Key offensive line support is sought by the Baltimore Ravens, and an intriguing free agent expresses interest in keeping Lamar Jackson safe.

With Lamar Jackson firmly entrenched as the centerpiece of the Baltimore Ravens’ offense, the front office is acutely aware of the need to bolster the protection around its franchise quarterback. Following a season in which Jackson once again demonstrated his elite dual-threat capabilities—earning his second league MVP—the spotlight now shifts to the trenches, where stability and consistency are urgently required. The Ravens’ offensive line, once a cornerstone of their smashmouth identity, is entering a pivotal period of transition.

The team is actively seeking reinforcements, particularly at the guard and tackle positions. And in an interesting development, a high-profile veteran offensive lineman has publicly thrown his name into the conversation, expressing interest in joining Baltimore and helping keep No. 8 upright.

A Changing Landscape Up Front

Baltimore’s offensive line in 2024 featured a blend of young promise and veteran leadership. However, injuries, free agency losses, and inconsistency plagued the unit throughout the season. Longtime stalwarts like Ronnie Stanley battled durability issues again, while the interior of the line, despite strong play from center Tyler Linderbaum, lacked cohesion.

The departure of guard Kevin Zeitler in free agency left a significant void, both in terms of performance and locker room presence. Left guard John Simpson, though serviceable, didn’t always deliver the kind of reliability needed when facing the likes of Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt multiple times a season.

The Ravens still posted a top-10 offense, but a closer inspection reveals Lamar Jackson often made magic while under duress. According to Pro Football Focus, Jackson was pressured on 37% of his dropbacks in 2024, one of the highest marks among playoff quarterbacks. While his escapability is unmatched, it’s a risky game to play—especially in January football.

Front Office Focus: Protection Priority

General Manager Eric DeCosta made it clear during the NFL Combine and in early offseason press conferences that protecting Lamar Jackson is the team’s No. 1 offensive priority.

“We’ve got a generational quarterback. And as much as he can extend plays and make things happen, we don’t want to keep relying on that,” DeCosta said. “He deserves clean pockets and time to operate. That’s going to be a big part of how we approach this offseason.”

While the Ravens are expected to address offensive line needs through the NFL Draft—possibly with a Day 1 or Day 2 pick—the front office is also eyeing experienced linemen who can contribute immediately. Enter Dalton Risner.

The Risner Revelation

Dalton Risner, the 29-year-old guard who most recently played with the Minnesota Vikings, has reportedly expressed a desire to sign with the Ravens. Risner had an unusual free agency journey last year, remaining unsigned through most of the offseason before finally landing with Minnesota in late September. When given the opportunity, however, he quickly became one of the team’s most reliable interior linemen.

Now a free agent again, Risner is looking to find a home earlier this time around—and Baltimore might be the perfect fit.

In a recent interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio, Risner didn’t mince words when asked about his preferences.

“I want to win, I want to block for a quarterback who gives his team a chance to win every time he touches the football. Lamar Jackson is that kind of player. I’d love to be a part of what they’re building in Baltimore,” he said.

That comment sparked immediate buzz among Ravens fans, many of whom have been clamoring for a tough, savvy veteran to shore up the left guard position. Risner’s tape shows a high football IQ, strong hand placement, and a mean streak in the run game—traits that align well with Baltimore’s physical identity.

Why Risner Makes Sense

The Ravens value versatility, and Risner fits that mold perfectly. While he primarily played left guard in Minnesota and Denver, he has experience at right guard and even tackle in emergency situations. That flexibility is crucial for a team that saw its offensive line reshuffled multiple times in 2024 due to injuries.

Pro Football Focus graded Risner with a 70.1 overall score last season, including a pass-blocking grade of 74.3—an area where Baltimore needs immediate improvement. More importantly, he allowed only one sack over 13 starts, showing consistency in keeping the quarterback clean.

At 6-foot-5, 312 pounds, Risner brings the kind of frame and toughness that could stabilize the line while also mentoring younger players such as Ben Cleveland, Daniel Faalele, and any incoming rookies.

Financially, Risner wouldn’t break the bank either. His 2024 contract with Minnesota was for one year and $4 million. With cap space freed up by recent restructures and the expected post-June 1 cuts, Baltimore should be able to fit him in while still preserving flexibility.

Inside the Locker Room: Jackson Reacts

Although Lamar Jackson has largely stayed out of front office matters during his career, he’s become more vocal about the type of team he wants around him in recent seasons. After hearing about Risner’s interest, Jackson reportedly reached out to team officials to express his support for the potential signing.

A source close to the quarterback said:

“Lamar respects guys who want to work, who want to be physical and bring that edge. He’s all in on someone like Risner joining the team.”

That support matters. As the face of the franchise, Jackson’s preferences carry weight, especially when it comes to decisions that impact his health and long-term success.

Other Options on the Table

While Risner is perhaps the most intriguing option, he’s not the only veteran lineman Baltimore is considering. The Ravens have also been linked to free agent guards Greg Van Roten and Will Hernandez, both of whom bring starting experience and could serve as stop-gap solutions if draft targets don’t pan out.

There’s also the possibility of exploring a trade, especially if a team is looking to offload a veteran guard or tackle for mid-round compensation. DeCosta has been active in the trade market in recent years, and offensive line is one area where opportunity may arise closer to training camp.

Still, Risner offers the cleanest fit—an affordable, high-IQ lineman who’s motivated and fits the system.

Draft Decisions Looming

Of course, much will hinge on how the NFL Draft unfolds. The Ravens hold the 30th overall pick in the first round and have been connected to several top offensive linemen, including:

• Jackson Powers-Johnson (Oregon) – an elite interior lineman who could start immediately at guard or center.
• Zach Frazier (West Virginia) – another versatile center-guard hybrid who would bring toughness and leadership.
• Amarius Mims (Georgia) – a massive right tackle prospect who could push Morgan Moses or eventually succeed him.

If Baltimore opts for one of these players in Round 1, the urgency to sign Risner might lessen. But given the team’s Super Bowl aspirations, doubling up with both a rookie and a proven vet might be the smartest play.

Championship Window: Now or Never?

The Ravens are firmly in a win-now window. They have an MVP quarterback in his prime, a dynamic running back duo, and a defense that consistently ranks among the league’s best. The only lingering question mark is whether the offensive line can hold up when it matters most.

Last year’s playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs illustrated that even the most electrifying quarterback needs protection. Baltimore struggled in pass protection against a ferocious Chiefs front, and Jackson was sacked four times in key moments that stalled potential scoring drives.

Adding Risner won’t single-handedly fix that—but it’s a step in the right direction.

The Fan Pulse

Baltimore fans have rallied around the idea of Risner joining the team, flooding social media with photoshopped images of the lineman in a Ravens uniform. The consensus among fans is clear: they want someone who’s tough, experienced, and eager to be part of the franchise.

Risner himself seems to have taken notice, recently posting a cryptic tweet with a purple heart emoji and a raven GIF.

 Don’t Waste the MVP

If the Ravens are serious about maximizing the Lamar Jackson era, it starts in the trenches. Every broken play he converts is thrilling—but every clean pocket he’s given opens up the full range of the offense, including the deep ball and advanced play-action concepts that offensive coordinator Todd Monken wants to expand.

Dalton Risner won’t be the flashiest signing of the offseason, but he might be the most important. And if he does end up in purple and black, he’ll be stepping into a role that could define the Ravens’ season—and perhaps their Super Bowl hopes.