The Baltimore Ravens checked a lot of boxes this offseason. They brought back Ronnie Stanley, extended Derrick Henry, added DeAndre Hopkins on a budget deal, and secured their next starting safety in first-rounder Malaki Starks. For most teams, that kind of retooling would be enough to feel confident heading into July... and they should.
But in Baltimore, the bar is higher. Beating up on the AFC North doesn’t mean much if the road ends in Buffalo or Kansas City. That’s been the story too many times. And if there’s one move left that could shift the balance in the AFC arms race, it could mean adding another star to the defense. And one name pops off the page: Jalen Ramsey.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox agrees, writing: “The Ravens also added Chidobe Awuzie in free agency this offseason before using sixth-round picks on cornerbacks Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam. Yet, taking a flier on Ramsey would make sense and would certainly fit Baltimore’s MO. Baltimore has been trying to catch the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl race for several seasons now and couldn’t possibly head into the playoffs with too much cornerback depth.”
Why Jalen Ramsey could be the final piece for Ravens’ Super Bowl run
The Ravens’ current secondary isn’t short on talent. Marlon Humphrey can slide back inside to the slot. Nate Wiggins is coming off a strong rookie campaign and is expected to make a big jump in Year 2. Chidobe Awuzie brings a veteran presence and has starting experience. They also drafted two rookie corners in the 2025 NFL Draft to add even more depth.
But there’s a difference between stability and dominance—and right now, the Ravens have one but not both.
The defense finished 31st in passing yards allowed last season, and while that’s not the whole story, the trend matters. They allowed too many explosive plays early in the year and leaned heavily on the pass rush and Kyle Hamilton’s versatility to hold things together. With Brandon Stephens gone, they’ll need more than steady cornerback play to keep pace with offenses led by Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes.
Ramsey brings versatility, physicality, and experience. He’s played everywhere in the secondary and still has the tools to match up with top targets in both man and zone. Bringing Ramsey in gives the Ravens more than just depth. It backs up everything they’ve done this offseason to chase a title. The Ravens want to win now, and they’ve built most of the roster like a team that believes it.
There’s always risk, but there’s also urgency. The AFC isn’t getting easier. And Baltimore’s window is wide open. If general manager Eric DeCosta wants to slam the door on the rest of the conference, Ramsey’s the move that makes that statement for him.