The Baltimore Ravens have the biggest opening in their Super Bowl window in 2025. While they always find a way to improve their team every offseason, the one that follows this upcoming year will be brutal.
Unlike the past few months, Baltimore has many All-Pros, Pro Bowlers, and key contributors hitting free agency in 2026. One of those is a crucial piece to the interior offensive line in starting right guard Daniel Faalele.
2024 was the best season of Faalele’s career. He was a key cog in the NFL’s best rushing attack that torched defenses for 3,189 yards on the ground. By the end of the regular season, he was named a Pro Bowl alternate.
However, this breakout comes just as his rookie contract is coming to a close, and general manager Eric DeCosta will have to pay up if he wants to maintain his services in the teeth of the offense.
2025 could be Daniel Faalele’s last season in Charm City
It would be wise to keep Faalele in Baltimore past his rookie deal. The guard situation is looking scary. If left guard Andrew Vorhees does not perform well, the Ravens could be left scrambling to find a suitable replacement for the recently departed Patrick Mekari. In that scenario, losing Faalele could doom the franchise in 2026. Looking at the Ravens’ 2026 free agency class, though, Faalele signing elsewhere looks more and more realistic.
Once the 2025 season comes to a close, Baltimore will be looking at a lengthy list of unrestricted free agents. Along with Faalele, it includes Tyler Linderbaum, Kyle Van Noy, Odafe Oweh, Travis Jones, Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, Ar’Darius Washington, and Jaire Alexander. That also does not even include some key depth pieces. They are going to lose some starters, and they will have to spend their money wisely.
Looking at who Baltimore could lose to free agency, Faalele might not be in their future plans. It is evident that the 25-year-old is a favorite of the coaching staff, but if he continues to elevate his play, he could outprice himself for Baltimore.
Mekari earned a three-year $37.5 million contract from the Jacksonville Jaguars in March. That comes out to $12.5 million annually. If Faalele showcases play anywhere near or above that of Mekari in 2025, he will without a doubt be cashing out on a lucrative payday elsewhere.
Faalele is a crucial piece in Baltimore. Their historic offensive attack last season hinged partly on his efforts up front. If his time as a Raven is up, the loss will hurt, but DeCosta and the front office will find a way to replace him as they do with all players. Whether that gets done in house with a guy like rookie third-round pick Emery Jones Jr., through next year's draft or free agency remains to be seen.