The Baltimore Ravens have a must-win matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18. Their backs are against the wall, and in just a few days, fans will find out if Baltimore will keep their season alive and punch a ticket to the postseason, or if the team will have to confront their offseason plans earlier than anticipated.
Those offseason plans present a daunting task. The Ravens have a loaded class set to hit free agency once the start of the new league year kicks off in March. Those in need of new extensions include center Tyler Linderbaum, outside linebacker Dre’Mont Jones, and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie. Each of those names seems like an obvious re-signing, but with such a talented list of potential free agents, General Manager Eric DeCosta has his work cut out for him.
One player who will likely play his last regular-season snaps as a Raven in Week 18 is right guard Daniel Faalele. Faalele was a fourth-round pick in 2022, and Baltimore took a swing at his potential. He stood out as a tackle at Minnesota, and his 6-foot-8 frame offered a high ceiling. However, four years into his NFL career, he has been a disappointment.
Daniel Faalele may be playing his last snap in Baltimore in Week 18
The flaws with Faalele were clear coming into the league: he was limited athletically, lacked balance, and failed to control blocks consistently. The Ravens’ coaching staff quickly realized he would not be able to hold up as a tackle at the NFL level, but even with a switch to guard. he has not been able to hide his incompetence.
Faalele has been Baltimore’s starting right guard over the past two seasons. While he was named a Pro Bowl alternate in 2024, he was largely inconsistent throughout the season. This year, it has been much worse for the 26-year-old.
Through 17 weeks, Faalele has posted a 57.2 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus, which includes below-average grades in both pass blocking and run blocking. That 57.2 grade ranks 49th out of 80 qualifying offensive guards.
It has been clear that poor offensive line play, particularly from the guards, has been a thorn in the Ravens' side throughout the 2025 campaign. The lack of protection for quarterback Lamar Jackson has led to a laundry list of lower-body injuries.
DeCosta should be looking to upgrade the offensive line this offseason, and it should start with parting ways with Faalele. Whether it be through trade or free agency, Baltimore must find an answer to that issue. Their best seasons have come when their line was among the NFL’s best, and they should look to get back to that formula in 2026.