Baltimore Ravens 2026 NFL Season Preview

Doyle inherits a potent run game led by Derrick Henry, who continues to scoff at those expecting him to slow down after 30. Jackson isn’t running as often as he did earlier in his career, but he’s still a highlight reel waiting to happen on every snap. Pro Bowl fullback Patrick Ricard left as a free agent, suggesting that the fullback position, a staple under Harbaugh, has fallen out of favor in Baltimore.

Wide receiver Zay Flowers definitely has not. Flowers had three times as many targets as any other Ravens wide receiver a year ago. The 5-foot-9 Flowers is a decisive route-runner with good hands, and he’s a jitterbug after the catch. Rashod Bateman has yet to really deliver on his first-round draft status, but he remains a home-run threat. Third-year receiver Devontez Walker can stretch the field and could be primed for a big jump.

Signing a 30-something receiver has been as predictable in Baltimore as summertime crab feasts, and despite drafting several pass-catchers, the Ravens will probably add a veteran to the receiving corps.

Tight end Mark Andrews already owns nearly every Ravens receiving record, and the uber-competitive Andrews and Jackson have had an almost telepathic connection since they arrived as rookies together. Andrews also remains one of Jackson’s most trusted third-down targets.

The Ravens’ biggest question on offense is up front after Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum left in free agency. Former Colt Danny Pinter, with seven starts at center over five seasons, might get the first chance to win the job. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley anchors the line, and the Ravens need the 32-year-old to hold up physically. The Ravens used their top draft pick on Olaivavega Ioane as a plug-and-play guard, and veteran John Simpson will likely man the other guard spot. Roger Rosengarten returns at right tackle. New offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford might have the most important job no one is talking about after this unit underperformed a year ago.

Defense

After a blockbuster deal for All-Pro Maxx Crosby fell apart, the Ravens signed free agent Trey Hendrickson to bolster a pass rush that has been a consistent concern in recent years. Former Ravens player and assistant coach Anthony Weaver returns as the new defensive coordinator, although Minter will handle the defensive play-calling, which he did with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Now in his fifth season, Hamilton is the undisputed leader of the defense. Already a three-time All-Pro, Hamilton might play deep safety on one play, fire off the edge as a slot blitzer on the next and line up at inside linebacker on the next. The cerebral Hamilton might be the most fundamentally sound tackler on the team, and he has a bigger impact playing near the line of scrimmage.

The Ravens are guardedly optimistic that Pro Bowl defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike will return after a neck injury early last season left his career in question. Madubuike can blow up the pocket from the interior, as he proved with 13 sacks in 2023. Travis Jones has developed into a top nose tackle, and venerable Calais Campbell has rejoined the team. Campbell might be on a snap count at age 40, but he can still make an impact and is a plus-plus locker room guy.

Hendrickson gives the Ravens a game-wrecker on the edge, something they sorely lacked in 2025. Second-year edge Mike Green is expected to take a big step, and 6-foot-6 Tavius Robinson is a physical presence and good edge-setter against the run. The Ravens hope that Adisa Isaac can finally help after two injury-ravaged seasons, and second-round pick Zion Young could factor in right away.

Roquan Smith again leads the inside linebackers, and Teddye Buchanan opened some eyes as a rookie. He tore an ACL in December, but the team hopes he’ll be back for Week 1. Trenton Simpson remains in the mix, and the team will probably add another veteran who can play special teams.

Marlon Humphrey is back to lead the cornerback group in his 10th season, and he can play in the slot or outside. Nate Wiggins will patrol one side, and Chidobe Awuzie is back after proving to be one of general manager Eric DeCosta’s better under-the-radar signings a year ago. DeCosta has long echoed his former boss Ozzie Newsome’s mantra that “you can never have too many corners,” so the Ravens will probably add at least one veteran.

With Hamilton floating all over the field, 2025 top draft pick Malaki Starks and veteran free-agent addition Jaylinn Hawkins, who had four interceptions for the New England Patriots a year ago, profile as the more traditional safeties. Expect to see all three safeties on the field a lot.

Specialists

Placekicker Tyler Loop has had all summer to think about his shanked 44-yarder on the final play of the regular season that cost the Ravens a playoff spot. Kicking coach Randy Brown, who was instrumental in making Loop the first kicker ever drafted by the Ravens, remains on staff. So the job should still be Loop’s, but he will face plenty of scrutiny. His first potential game-winner will be a huge test.

The Ravens drafted Michigan State punter Ryan Eckley as the presumptive replacement for free-agent departure Jordan Stout.

The Ravens like running backs to handle kickoff returns in the new format, so No. 3 back Rasheen Ali might get the first chance after having that job at times last season. Second-year receiver LaJohntay Wester has some pop as a punt returner.

Final analysis

For an organization that touts tradition and values continuity, this offseason was a jolt. The Ravens have new coaches, new uniforms (sort of) and a new mentality as they enter a new era. Minter worked in Baltimore before, and team officials view him as the perfect link from the past to the future. He inherits a roster and an infrastructure that any new coach would appreciate. An AFC North title and deep playoff run remain realistic expectations. But Minter also inherits this organization’s postseason ghosts. The clock is ticking for Jackson, who will continue to be dogged by the narrative of playoff shortcomings until he writes a different story. Now it’s up to Minter to help him do just that.