and places unsustainable stress on the secondary. Madubuike’s injury only magnified the issue. It left the defensive front devoid of consistent disruption.

Offensively, protecting Jackson remains paramount. Baltimore’s interior line allowed a career-worst sack rate. That raised durability concerns tied directly to their franchise quarterback’s long-term viability.

Then there’s the receiving corps. Zay Flowers has blossomed into a high-end weapon. However, Rashod Bateman’s production dip and DeAndre Hopkins’ free agency leave Baltimore without a true coverage-dictating alpha target. That absence is glaring.

Here are some potential trades the Ravens can use to fix those issues.

Identity restorer

If the Ravens want to restore defensive intimidation immediately, Maxx Crosby represents the most natural blockbuster target imaginable. Few defenders in football embody Baltimore’s historical ethos like Crosby. He carries relentless motor, emotional leadership, and elite backfield disruption.

Baltimore’s 30-sack output in 2025 underscores the urgency. Minter’s defensive architecture thrives on edge pressure creating downstream chaos. Plugging Crosby into a front alongside a healthy Madubuike would instantly reestablish Baltimore as one of the AFC’s most feared pass-rushing units.

The ripple effects would be profound. Secondary coverage improves. Blitz dependency decreases. Defensive identity stabilizes. It’s a production reset aligned with Ravens football at its most dominant.

Lamar’s legacy savior

Yes, Baltimore’s identity has long been ground-centric. That said, the modern NFL demands aerial inevitability. Acquiring Justin Jefferson would represent the franchise’s boldest offensive pivot in decades.

Minnesota’s organizational direction remains fluid following uneven quarterback play. Jefferson’s long-term patience could be tested if contention timelines slip. Baltimore, meanwhile, offers instant relevance and a creative offensive ecosystem built around Jackson’s improvisational brilliance.

Pairing Jefferson with Flowers creates immediate schematic nightmares. Safeties forced into deep leverage against Jefferson open intermediate space for Flowers and Mark Andrews. Defensive coordinators would no longer load the box against Jackson’s run threat without paying a vertical price.

Such a trade wouldn’t merely upgrade the receiving corps but shatter the league’s perception of Baltimore as a run-first offense. It would be expensive but potentially worth it.

Trench warfare

Baltimore’s 2025 collapse taught them that Jackson’s health is directly tied to interior protection. Acquiring Quenton Nelson from the Colts would address that vulnerability with emphatic force.

Nelson remains one of football’s premier interior linemen. He is a tone-setter capable of transforming both pass protection and run blocking. His arrival would stabilize a guard unit that hemorrhaged interior pressure last season.

The strategic implications are layered. Jackson absorbs fewer direct hits. Designed quarterback runs become safer. Play-action timing improves behind a fortified pocket. For the Ravens, safeguarding their primary asset becomes non-negotiable.

This move wouldn’t generate highlight headlines like a receiver trade. Still, inside Baltimore’s building, it might carry the greatest championship impact.

Transformative offseason

The Ravens stand have arrived at a rare inflection point. Coaching turnover. Defensive regression. Offensive identity questions. Yet beneath the turbulence lies opportunity.

Trading for Maxx Crosby restores defensive intimidation. Acquiring Justin Jefferson modernizes the offense around Lamar Jackson’s prime. Landing Quenton Nelson fortifies the trenches that underpin sustainable contention.

Individually, each move reshapes a roster layer. Collectively, they redefine Baltimore’s trajectory in the post-Harbaugh era. Baltimore’s mission isn’t gradual improvement but accelerated evolution. That dictates everything.

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Ravens director of football strategy and assistant quarterbacks coach Daniel Stern is leaving to take a job with Seattle, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The NFL insider speculated that he could become the Seahawks’ new pass-game strategist.

Macdonald is the first head coach to win a Super Bowl as the team’s primary defensive play-caller. The 38-year-old unleashed the Dark Side on the NFL and believes he will have the personnel to wreak more havoc moving forward. But he wants the offense to remain in good hands following Klint Kubiak’s departure.

Stern spent a decade with the Ravens, assisting in the development of two-time MVP QB Lamar Jackson and taking an active role in game preparation and clock management. He will now lend his expertise to Seattle.

Sam Darnold penned a masterpiece versus the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship and posted a turnover-free effort in the team’s 29-13 SB victory versus the Patriots, but the franchise is not content. Mike Macdonald understands the importance of evolving in the modern game and is doing what he can to promote his signal-caller’s growth.

Although the offense could undergo some changes — Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III is a free agent — but the Seahawks should still have a solid foundation with Darnold and Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Macdonald took plenty of lessons from his nine years with the Ravens (two stints), and now he is taking more from his former place of employment.

Hang in there, Baltimore.

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That being said, fixing the Ravens’ shoddy defense requires more than just a new mastermind. There have been clear gaps in the personnel that the team fielded this season. Free agency is one way for the Ravens to improve their roster. While it’s possible for Baltimore to snag one of the big free agents this offseason, there are also a few under-the-radar players who will be useful to the Ravens. Let’s look at these free agents.

D.J Reader, IDL 

The Ravens’ biggest issue last season was their inability to get to the quarterback. With offenses being so complicated now, the best chance for a defense to be successful is to generate pressure. Baltimore, however, had one of the worst defensive lines in the league. They generated pressure just 31.5% of the time last season, good for fourth-worst in the league.

With one of their best interior linemen, Justin Madubuike, potentially retiring before the season starts due to injury, the Ravens could be in need of a big body to fill the interior. DJ Reader isn’t quite the same player that he was when he was still in the AFC North, but he still provides great value. He’s also likely going to be available for relatively cheap.

Keenan Allen, WR

Outside of their defense, there’s one area of the offense that has been an issue for what feels like forever. Baltimore’s wide receiver corps has been lacking for quite some time now. It’s been better over the last few years: Zay Flowers is emerging as a solid top wide receiver for Baltimore. That being said, the Ravens’ pass-catchers still lag behind other top contenders in the league.

Their already thin wide receiver room might become a little thinner this offseason. Veteran DeAndre Hopkins and Tylan Wallace are set to hit free agency this offseason. The Ravens might just be down to Flowers, Rashod Bateman (who’s coming off a career-worst 224 receiving yards), and unproven WRs Devontez Walker and LaJohntay Wester. That’s not a recipe for success in the NFL.

With that in mind, Keenan Allen deserves some consideration for the Ravens. He’s not the same 1,000-yard threat that he was in his prime, but last season with the Chargers showed that he’s still got the chops to be a competent secondary or tertiary wide receiver in an offense.

Montaric Brown, CB

The Ravens’ woes on defense don’t end in their pass-rush, though. Further exacerbating their issues on defense is their struggling secondary. Outside of a resurgent Chidobe Awuzie, Baltimore’s cornerbacks struggled heavily in coverage against most receivers. While part of their struggles is due to the pass-rush, having better lockdown cornerbacks will help the team mitigate their struggles in generating pressure.

To make matters worse for the Ravens, Awuzie is set to enter free agency in the offseason. Marlon Humphrey is already 30 years old and has shown signs of declining over the last few years. The rest of the Ravens’ cornerback room is filled with untested cornerbacks that are a bit of a gamble to lean on from the outside looking in.

Montaric Brown isn’t a flashy name, but he’s been effective for a Jaguars team that was one of the better units in the league. He recorded 2 interceptions and 12 passes defended last season. He should be an upgrade for the team if they’re able to sign him.

The post 3 sneaky good NFL free agents Ravens must sign in 2026 offseason appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Levine is no stranger to the Ravens, as he served as a long-time safety for Baltimore, spending 10 seasons with the team from 2012 to 2021 and serving as Assistant Special Teams coach for the Ravens last season. Levine started his football journey at Tennessee State, finishing his career with 129 tackles (80 of them solo tackles), five interceptions, seven passes defended, and one fumble recovery across his 40 games played and 24 starts. In his senior season, he earned Second Team All-Ohio Valley Conference honors and eventually went on to graduate from Tennessee State with a degree in Psychology.

He declared for the NFL Draft in 2010 but ultimately signed with the Packers as an undrafted free agent. After spending two seasons with the Packers on the practice squad, he was released in 2012 and then signed with the Baltimore Ravens, where he went on to spend the rest of his career.

He finished his NFL career with 149 total tackles, four sacks, 16 pass deflections, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery, as well as being a key part of the Ravens’ Super Bowl XLVII team. He then turned to coaching, joining the Ravens in 2022 as a player personnel and coaching assistant, then having a two-year stint with the Tennessee Titans as Assistant Special Teams coach.

He returned to the Ravens last year as Assistant Special Teams coach, and now he replaces Chris Horton as Special Teams Coordinator under new head coach Jesse Minter. Levine, who was nicknamed “Co-Cap” as he was the captain of the special teams unit for the Ravens, drew massive praise from John Harbaugh upon his retirement in 2021.

“He worked tirelessly to become one of the NFL’s best special teams players, and he could always be relied upon to contribute at a high level on defense – no matter the role he was asked to play. Most importantly, Anthony is a terrific leader of men and someone who helped his teammates become the very best versions of themselves,” Harbaugh said in a comment shared on the statement about Levine’s hire.

Now Levine lands a major role on a Ravens team that is looking to finally break through as a true contender for a Super Bowl. Last year, the Ravens missed the playoffs and finished the season 8-9.

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Minter will be tasked with creating a new vision for the Ravens, who failed to qualify for the playoffs for the second time in five years after finishing with an 8-9 record.

Minter’s coaching staff has slowly taken shape, with Anthony Weaver being named as defensive coordinator. Minter’s father, Rick Minter, is set to join him as senior analyst. The father-and-son duo will continue to work together after spending the last two seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Anthony Levine Sr., meanwhile, was named special teams coordinator, as announced by the Ravens on Tuesday. He was promoted to the role after serving as assistant special teams coach this season.

From Co-Cap to Coordinator!

Anthony Levine Sr. was a special teams ace as a player and is now our Special Teams Coordinator! pic.twitter.com/l4Z3KDhxpi

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) February 11, 2026

Levine is definitely not a stranger in Baltimore, having played for the squad for 10 years, winning a Super Bowl title in 2014. He starred for the Ravens’ special teams, setting the franchise record for most special teams tackles with 62.

Levine, who was nicknamed “Co-Cap” by his teammates, played primarily at safety, but he also contributed in nickel, dime, and linebacker packages, logging 87 total tackles, four sacks, and two interceptions.

The 38-year-old Levine first joined Baltimore’s coaching staff in 2022 as player personnel and coaching assistant. He then moved to the Tennessee Titans as assistant special teams coach in 2023 and 2024 before returning to the Ravens.

He will aid Minter in his mission to elevate the Ravens’ tradition of success, while also putting his own stamp on the team.

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“#Chargers CB Cam Hart on what the #Ravens are getting with new HC Jesse Minter:
“I honestly believe he is one of the smartest coaches I’ve ever played for. A football maniac. A relationships dude. … They’re getting a great coach.”

Minter earned a lot of respect from the Chargers players during his run as the team’s defensive coordinator. Now, he’s going to use that ability as the Ravens’ head coach.

Ravens HC Jesse Minter has plenty of believers

Another Chargers player stood up for Minter, according to thebanner.com.

“He’s that guy,” All-Pro safety Derwin James said. “He’s that leader, Alpha. Guys play hard for him. He’s just that dude. Every day, you know what you’re (going) to get with him. He’s consistent.”

Minter said he doesn’t take growing as a coach for granted.

“It’s just always trying to evolve,” Minter said. “Always trying to get better. It’s really about trying to get better every day, trying to learn and grow, learn from everybody, listen to people. And always try to get better. I think that’s what’s led me to this point.”

Minter’s job won’t be easy. The Ravens have been forced to watch Mike Macdonald transform the Seahawks into World Champions in just two seasons. And Ravens’ fans are hoping Minter will be another coach like Macdonald.

This post on X by Truzzz says a lot.

“The Ravens made such a good hire with Jesse Minter dont get me wrong, but man ill never forgive them for letting Mike Macdonald out the building.”

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It sounded silly: why would the Ravens trade their MVP-level quarterback after letting go of their former coach? Still, that didn’t stop the rumor from propagating over the last few weeks. Ian Rapoport was the latest name to put an end to these rumors, saying to forget about these whispers as the Ravens work on a new deal for their superstar quarterback.

The Insiders on @NFLGameDay with @TomPelissero, @MikeGarafolo, and @JudyBattista: Aaron Rodgers seriously considering returning to the #Steelers; Lamar Jackson and #Ravens set to work out an extension; #Rams QB Matthew Stafford could get a raise; HOF eyes major voting changes. pic.twitter.com/VHhcGwV8m4

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 8, 2026

Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti has reaffirmed the team’s commitment to keeping the star quarterback with the team. In particular, the Ravens want to have a new deal in place before free agency that potentially lowers Jackson’s cap hit and allows the team some flexibility to build around the star quarterback.

“The urgency of that matters to me because we’ve got free agents and I don’t want to go into free agency with that hanging over our head,” Bisciotti said. “And I made that clear to Lamar and I think he was very appreciative of my stance and hopefully willing to work with Eric [DeCosta, Ravens general manager] and not get this thing dragged out into April like the last time. It’s very hard for him to build a roster when that thing is not settled.”

Still, Bisciotti’s commitment to Jackson has not stopped the rumor mill from talking about a potential trade. A rumor surfaced a few weeks ago of a potential trade that sends the Ravens quarterback to the Las Vegas Raiders. Jackson and the Ravens are trying to figure out the terms of a new deal to lower his $74.5 cap hit this season, but if this is not done… then a trade might just push through.

The Ravens do have a new coaching staff in place, hiring ex-Chargers DC Jesse Minter as their new head coach and former Bears OC Declan Doyle as their offensive coordinator. It will be interesting to see how Baltimore navigates their situation with their star quarterback.

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Ravens running back Derrick Henry sneakily pitched the idea of Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown landing in Baltimore this offseason on a recent Twitch stream.

“AJ to the Ravens, bro” Henry said while signing off of the stream, per Ari Meirov.

Henry and Brown were both on the same Twitch stream. It is clear that they have a close relationship and that Henry would welcome Brown joining the Ravens.

Henry’s plea comes after a tumultuous 2025 season for Brown and the Eagles.

Philadelphia struggled to get Brown enough touches early in the season. When the Eagles’ offense began to struggle, Brown was not quiet about what he thought needed to change. He wanted the football thrown his way more often. Otherwise, he wanted out of Philadelphia.

In fact, Brown is rumored to have asked for a trade “numerous times” during the 2025 season.

Brown has found himself in disagreements with QB Jalen Hurts over the past few seasons. Brown even admitted as much after the Eagles won the Super Bowl last season.

After the 2025 season, Philadelphia fired offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. There is also open speculation about Brown being traded this offseason.

The Ravens would be a fascinating team to acquire a player like Brown. Baltimore already has plenty of talent on offense including QB Lamar Jackson, Henry, and a group of consistent pass catchers.

But perhaps adding a player like Brown could give the Ravens a new identity on offense. That could be more important now than ever, as the Ravens seek out a new identity with a new coaching staff.

It will be fascinating to see if the Ravens pursue Brown during the 2026 offseason.

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The Ravens are hiring Patrick Kramer as a member of their offensive staff, per CBS Sports. Kramer spent the last five years working for the Atlanta Falcons.

He is one of two new staff members recently hired by Baltimore.

“The Ravens also scooped up renowned Offensive Line Coach/Run Game Coordinator Dwayne Ledford from Atlanta, which had one of the best rushing attacks in the league last season,” the team reported.

Baltimore missed the NFL Playoffs during the 2025 season, after losing the team’s final regular season game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Baltimore missed a field goal as time ran out. The Ravens would have won the AFC North and clinched a playoff spot had they won that game.

Expectations are high for Jesse Minter with the Ravens

It won’t be easy to replace Harbaugh. He had led the team for close to 20 years, and won a Super Bowl in Baltimore. Ravens fans hope that Minter can return the franchise to that type of glory.

Minter will have plenty of talent to work with in Baltimore, including star quarterback Lamar Jackson. The new head coach is excited about his new challenge.

“Our football identity – I would say – is physical, tough, relentless, and playing together,” Minter said, per the team. “When you play like a Raven – you play together.”

Before arriving in Baltimore, Minter was the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers. He worked for Harbaugh’s brother, Jim Harbaugh. Minter was also on the staff of the Michigan Wolverines, when they won the national championship in college football in 2023.

Time will tell if Minter can win with the Ravens. He is one of three new head coaches in the AFC North, for 2026. The others are Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken, and the Steelers’ Mike McCarthy.

The post Ravens adding longtime Falcons coach to offensive staff appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Sources: Duke defensive ends coach Harland Bower has agreed to become the OLB coach with the Baltimore Ravens. Bower has been with Duke since 2022 and coached All-ACC defensive ends Vincent Anthony Jr. and Wesley Williams in 2025. pic.twitter.com/wHvlhHp9RE

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) February 6, 2026

The Ravens have hired Marcus Brady as the team’s new passing game coordinator. Brady was in the same role with the Chargers and will now be working with Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and the Ravens receivers.

Minter also hired Harland Bower to become the Ravens new outside linebackers coach. Bower is getting a big promotion as he had been the defensive ends coach at Duke since 2022. Now he gets a chance to coach linebackers at the highest level. He previously coached All-ACC defensive ends Vincent Anthony and Wesley Williams with the Blue Devils.

The Ravens are expected to have a new look and a new philosophy in the 2026 season as it will be their first year since the 2008 season without John Harbaugh as the head coach. Baltimore was expected to win the AFC North title for the third season in a row, but injuries and inconsistency ruined their chances of gaining the division title or earning a Wild Card spot.

The Ravens finished the season with an 8-9-0 record, and that was only the second losing season during Harbaugh’s tenure with the Ravens.
Despite his excellent record, the Ravens chose to part company with their long-time head coach. Harbaugh has since been hired by the New York Giants to take over that struggling team.

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Before they do that, though, the Ravens have a few roster decisions that they need to make. In particular, they have some veterans who might be in consideration to get cut for a variety of reasons. Let’s look at three Ravens players who are candidates to be cut coming into the 2026 offseason.

Justice Hill, RB

Justice Hill has been an excellent piece for the Ravens over the last few years. While he’s never been the featured back of the team, Baltimore has relied on Hill in the backfield in certain scenarios. He’s a solid pass-catching back who’s seen action relatively frequently to other backup running backs.

Last season, though, Hill’s performance took a sharp decline. He appeared in just 10 games this season due to a neck injury. In the games he’s played, Hill has been underwhelming. He’s gotten a total of 262 scrimmage yards in ten games, far below his production last season.

That, combined with the Ravens saving $3.25 million in cutting Hill before June 1, will incentivize the team to move on from the back. Keaton Mitchell has proved to be an excellent RB2 behind Hill, even if his pass-catching prowess isn’t as good as Hill.

Marlon Humphrey, CB

This is the big name that fans have been talking about. Marlon Humphrey has been a fixture of the Ravens’ defense since 2017. The cornerback has been named as an All-Pro, has been to the Pro Bowl, and has been considered as one of the best cornerbacks of his generation. Humphrey’s lockdown skills have bailed the Ravens out multiple times.

That being said, it seems like Humphrey’s performance dipped a little bit this season. The stats certainly don’t seem to tell that story: he’s allowed just two touchdowns and led the Ravens in interceptions with four. However, PFF ranks him as the 3rd worst cornerback in coverage this season with a dismal 42.9 grade.

Now, that doesn’t mean that Humphrey has been a complete turnstile on defense. The Ravens’ inability to get to the quarterback this season has also severely hurt their cornerback room. When a quarterback has enough time in the pocket, even the best cornerbacks’ coverage breaks down. Still, given his age, the Ravens could be incentivized to cut their losses and let the veteran cornerback go. Baltimore would save over $19 million in cap space if Humphrey is cut before the June 1 deadline. That could be the push they need to move on.

Does this mean that Humphrey is gone from the team? That’s not a guarantee. However, his position on the team has never been more in question coming into this offseason.

Broderick Washington, IDL

Speaking of the defensive line, Broderick Washington has not been of any help to the Ravens’ D-Line. That’s not necessarily due to poor play: when he played, the Ravens defensive tackle was rated highly by PFF in the pass rush department. His run defense left much to be desired, but he was at least passable in one department.

However, his availability was the biggest concern this season. Washington played in just three games this season and appeared in just 102 snaps. Broderick’s absence has been felt the most in the pass rush department: The Ravens’ defensive line was unable to generate pressure regularly this season. They say football is won in the trenches, and the Ravens were the poster child for that saying. Because of their inability to pressure the quarterback, everything else in their defense crumbled.

The Ravens are set to save around $3 million by cutting Washington. With Tyler Linderbaum’s impending contract extension looming, Washington might be one of the cap casualties.

The post 3 Ravens cut candidates entering 2026 offseason appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The move ends Martin’s five-year tenure in Baltimore, which began in 2021. He joined the Ravens as wide receivers coach in 2021 and 2022 before being promoted to quarterbacks coach in 2023. Over his three seasons working directly with Jackson, Baltimore’s passing attack soared, with Jackson completing more than 67% of his passes in 2023 to win the NFL MVP award, followed by a 66% completion rate in 2024, another MVP-caliber campaign. In the 2025 season, beset by injuries, Jackson nonetheless threw for 2,549 yards, 21 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

Martin has been coaching for nearly two decades, mostly in the college ranks. Before joining the Ravens, he served as assistant head coach, passing game coordinator, and wide receivers coach at Tennessee from 2019–20 and spent seven seasons at USC from 2012–18, including time as offensive coordinator when Sam Darnold emerged as a top quarterback prospect. As a player, Martin was a two-year starter at Tennessee from 1998–99, leading the Volunteers to a 22–3 record and the 1998 BCS National Championship.

Following the news of his departure, Martin posted on Instagram, “History was made. Enjoyed every minute of it!” His exit comes as Minter reorganizes Baltimore’s coaching staff after succeeding John Harbaugh.

The Ravens hired Minter on January 22, after previously serving as the Los Angeles Chargers’ defensive coordinator. He has past ties to Baltimore, having coached with the Ravens from 2017 to 2020 in various defensive roles, including defensive backs coach in 2020. One of his first major hires was offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, who was brought in on January 30 after holding the same position under Ben Johnson with the Chicago Bears. Baltimore also added Joe Lombardi to the offensive staff.

With Martin out, the quarterbacks coach position is now open, and the Ravens have reportedly requested permission to interview Buffalo Bills quarterbacks coach Ronald Curry, mentor to 2024 NFL MVP Josh Allen. Martin’s achievements and connection with Jackson weren’t enough to keep him, as Minter now charts his own course with Baltimore, looking to return to playoff contention in the 2026 season.

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The Patriots went from a 4-13 finish in 2024 all the way to the big game this year. They added the right pieces and the right coach. And one of the teams on this list added a new coach for the upcoming season.

Dallas Cowboys

Everything hinges on whether the Cowboys work out a deal with George Pickens. With him, the Cowboys are a threat to score 30 points in any game. Without him, they’re still good on offense, but not at the very top of the NFL.

Owner Jerry Jones has been known to drag his feet on putting together big contract packages. But the Cowboys can hedge their bets with Pickens by giving him the franchise tag.

However, the early steps suggest Jones may be heading down the same road he’s traveled before, according to dallasnews.com.

“The Cowboys have not held any contract talks with Pickens’ agent, two people briefed on the situation told The Dallas Morning News,” Calvin Watkins wrote. “Not having talks with Pickens at this point isn’t concerning. But after what transpired last offseason, when club officials failed to reach a deal with star pass rusher Micah Parsons, eventually leading to a trade, the thought of getting a deal done sooner rather than later seems prudent.”

Getting Pickens under wraps is first, and wisely using two first-round picks is also a big key. The Cowboys need help at running back, edge rusher, linebacker, and safety. The most notable of those is edge rusher.

Getting a guy like Auburn’s edge Keldric Faulk with the No. 12 overall pick would go a long way. Then they could settle in for a linebacker at No. 20, but it depends on who remains on the board.

If the Cowboys get two good first-round defensive players, they would be well on their way to making a run at the Super Bowl.

Another thing that would boost them into the stratosphere would be signing a free-agent safety like Jabrill Peppers or veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey.

Also, the Cowboys could greatly benefit on defense by getting a full season of DeMarvion Overshown, according to dallascowboys.com.

If the Cowboys get significantly better on defense, they will easily be one of the best teams in the NFL.

Baltimore Ravens

There’s a new coach in town, and it might be a lot to expect Jesse Minter to fly that high in his first season. However, he has the built-in advantage of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, so he has a chance.

The Ravens didn’t look good at times in 2025, but they have plenty of talent. They simply need to shore up a couple of areas in the offseason.

The offensive line could indeed be better. They didn’t impress in 2025, according to Pro Football Focus. But that can be fixed in the draft. The Ravens have the No. 14 pick, and could use it to acquire a talent like Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane. However, the draft isn’t deep at that position, so they may need to go with a wide receiver instead.

Whichever way that goes should influence their top free-agent target. However, the market isn’t deep there for either guards or receivers. Perhaps the Ravens could go after Deebo Samuel, which would give them a decent pairing with No. 1 wideout Zay Flowers.

Another shakeup is the defensive line. The Ravens must be better there. This includes edge rusher, where Mike Green turned out to be disappointing. If he could step up in 2026, this would be a big boost for the Ravens’ playoff hopes.

Still, the Ravens were No. 30 in sacks in 2025. So it’s not out of the realm of possibility could target a pass rusher with the No. 14 pick.

Overall, the Ravens are just a couple of good offseason moves from being right back where they started the 2025 season. And that would be as a prime Super Bowl contender.

Kansas City Chiefs

First, the Chiefs aren’t broken. This season got away from them, but it came through a sea of close losses. If the Chiefs had been their better selves late in games, they would have been in the playoffs. However, this wasn’t a Super Bowl year, even with Patrick Mahomes at the controls.

There are things the Chiefs need to fix. But they can repair them through the draft and free agency.

Also, they need to have Mahomes in his usual element before the season gets too far along. His December ACL injury complicates things, but Mahomes thinks he has a shot to be on the field from the get-go, according to ESPN.

“I want to be ready for Week 1,” Mahomes said. “The doctors said I could, but I can’t predict what happens throughout the process. That’s the goal. To play Week 1 and have no restrictions.”

The Chiefs are solid on the offensive line, especially if Josh Simmons steps to the next level in his second NFL season.

What the Chiefs need to get back to the pinnacle is a threatening running back and a strong No. 2 receiver. The best path seems to be getting a free agent running back like Breece Hall or Kenneth Walker III. That would open the door to drafting a wide receiver like Jordyn Tyson or Carnell Tate.

If those guys aren’t available, the Chiefs would need to take a top-level edge rusher like David Bailey. If they take that path, they would need to sign a free agent like Mike Evans.

The point is, the Chiefs are just a few pieces away from resuming their spot as a serious Super Bowl threat. And, of course, Andy Reid gives them the edge once they get into the playoffs.

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The coaching cycle was full of top-tier jobs, including two with MVP quarterbacks in Baltimore and Buffalo. The hires ranged from new faces, like Jesse Minter and Jeff Hafley, to retreads like Mike McCarthy, Kevin Stefanski and John Harbaugh.

Who should feel good about their hires, and who will regret the move in the years to come? Let’s go through the report cards for all 10 teams that made changes at head coach this offseason.

Arizona Cardinals: Mike LaFleur

The Cardinals struggled to find a good fit as the next head coach in Arizona, and it seemed like Kubiak may have been their top choice. However, LaFleur isn’t a terrible place to land for a team hiring so late in the cycle. He has worked with both Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan in the past and has some playcalling experience during his time with the Jets, as bad as it was.

McVay’s history of offensive coordinators leaving to become head coaches is excellent; All three of Liam Coen, Kevin O’Connell and Matt LaFleur were home-run hires for their respective teams. This isn’t a sexy hire because of the Jets stint, but there’s some upside here if LaFleur can make it 4-for-4 for the McVay tree.

Grade: B-

Atlanta Falcons: Kevin Stefanski

Stefanski’s reputation took a bit of a hit during his final few seasons in Cleveland, but he was far from the problem with a Browns franchise that is going nowhere at the moment. He won two Coach of the Year awards with the Browns, one of them while navigating five different starting quarterbacks on a team that made the playoffs.

How he fits with Michael Penix Jr. is a bit of a cloudy issue with this job, but Stefanski isn’t tied to the former top 10 pick and could likely move on to somebody else if 2026 doesn’t work out. With plenty of skill players at his disposal and a defense that should be competent, this is a strong hire for the Falcons.

Grade: B+

Baltimore Ravens: Jesse Minter

Minter came into this cycle as one of the top available candidates, in large part to his role in turning the Chargers into a top 10 defense over the last two seasons. Once John Harbaugh was let go in Baltimore, Minter was the obvious fit there, and now it’s a reality. The well-renowned defensive mind will now have even more talent to work with on that side of the ball, which should make this an elite unit.

The other side of the ball will likely be decided on the Declan Doyle dice-roll, at least in 2026. In the long term, however, combining a top 10 defense with Lamar Jackson is a recipe for winning. This one feels like a home run.

Grade: A

Buffalo Bills: Joe Brady

There’s two different ways to look at this hire. On the surface, Brady has been a head coaching candidate for years after leading a very good Bills offense led by Josh Allen. Buffalo will maintain its continuity on offense and should be one of the top offenses in the NFL once again in 2026 and beyond.

On the other side, didn’t Sean McDermott get fired simply because the Bills needed change in the building? Because this iteration of the franchise had hit a perceived ceiling in the postseason? McDermott wasn’t a bad coach by any indication and he was coaching a defense that was overachieving relative to its personnel at the end of the season. Promoting Brady feels complacent, and sort of defeats the purpose of canning McDermott in the first place.

Grade: C

Cleveland Browns: Todd Monken

I really have no idea what the Browns are doing. Cleveland is in need of a complete reset, especially on the offensive side of the ball, so much so that it fired an established head coach in Stefanski even though most of the blame for the Browns’ failures clearly falls on the roster-building by the front office.

A team in Cleveland’s spot needs one of two things: a young, wunderkind coordinator that can inject some life into the building, or an established culture-setter that can implement basic winning habits and give the team a respectable floor. Cleveland got neither of those, hiring someone who is about to turn 60 years old and has never been an NFL head coach. Monken feels like a bridge hire who will be out of Cleveland in a few years when the Browns are in a little better spot.

Grade: D

Las Vegas Raiders: Klint Kubiak

Kubiak has been incredibly impressive with the Seahawks in 2025, and will get one last chance to show off against the Patriots in the Super Bowl. From there, he will become the head coach in Las Vegas, where he has essentially a clean slate and gets to start off with Ashton Jeanty, Brock Bowers and presumably No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza on offense.

Kubiak’s offense grew stale in 2024 with New Orleans, but he has shown some real adaptability with the Seahawks. This Seattle team is running the ball well toward the end of the season, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba is used as creatively as any star player in the NFL. He should have some great things in store for a core on offense that is much more promising than 2025 would make it seem.

Grade: B+

Miami Dolphins: Jeff Hafley

The Dolphins are in need of a transition away from the Mike McDaniel-Tua Tagovailoa era, and they landed on former Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. Hafley has experience as a head coach in power college football at Boston College, but he has only been back in the NFL for two seasons in Green Bay.

For a first-time NFL head coach, you want a quality that really sticks out. Hafley called a good defense in Green Bay, but is he an innovative mind on that side of the ball like Minter or Mike Macdonald? I’m not sure I see that. There’s a chance that he is a great culture-setter who will galvanize this group, but there just isn’t a track record here to get me inspired.

Grade: C-

New York Giants: John Harbaugh

Harbaugh becoming available is a dream for a Giants team that has some talent, but is in desperate need of a stable leader that will get them all on the same page. Harbaugh has been exactly that in Baltimore for more than a decade, and he has a lot to work with in New York. A Harbaugh-coached team with an elite defensive line, a solid offensive line and a few cornerstone young players on offense should be at least competitive right away.

Harbaugh has his flaws; he wouldn’t have been available if he didn’t. At some point, he will have to overcome the reputation the Ravens have built for blowing big leads and not playing their best in the playoffs. But for where this Giants team is at heading into 2026, this is as good of a hire as you can have.

Grade: A+

Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike McCarthy

This is another hire where the candidate himself is fine on the surface, but the direction of the franchise as stated by the hire doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. The Steelers have been a fringe playoff team ever since Ben Roethlisberger retired, and another embarrassing loss in the Wild Card Round seemed like it could be a good spot for a clean reset. The departure of Mike Tomlin made that even more clear.

Instead, the Steelers landed on another established floor-raiser in McCarthy, who will immediately make this a competent offense and get this team around .500 once again. What is that accomplishing for an old Steelers roster that has no answer at quarterback going into the future? McCarthy would have been a good fit in some spots, but I’m not sure much is changing for Pittsburgh with this hire.

Grade: C+

Tennessee Titans: Robert Saleh

Saleh got the short end of the stick during his stint with the Jets, where he was stuck with the worst quarterback situation in the NFL. However, he still led a competent Jets defense that magically fell off of a cliff when he was fired during the 2024 season. In 2025, Saleh did a remarkable job calling a 49ers defense that was riddled with injuries, keeping them afloat and even helping them win a playoff game.

The Titans’ defensive personnel isn’t anything to write home about, but another edge rusher or two could give Saleh a really good defensive line to work with. Brian Daboll will bring some experience and some pedigree to an offense that should improve with Cam Ward at the helm in his second season. This is an intriguing hire that could fail, like it did in New York, but Saleh absolutely deserved a second chance. This is a spot that makes sense for it.

Grade: B-

The post Grading all 10 NFL coaching hires in 2026 cycle, from John Harbaugh to Todd Monken appeared first on ClutchPoints.

“Sources: Ravens are expected to hire Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver as their defensive coordinator. Weaver worked for the Ravens from 2021-‘23, in assorted roles including assistant head coach.”

Weaver had the Dolphins as the No. 4 defense in terms of total yards in 2024. And they were No. 10 in points allowed. However, things dropped off last year to No. 22 and No. 24.

Still, the 45-year-old Weaver was considered a highly sought-after DC.

Ravens’ HC Jesse Minter will call the defensive plays

But that doesn’t make the hiring of Weaver any less significant, according to The Athletic.

“Getting Weaver, who team officials have long admired for his leadership skills and work with defensive linemen, is a coup for the Ravens,” Jeff Zrebiec wrote. “He’s been a popular head-coaching candidate in the past two cycles and interviewed for at least five vacancies this offseason, getting a second interview from multiple teams.

“Weaver becomes an important hire for Minter, who will need him to lead defensive meetings, help with the game plan and scouting, and work with the team’s defensive linemen.”

The Ravens’ defense ranked No. 23 in yards allowed in 2025. They finished No. 19 in points, allowing 23.4 per contest.

The defense looked good at times, like in the 24-0 shutout of the Bengals in Week 15. However, over the last three weeks of the regular season, the Ravens allowed 28 points to the Patriots, 24 to the Packers, and 26 in a two-point loss to the Steelers that knocked the Ravens out of the playoffs.

Baltimore finished with a record of 8-9 in what turned out to be the final season for John Harbaugh as head coach. The Ravens have turned things over to Minter, and his coaching hires have drawn many positive reviews across the league.

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Minter and the Ravens are looking to finalize a defensive assistant deal with current Navy defensive coordinator PJ Volkner, via Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. Minter and Volkner have ties going back to their playing days.

“The Ravens are working to finalize a deal with Navy defensive coordinator P.J. Volker to join Jesse Minter’s staff as a defensive assistant, per sources,” Zrebiec wrote. “Minter and Volker coached together at Georgia St and Indiana St and played college ball together. They are extremely close.”

Volkner has been Navy’s defensive coordinator for the last three seasons. He spent seven seasons overall with the program. While in the college ranks, Volker’s journey has taken him all over the map from Kennesaw State to Indiana State.

Now, the defensive specialist seems prepared to make the jump to the NFL. It’s not yet know specifically what his role will be, but Volkner has worked with linebackers throughout his tenure. It wouldn’t be shocking for him to play a key role in that unit’s development.

Overall though, Volker will now operate as Minter’s right-hand man. With a bond as strong as theirs, it’s clear Minter wanted Volker’s defensive mindset in the meeting rooms. The pairing will have big shoes to fill as they replace John Harbaugh. But Minter and company are ready for any challenge that comes their way.

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Spears loved the hiring of Doyle for Lamar Jackson, whom he believes will reach yet another level with the new coaching staff. He also liked the style fit for the Ravens’ offense and Derrick Henry, based on what Doyle had success with in Chicago.

“I love this hire,” Spears said on ESPN’s ‘NFL Live.’ “He’s coming from who we regard as one of the top play-callers in the league, but also a team that’s really committed to running the football. You see the development of Caleb Williams under his tutelage.”

Spears also pointed out that the Doyle hiring was likely a move Jackson signed off on. Spears noted that owner Steve Bisciotti and Minter both acknowledged they would make only personnel moves in Jackson’s best interest.

“I look forward to seeing some of the creativity come over from what they were able to do in Chicago. Obviously, it’s something Lamar Jackson either signed off on or had some conversations with, based on how we heard this would go from [owner Steve Bisciotti]. And also how we heard Jesse Minter talk about putting Lamar in a position to be even better than we’ve seen him be.”

The NFL Live crew reacts to the Ravens hiring Declan Doyle as their new offensive coordinator pic.twitter.com/ND8BwgaT4V

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) January 30, 2026

Doyle, 29, is still the youngest coordinator in the league. Ben Johnson hired him in 2025 from the Denver Broncos’ coaching staff, where he worked as a tight ends coach the previous two years. Doyle did not begin coaching full-time until 2019, one year after graduating from Iowa.

In his lone season as Johnson’s offensive coordinator, Doyle helped coach the Bears to finishing ninth in scoring and sixth in total yards per game. Chicago was third in the league with 142.3 rushing yards per game.

The post NFL Insider reveals why Ravens fans should be hyped on Declan Doyle hiring appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The NFL Live crew reacts to the Ravens hiring Declan Doyle as their new offensive coordinator pic.twitter.com/ND8BwgaT4V

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) January 30, 2026

“ESPN sources: the Baltimore Ravens are hiring Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle as their offensive coordinator. Doyle can leave because, in Baltimore, he will have play-calling responsibility. But new Ravens HC Jesse Minter now has someone to run Baltimore’s offense,” via Adam Schefter.

This move has a lot of Ravens fans feeling a type of way on social media.

Ravens Coaching Staff:

– Jesse Minter the Defensive Genius
– Declan Doyle the Johnson Disciple OC
– Mike Mickens the #1 college DB Coach
– Dwayne Ledford the elite O Line Coach

Lamar Jackson winning the Bowl pic.twitter.com/FhPsL0Gi35

— Iceman (@Iceman117_) January 30, 2026

Declan Doyle my next OC pic.twitter.com/3XtwC2sJoy https://t.co/YM6YVSwRoh

— Vez (@CookedbyVez) January 27, 2026

Declan Doyle my life is in your hands please lock in pic.twitter.com/9EDJTXGENL

— PhaseGod (@GoatmillionV2) January 30, 2026

“WE GOT DECLAN DOYLE, WE GOT DECLAN DOYLE! ALL HAIL JESSE MINTER, WE GOT DECLAN DOYLE!” https://t.co/ZEGoWLFfFb

— Michael Hession (@BraggingRtsSpts) January 30, 2026

Ay man, I am so sorry for doubting you Jesse… you cooking! https://t.co/tBGXfJjQxf

— RavensMuse (@Ravensmusee) January 30, 2026

Madubuike potentially back
Declan Doyle at OC
Salary Cap increase
Jim Leonhard potentially at DC?
What a fucking Day

— landon (@flocklando) January 30, 2026

The post Ravens fans over the moon after Declan Doyle hiring appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Reports indicate that the Ravens are hiring Declan Doyle, who was the offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears last season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Doyle will be calling plays in Baltimore, which is something he wasn’t doing for the Bears. That means it is considered a promotion for Doyle, which is why he can leave and accept the job.

“ESPN sources: the Baltimore Ravens are hiring Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle as their offensive coordinator. Doyle can leave because, in Baltimore, he will have play-calling responsibility. But new Ravens HC Jesse Minter now has someone to run Baltimore’s offense.”

Schefter also claims that Doyle and Jackson are both 29 years old. Doyle is the youngest offensive coordinator in the NFL right now. This will be the first time in his career that he will be calling plays.

“New Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle and QB Lamar Jackson are both 29 years old.”

Doyle climbed the career ladder rather quickly. After serving as a student assistant for the Iowa Hawkeyes for three seasons, he earned his first coaching role in the NFL in 2019 as an offensive assistant with the New Orleans Saints. Declan Doyle maintained that role in New Orleans for several seasons before accepting the tight end coaching job with the Denver Broncos in 2023.

Bears head coach Ben Johnson brought Doyle in as his OC for the 2025-26 campaign. Although Doyle didn’t call plays, he played a major role in helping Johnson formulate the offensive game plan each week. After a successful first year in Chicago, Declan Doyle now becomes the offensive coordinator and play caller for the Ravens under Jesse Minter.

The post Ravens hire new OC who is same age as Lamar Jackson appeared first on ClutchPoints.

“Ravens run-game coordinator Travis Switzer is considered the frontrunner for the Browns OC job, per sources. He’s set to interview with the team soon.
The idea is to pair Todd Monken’s passing game with Switzer’s run principles from Baltimore.”

That’s interesting. Just bring the Ravens’ offensive approach to Cleveland.

Browns HC Todd Monken faces a big challenge

It’s not a matter of simply inputting a new philosophy. The Browns have been spinning their wheels offensively for two seasons. They rank last in points scored over that time.

Plus, they have an unsettled quarterback position. Will Deshaun Watson be back in the conversation? Will Sanders remain as the team’s starter? Is Dillon Gabriel still in the mix?

But there’s good news, too. The Browns have two first-round picks. They can boost their offensive line with the No. 6 overall pick. That’s what Mel Kiper Jr. says to do, according to ESPN.

“The Browns had an amazing 2025 draft, and they can kick things off in 2026 with a versatile tackle,” Kiper wrote. “He has the size, power, and technique to excel at either tackle spot.”

They also pick at No. 24. That would give them a shot at a wide receiver to boost Monken’s offensive plan.

Regardless, the defense is in place. To make the offense go, the Browns need to win in the draft.

One good thing for Monken is that the Browns have a nice situation in the running back room with Quinshon Judkins leading the way. But the receiver room needs an upgrade in free agency or the draft. Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. offers star potential at tight end, but Jerry Jeudy is not a No. 1 NFL receiver.

The post The ex-Ravens assistant considered ‘front-runner’ for Browns OC job appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Season recap and draft priorities

The Ravens’ 2025 season was a tumultuous campaign that began with Super Bowl aspirations but ended in a franchise-altering flame out. Despite the brilliance of Jackson, the Ravens struggled with consistency. They ultimately did not even make it to the Wild Card round, finishing with an 8-9 record. The immediate fallout was seismic. The organization made the shocking decision to fire long-time head coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons. That signaled a total regime shift for 2026. As the front office looks toward the draft, the priorities are clear. Baltimore must find a true wide receiver threat to alleviate pressure on Jackson. They must also rebuild the trenches with an emphasis on guard play and defensive line depth to reestablish the physical identity that once defined the franchise.

Round 1, pick 14: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

Faulk is a Ravens pick in spirit as much as in projection. His length, strength, and comfort playing inside the tackle box align with Baltimore’s preference for power-based defensive linemen. Sure, his pass-rush efficiency has been uneven. However, Faulk excels in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Those moments often decide playoff games. In Baltimore, he would not be asked to be a pure sack artist. Instead, he would be tasked with enforcing physicality and restoring an edge-setting presence the defense sorely missed late in 2025.

Round 2, pick 45: Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon

Pregnon might be the most immediately impactful selection in this class. He brings a no-nonsense demeanor to the interior offensive line. His rise from unranked recruit to All-American mirrors the Ravens’ long-standing appreciation for developmental toughness. Pregnon may not dazzle in space, but he excels in keeping the pocket firm. That’s exactly what Jackson needs to operate decisively and avoid unnecessary hits. This is the kind of foundational pick that Baltimore has leaned on for years.

Round 3, pick 80: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia

Branch is a bet on speed and imagination. His elite acceleration stresses coverage immediately, even if his receiver skill set remains raw. In Baltimore, Branch’s early value would come from movement, misdirection, and explosive opportunities rather than volume targets. With refinement to his releases and route diversity, Branch could grow into a weapon that forces defenses to account for every blade of grass.

Round 4, pick 115: Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan

Klein fits the Ravens’ archetype at tight end. He is reliable, technically sound, and quietly effective. His strength lies in pass protection and in-line blocking. Baltimore has always valued those areas. Yes, he is not a featured receiving threat. That said, his vertical capability off play-action could punish defenses that forget about him. Klein is the type of player who earns trust quickly.

Round 5, pick 152: Jaeden Roberts, G, Alabama

Roberts brings overwhelming power to the interior. His ability to displace defenders in the run game is evident. His raw strength also creates immediate push. Roberts’ footwork and posture need refinement, though. Paired with Pregnon, Roberts helps rebuild the Ravens’ interior identity with authority.

Round 5, pick 160: DeMonte Capehart, DL, Clemson

Capehart offers rotational stability at nose tackle. His length and size allow him to occupy space and clog running lanes. That’s especially true in odd-front alignments. Sure, he is not a dynamic penetrator. However, his presence would allow Baltimore to maintain physical consistency across defensive rotations. That is a subtle but essential component of defensive sustainability.

Round 5, pick 172: Zxavian Harris, DL, Mississippi

Harris is a projection rooted in size and potential. His frame alone demands attention. Still, his effectiveness hinges on pad level and consistency. In Baltimore’s system, Harris would be deployed situationally. This would allow coaches to maximize his size without exposing his limitations. As a rotational piece, his upside outweighs the risk.

Round 5, pick 173: Dane Key, WR, Nebraska

Key offers versatility and reliability rather than flash. His ability to work multiple alignments and win through contact gives Jackson a dependable option on intermediate routes. Yes, his athletic ceiling is modest. At the same time, his polish and understanding of space add value to a receiver room seeking balance.

Round 7, pick 249: Tomas Rimac, G, Virginia Tech

Rimac profiles as depth with flexibility. His size and reach make him an intriguing swing interior option, particularly in zone concepts. While his technique remains inconsistent, Baltimore has a strong track record of refining linemen with physical tools.

Round 7, pick 252: Squirrel White, WR, Florida State

White injects pure electricity. He should be a slot threat and return option. With that, his speed and quickness offer instant situational impact. His presence forces defensive adjustments, even if his snap count fluctuates. Late in the draft, that kind of immediate stress is valuable.

Ravens reclaim their roots

This PFF mock draft does not chase trends but principles. Baltimore fortifies the trenches, adds speed where it matters, and builds layers of physical depth across both lines. For a franchise redefining itself without losing its soul, this class offers a roadmap back to relevance and identity.

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Minter, who has been a defensive coordinator for 11 of the last 15 years, confirmed he will still call the defensive plays in 2026. The 42-year-old believes play-calling remains one of his biggest “strengths” and his best way to improve the team.

“I do plan on calling the defense,” Minter said. “I think that’s a strength of mine. I think that’s one of the reasons I’m sitting here… I think [the players] will feel my competitiveness, they’ll feel my mentality every day, and I think we’ll work hand-in-hand together to build a great team.”

"I do plan on calling the defense. I think that's a strength of mine. I think that's one of the reason's I'm sitting here." pic.twitter.com/R4Q4mzCIDU

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 29, 2026

Minter has yet to hire an offensive or defensive coordinator since accepting the head coaching job. By retaining defensive play-calling duties, he could follow Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles’ blueprint and forgo hiring a defensive coordinator altogether.

However, the Ravens appear likely to hire a defensive coordinator soon. Baltimore notably requested an interview with Denver Broncos assistant Jim Leonhard, who appears to be Minter’s priority.

Jesse Minter joins Ravens after a decade of calling plays

Minter has been a defensive coordinator since 2011, but spent only two years calling plays in the NFL. However, in those years, the Los Angeles Chargers never finished below ninth in points allowed and 11th in total yards allowed.

Minter now returns to the Ravens, where he coached from 2017 to 2020. He was a defensive assistant in his first two years before being named assistant defensive backs coach, and eventually promoted to defensive backs coach in 2020. Minter returned to college the following year and coached Vanderbilt’s defense to a top-10 finish.

As a product of the John and Jim Harbaugh joint coaching tree, Minter has spent eight of the last nine years with one of the two brothers. Jim Harbaugh hired him as his defensive coordinator at Michigan in 2022 and brought his star assistant with him to the Chargers in 2024.

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Just a few years ago, Webb was trying to carve out a niche as a bright young mind under the tutelage of coach Sean Payton. Now, he has become a sought-after drillmaster.

After getting interviewed by the Las Vegas Raiders and the Buffalo Bills for their coaching vacancies, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Philadelphia Eagles, the New York Giants, and the Baltimore Ravens have also requested to interview Davis for their offensive coordinator openings.

After Broncos passing game coordinator and QB coach Davis Webb interviewed this week for the Raiders and Bills head coaching jobs, he received interview requests for offensive coordinator jobs with the Eagles, Giants, and Ravens.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 28, 2026

The 31-year-old Webb played a major role in the Broncos’ advancing to the AFC Championship for the first time in a decade. He is widely credited with molding Bo Nix into an elite signal-caller in just his second season in the NFL.

Many believe that the Raiders are the frontrunners in acquiring Webb, who played six years in the NFL. Las Vegas fired Pete Carroll after just one year at the helm after the team spiraled to a 3-14 record.

The Giants, meanwhile, could be a dark horse because of Webb’s familiarity with the organization. New York drafted him in the third round in 2017 and had a second stint with the squad in 2022 before retiring. Additionally, the opportunity to develop another fast-rising quarterback in Jaxson Dart could be enticing for Webb.

However, with the Broncos’ firing of Joe Lombardi as offensive coordinator, Davis could be spurred to stay in Mile High City if he gets offered the job.

Promoting him would keep continuity for the Broncos’ young core and reward one of their own.

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Hopkins caught just 22 passes for 330 yards and two scores this season. He said the regime change may not work for him, according to UP & Adams via NBC Sports.

“The reality of it, having a new offensive coordinator, being an older guy, I know football, and I know how the business side works,” Hopkins said. “I would love to come back, but not every offensive coordinator is wanting a veteran receiver on their team. Some guys have different dynamics of how they go about coaching. It’s nothing personal.”

Ravens hoping to get back on playoff track

They certainly have a capable quarterback in Lamar Jackson. And Hopkins said that’s a draw for him to want to be back in Baltimore.

“Obviously, Lamar and I had a great connection,” Hopkins said. “I think when he came to me, I might have been Top 10 in productive receivers in the NFL when the ball came my way. I love Baltimore, and me being a competitor, I would have loved to be used more, even though we had Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and Isaiah Likely.

“I’m always gonna have that mindset that I want to be in the game. That will never change, but it doesn’t upset me that I wasn’t. It doesn’t make me a bad teammate, I’m still cheering the guys on that are in the game, but I felt that I could have been used more.”

Perhaps surprisingly, Hopkins turned in the second-most yardage this season among Ravens’ wide receivers. The passing attack was not quite as dynamic in 2025. A lot of that had to do with Jackson’s injury woes.

Whether the Ravens get back to being more explosive is yet to be seen with a new coaching staff. And whether they feel like Hopkins is the right fit is also up in the air.

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The Ravens are interviewing a coach for one of the more exciting offenses in the league. Jordan Schultz reports that Baltimore has sent in a request to interview Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle.

“Sources: The #Ravens have requested to interview #Bears OC Declan Doyle for their OC opening with HC Jesse Minter, as
@BradBiggs also reported, ” Schultz reported on X. “Doyle was also on the Eagles radar, but withdrew from that.”

Earlier today, it was reported that Doyle turned down the Eagles’ coaching job. The Ravens’ coaching job is just as attractive, if not more, than the Eagles job. With a former MVP in Lamar Jackson at quarterback, Derrick Henry from the backfield, and the freedom to draft new weapons around Jackson, Baltimore is one of the best destinations for an offensive coordinator.

Doyle was hired by the Bears to be their offensive coordinator last offseason, in the same offseason they hired Ben Johnson. Johnson was the primary playcaller of the offense, but Doyle played a hand in creating gameplans for the Bears. This season, the Bears ranked 6th in total yardage per game this season at 369.5 yards per game, ninth in scoring at 25.9, and third in rushing yards with 144.5 yards per game. In comparison, the Ravens were 16th in total yards (332.2) due to their dismal passing attack (175.6 yards per game, 27th compared to the Bears’ 225.1, good for tenth).

The decision to interview Doyle seems to be indicative of a trend for the Ravens. They’ve also put in a request to interview Lions coach Scottie Montgomery. Montgomery also has ties to Johnson: Montgomery was an assistant coach for the Lions back when Johnson was the offensive coordinator of the Lions.

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Mickens’ connection with Minter dates back nearly two decades. He played cornerback at Cincinnati from 2005 to 2008 while Minter was a graduate assistant on the Bearcats’ staff. Their paths crossed again in 2012 at Indiana State, where Minter served as defensive coordinator, and Mickens was a defensive assistant.

At Notre Dame, Mickens arrived in 2020 as the cornerbacks coach under Brian Kelly, a coach he also played for with the Bearcats. When Marcus Freeman, Mickens’ former high school teammate from Huber Heights (Ohio) Wayne High School, became the Irish defensive coordinator in 2021 and later head coach, Mickens remained a core presence on the staff. Promoted to defensive pass game coordinator in 2024, he directed a secondary that consistently ranked among the nation’s best. Notre Dame led the FBS in defensive pass efficiency in both 2023 and 2024 and finished 9th in 2025, allowing just 36 touchdown passes over three seasons while recording 56 interceptions.

Mickens has a strong track record in player development. He coached flagship NFL talents such as Benjamin “Sauce” Gardner, Xavier Watts, and Thomas Harper. Gardner became a first-round pick (4th overall) in 2022, while Watts won the 2023 Bronko Nagurski Trophy and was a two-time consensus All-American. Mickens also mentored cornerback Leonard Moore to unanimous All-America honors in 2025 and helped safety Tae Johnson earn FWAA Freshman All-America recognition. Moreover, he pioneered the recruitment of top defensive backs to Notre Dame, including Joey O’Brien, Khary Adams, Chaston Smith, and Mark Zackery IV.

In Baltimore, Mickens will reunite with former Fighting Irish safety Kyle Hamilton, who played under Mickens for his final two college seasons. A two-time first-team All-Pro (2023, 2025), Hamilton is the Ravens’ highest-paid defensive player. The pairing of Minter and Mickens will strengthen Baltimore’s secondary, building on Minter’s defensive experience with the Los Angeles Chargers, Michigan, and other stops, while harnessing proven talent nurtured in the college ranks.

Minter now faces the task of completing his coaching staff after former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh’s assistants, including Chris Horton and Dennis Johnson, departed for the New York Giants.

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In the full-page message, Harbaugh thanked “the city, culture and community,” as well as owner Steve Bisciotti. He also expressed his appreciation for the hundreds of players who suited up for him during his tenure.

“When Ingrid, Allison and I arrived in Baltimore, we knew that we were joining a football organization,” Harbaugh wrote, via Baltimore Sun reporter Brian Wacker. “What we couldn’t have fully known then was that we were becoming part of a city, a culture, and a community that is bonded together by a shared sense of strength and unity.”

Former #Ravens coach John Harbaugh took out a full page ad in today’s Baltimore Sun thanking fans and the city pic.twitter.com/EarsVwcDvN

— Brian Wacker (@brianwacker1) January 24, 2026

Baltimore also thanked Harbaugh after firing him with an emotional tribute video.

The Ravens hired Harbaugh in 2008 to replace Brian Billick, whom they fired after nine seasons. Harbaugh, then the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive backs coach, was an unconventional hire who was criticized by many at the time.

The move turned out to be the best in franchise history. Although he was also fired at the end of his tenure, Harbaugh departs as the Ravens’ all-time winningest head coach and brought them their second Super Bowl in franchise history.

John Harbaugh thanks Ravens organization on his way out

Harbaugh’s message was mostly to the fans and citizens of Baltimore, but he also made a point to specifically thank those he worked with on the team.

“To Steve Bisciotti: Thank you for creating an environment rooted in maintaining a standard of excellence,” Harbaugh wrote. “To the players who worked hard, fought, believed and always played with the heart of lions, THANK YOU. Your commitment to one another, to the standard, and to this city is what made our success happen. Coaching you has been one of the greatest privileges and joys of my life.”

But more than anything, the 63-year-old wanted to thank the people who supported his dynasty.

“Most of all, to the people of Baltimore: Thank you for embracing my family and for allowing us to grow alongside you. This city’s grit, resilience and authenticity are unmatched. The pride you take in your team reflects the pride you take in one another. That is something truly special.”

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It’s a wide-open field, according to ESPN.

“The Ravens interviewed 16 candidates for the head coaching search, which could provide some clues for the coordinator spot,” Jeremy Fowler wrote. “Veteran offensive coaches Matt Nagy, Kliff Kingsbury, and Joe Brady recently met with the team. All three would be good fits for Jackson. Denver’s Davis Webb is qualified as well if he wants to leave Denver to call plays. With deep-rooted ties throughout the league, Baltimore’s front office can help guide Minter on this front.”

But who is the best candidate to run this offense?

Ravens should take a long look at Joe Brady

First, let’s consider what Brady did with the Bills. Yes, he had Josh Allen. So that’s a cheat-code starting point.

And he had James Cook. That’s another leg up on the competition.

However, general manager Brandon Beane did a poor job of providing Brady with weapons at the receiver position. Therefore, Brady had to invent ways to make the defense worry.

And since the Bills finished No. 4 in the NFL with 28.3 points per game, it’s fair to say Brady did a great job making use of the cards in his hand.

So, what would Brady get with the Ravens? He would get a similar quarterback in Lamar Jackson. That’s in terms of a game-changing presence and a defensive nightmare.

He also gets one of the best running backs in the NFL in Derrick Henry. In fact, he would go from the NFL’s leading rusher in Cooks, to the No. 2 guy. Henry, 32, looks like he could still be that beast for at least one more, if not two, years.

And the receiver is even better. Zay Flowers is a legitimate No. 1 NFL receiver. That’s something Brady didn’t have in recent seasons with the Bills. After Flowers, the Ravens’ receivers look a lot like the Bills group.

One major difference on the downside is the offensive line. The Ravens ranked No. 16 in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus, while the Bills finished No. 6.

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“He will have the same impact as Mike M in Seattle,” opined Weddle after news broke on Thursday. “Mark my words. Great hire!!!”

Minter’s hiring by the Ravens doesn’t seem like too big of a shocker. The former Chargers’ defensive play caller previously served on Harbaugh’s defensive staff from 2017 to 2020 before leaving to take over Vanderbilt’s defense. After a year in Tennessee, Minter called the defense for the 2023 College Football Playoff champions, the University of Michigan. A year under Harbaugh’s brother, Jim, in Ann Arbor, led to two more with him in Los Angeles. Now, Minter replaces his former boss. Can Minter prove Weddle’s bold prediction correct?

Ravens hope Jesse Minter will have same impact as Mike Macdonald

When the Seahawks hired Macdonald following a two-year stint as the Ravens’ defensive coordinator, it was regarded as one of the 2023-24 coaching cycle’s best moves. Since taking over in the Pacific Northwest, Macdonald has gone 25-10. That includes his first playoff win this past Saturday, a 41-6 romp of their division rivals from San Francisco, the 49ers.

On Sunday, Macdonald will lead the Seahawks into the NFC Championship Game, facing off against another NFC West foe in the Los Angeles Rams. While Seattle is the NFC’s top seed, they’ve split their season series with the Rams. If Macdonald is successful, the Seahawks will return to their first Super Bowl since 2014. Can Minter emulate the success Macdonald has already achieved? If so, this could be another home run hire by DeCosta and the Ravens.

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The Ravens believe Minter is the one who can help the organization reconnect with its defensive roots following a disappointing season that saw the team finish in the bottom half in both yards and points allowed per game. The 42-year-old understands what makes the franchise and city tick, but he is also his own man.

Mike Macdonald is on the verge of leading the Seattle Seahawks to the Super Bowl after breaking away from the Harbaugh tree, and fans are hopeful Minter can achieve similar success with superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson. Baltimore is equipped to make a swift turnaround and reestablish itself as an AFC contender. The Ravens just need the right sidelines commander to properly organize their talent.

Is Minter cut out for the job? Although the future is uncertain, we will do our best to determine if this is an auspicious hire. It’s report card time.

The Ravens are trying to get their edge back

Everyone knows there is a significant difference between being an excellent coordinator and effective head coach, but Jesse Minter was one of the most qualified candidates in the current cycle. After plugging away at smaller schools like Indiana State and Georgia State, he joined the Ravens as a defensive assistant in 2017. The college wide receiver climbed the ladder and was eventually promoted to defensive backs coach for the 2020-21 campaign. Minter learned under John Harbaugh and used Baltimore as a springboard to the SEC.

A one-year DC stint with Vandy is difficult to evaluate given the state of the program at the time, but the results were not pretty. He remained a respected defensive mind despite the turbulence and received a life-changing call from Jim Harbaugh.

Under Minter’s leadership, Michigan attained the top defense in the country and suffocated Michael Penix Jr. and a dynamic Washington offense to win the 2023-24 national title. He suffered the consequences of the Wolverines’ sign-stealing scandal — got hit with a one-year show-cause order from the NCAA — but he is still credited as one of the individuals who pushed the program over the top. Minter’s stock has only risen since he left Ann Arbor.

His strong working relationship with the younger Harbaugh continued to pay dividends, as they linked back up in the NFL. Minter reinvigorated an ailing Chargers team and oversaw the best scoring defense in the league in his first year on the job. LA remained stingy this past season, ranking fifth in yards per game and ninth in points. Although the Bolts’ playoff anguish has persisted, Jesse Minter helped reshape the squad’s identity.

Besides achieving positive results, he also inspired great respect from his players. Derwin James gushed over the now-former coordinator’s capabilities. Baltimore is happy to have him back.

A new era is officially underway in Charm City 

Hiring a John Harbaugh pupil after firing the man himself is understandably worrying some fans, but Minter’s track record deserved a serious look from Ravens brass. He is a defensive savant, and this franchise is historically at its best when it thrives on that side of the ball.

When Baltimore reached the AFC Championship in 2023-24, it owned the NFL’s top scoring defense. The unit regressed in each of the last two years, putting the burden on Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry to keep the team relevant. The Ravens need more balance. Minter gets the most out of his talent, and if he does so in 2026, fans should anticipate the physical brand of football that defined the city for the last two-plus decades.

Derwin James returned to the upper echelon of safeties under Minter after an underwhelming 2023-24 season. Just imagine what two-time All-Pro Kyle Hamilton can accomplish in his system. Of course, there is a potential drawback that could emerge in the Jesse Minter era.

Considering the Ravens boast a two-time MVP Award winner at QB, there is an argument to be made that owner Steve Bisciotti should have hired an offensive-minded individual for the head coach position. Jackson is the focal point of the franchise, so it is only natural to maximize his impact. Additionally, Baltimore has repeatedly struggled in crucial red-zone plays during the last few years.

Yes, there have been inexcusable drops that play-calling cannot correct, but the Ravens must become a better situational football team. Perhaps someone like Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak would have been a more practical choice. What if Jackson and the organization do not reach a contract extension? What happens when Father Time inevitably catches up to Derrick Henry? What if Baltimore’s pass-catchers remain inconsistent?

These are all questions that new HC Jesse Minter may have to answer at some point. A defensive specialist could be less prepared to address them. Because of my own uncertainty, which I admit could swiftly be invalidated, I will slightly dock the Ravens in my grading of this move. Minter is still a promising candidate on paper, though.

A new era is dawning in Charm City, and yes, it looks quite similar to the old one. But is that so bad? Emphasizing longstanding Ravens values with a fresh twist could be all the antidote this franchise requires. Stay tuned.

Final Grade: A-

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Reports indicate that the Raiders franchise was aggressive in its talks with the 42-year-old coaching candidate. However, the Ravens found out about and decided to swoop in and make Minter an official offer, according to Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports.

“Just to double down on this: it does sound like the Raiders made a very strong push to get Jesse Minter over the last 24 hours, and the Ravens recognized that. That’s how the timeline sped up today, sources say.”

The Raiders were one of the first teams to request an interview with Minter after firing Pete Carroll as head coach. He appeared to be a top candidate from the beginning. After missing out on yet another candidate, Las Vegas will have to go back to the drawing board and find its next head coach elsewhere.

For now, it remains unclear who will be the head coach for the Raiders. The club is set for a busy offseason regardless, as the organization must find a way to improve upon its 3-14 record. Las Vegas owns the No. 1 pick overall for the 2026 NFL Draft. Additionally, they are projected to have between $89 million and $96 million in cap space. So, we should see plenty of new faces on the team next season.

We should know who the Raiders bring in as head coach in the coming days or weeks. Las Vegas is one of five teams still searching for a new leader.

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That was a common theme throughout the 2025 season. The Chargers ranked inside the top 10 in nearly every defensive category, thanks in large part to defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.

On Thursday, it was revealed that the Baltimore Ravens have hired Minter to be their new head coach, replacing John Harbaugh.

After the news surfaced, Pro Bowl defensive back Derwin James Jr. took to social media.

“Earned so happy for you, coach Love you big dog ” James posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Minter began his coaching career as a Defensive Intern at Notre Dame in 2006. After spending nearly a decade at the college level as an assistant, he landed a job in the pros, ironically, with the Ravens in 2017. He spent three years in Baltimore before heading back to college as a defensive coordinator.

The former Chargers coordinator helped Michigan win the National Championship as a defensive coordinator, which landed him the job in Los Angeles. Over his two years with the Chargers, he helped transform what was a leaky defense into one of the better units in the NFL.

James and the secondary was good well before Minter arrived. But LA’s rush defense was near-historically bad just a few seasons ago. They finished eighth this season, allowing just over 105 yards per game on the ground.

Suffice it to say, he has paid his dues and earned the job with the Ravens.

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After Rapoport reported the news of Minter’s hiring, he would also say that for the offensive coordinator role, two options could be Buffalo Bills’ Joe Brady and Washington Commanders’ Kliff Kingsbury. Both had interviewed for Baltimore’s head coaching gig, and if unable to land another job, they could be in contention.

“The Ravens are zeroing in on Chargers DC Jesse Minter to be their new head coach, per The Insiders,” Rapoport wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Minter, a Baltimore assistant from 2017-2020 who is now in the building, goes from Jim Harbaugh to replacing John. A highly coveted defensive mind, Minter lands a premium job.”

“Among the head coach candidates the Ravens interviews are a few who could be considered for OCs — including Joe Brady and Kliff Kingsbury — if they don’t land head jobs,” Rapoport continued.

Ravens’ Lamar Jackson advocating for Kliff Kingsbury?

While there is no doubt that the Ravens revolve around Jackson, there has been prior reporting as to who the quarterback and the offense prefer. NFL insider Dianna Russini was on “The Herd” with Colin Cowherd, and mentioned how Jackson and the wide receivers would love to see Kingsbury be the offensive coordinator.

“I know for a fact that Lamar Jackson and those receivers would like Kliff Kingsbury to run their offense,” Russini said. “They’ve shown support, they’ve been vocal about it, they’ve been part of some of these interviews. Lamar Jackson is a part of these. He’s Zooming in, he’s in touch with the decision-makers of what he likes, who he’s liked.”

At any rate, it remains to be seen who Minter officially hires as the offensive coordinator who will get to work with one of the few premier quarterbacks in the league.

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“The Ravens are zeroing in on Chargers DC Jesse Minter to be their new head coach, per The Insiders,” Rapoport wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “A highly coveted defensive mind, Minter lands a premium job.”

As Rapoport mentioned in his social media post, Minter was on Harbaugh’s staff with Baltimore from 2017 to 2020 in a variety of roles, such as a defensive assistant, assistant defensive backs coach, and later a defensive backs coach. After a few more years at the collegiate level, he would return to the NFL with the Chargers, this time under Jim Harbaugh, as he now succeeds his brother.

Ravens’ Eric DeCosta speaks on new coach Jesse Minter 

While the Ravens have featured star quarterback Lamar Jackson, the team has always been coached by Harbaugh, who served the role as head coach since 2008. Now with the New York Giants after Baltimore fired him, the team was on the hunt for a new voice, with Minter eventually being the choice, as general manager Eric DeCosta released a statement, saying how they hired a “strong leader.”

“We are thrilled to announce an agreement with Jesse Minter to be the fourth head coach in Baltimore Ravens history,” DeCosta wrote. “Jesse is a strong leader who possesses a brilliant football mind and a spirit that will resonate with our players and fanbase alike. Jesse comes from a football family, with success at every level of the sport, and we are confident that he is the right coach to lead the Ravens forward. Congratulations to Jesse and his wife, Rachelle, and the entire Minter family. It’s time to get to work!”

GM Eric DeCosta on head coach Jesse Minter: pic.twitter.com/V0kzwCV6zq

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 22, 2026

Minter looks to improve Baltimore after an 8-9 record last season.

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Now, NFL insider Dianna Russini has reported on a candidate whom Lamar Jackson reportedly wants in charge of the Ravens’ offense moving forward.

“I know for a fact that Lamar Jackson and those receivers would like Kliff Kingsbury to run their offense,” Russini said on The Herd With Colin Cowherd, per Eva Geitheim of Sports Illustrated. “They’ve shown support. They’ve been vocal about it. They’ve been part of some of these interviews. Lamar Jackson is a part of these. He’s Zooming in, he’s in touch with the decision-makers of what he likes, who he’s liked.”

Kingsbury was recently fired as the offensive coordinator of the Washington Commanders, who suffered through a brutal 2025 season mired by injuries, including to quarterback Jayden Daniels.

However, Kingsbury still has a proven track record of being able to bring out the most in mobile quarterbacks, helping lead the Commanders on a surprise run to the NFC Championship Game during the 2024 season.

The Ravens’ head coaching job figures to be one of the most coveted on the market, as is their offensive coordinator position, as it’s not every day that coaches have a chance to work with a player as talented as Jackson. The former league MVP had a bit of a down year by his standards this past season, but still ranks among the best quarterbacks in the NFL overall.

In any case, the Ravens will likely want to get their coaching vacancies filled sooner rather than later as they proceed further into the offseason.

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Mel Kiper believes the Baltimore Ravens should draft a wide receiver in the first round of the draft. Lamar Jackson needs another weapon to throw to, and the Ravens could get a very good receiver with the 14th pick. The middle of the first round is usually when a chunk of receivers are taken.

Here is what Kiper said in his prediction article.

“Lemon is one of my favorite prospects in this class. He attacks the ball in the air, and you can see his competitiveness in the way he plays the game. Like Zay Flowers, he’s on the smaller side at 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds. But also like Flowers, he still has inside-outside flexibility. Lemon went for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns this past season, and that kind of production could help get Lamar Jackson back to MVP levels.”

Lemon made a huge jump from his sophomore season to his junior season. He ended the year 11th in the nation in receptions with 79 and 8th in yards with 1,156. His 11 TDs were also tied for 9th in the country. A key stat by Lemon is that he averaged 14.6 yards per catch. He is a playmaker who would be tough to defend opposite or alongside Zay Flowers in an offense.

Baltimore needs more production at receiver as Flowers was by far their best, and it wasn’t close. DeAndre Hopkins was third on the team behind Mark Andrews with 330 receiving yards on the season. Hopkins averaged 15.0 yards per catch last season, but the former star is not the player he once was.

It’s a new era for the Ravens with John Harbaugh now coaching the New York Giants. Whoever becomes the next head coach for the Ravens must give Jackson more weapons.

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It makes a sensible fit, according to a post on X, formerly Twitter by the Rich Eisen Show.

“Where could Sean McDermott potentially land next?” Tom Pelissero said. “Baltimore is certainly one that I could see making a lot of sense for Sean McDermott. And the other one would be Tennessee.

“We know the Titans have pursued John Harbaugh. They wanted to speak to Kevin Stefanski before he took Atlanta. Given the aggressiveness of Tennessee, they’ve got a quarterback. Great place to live. New stadium opening. There are aspects of that job I would say don’t count them out for Sean McDermott.”

@TomPelissero

Who's on #BillsMafia head coach radar after they fired Sean McDermott after nine seasons?#NFL #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/L35OS15kts

— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) January 19, 2026

Where would Sean McDermott likely avoid?

Because of his previous success, McDermott likely wouldn’t take over a rebuilding process.

“It doesn’t make a ton of sense for him to go into a total rebuild,” Pelissero said. “He’s 51 years old. He’s been there every year, been in the playoffs every season here in recent years.:

That likely rules out the Raiders and Cardinals, Pelissero said.

One thing that seems certain is that McDermott will land somewhere. Even though he hasn’t gotten over the hump, there seems to be a belief in NFL circles that he could get there.

Still, McDermott got ushered out of Buffalo because he fell short too many times, according to ESPN.

“He didn’t finish the job,” Alaina Getzenberg wrote. “In a results business, McDermott was incredibly successful, winning 10 or more games in seven straight seasons, the longest active streak in the NFL. The Bills are one of six teams in the Super Bowl era to have a streak that long.

“The firing comes down to what McDermott didn’t do, but perhaps more substantially, a clear decision by (owner Terry) Pegula to go with (general manager) Brandon Beane’s vision for the team moving forward. And the general manager winning out in receiving the owner’s faith in building the vision for the future.”

However, the problem with Beane is that he hasn’t acquired good enough receiving weapons for Josh Allen. Beane stood behind his decision to go into this season with a receiver room that looked weak. And then it played weak. By all rights, Beane should have been first out of the door.

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All hope isn’t lost for the Broncos, though. In fact, there have been nine instances in which a backup quarterback led his team to a Super Bowl victory. In preparation for a potential Stidham miracle run, here is a ranking of each backup quarterback-turned-Super Bowl champion.

9. Trent Dilfer, Baltimore Ravens: Super Bowl XXXV

Trent Dilfer is regarded as one of the worst Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks ever. Perhaps that is because he wasn’t supposed to be the Baltimore Ravens’ starting QB in the first place. Tony Banks was the team’s starter in 2000, but after four straight weeks without an offensive touchdown, the Ravens switched things up and promoted Dilfer.

He’d go on to win Super Bowl XXXV in blowout fashion, 34-7. In all likelihood, it might not have mattered who quarterbacked the Ravens this year, as their defense was arguably the best defensive unit in NFL history. Dilfer only had 1,502 yards and 12 touchdowns, but it didn’t matter because Ray Lewis, Ron Woodson, and the rest of the defense completely thwarted opposing offenses.

That year, the Ravens only allowed 10.3 points per game and 970 total rushing yards, the latter of which was a record during a 16-game season.

8. Earl Morrall, Miami Dolphins: Super Bowl VII

Earl Morrall had one of the most unique careers in NFL history. The 1956 second overall pick played 21 years in the NFL. He won three Super Bowls and an NFL championship. He had two Pro Bowl nods that were separated by more than a decade, and he was the 1968 MVP.

However, he spent most of his career as a backup. Whenever Morrall subbed in, though, he tended to make waves. In 1968, for example, Morrall replaced an injured Johnny Unitas early in the season. Unitas is one of the greatest players in NFL history. In relief of Unitas, Morrall would go on to earn his MVP and lead the Baltimore Colts to a Super Bowl III appearance, although they were upset in the AFL-NFL clash.

Morrall would go on to find Super Bowl success, though. In 1972, his first year with the Miami Dolphins, he’d go 9-0 in the regular season, once taking over for the injured Bob Griese. The winning continued through the playoffs, but Griese was given his job back ahead of Super Bowl VII. It didn’t really matter who was quarterbacking the team, as the Dolphins had one of the greatest running back tandems ever with Larry Csonka and Mercury Morris. Griese only threw 11 passes in the Super Bowl. Miami’s “No Name Defense” was also elite, too. It all resulted in the Dolphins accomplishing the only perfect season in NFL history.

Without Morrall, the Dolphins wouldn’t have accomplished this feat, as he played more that year than Griese did. However, he ranks as low as he does on this list because he spent most of his career on the bench, including during Super Bowl VII.

7. Doug Williams, Washington Redskins: Super Bowl XXII

Doug Williams was a starter for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to start his career, but when he joined the Washington Redskins in 1986 after a few seasons in the USFL, Williams served as a backup. With the Redskins, Williams would make a habit of subbing in for Jay Schroeder and finding success.

He led the team to victory after starting the game on the bench three times during the 1987 season. Still, Williams only had two starts that year during the regular season. Williams’ 94.0 passer rating proved that he had talent, though, and he was the man for the job come playoff time.

Williams orchestrated one of the most dominant championship victories ever when the Redskins beat the Denver Broncos 42-10 in Super Bowl XXII. His second-quarter performance was one of the greatest single-quarter performances in NFL history, as he threw all four of his touchdowns in that period. At the time, his 331 passing yards were a Super Bowl record. Williams would eventually be replaced by Mark Rypien during the very next season.

6. Jeff Hostetler, New York Giants: Super Bowl XXV

Jeff Hostetler was nothing more than Phil Simms’ backup from 1984 to 1990. His lack of playing time led to the quarterback contemplating retirement during the 1990 season, but when Simms suffered a season-ending injury in Week 15, Hostetler finally got his chance

He made the most of it, not losing a game for the rest of the season. That included Super Bowl XXV, where the Giants succeeded in one of the biggest championship upsets ever with a 20-19 win over the Buffalo Bills. The win afforded Hostetler more opportunities in the future, as he was an occasional starter for the Giants in each of the next two seasons and the regular starter for the Raiders over the four years to follow.

5. Nick Foles, Philadelphia Eagles: Super Bowl LII

The most recent backup to go on to win the Super Bowl was Nick Foles. During the 2017 season, the Philadelphia Eagles were led by Carson Wentz, who was in the midst of an MVP-caliber season. Wentz was the second overall pick in 2016, and it looked like he was quickly turning into a superstar.

Then, Wentz tore his ACL in Week 14, forcing Foles into action. Foles was somewhat uninspiring to end the regular season, but he carried the Eagles on a magical playoff run. Foles threw for 352 yards and three touchdowns against the Minnesota Vikings’ top-ranked defense in the NFC Championship Game. He was even better in the Super Bowl against a New England Patriots team that was in the midst of a dynasty.

In Super Bowl LII, Foles had 373 yards and three touchdowns en route to being named the Super Bowl MVP. The Eagles won 41-33, and the game is remembered as one of the best Super Bowls ever. Furthermore, Foles was on the receiving end of the Philly Special, one of the greatest moments in Super Bowl history. Foles was a career journeyman who played for six different teams. His run to hoisting the Lombardi Trophy will be remembered forever, though.

4. Jim Plunkett, Oakland Raiders: Super Bowl XV/Super Bowl XVIII

Jim Plunkett was a first overall pick known for having a cannon of an arm during his days with the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers. When the Oakland Raiders traded for him, though, he was stuck in reserve duty. Plunkett only threw 15 total passes over his first two seasons with the Raiders.

Plunkett’s first real opportunity with the Raiders wasn’t pretty, either. During the 1980 season, he had five interceptions in his first real action with the team after he took over for the injured Dan Pastorini. Even so, the gunslinger from Stanford got better as the season went on, and he led the Raiders to become the first Wild Card team to win the Super Bowl. A 261-yard, three-touchdown game earned Plunkett Super Bowl MVP honors. Plunkett is still just one of four Heisman Trophy winners to also become a Super Bowl MVP.

Plunkett would eventually be relegated back to the bench, but in 1983, his time to shine yet again came when Marc Wilson was hurt. Again, Plunkett led the Raiders, who were now located in Los Angeles, to a Super Bowl win, proving himself in the process as the ultimate big-game performer. Plunkett is a two-time Super Bowl winner who started off the season as a backup, but his career as a whole wasn’t quite as impressive as the next three players on this list.

3. Kurt Warner, St. Louis Rams: Super Bowl XXXIV 

Kurt Warner’s NFL story was more than just one of a backup-turned-Super Bowl winner. He went from grocery store worker to NFL player, which is even more impressive. Warner took a long time to get his feet under him in the NFL, but he made the most of his chance in 1999 when he took over for Trent Green. Green was the St. Louis Rams’ starting quarterback, but he tore his ACL in the preseason.

The offense thrived under Warner. As one of the greatest offensive units in NFL history, the Rams were coined “The Greatest Show on Turf.” Warner threw for 41 touchdowns during an MVP season and led St. Louis to a Super Bowl XXXIV victory. He was named the MVP of the game and would go on to have a long and successful career as a starter.

That included winning another MVP with the Rams, as well as eventually becoming a Pro Bowler with the Arizona Cardinals. Warner’s Rams had tons of offensive talent, including Marshall Faulk, Isaac Bruce, and Torry Holt. Had Warner not gone from backup to starter, though, it seems unlikely that the greatest show on turf would have ever come to be.

2. Roger Staubach, Dallas Cowboys: Super Bowl VI

Roger Staubach won a Heisman Trophy at Navy, but he didn’t immediately play pro football. Staubach was drafted in 1964, but military service time with the Navy meant his NFL debut didn’t come until 1969. The quarterback didn’t necessarily come into the NFL guns a-blazing, either, as Craig Morton was the Dallas Cowboys’ primary starter during Staubach’s first two seasons.

Come 1971, the two would start to share quarterbacking duties. Tom Landry famously alternated the two quarterbacks every play during a Week 7 matchup. Landry eventually settled on Staubach as the full-time man under center. He’d go on to lead the team to a Super Bowl VI victory, in which he was named the MVP after throwing for 119 yards and two touchdowns.

From there, Staubach earned six Pro Bowl nods and won an additional MVP. He was a late bloomer who started his career as a backup, but he finished it as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever.

1. Tom Brady, New England Patriots: Super Bowl XXXVI

Tom Brady is the greatest player in NFL history, but he didn’t come into the league highly touted. In fact, Brady was just a sixth-round draft pick and started his career fourth on the Patriots’ depth chart. The Michigan product was glued to the bench as a rookie, and he started his second season on the sideline as well.

Drew Bledsoe started above Brady in 2001, but he took a hit that led to internal bleeding in New England’s second game of the season. Brady took over as the starter and never looked back, even leading the Patriots to a Super Bowl XXXVI victory in his first year leading the team. The Patriots’ championship fate was sealed with an Adam Vinatieri game-winning field goal kick.

This was, of course, just the start of Super Bowl success for Brady. He won six Super Bowls in total with the Patriots, as well as another championship with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The five-time Super Bowl MVP, three-time MVP, and five-time passing touchdowns leader is unquestionably the greatest player in NFL history, but his journey as the sport’s greatest winner started with him coming off the bench.

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The former defensive end was drafted by the Ravens in 2002 and played four years with the team before later serving as an assistant from 2021-23. He shared the field with greats like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Terrell Suggs, and therefore understands the DNA that comprises the franchise. Familiarity may not be enough, though. John Harbaugh had a firm grasp of what fueled Baltimore during its peak (or at least he did), and now he is coaching for the New York Giants.

Owner Steve Bisciotti and general manager Eric DeCosta must find a replacement who can help the squad evolve while also highlighting the Ravens’ classic defensive intensity. The evolution component of that mission is essential. Baltimore has failed to maximize its postseason opportunities and did not even make the playoffs this year. They need someone who can reinvigorate the group. Could Weaver be up to the task?

Anthony Weaver will try to pitch himself to the Ravens

The 45-year-old’s two-season run as Miami DC produced mixed results. The Dolphins allowed the fourth-fewest yards per game in 2024-25, posting a remarkable effort amid Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion situation. If the quarterback was healthy and under center for a few more weeks, the team could have possibly squeezed into the playoffs. Consequently, Weaver would have drawn far more praise. The defense was outmatched this past season, however, ranking 24th with 24.9 points allowed per game.

Plenty of fans will point to a declining roster as a reason for the poor results, hence why Anthony Weaver is generating significant interest in the head coaching circuit. Besides securing a second interview with Baltimore, he will also meet with the Pittsburgh Steelers again.

There is understandably a fair amount of skepticism surrounding his potential employment, but first-timers have enjoyed considerable success in recent years. Mike Macdonald and Ben Johnson are proving as much.

The Ravens must determine if Weaver can embark on a similar path. This crucial evaluation will continue on Tuesday.

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Scheelhaase, 35, interviewed for the Ravens’ head coaching job on Saturday, the team announced on social media. The Illinois alum is in his second year with the Rams and has no head coaching experience to his name.

Scheelhaase is in his first year as the Rams’ passing game coordinator after one year as the team’s offensive assistant and passing game specialist. He has played a crucial role in MVP candidate Matthew Stafford’s career resurgence, during which he has posted his most passing yards in a single season since 2012.

Regardless of his success, few saw Scheelhaase landing an NFL head coaching interview at this point in his career. The former quarterback has just one year of experience as an offensive coordinator, which was not at the professional level.

Scheelhaase also has no NFL playing experience, but he ended his collegiate career as Illinois’ all-time leading passer. He still owns that record over a decade after graduating with 8,568 career passing yards with the Illini.

The Iowa native returned to Urbana-Champaign two years after graduating to begin his coaching career with his alma mater. Scheelhaase remained on staff at Illinois until the 2017 season, after which he joined Matt Campbell at Iowa State, where he would remain until Sean McVay brought him on with the Rams in 2024. McVay hired him after his lone season as Campbell’s offensive coordinator.

Scheelhaase becomes the 13th candidate to interview for the Ravens’ job. He is the second Rams assistant to do so, following defensive coordinator Chris Shula.

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The Ravens confirmed that they interviewed Shula on Saturday morning, one day before the Rams’ Divisional Round playoff game against the Chicago Bears. The 39-year-old is the grandson of legendary Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula and the son of former Cincinnati Bengals head coach Dave Shula.

Chris Shula is atop the shortlist of young, up-and-coming coordinators in line for head coaching jobs. He has been with the Rams since Sean McVay’s hiring in 2017, working his way up from assistant linebackers coach to being promoted to defensive coordinator in 2024.

In his two years on the job, Shula has improved the Rams’ defense both seasons. He inherited a bottom-barrel unit and turned it into a top-10 scoring defense in 2025 with a pair of Pro Bowlers. Shula also coached star edge-rusher Jared Verse to winning the 2024 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

The young coordinator joins Kevin Stefanski, Mike McDaniel, Brian Flores, Jim Schwartz, Jesse Minter, Vance Joseph, Matt Nagy, Kliff Kingsbury, Anthony Weaver, Klint Kubiak and Davis Webb as those who have interviewed for the Ravens’ head coaching vacancy. So far, the team has not narrowed down its search and continues to evaluate all its options.

Shula has also interviewed with the Dolphins and is in line to do the same with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His family lineage makes him an intriguing option for Miami.

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The Ravens officially interviewed the ex-Miami Dolphins HC, per the team’s X account, continuing what has been an extensive search. Bisciotti made it clear that he will not overlook someone because they achieved underwhelming or mixed results in their past places of employment. He understands that circumstances like QB uncertainty can derail a once promising coach. McDaniel satisfies that criteria.

Following a five-year stint with the San Francisco 49ers, including one as an offensive coordinator, the former Yale wide receiver was hired to lead the Dolphins in 2022. He immediately injected new life into the franchise. Tyreek Hill’s arrival definitely helped, but McDaniel’s influence was evident. He molded struggling quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, greatly improving his accuracy and production.

The 2020 top-five draft pick finished ninth in MVP voting during McDaniel’s first season on the sidelines and then earned Pro Bowl honors the following year. Most importantly, Miami clinched consecutive playoff berths for the first time in two decades. Unfortunately, the next two campaigns featured something that fans experienced plenty of before the Mike McDaniel era: disappointment.

Would McDaniel bounce back with Ravens?

Tagovailoa missed time with concussions in 2024 and regressed in 2025. The Dolphins stumbled, with discipline becoming a genuine concern. There is an argument to be made that a superstar like Lamar Jackson can neutralize some of those issues. Though, in order for McDaniel to secure a second chance, he will likely have to convince the Ravens that he is a strong leader. If he can excel in that area, his offensive expertise would surely shine in Baltimore.

McDaniel advanced to the postseason with a solid yet inconsistent signal-caller like Tua Tagovailoa, so he should theoretically be able to accomplish a great deal with a future Hall of Famer under center. The Ravens have much to consider, however. Despite Jackson’s individual excellence, The Ravens have failed to reach the Super Bowl. They did not even make the playoffs this season. It will take a well-rounded head coach to vault them to the NFL’s pinnacle.

If Mike McDaniel is eyeing the Baltimore job, he will have to outlast a plethora of other candidates. The franchise has also interviewed Kevin Stefanski, Brian Flores, Jim Schwartz, Kliff Kingsbury, Matt Nagy, Vance Joseph, Klint Kubiak, Davis Webb and Anthony Weaver, among others.

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Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti and DeCosta held an hour-long press conference Tuesday, a week after parting ways with head coach John Harbaugh after 18 years. During the session, DeCosta addressed the two-time MVP’s future with the franchise.

“We do have a nice little nest egg; it’s not as much as we’d like,” DeCosta said. “A deal with Lamar would give us the ability to be more active to re-sign, probably more players on the team, and potentially go after a couple of big-ticket items.”

Jackson has two years left on his five-year, $260 million contract, but his cap number is set to rise by $31 million in 2026, which could limit roster flexibility after the team moves on from Harbaugh. Meanwhile, his contract includes a no-trade clause and bars the Ravens from using the franchise or transition tag after it expires in 2027.

Jackson’s salary cap hit increased from $43.5 million last year. His cap hits for the 2026 and 2027 seasons total $149 million, which is 25% of the projected league salary cap over those seasons.

Bisciotti said that the team could lower Jackson’s cap hit through void years if an extension isn’t reached, though it’s not ideal. Jackson, now 29, understands that an adjustment could open another window to compete.

“We want another window, and Lamar knows that,” Bisciotti said. “I think that he’s amenable to doing something that mirrors the last deal he did, although the annual number will be a little higher. But I’m hoping that it’s ‘Plug a new number in the same contract he signed last year’ and move on.”

The Ravens are coming off a disappointing 8-9 season after entering the year as Super Bowl favorites and missing the playoffs. Baltimore fired Harbaugh and will retool around Jackson, who will have “a lot of say” in the coaching search, Bisciotti said.

Moreover, Jackson completed 192-of-302 passes (63.6%) for 2,549 yards, 21 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He was sacked 36 times, the third-highest total of his career.

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During a press conference on Tuesday, the Ravens owner was asked if the longtime head coach would have kept his job had Loop sent Baltimore into the playoffs with a game-winning FG. He offered a brutally honest response.

“For a week,” Bisciotti said, per The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov. Ouch. Based on solely his reply, which looked and sounded as if it was coming out of the mouth of a Bond villain, one would never have guessed that Harbaugh spent 18 years with the franchise.

#Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti was asked if John Harbaugh would still be their HC if Tyler Loop made the FG vs. the Steelers

"For a week." https://t.co/xBJsfnvFkH pic.twitter.com/QpP8AlBvDf

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 13, 2026

Bisciotti has expressed his gratitude to the Super Bowl 47 champion multiple times since dismissing him, to be clear. People sometimes do not convey the tone they intend to when addressing the public. Do not forget that Harbaugh himself failed to explicitly thank the fans in his farewell statement, so everyone makes a flub now and again. What is most telling about Bisciotti’s answer is what it reflects about his outlook of the team.

He either did not think the Ravens had a fighting chance against the Houston Texans’ relentless defense in a potential AFC Wild Card matchup, or he no longer agreed with the coach’s vision for the squad. In any case, Bisciotti is thrusting Baltimore into a new era, one that many fans have been demanding for a bit now.

What will become of the Ravens following this big move?

John Harbaugh collected 193 wins including the playoffs since arriving in 2008. He infused essential balance to the roster and helped the Ravens remain an enduring force in the AFC North. Eventually, though, the 2019 AP NFL Coach of the Year started to lose some of his shine. Baltimore went 3-6 in the playoffs since the 2018-19 campaign, with play-calling and in-game management receiving particular scrutiny.

No one can deny the overall impact that Harbaugh had on Baltimore, however. Steve Bisciotti knows that this decision will be under the microscope, but he does not sound like a man who is having second thoughts. While confidence is important, he must make sure to bring in the right guy.

Otherwise, people will use this savage soundbite as a punchline until the end of time.

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Speaking candidly after the coaching change, Bisciotti emphasized both urgency and commitment regarding Jackson’s future.

“I want him to be my quarterback,” Bisciotti said, underscoring his desire to secure a new extension sooner rather than later. With previous contractual mechanisms no longer available, the Ravens face real pressure to resolve Jackson’s deal before free agency. Bisciotti admits this complicates roster construction when left unresolved. His preference is to mirror Jackson’s previous contract structure, adjust the annual number upward, and move forward without prolonged negotiations.

Baltimore closed the 2025 season at 8–9. They missed the playoffs for the first time since 2021 after a crushing Week 18 loss to Pittsburgh. A 1–5 start and repeated late-game breakdowns defined a frustrating year, as did a surprising 3–6 home record at M&T Bank Stadium. Sure, individual standouts like Kyle Hamilton and Jordan Stout earned All-Pro honors. However, the team’s inconsistency ultimately triggered sweeping change, culminating in Harbaugh’s dismissal.

In his 18th year, Harbaugh guided the Ravens through adversity but couldn’t overcome early setbacks and recurring execution issues. Narrow losses and missed opportunities proved decisive. Bisciotti’s decision to move on reflected not just one season, but a growing concern over closing games and sustaining championship momentum.

Amidst an all-important coaching search, Baltimore’s direction is unmistakable: stability starts with Lamar Jackson.

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However, owner Steve Bisciotti claims there was nothing malicious with how the Ravens informed their former head coach. It came together through circumstance, via Jamison Hensley of ESPN.

“I never dreamed of firing somebody by phone,” Bisciotti said. “The reality is is that when I made my decision, I was home and he was in his car heading to his house. I thought it would be a jerk move if I said, ‘Meet me at the office in an hour.’ He probably would’ve said, ‘I’d rather not, why don’t you just tell me over the phone.'”

“When I did tell him, I said, ‘I’m really sorry about doing this over the phone. I wish we were together,'” the owner continued. “He said, ‘You don’t owe me an apology for that.'”

Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti on why he fired coach John Harbaugh over the phone pic.twitter.com/zFe1ofdMKh

— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) January 13, 2026

Bisciotti came to the decision to fire Harbaugh after their season-ending loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He relied on his instincts when making the call and stood firmly behind his choice, vis Hensley.

Whoever replaces Harbaugh will have mighty big shoes to fill. The Ravens held a 180-113 record under him, winning the Super Bowl in 2012. With seven different franchises – not including the Ravens or rival Steelers – in need of a head coach, Harbaugh should have his pick of the litter in terms of where he goes next.

While it may not have been more ceremonious ending, Harbaugh made plenty of history in Baltimore. Bisciotti won’t soon forget what the head coach brought to the Ravens.

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Another franchise that is looking for a head coach is the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens owner gave an explosive take after he was asked at a press conference if Tomlin was a candidate to coach Baltimore.

“Holy s**t, wouldn’t that be interesting,” Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said, per ESPN.

He then gave a caveat.

“Only if John (Harbaugh) takes the Pittsburgh job,” Bisciotti added.

The Steelers and Ravens are both moving on from long-time head coaches who won Super Bowls with their respective franchises. Baltimore parted ways with John Harbaugh after the Ravens lost to the Steelers in Week 18 of the NFL season.

Ravens would likely give Mike Tomlin a call

The Ravens would love to have someone of Tomlin’s caliber as head coach. Tomlin had never had a losing season in Pittsburgh, after taking the job in 2007. He replaced the legendary Bill Cowher, who also won a Super Bowl in the Steel City.

Harbaugh spent nearly as long with the Ravens. He has been in the mix in several NFL coaching searches this offseason, including the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Harbaugh on an NFL sideline again next season as head coach.

Tomlin presents a bit of a murkier picture. The former Steelers head coach had seemed to wear out his welcome in Pittsburgh with fans. He had not won a playoff game since the 2016 season. Despite adding Aaron Rodgers before the 2025 campaign, Tomlin was not able to get over that hump this year. Pittsburgh got blitzed by the Texans at home on Monday night.

“Obviously, I am extremely grateful to Mike for all the hard work, dedication and success we have shared over the last 19 years. It is hard for me to put into words the level of respect and appreciation I have for Coach Tomlin,” Steelers president Art Rooney II said in a statement, per NBC Sports.

Before he took the job as Steelers head coach, Tomlin had been a defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings. Time will tell if Tomlin decides to get another head coaching job or spend time away from football.

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This disconnect ultimately pushed the organization to seek a new direction for the first time in nearly two decades, as it looked to maximize a group still considered to be full of talent.

Regarding the influence of the team’s star quarterback, Jamison Hensley reported on X that Steve Bisciotti spoke to Lamar Jackson on Monday night to discuss the major change. Jackson explicitly stated that he did not have a problem with John Harbaugh or offensive coordinator Todd Monken during the conversation.

Furthermore, Bisciotti confirmed that Jackson did not have an impact on the decision to fire the head coach, indicating that the choice was based on the owner’s assessment of the program rather than any specific friction with the franchise player.

To find a successor, the front office is actively interviewing both offensive and defensive specialists. The list of candidates includes Anthony Weaver, Kliff Kingsbury, and Vance Joseph, with a request also made to speak with Jesse Minter.

The team appears committed to a wide-ranging search to identify a leader capable of restoring the winning culture in Baltimore.

As for Harbaugh, his next destination appears to be narrowing down to two specific teams in the NFC. According to reports, his decision will likely come down to either the Atlanta Falcons or the New York Giants, with the team that misses out expected to land Kevin Stefanski.

With several high-profile names in the mix, the organization is poised to establish a new identity that can lead it back to playoff contention. The upcoming weeks will be essential in defining how the team moves forward without the leadership that guided them for the last eighteen years.

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are now interviewing Monken for their vacant offensive coordinator position, via Greg Auman of Fox Sports. He has experience working with quarterback Baker Mayfield as the Cleveland Browns OC back in 2019.

Monken’s coaching career has taken him all over the map.  After beginning as a graduate assistant in 1989, he earned his first offensive coordinator role in 1998 with Eastern Michigan. By 2013 he was head coach of Southern Miss.

After a three-year stint, Monken made his jump to the NFL, ironically with the Buccaneers as their offensive coordinator. Following a trip to the Browns and back down to college with George, Monken has been Baltimore’s OC since 2023.

The Ravens finished 16 overall in total offense during the 2025 season, averaging 332.2 yards per game. And that was with quarterback Lamar Jackson missing substantial time due to injury. Baltimore was led by their run game, ranking second by averaging 156.6 YPG. The Buccaneers on the other hand ranked 20th in total offense, averaging 320.4 YPG. Their run game came in at 21, averaging 114.5 YPG. Tampa Bay decided to move on from offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard.

The Buccaneers will have plenty of competition for Monken’s services. He may ultimately decide to re-team up with Harbaugh wherever he lands. But Monken is at least familiar with Tampa Bay’s organization. The opportunity to work with Mayfield again may just be too valuable to pass up on.

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The Chargers fell to the New England Patriots 16-3 as the offense could not get into a groove at all. The Patriots’ defense shut them down all game long, and Justin Herbert had another playoff flop. He is now 0-3 in the playoffs, with many questions surrounding his ability to lead.

On a positive note, the Chargers contained a very good defense led by Jesse Minter. Minter was Jim Harbaugh’s DC at Michigan and followed him to Los Angeles. Over the last two seasons, Minter has coached a top-five defense in the NFL. Now, he is a hot commodity on the market as there are going to be just about every available team wanting him as head coach or a DC. The Bolts were 9th in opponent scoring, allowing 20 points per contest in 2025.

According to Jordan Schultz, Minter has already been requested by four teams for head coach interviews. The Baltimore Ravens were the first team reported, followed by (in no order) the Las Vegas Raiders, Tennessee Titans, and Cleveland Browns. The Ravens make sense because of the Harbaugh connection. Minter would join a familiar culture, aiming to keep the Ravens as playoff contenders.

If Minter coached his last game with the Chargers, then Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz will have a huge decision to make about hiring the next defensive coordinator. Harbaugh should seriously consider moving on from offensive coordinator Greg Roman if he wants to see the offense improve when it matters most.

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Recently, Connor Hughes of SNY reported that Harbaugh’s decision will come down to either the Atlanta Falcons or the New York Giants, “…with the loser of those sweepstakes landing Kevin Stefanski,” per Giants Videos on X, formerly Twitter.

Hughes also reported that “The Miami Dolphins have Harbaugh interest, too, although they already made their general manager decision (Jon-Eric Sullivan). There could be additional vacancies opening after Wild Card Weekend.”

Overall, it’s easy to see why both the Falcons and the Giants would be appealing to someone in Harbaugh’s position.

The Falcons are stockpiled with offensive talent, including young stars like Bijan Robinson and Michael Penix Jr., and also have the benefit of playing in the lowly NFC South, meaning a potential auto-bid into the playoffs is never too far away.

Meanwhile, the Giants have the obvious allure of playing in (not really) New York City, and a young quarterback in Jaxson Dart who showed some potential during his rookie season. Atlanta, meanwhile, has some major questions at quarterback moving forward, with Michael Penix Jr. having suffered an ACL injury to end what had been an underwhelming first full year as the team’s starter.

Overall, it seems that a Harbaugh decision could be coming sooner rather than later, with Stefanski soon to follow. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen who the Ravens will select as the first new head coach in 18 years.

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Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated explained in a recent article why Baltimore decided to move on from Harbaugh.

“To me, the more I’ve dug into this, the more apparent it’s become that ownership questioned how well Harbaugh fit with the roster,” Breer wrote on Monday. “For a decade and a half, the team was built in his image. He runs a demanding program, and the leaders the team brought in wouldn’t have had it any other way. They were his torchbearers.”

Breer followed up with a story that shows why a head coaching change could be the right move for the Ravens.

“However, I’m not sure the roster the Ravens have now, still loaded with talent, is quite like that anymore,” Breer continued. “I heard a story about one prominent veteran who was hesitant to sign an extension because of Harbaugh’s challenging program. That one didn’t come across as a shot at the player or a shot at Harbaugh. It was more so an illustration of where things stood, even though, by all accounts, Harbaugh still loved the group he had.”

There have been plenty of rumors that Harbaugh lost the locker room. It is viewed as a primary reason why he was fired.

Perhaps Breer’s reporting illustrates that Harbaugh was not incredibly unpopular among his players. But his relationship with the team seemed to have changed, even in subtle ways.

Who will the Ravens hire to replace John Harbaugh?

Even if the Ravens are moving on from Harbaugh at the right, they still need to find a suitable replacement.

Baltimore will be hard at work interviewing multiple head coaching candidates this week.

The Ravens plan to interview Kliff Kingsbury and Anthony Weaver on Monday. They have already talked with Vance Joseph and have requested to speak with Jesse Minter too.

Baltimore is clearly interested in speaking to both offensive geniuses and defensive-minded head coaching candidates.

It will be fascinating to see what direction the Ravens go in with their hire, whenever it officially happens.

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Recently, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated pointed out two candidates who could emerge as the Ravens look to fill that void.

“One, I do think Brian Flores is viewed there as a strong fit, and that’s a job (like the Steelers’ job) where the coach is going to have to fit the franchise as much as the franchise will morph to the new coach,” noted Breer.

“Two, I think Klint Kubiak is a fascinating name, because his father Gary was so well-liked and respected there. And Gary Kubiak liked Baltimore so much that he told Harbaugh that he could see himself coaching the rest of his career there, before Elway and the Broncos called to bring him home in 2015,” he added.

Indeed, both Flores and Kubiak have been popular names on this year’s head coaching carousel.

Flores is currently the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, having coached them into a solid unit over the last two years, particularly during the 2025 season, in which they won 14 games. He also has head coaching experience with the Miami Dolphins.

Meanwhile, Kubiak oversaw one of the league’s most explosive offenses this year with the Seattle Seahawks, one that saw Jaxon Smith-Njigba turn into the league’s wide receiving yards king in 2025.

Overall, the Ravens will have plenty of options for their next head coach considering the stability of the organization and the presence of two-time league MVP.

They’ll likely want to make their decision sooner rather than later as the offseason gets into full swing.

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The Ravens will bring in former Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury for a head coaching interview on Monday morning, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The Athletic’s Dianna Russini first reported that Baltimore showed interest in Kingsbury on Thursday. That was just a few days after Kingsbury and the Commanders parted ways.

Baltimore will also interview Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver on Monday, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

They have also requested to interview Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter following LA’s playoff loss on Sunday.

The Ravens have also interviewed Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph on Thursday.

Baltimore is clearly interested in bringing in defensive-minded head coaching candidates. But Kingsbury stands out from the pack as an offensive genius.

Is Kliff Kingsbury the right head coach for Ravens QB Lamar Jackson?

Kingsbury is a fascinating head coaching candidate to consider for the Ravens job.

Perhaps the most important question about his candidacy is would he be a good fit with Ravens QB Lamar Jackson?

Jackson is still the most important players on the team, even though he has not been much of a factor in 2025. Baltimore’s franchise quarterback battled through multiple injuries this season, which had him not looking like himself.

Kingsbury has experience designing offenses around mobile quarterbacks, especially at the NFL level. He most recently coaching Jayden Daniels with the Commanders. But before that, he was the head coach in Arizona during Kyler Murray’s prime years.

That does not automatically make Kingsbury the right man for the job. But it does give him a significant edge over other candidates.

If the Ravens do hire Kingsbury, it would be a huge commitment to Lamar. And a signal to the rest of the league that Baltimore’s offensive scheme will be changing before the 2026 season.

It will be interesting to see if Kingsbury gains any traction with the Ravens as their search continues this week.

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Nagy, who is 47 years old, has officially completed a first-round interview with the Ravens. He’s become a popular name amongst the teams searching for a new coach, as Nagy has head coaching experience with the Chicago Bears from 2018 through 2021.

“We have completed an interview with Matt Nagy for our head coach position.”

Baltimore is the fourth franchise to interview the current Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator. Matt Nagy has also interviewed for the head coach position for the Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, and Arizona Cardinals.

As for Baltimore, Nagy is the fifth candidate the franchise has interviewed. The Ravens have interviewed Kevin Stefanski, Vance Joseph, Davis Webb, and Klint Kubiak. There is speculation that the front office is interested in potentially interviewing Brian Flores, Kliff Kingsbury, and Robert Saleh as well.

Nagy’s stint as the head coach of the Bears is not remembered fondly. But Nagy was let go by Chicago with a 34-31 regular season record, and helped lead the franchise to two playoff appearances. Matt Nagy’s playoff record, though, is a measly 0-2.

We’ll see what’s in store for the Ravens in due time. There was some buzz that a riff betwen Lamar Jackson and former offensive coordinator Todd Monken sort of led to John Harbaugh’s firing. But there have been some contradicting reports regarding that subject. Regardless, Baltimore is searching for a new head coach after letting go of Harbaugh, and Nagy could be the replacement.

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In an article published on the organization’s official website, the Browns’ Kelsey Russo confirmed the interview’s timing.

“The Browns are interviewing Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken on Saturday for the team’s head coach opening.”

Monken brings more than three decades of coaching experience, including 11 years at the NFL level, and is widely regarded for his offensive acumen. Cleveland requested and received permission earlier this week to speak with Monken amid Baltimore’s own coaching transition and uncertainty surrounding his future with the Ravens.

The Browns are seeking stability after dismissing Kevin Stefanski on January 5 following six seasons at the helm. Under Stefanski, Cleveland posted a 45–56 record with two playoff appearances, but recent struggles proved decisive, including a combined 8–26 mark over the final two seasons. Offensive inconsistency played a central role in the decision, positioning Monken’s resume as a potential catalyst for meaningful change.

Baltimore’s offense under the 59-year-old offensive coordinator ranked second in rushing yards per game during the 2025 season and previously led the league in red-zone touchdown percentage and passer rating. His familiarity with the organization also stands out. Monken served as Cleveland’s offensive coordinator during the 2019 season, overseeing career years from Nick Chubb and Baker Mayfield, though play-calling duties remained with then–head coach Freddie Kitchens.

Saturday’s interview marks the fifth completed meeting for the team during this hiring cycle. Cleveland has already spoken with Tommy Rees, Jim Schwartz, Dan Pitcher, and Aden Durde, as executive vice president of football operations Andrew Berry continues to oversee the search.

As the Browns weigh continuity against transformation, Monken’s interview represents a pivotal data point in determining whether the franchise commits to an offense-first reset or opts for internal familiarity moving forward.

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One of the prevailing rumors immediately after Harbaugh was fired was that the former head coach “lost the locker room”. In other words, the Ravens’ players lost trust in Harbaugh. Insider Adam Schefter dismissed these reports a few days ago. The latest report from Jamison Henley and Jeremy Fowler corroborated this claim, with one team source citing the Ravens’ performance in Week 17.

“There is plenty of speculation about what led to the firing of Harbaugh, but team sources pushed back on the narrative that losing the (Ravens’) locker room was one of the reasons for the move,” Henley and Fowler wrote for ESPN. “Multiple team sources noted how Harbaugh had the team ready to play in Week 17 in Green Bay, pouring 41 points on the Packers.”

One of the sources went so far as to say, “Saying John lost the locker room is bulls—.”

The Week 17 game against the Packers was a critical moment for the Ravens. Their playoff lives hinged on them winning that game. Against one of the better teams in the league, Harbaugh’s team put in arguably their best performance, dominating their NFC North opponents. That, coupled with a Pittsburgh Steelers loss that week, set up a win-or-go-home game between the two in Week 18.

Sadly, the Ravens ended up losing to the Steelers in the most heartbreaking fashion. After a missed extra point by Chris Boswell, Baltimore drove down the field with less than a minute remaining to get into field-goal range. However, kicker Tyler Loop’s 44-yard attempt went wide right, leading to the loss.

The Ravens are now searching for their new head coach. They have already started the interview process, with former Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski as the latest name they’ve interviewed.

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Baltimore announced on Friday that it had officially completed an interview with the former Cleveland Browns head coach. The Ravens are the third team Stefanski has interviewed with, as he’s also spoken with the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders. He is scheduled for an interview with the Tennessee Titans on Saturday.

“We have completed an interview with Kevin Stefanski for our head coach position.”

Upon being fired from the Browns, the common belief is that the 43-year-old head coach is considered one of the top candidates in this year’s cycle. Kevin Stefanski ended his six-year tenure in Cleveland with a 46-58 overall record (1-2 playoff record) and took home two Coach of the Year Awards (2020, 2023).

Teams around the league, including the Ravens, seem to believe in Stefanski’s potential as a head coach. Despite only winning 44.6% of his games with the Browns, many of the faults can be blamed on the front office decisions made by the organization. With one key factor being the trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson, which cost the franchise five total draft picks (three of them being first-rounders) and $230 million of guaranteed money to Watson.

A fresh start with a new team could be exactly what Kevin Stefanski needs to continue his career. With most of his lined-up interviews nearly complete, we should expect to see several organizations schedule a second round interview with him.

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The Ravens recently parted ways with longtime head coach John Harbaugh. The position is viewed as a good one for the next head coach because they have Lamar Jackson as a franchise quarterback.

Kubiak is the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator. And like current Bears head coach Ben Johnson in previous years, his services are highly sought after.

Ravens might be a good fit for Klint Kubiak

First, the Ravens have an established and competitive franchise. That would be a good thing for a first-time head coach. Yes, there would be more immediate pressure.

But Kubiak wouldn’t be in a situation like Jonathan Gannon. After two seasons as a top-notch defensive coordinator for the Eagles, Gannon moved on to a bad franchise and never got off the ground. In three seasons, he finished with a record of 15-36. Gannon was fired earlier this week.

Kubiak is also under consideration for the lead spot with the Cardinals, Falcons, Giants, and Raiders. Of those, only the Falcons appear to be a franchise on the rise.

As an offensive coordinator, Kubiak would have an opportunity to hit the ground running with Jackson as his quarterback. And there appears to be something left in Derrick Henry’s tank as well.

The Ravens are a team that entered the year with Super Bowl aspirations. But poor defensive play sent them spiraling to a bad start. They rebounded but remained inconsistent across the board and missed the playoffs.

Granted, if kicker Tyler Loop makes what has become an NFL chip-shot field goal, Harbaugh would still be the Ravens’ coach.

Kubiak has drawn good reviews for his work with Sam Darnold. The journeyman quarterback didn’t collapse at the end of the regular season. It remains to be seen what Darnold will do in the playoffs. But if the Seahawks reach the Super Bowl, Kubiak’s stature will grow in the eyes of teams who have vacancies. And maybe even among those who don’t.

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During a guest appearance on the “Ryan Ripken Show,” the 59-year-old offensive coordinator claims that he had a good relationship with Jackson. He also says that he’s never seen John Harbaugh have an issue with the eight-year veteran quarterback. Ultimately, Monken is not sure where the speculation of a rift is coming from.

“Lamar and I, to me, had a good relationship,” said Monken. “Could it have been better? Of course. I never… Lamar and I never had an issue. I don’t know where that comes from. John, I never saw Lamar and Coach Harbaugh not have a great relationship. I never saw that. I never saw Coach Harbaugh and any of our players not have a great relationship. Never. Not one time. So, any of that would be news to me. But I don’t know how people feel.”

#Ravens OC Todd Monken says he had no issues with Lamar Jackson, and from what he saw, no players had issues with John Harbaugh.

“I don’t know where that comes from.”

(via @ryanripkenshow)

pic.twitter.com/GQqigbIG1o

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 9, 2026

Several key reporters and NFL Insiders claimed that there was friction between Todd Monken and Lamar Jackson and that John Harbaugh served as a sort of buffer between the two. Speculation grew after some high-end sources reported that Harbaugh’s refusal to fire Monken as OC and hire someone else is what led to Ravens’ owner Steve Bisciotti to fire the 63-year-old head coach.

But Monken’s claim contradicts the previous reports completely. Additionally, ESPN’s Adam Schefter also disputed the reports made about the Ravens’ decision about Harbaugh. It’s a messy situation that’s been caused by contradicting reports, but more information in the coming months could come to light to clear things up about Harbaugh’s firing.

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