The NFL's recent salary cap increase has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for teams across the NFL this offseason. The free agency period is always rich, as teams consistently shell out money to bring in new stars and hope to change the future of their franchise.
For teams like the Baltimore Ravens, they’ll be looking to add depth to an already sturdy roster. However, with their estimated cap space sitting at $12.9 million, general manager Eric DeCosta could afford to reel in a star to further strengthen their dominance on both sides of the football. From key starters to strong depth, let’s look at three players the Ravens could add who could be difference-makers in 2025.
3 free agents the Ravens could bring in with increased cap space
Kevin Zeitler
Zeitler was a mainstay on the Ravens' offensive line from 2021 to 2023. After signing a three-year, $22 million deal in 2021, the 34-year-old was a game-changer and earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2023. Although the run game remained one of the most unstoppable forces in the league, the loss of Zeitler still had an effect. Daniel Faalele, while being named a Pro Bowl alternate, showed some inconsistencies up front, and Patrick Mekari is set to hit free agency this offseason.
Zeitler’s career is certainly nearing its end, but he just turned in one of his best seasons with the Detroit Lions, ranking top five among offensive guards according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). It’s clear the Wisconsin product still has plenty left in the tank, so bringing in a strong veteran starter could improve the team and help mentor young linemen like Andrew Vorhees.
Charvarius Ward
Ward’s contract could be on the more lucrative side, but with a combination of cuts and restructures, the Ravens could submit a competitive offer. It’s clear Baltimore needs a new starting corner on the outside, and Ward could be the guy. In 2023, he was named to his first Pro Bowl and earned second-team All-Pro honors. He proved to be lockdown in coverage and a true ball hawk, intercepting five passes and batting away 23.
While 2024 was a rough season on the field, it was an emotional year off the field for Ward. After the loss of his one-year-old daughter this past season, he’s been open about the effects it has had on him. There’s no doubt Ward is still one of the best corners in the league, and if he opts to leave San Francisco, Baltimore could be the perfect landing spot.
B.J. Hill
While Hill isn’t the flashiest name, he has continuously dominated the trenches throughout his career. After a four-year stint with the Bengals, he became one of the more well-rounded defensive linemen in the league, contributing against both the pass and run. He would fit perfectly into Zach Orr's defense. The Ravens could be looking for a new addition here, as Broderick Washington has been lackluster since his contract extension, and Michael Pierce is getting older and entering the last year of his deal.
Last offseason, several Ravens left for AFC North rivals, including Geno Stone heading to Cincinnati. In this case, the Ravens could get some revenge by adding a strong force to the heart of their defense.