Entering Week 18, the Baltimore Ravens have a ton of work to do. While they are focused on claiming the AFC North crown for a third-straight season, they always look to stay ahead of the offseason curve.
General Manager Eric DeCosta has been hard at work extending key contributors. He extended wide receiver Rashod Bateman and safety Kyle Hamilton ahead of the 2025 campaign. He inked tight end Mark Andrews and defensive tackle Travis Jones to new deals in December. And on Friday, fans learned nose tackle John Jenkins will remain in Charm City for another year.
The 13-year veteran signed the first extension of his career, re-upping his contract with a one-year extension worth in the range of $2 million.
Jenkins has played a major role in Baltimore this season. After a season-ending neck injury to Nnamdi Madubuike and a lack of production from the defensive line, the 36-year-old has stepped up when needed most. He has been a competent starter since Week 4, posting a 67.4 Pro Football Focus grade through 16 games.
This is now the second contract to fall into place on the defensive line, and there should be plenty more in store with a taxing offseason lying ahead. With Jenkins’ extension, there could be a ton of fallout within his position group.
Ravens set for defensive changes after John Jenkins move
The biggest question following Jenkins’ extension surrounds the Madubuike situation. Baltimore has been radio silent since ruling him out for the rest of the year, and while there is reason for significant concern, this move doesn’t exactly affect Madubuike moving forward. The two have different priorities on the defensive front.
The player this really affects is defensive tackle Broderick Washington Jr. Washington has struggled since signing an extension in 2023. This year, he has been out since Week 4 due to an ankle injury, and ultimately missed the rest of the regular season because of an Achilles issue. The Ravens also save over $4 million if they release Washington this offseason.
Regardless of which current defenders stay on the team for 2026, Baltimore still needs a lot of help on the defensive line. Jenkins and Jones form a solid run-stuffing duo, but there has been a desperate need for pass-rush help all year.
Their 28 sacks rank tied for third-worst in the NFL. Most of the problem resides in the lack of pressure along the edge, but opposing quarterbacks have been able to escape pressure in part because of a lack of pushback from the interior.
Friday’s move will be far from the last, and there are several areas that still need a boost if the Ravens are going to reform themselves into a legitimate contender next year.