The Baltimore Ravens didn’t come into free agency with a ton of cap space, but that didn’t stop them from making some key moves.
They locked up Ronnie Stanley, brought back Patrick Ricard and Tylan Wallace, and made their biggest splash by signing DeAndre Hopkins. They also restructured Marlon Humphrey’s contract to create some much-needed cap relief.
But it wasn’t all about additions. The Ravens watched Patrick Mekari and Brandon Stephens cash in elsewhere, cut ties with Marcus Williams and Arthur Maulet, and still haven’t added a veteran cornerback or offensive lineman. There’s still time, but some holes remain.
With a week in the books, it’s time to take stock of the Ravens’ free agency so far. Some came out big winners, while others weren’t as lucky. Let’s break down who’s thriving—and who’s looking over their shoulder.
Free agency winners
DeAndre Hopkins and fortune tellers everywhere
Five years ago, DeAndre Hopkins posted a photo on social media with Lamar Jackson and Derrick henry and captioned the photo: “How many TD’s would this trio total?” Well, we're about to find out. Hopkins now joins Jackson and Henry in the hopes of forming one of the most lethal offenses the NFL has ever seen.
It almost feels like Hopkins saw this coming. Maybe he spoke it into existence, or maybe he didn't, but joining Jackson, Henry, and the Ravens makes him a massive winner. And by association, all fortune tellers everywhere. Give credit when it's due.
Lamar Jackson
Who has two thumbs, has his All-Pro left tackle and offensive coordinator back, and has a new weapon to throw to? Lamar Jackson. It's been an awesome offseason for Jackson thus far, and he's just getting started.
Offensive coordinator Todd Monken is back after elevating Jackson and the Ravens' offense to historic levels. Not only that, but Jackson gets a brand new receiver to throw to, to form a trio with Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. Left tackle? Check. Offensive coordinator? Check. New receiver to throw to? Check. No matter how you slice it, Jackson is a massive winner.
Trenton Simpson's ascension (round two)
Last free agency, Baltimore lost its star linebacker, Patrick Queen, to the Pittsburgh Steelers. There was a contingency in place, and his name was Trenton Simpson. He was heading into his second year and expected to make the leap alongside All-Pro Roquan Smith. He didn't. But now he'll get a second chance.
With Chris Board and Malik Harrison both gone, the Ravens have left the door wide open for Simpson to step up. If he can’t seize the moment now, it’s fair to wonder if Baltimore will start looking for his replacement instead of his backup. It’s up to him to see if he can stick.
Free agency losers
Teams who missed out on Ronnie Stanley
Ronnie Stanley signed a three-year, $60 million deal with the Ravens to remain Jackson's blindside protector for the foreseeable future. Stanley was rumored to have other suitors, such as the Kansas City Chiefs and the New England Patriots. He supposedly left money on the table by re-signing with Baltimore. Ha.
Once the Stanley dream went up in smoke, teams like the Chiefs overpaid for unproven players to make up for it. Good luck with that. Stinks to stink, but missing out on Stanley was a major loss.
Michael Pierce fans and big-man INTs
Michael Pierce gave Ravens fans one of the best moments of the 2024 season when he picked off Bailey Zappe in Week 18. He could have rumbled all the way for a touchdown, but as he hilariously put it, "the bus was out of gas." It was a moment that cemented his status as a fan favorite—and now, it’s also his last.
Pierce is hanging up his cleats after nine seasons, leaving behind a Ravens defensive line that will have to replace his presence in the trenches. His impact in the run game was massive (literally), and Baltimore will need to find someone who can plug the gaps like he did. As for big-man interceptions? We may never see one that good again. Gone but never forgotten.
Devontez Walker's potential playing time
The Ravens selected Tez Walker out of North Carolina in the fourth round in last year's draft. He didn't get much playing time, but when he did, he definitely made the most of it. He only had one catch for 21 yards, but it was an incredible toe-drag touchdown against the Giants, showing fans what is to come.
However, with the addition of Hopkins and the re-signing of Tylan Wallace, expect another quiet season for Walker. His teammates believe in him, and his time will come, but it probably won't be happening in 2025.