The Baltimore Ravens’ owner, Steve Bisciotti, went into the 2026 offseason with all gas and no brakes. After watching his team’s playoff hopes collapse in a heartbreaking loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18, he knew there was a lot of work to do if Baltimore wanted to be Super Bowl contenders again.
He kicked things off by firing 18-year head coach John Harbaugh, a move that was a stunner to many, but to fans it was a long-awaited decision that needed to be made. His message simply grew stale, and it sounded like some players had enough. Now, the Ravens are searching for a new mind to bring into the building that can reinforce that physical, aggressive energy that the franchise has been known for since its inception.
That new leader is exactly what Baltimore needs. In 2025, it felt like the Harbaugh-led team was growing stagnant. The offense lacked explosiveness, the defense didn’t play that physical brand of football you expect, and the group as a whole failed to showcase a sense of urgency and ability to close out games.
The decision to fire Harbaugh clearly indicates that Bisciotti is done playing around. With this mindset, even bigger things could be on the horizon this offseason.
Ravens’ John Harbaugh firing signals aggressive direction ahead
The first order of business for the Ravens is obviously to retain their own. While the team as a whole failed this season, many of their pending free agents are talented contributors. Some were critical starters, and others were valuable rotational options that offered important depth. After that, though, they need to improve two depleted positions.
The offensive line and pass rush were poor in 2025. The offensive guards failed to provide Baltimore’s quarterbacks a stable pocket from the interior, which was a factor in Lamar Jackson’s injury-hampered season. Pass rush-wise, not only did they fail to tally many sacks, but their lack of pressure allowed opposing offenses to pick apart their secondary.
The free agent market could have some strong guards available: Joe Bitonio, Kevin Zeitler, and Wyatt Teller. On the edge defender front, Trey Hendrickson is the only real star at that spot who could be a complete game-changer. However, there could also be a trade possibility.
If the Las Vegas Raiders are really open to trading Maxx Crosby, General Manager Eric DeCosta has to do everything in his power to land him. The five-time Pro Bowler is exactly what the defense needs and would help them in every facet. If you want to win the Super Bowl, you have to have a lethal pass rush. Crosby is that type of player.
Over the past few years, DeCosta has seemingly neglected to truly address the interior offensive line and pass rush on the free agent and trade market. That needs to change this offseason, and if the Harbaugh firing is any telling, big moves could be coming.