The Baltimore Ravens are set for a culture shift under new head coach Jesse Minter. The team has enforced a youth movement with many intriguing coaching additions. And of course, with several new minds calling the shots on gamedays, the roster is expected to see plenty of changes this offseason.
With the coaching overhaul, the new leadership could be looking to switch things up in several areas. However, the Ravens’ needs remain painfully obvious. The front office cannot afford to overlook the lack of starting-caliber talent at offensive guard and edge rusher, as well as the need for depth at the wide receiver and cornerback spots.
Since he’s developed into an MVP, the name of the game has always been to satisfy quarterback Lamar Jackson. In 2025, Baltimore didn’t do that. Their offensive guard duo of Daniel Faalele and Andrew Vorhees allowed Jackson to take far too many hits, leading to countless injuries over the course of the season. They need proven talent there, and free agency is the perfect place to find it. These three guards could be ideal players to add in the coming months.
3 offensive guards that the Ravens should look to sign in free agency to improve play up front
Kevin Zeitler
This one’s an easy choice. There’s an old saying. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. When the Ravens signed right guard Kevin Zeitler in 2021, they had a stable piece to block for Jackson and company on the interior. He rounded out his three-year tenure in Charm City with a Pro Bowl nod in 2023. Unfortunately, Baltimore let him leave the following offseason, and it was the worst decision they could’ve made.
After an electric season in 2024 with the Detroit Lions, the Ravens had another chance to sign him in the 2025 offseason. They made the same mistake twice, as Zeitler signed a one-year, $9 million deal with the Tennessee Titans. Again, he had a strong season in 2025, and again, he’ll be a free agent this offseason. General Manager Eric DeCosta cannot make the same mistake three times.
The Ravens appear to have rookie offensive lineman Emery Jones Jr. set to take over the left guard spot in 2026. Adding a veteran like Zeitler would be the perfect move to pair alongside him.
Zeitler’s expected market value per Spotrac: one-year, $9.2 million contract
Joel Bitonio
Speaking of veterans, how about adding a seven-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro? Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio could work out pretty well in Charm City.
Just like Zeitler, Bitonio’s career has been a story of consistency. Even in his age-34 season, Bitonio performed at a high level. That’s the exact type of stability the Ravens need. With Jackson in his prime, they need a guy who can come in right away and shift the downward trend that the offensive line has been on. Bitonio can do exactly that.
It’ll be a tough task to lure Bitonio away from Cleveland. He’s spent every season of his 12-year career there. That’s home to him, and the thought of leaving for a division rival would likely leave a bad taste in his mouth. If DeCosta gets the opportunity, though, he needs to strike.
Bitonio’s expected market value per Spotrac: one-year, $12.9 million contract
Zion Johnson
Los Angeles Chargers guard Zion Johnson could be a bit more of a risk, but he’s a younger guy who could bring more stability over a longer stretch than Zeitler or Bitonio.
Through four seasons, Johnson’s been disappointing for a first-round pick, but in 2025, he proved to be a decent starting guard. And at 26 years old, a bright future could be ahead of him, especially if new offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford works his magic.
Johnson could be a mauler on the interior if he continues to improve from his 2025 campaign. It definitely wouldn’t garner a great reaction from the fanbase given his struggles, but under the circumstances, it could be a beneficial move. The Ravens need all the help they can get at guard, and if Johnson’s development keeps trending upward, he could end up being a long-term solution. Again, though, it would be a major risk.
Johnson’s expected market value per Spotrac: three-year, $33.7 million deal