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Ravens already seeing signs that contract-year pressure is unlocking a new level to one of their starters in 2025

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Kyle Crabbs | Last updated Jul 29, 2025 5:50 PM ET

The Baltimore Ravens have a number of players set to play in a contract year in 2025. Prioritizing which ones actually make it to the season without a new deal is an enviable problem for general manager Eric DeCosta to have — but a challenge none the less. For some, it may be more beneficial for Baltimore to push them with the challenge of earning a new deal all year. For others, the Ravens may know that a strong season will mean the team is shopping for a replacement in the not-too-distant future.

The prospect of a contract year and the pressure it provides is already paying dividends for at least one projected starter. Offensive guard Daniel Faalele assumed a starting position full-time last year for the first time after kicking inside from offensive tackle. Entering into his second year as a guard and the final year of his rookie contract, Faalele is a much leaner version of himself — which could mean wonderful things for his play in 2025.

Faalele is reportedly down 20 pounds this offseason.

Daniel Faalele drops the weight, feeling more comfortable in 2025

Jun 10, 2025; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens guard Daniel Faalele (77) converses with Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Gerad Lichtenhan (78) during an NFL OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

After playing just 356 snaps across his first two seasons in the NFL, Faalele led the Ravens in snaps taken in 2024 (1,107). He's always been a monstrous presence, but the 25-year-old mammoth is going to be playing with a little bit of extra twitch and range this season thanks to his remodeled frame.

"I can feel the difference. Just these past three practices, being able to be out there, be available, and compete at a higher level for longer...unleashing my full potential this year is my goal. So, I'm working towards that, and it's going to be a fun year."

- Daniel Faalele on being lighter in 2025

The full potential version of Faalele would be wonderful news for a Ravens team that is facing some roster turnover at the other guard spot. Patrick Mekari left in free agency after transitioning from right tackle to left guard in the first month of the year in 2024. So getting not only stable play but also added impact can help make life easier for center Tyler Linderbaum amid his efforts to play with the kind of special impact he's capable of.

The full-potential version of Faalele would be great news for him, too. Baltimore has a lot of mouths to feed and the likelihood of the team paying what has become market value for a young starting guard feels a bit unlikely, meaning that the former Minnesota Golden Gopher could potentially cash in for a big contract next spring. We've seen guard spending across the NFL ramp up exponentially in recent years — there's little reason to think teams would slow down now.

It's all in front of Faalele in 2025; both he and the Ravens would benefit greatly from the contract year leap coming together. The good news is the hard part is done now that the weight has been cut. Now it's just time to ball out and reap the benefits.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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