Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Eric DeCosta Makes Bold 2026 Claim Regarding Ravens Guard

Originally posted on Baltimore Ravens on SI
By Anthony Miller | Last updated Feb 21, 2026 12:00 PM ET

One massive question about the Baltimore Ravens entering the 2026 offseason is what will happen with the interior offensive line.

Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum and the team are trying to get a new contract worked out before he enters free agency next month, and starting right guard Daniel Faalele is a free agent with a low chance of coming back.

On "The Inner Circle" podcast, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta addressed his feelings about the offensive line and mentioned an intriguing name who could be a starter in 2026.

“Emery Jones is a guy we drafted last year in the third round. We feel really strongly about him being a guy who is going to come in and win a spot for us at the guard spot."

Eric DeCosta gives his vote of confidence to Emery Jones Jr.

Jones started the year injured as he missed the first two-plus months of the NFL season. The Ravens then started easing him onto the offensive line, rotating him in games; he appeared in five contests, with 48 snaps on offense and nine on special teams.

James Lang-Imagn Images

During his 24 pass blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, Jones allowed one quarterback hit and did not allow a sack. He was called for just one penalty in those 48 snaps.

As of right now, Andrew Vorhees appears to be in line to start for the Ravens at left guard, which could mean that, with Faalele a free agent, Jones might step in at right guard. There is the possibility that Baltimore selects a guard in the 2026 NFL Draft, as many mock drafts have the Ravens selecting one in the first round.

Jones has shown promise in his limited NFL snaps, with more progress as a pass blocker. When the Ravens ran the ball to his side, he struggled to stay on his blocks consistently, so that will have to be an aspect of his game he must improve upon in the offseason if he wants to win that starting job.

It is a very telling sign that DeCosta is confident in Jones, suggesting how the Ravens will attack the offseason. The expectation is that the Ravens will either re-sign Linderbaum or sign Buffalo Bills center Connor McGovern in free agency to cover the center position. At guard, it's most likely the draft in addressing that position, as they have other needs to take care of.

Even if the Ravens go guard in the first round, it seems as though Jones has the edge at right guard for now, but he will have to earn his spot in the lineup during training camp.

This article first appeared on Baltimore Ravens on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: