The Baltimore Ravens’ depth will be picked apart this offseason. Many of their pending free agents were either high-volume starters or key depth pieces for the last few seasons. It’s going to be an annoying couple of months, as they’ll watch many of those players depart.
There’s still time to get extensions done, but time is running short. Legal tampering begins on March 9, and free agency officially starts on March 11. Once the market opens, prices are going to be driven up, and some guys will be overpaid.
Even the sleeper free agents could get a big payday once free agency kicks off. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano, tight end Charlie Kolar could be among those who could do better in contract negotiations than people expect.
“The Y tight end market is en vogue. Kolar is a top option in that equation this year. He can block and catch.”
With Kolar potentially gaining steam, the Ravens can’t let him become a free agent.
Ravens can’t let Charlie Kolar depart in free agency
Statistically, Kolar doesn’t really jump off the page. Through four years, he’s totaled 30 receptions, 409 yards, and two touchdowns. He did have a career-best campaign in 2025, but even that was for just 10 receptions, 142 yards, and two touchdowns. However, Baltimore knows better than anyone how much of an impact player he is, and they can’t let other teams figure that out.
Even with his lack of production, Kolar is as sure-handed as anyone on the Ravens’ roster. He was a reliable chain mover when given the opportunity, and played a pivotal role as a run blocker, paving the road for another explosive run game last year. If Baltimore does welcome him back, the 27-year-old should be able to showcase his abilities on a much bigger stage. A fifth-year breakout would certainly be on the table.
With fellow tight end Isaiah Likely also hitting free agency, there could and should be a scenario where Kolar steps into his role in 2026. Likely has made it clear that he wants to return, but acknowledges the NFL is a business. The Ravens may not be able to make a competitive offer based on the money tied down to franchise tight end Mark Andrews, and based on what Likely has said, it sounds like he’s on his way out. Kolar is the perfect replacement.
Baltimore may be able to get away with waiting out the Kolar talks. There are other priorities, including a cap-hit-dimishing deal for quarterback Lamar Jackson and market-setting contract negotiations surrounding center Tyler Linderbaum. It’d be risky, though.
Spotrac projects Kolar to sign a one-year deal worth around $1.7 million, but that feels like a lowball. He's too talented for that little money. He may want to take a prove-it deal, but undoubtedly, if he becomes a free agent, that salary should take a nice jump for Kolar.
Ultimately, Kolar is a vital piece to the Ravens’ offensive attack. He should be on track for ample opportunities if he returns, but money talks in this league, and money should be waiting for him come time for free agency.