A Look at What the Ravens Lost in Free Agency

Last offseason, the Ravens lost 14 players to free agency, eight of whom started at least six games. That allowed Baltimore to pick up the maximum of four compensatory picks for the 2025 NFL Draft, but they still had a ton of snaps to replace.

This year, the damage was minimal: just five players left in free agency, and only two were starters. Once again, the Ravens benefitted from the compensatory pick formula, despite fewer pending free agents. Four of the five departures qualified for the compensatory pick formula with a net gain of three 2026 picks after signing DeAndre Hopkins.

In fact, the Ravens made out like bandits. Patrick Mekari and Brandon Stephens were both expected to qualify for comp picks, but their new APYs exceeded projections to reach a fifth-round value. Malik Harrison and Josh Jones were also somewhat surprising qualifiers, allowing Baltimore’s comp pick machine to keep churning out future draft capital.

Let’s take a look at the Ravens’ departures this offseason and how it will affect the team moving forward.

OL Patrick Mekari

Signed with: Jaguars, $37.5 million over 3 years ($12.5M APY)

Acquired via: 2018 UDFA, signed 3-year extension in 2021

2024 cap hit + role: $6,350,000 for 998 snaps at RT and LG

Analysis: It’s great to see such a strong payday for Patrick Mekari, a former UDFA who grew into a fan-favorite and respected veteran in Baltimore. With at least 10 starts at four different positions, his versatility helped the offensive line weather several injuries over the past six years. The Ravens were unlikely to re-sign Mekari after retaining Ronnie Stanley, especially at that price point. Instead, he’ll take starting-level money from the Jaguars, though it’s unclear what position he’ll play in their offense.  The Ravens, meanwhile, will collect a fifth-round compensatory pick that could become a fourth-rounder depending on Mekari’s playing time in Jacksonville. That’s a good bit of business for Baltimore, who could still stand to upgrade at guard. Andrew Vorhees and Daniel Faalele are the presumptive starters, but the Ravens could bring in some competition via the draft or a cheap veteran signing. Mekari may not have been the most dominant blocker, but his grit and five-position versatility will be missed in Baltimore.

CB Brandon Stephens

Signed with: Jets, $36 million over 3 years ($12M APY)

Acquired via: 2019 third-round pick (#104 overall)

2024 cap hit + role: $3,326,154 for 1,047 snaps at outside CB

Analysis: This is another strong deal for a Ravens starter, closer to what I was expecting for Stephens coming into, but not out of, the 2024 season. His market was projected to be much lower, and the Ravens certainly weren’t in at this price. Stephens’ sticky coverage, physicality, and athleticism are all positives, but his struggles at the catch point too often rendered those traits moot. His best fit might be as a hybrid DB with more opportunities to keep his eyes on the quarterback, but playing in New York opposite Sauce Gardner will likely lead to another season with 100-plus targets. Like Mekari, Stephens should net the Ravens a fifth-round compensatory pick that could be upgraded to a fourth if he matches last year’s playing time. Baltimore will be happy with that draft capital, but they’ll need to replace his snaps in the secondary. However, the versatility of Kyle Hamilton and Marlon Humphrey will give the Ravens more options in finding a fifth starting DB. Internal options include T.J. Tampa on the outside and Arthur Maulet in the slot, but this is another spot the team will need to fortify in the coming months.

LB Malik Harrison

Signed with: Steelers, $10 million over 2 years ($5M APY)

Acquired via: 2020 third-round pick (#98 overall), re-signed in 2024

2024 cap hit + role: $1,292,500 for 372 snaps at LB and 338 snaps on special teams

Analysis: Harrison cashed in on a strong LB market after playing on the 4-year Qualifying Player benefit in 2024. He’s a thumper against the run and core special teams contributor who added OLB versatility during his time in Baltimore, but this is still a solid chunk of change for a linebacker who struggles in coverage. The Steelers have built out a deep linebacker room in which Harrison will likely play an early-down rotational role. Not only did this signing free up the veteran benefit for Patrick Ricard, it also put another compensatory pick on the board for the Ravens. That allowed them to sign Hopkins without losing the better comp picks gained from Stephens and Mekari.

LB Chris Board

Signed with: Giants, $6 million over 2 years ($3M APY)

Acquired via: 2024 FA

2024 cap hit + role: $1,152,500 for 168 snaps at LB and 382 snaps on special teams

Analysis: I would’ve liked to keep Chris Board in Baltimore at this price. He’s a special teams ace who replaced Trenton Simpson on passing downs by the end of the season. That skillset is exactly what the Ravens will need to add to their linebacker room. Board will likely play a similar role with the Giants, who have signed a number of ex-Ravens in Joe Schoen’s tenure. After losing Board and Harrison, Baltimore will need to add linebacker depth this offseason, but they’ve consistently found value at the position over the years.

OT Josh Jones

Signed with: Seahawks, $4 million over 1 year (up to $4.75M)

Acquired via: 2024 FA

2024 cap hit + role: $1,790,000 for 46 snaps as backup OT and sixth OL

Analysis: Jones was Todd Monken’s go-to sixth OL in jumbo packages last season while also backing up both tackle spots. The former will be easier to replace than the latter. Jones is another surprising qualifier for a seventh-round compensatory pick, which will further discourage the Ravens from making any signings before the draft. With Mekari also gone, swing tackle has become one of the team’s sneakier needs heading into the new league year.

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Source: https://russellstreetreport.com/2025/03/24/street-talk/free-agency-losses/