Cap Crunch Looms as Ravens Face Tough Decisions on Key Free Agents After 2025 Season’s Super Bowl-Or-Bust Expectations
As the Baltimore Ravens prepare for what could be a Super Bowl-or-bust 2025 season, a storm brews just over the horizon. The franchise, built on a foundation of player development, smart drafting, and strategic free-agent signings, now faces one of the toughest roster management periods in recent memory. With a slew of key contributors heading into contract years, the Ravens may be forced to make painful decisions and let several fan-favorite and high-impact free agents walk in 2026.
The Ravens’ current cap structure, while manageable today, becomes significantly more complex heading into next offseason. The team is projected to be close to the salary cap ceiling, with large contracts already on the books—most notably Lamar Jackson’s $260 million deal, signed in 2023, and extensions for All-Pros like Roquan Smith, Mark Andrews, and Ronnie Stanley. As younger stars emerge and demand their own extensions, Baltimore’s financial flexibility will be tested like never before.
Among the most pressing free-agent dilemmas is defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, who is coming off a breakout 2024 season. He recorded 12.5 sacks, became an interior force against the run, and made the Pro Bowl. Baltimore placed the franchise tag on him prior to 2024, preventing him from hitting the open market. But the tag is a temporary fix—and it won’t be cheap to keep him long-term. If he replicates or improves upon last year’s performance, Madubuike could command upwards of $22 million annually, a figure the Ravens may struggle to match.
Then there’s Patrick Queen, the dynamic inside linebacker and former first-round pick, who had the best season of his career in 2024. Playing next to Roquan Smith, Queen was allowed to roam freely, attacking lanes with speed and aggression. However, after declining his fifth-year option and with Smith’s massive contract already on the books, Baltimore may not be able to afford another top-tier linebacker salary. Queen is likely to receive strong offers elsewhere, especially from linebacker-needy teams that can offer him a leadership role and higher financial guarantees.
Wide receiver Rashod Bateman also finds himself at a career crossroads. Injuries slowed his development in previous seasons, but Bateman came on strong in late 2024, forming a reliable trio with Zay Flowers and tight end Mark Andrews. If Bateman continues trending upward, he could seek a contract in line with WR2s across the league, something Baltimore may not be inclined to offer with Flowers and rookie Devontez Walker under team control for several more years. Even if Bateman proves reliable, the Ravens’ history suggests they may prioritize defensive and line play over re-signing mid-tier receivers.
The offensive line could also see major turnover, with both guards Kevin Zeitler and Ben Cleveland entering free agency. Zeitler, the elder statesman of the line, has provided veteran leadership and consistency, but he’ll be 36 entering 2026. The Ravens will have to weigh the benefits of continuity against the need to get younger and cheaper along the offensive front. Cleveland, meanwhile, has yet to live up to his full potential but offers a cheaper option for teams looking for depth. Replacing both starters in one offseason would be a tall task and may force Baltimore to choose one to prioritize.
One under-the-radar free agent that could generate surprising attention is Geno Stone, the safety who filled in admirably during Kyle Hamilton’s occasional absences. Stone led the team in interceptions in 2024 and proved to be a cerebral, versatile defensive back. While not a household name, Stone’s instincts and ball skills make him an attractive option for other teams seeking safety depth or a full-time starter. With Hamilton already a fixture and Marcus Williams under contract, Baltimore may not be able to justify a competitive offer for Stone.
Another special teams and defensive depth casualty may be Malik Harrison, the rotational linebacker who also plays a key role on kick and punt coverage units. Though not a star, Harrison’s contributions have added value across multiple phases. He’s the type of player contending teams often lose—productive, affordable, and versatile—but just outside the list of top contract priorities. If Baltimore has to let go of core special teamers like Harrison, the ripple effects could subtly impact field position battles and team discipline.
Cornerback depth is also at risk, with both Brandon Stephens and Ronald Darby headed toward free agency. Stephens played a pivotal role in 2024, transitioning from safety to corner and thriving in man coverage situations. With Marlon Humphrey’s health always in question and Rock Ya-Sin only under a short-term deal, losing Stephens could create a significant void in the secondary. Darby, a seasoned veteran, was a stabilizing presence but may not be re-signed unless it’s on a minimal deal. Secondary cohesion has long been a strength in Baltimore, but continuity costs money.
The reality is that Baltimore can’t keep everyone—and the front office knows it. Eric DeCosta and his team are already mapping out contingency plans, scouting replacements in the 2025 draft, and identifying potential value signings in next year’s free-agent pool. The Ravens have always relied on compensatory picks as a key part of their roster-building strategy, and that won’t change. Letting players walk, while painful, also positions Baltimore to replenish its roster with young, cheap talent—something that has worked for them time and again.
There’s also a philosophical question at play. The Ravens are no strangers to letting good players leave. It happened with Matthew Judon, C.J. Mosley, and even Terrell Suggs. Baltimore’s system is built to be bigger than individual players. Their player development pipeline—from practice squad call-ups to late-round draft gems—has routinely offset key losses. But with the sheer volume of important contributors on expiring contracts, this could be a test like no other.
Some of the final decisions may come down to how the 2025 season plays out. If Baltimore goes deep into the playoffs—or wins the Super Bowl—some veterans may be more willing to take pay cuts to stay. On the other hand, a disappointing season could prompt a partial reset, with the front office opting to rebuild around its younger core and save cap space. The looming extensions of players like Zay Flowers, Tyler Linderbaum, and Kyle Hamilton will also influence the calculus. Those deals will eat into future cap room and necessitate tough choices now.
The franchise tag could be used again, though it’s rarely a sustainable solution. Only one tag is available each year, and using it on someone like Madubuike or Queen again would push already-expensive costs into the stratosphere. A tag also tends to sour negotiations when used repeatedly, and Baltimore generally prefers to avoid long-term friction with its players.
Ultimately, this is the price of contention. When you draft well and coach even better, players grow into stars—and eventually want to be paid like it. The Ravens are victims of their own success in that regard. But they also have a proven track record of navigating such crossroads without falling off the competitive cliff. The coming months will test that reputation, especially if injuries or regression complicate evaluations heading into the offseason.
In an NFL era where rosters turn over constantly and cap space is king, the Ravens’ 2025 campaign carries even more urgency. They aren’t just playing for a Lombardi Trophy—they’re also playing for the right to retain a roster that’s been carefully constructed over the past several years. For some veterans, it may be their final ride in purple and black. For the front office, it’s a delicate balance between loyalty and long-term sustainability.
Baltimore knows what’s at stake. A deep playoff run would validate their current blueprint. But even in triumph, the toll will be felt in the offseason. The Ravens can only hope the sacrifices ahead are made easier by the sweet satisfaction of raising a championship banner. Until then, the clock is ticking, and every snap in 2025 carries the weight of decisions yet to come.
