Despite being in the fight of their lives for the NFL playoffs, the Baltimore Ravens continued to cross off names on their 2026 free agency list. Their focus remains set on winning out and clinching a playoff berth, but they have done a savvy job of staying ahead of the curve.
Over the offseason, they extended wide receiver Rashod Bateman and safety Kyle Hamilton. More recently, they extended tight end Mark Andrews. Now, it is defensive tackle Travis Jones who inks a new deal. For Andrews and Jones, their extensions come at the perfect time, as they were set to become free agents this upcoming offseason.
While some questioned the decision to make Andrews the priority at tight end, General Manager Eric DeCosta flexed his genius with the Jones contract.
Jones signed a three-year, $40.5 million deal on Thursday and is set to remain a Raven through the 2028 season. Looking at the cost for such a dominant run stuffer, it seems DeCosta got him on an absolute steal.
Ravens fans are lucky to have Eric DeCosta as GM
DeCosta is not perfect. The decisions regarding the team’s inability to find a stable interior offensive line and electric pass rush have been under scrutiny, and rightfully so. However, his extensions almost always come at the right time and right price.
This felt like an obvious move for the Ravens. It was essential to keep Jones in-house, as their defensive line has significant question marks moving forward, with defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike nursing a concerning neck injury. But given the year Jones was having, it was fair to wonder whether the price tag would become too high and whether other teams would eventually outbid Baltimore in free agency. DeCosta did not let them get the chance.
In fact, DeCosta retains Jones on a favorable deal. The 26-year-old will earn an annual salary of $13.5 million, ranking 27th among defensive tackles. Of course, run stuffers earn significantly less than those with electrifying pass-rushing chops, but Jones has flashed the ability to grow as a pass rusher. If he can tap into that potential, the contract will pay off in an even bigger way.
DeCosta likely got a little help in his negotiations due to an issue with the CBA. Jones was on track to be a restricted free agent in the offseason, rather than unrestricted. The NFLPA filed a grievance on the situation, but DeCosta and Baltimore’s front office quickly resolved any issue with the new contract.
Some context to Travis Jones’ deal. He’s playing on the 4th year of rookie contract, but like Rashod Bateman situation in ‘24, Jones didn’t get accrued season as a rookie because an issue with CBA. So Jones was on track to only be an restricted FA after this season.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) December 11, 2025
Having a player like Jones on your side gives the defensive line a huge break. Jones eats double teams for breakfast, which frees up favorable matchups for his teammates along the front. If Madubuike returns, rookie outside linebacker Mike Green continues to develop, and the Ravens land another dangerous weapon on the line, the entire front will benefit.