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Three offseason moves the Ravens must make
The Ravens came up one game shy of the Super Bowl last season with one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. The team lost several key players in free agency, but an influx of youth seems to be the early answer.
With that in mind, here are three more moves Baltimore should make this offseason to remain Super Bowl contenders.
Sign a free-agent offensive lineman
The Ravens lost both of their starting guards, John Simpson (Jets) and Kevin Zeitler (Lions), in free agency and traded right tackle Morgan Moses to the Jets. That means they will have three new starters on their offensive line in 2024.
Baltimore is going to give young players like guard Andrew Vorhees (2023 seventh-round pick) and offensive tackle Roger Rosengarten (2024 second-round pick) chances to win starting jobs.
However, if the team doesn't think they are ready for those roles at the beginning of the season, it would be smart to add a veteran to challenge them and fill those holes in the meantime.
Sign a free-agent wide receiver
The Ravens seemed interested in adding a veteran wide receiver at the beginning of the offseason with a couple of reported visits, but nothing ever came of it.
Baltimore did draft wide receiver Devontez Walker in the fourth round (No. 113), but if the team doesn't want to rush him onto the field or simply wants more depth at the position, dipping back into the open market would make a lot of sense.
Several playmakers have found new homes since the conclusion of this year's draft, but there are still some interesting names available, such as Hunter Renfrow, Allen Robinson, Michael Thomas and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Sign a free-agent safety
The Ravens have one of the better safety tandems in the league in Marcus Williams and Kyle Hamilton, but they must still find a replacement for third safety Geno Stone, who joined the Bengals in free agency.
Stone played a big role in Baltimore's defense, finishing the 2023 season with the second-most interceptions (seven) in the NFL.
The team may opt to turn to Ar'Darius Washington (2021 undrafted free agent) or Sanoussi Kane (2024 seventh-round pick), but there are still some very talented safeties on the open market.
Big-time names like Justin Simmons, Eddie Jackson, Jamal Adams and Micah Hyde highlight the robust group that is there for the taking. At this point of the offseason, they should come at a cheap price too.
More must-reads:
- Ravens QB Lamar Jackson can join elite company after offseason attrition
- NFL schedule release primer: Biggest things to know before next week's unveiling
- The '2012 Baltimore Ravens' quiz
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Steelers undrafted rookie reportedly upset Mike Tomlin before being cut
The Pittsburgh Steelers surprisingly had a few quality undrafted free agents during 2025 training camp and preseason, as many of them have put up an actual fight to make it to the 53-man roster. Unfortunately, there is very little room on the team, so some very tough decisions will have to be made on that front. Guys like Max Hurleman and JJ Galbreath have been stating their case throughout camp and into gameday, giving the coaching staff a good problem. One decision was surprisingly easy, however. During his weekly Q A chat, insider Ray Fittipaldo was asked about undrafted rookie Roc Taylor and why he was let go right after the preseason Week 2 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He spoke about something that happened right before that contest. "[Roc Taylor] actually got in Tomlin's doghouse at the joint practice," Fittipaldo said. "Not sure if that's the sole reason he was cut, but maybe part of it." Fittipaldo would not expand on what happened, but head coach Mike Tomlin saw enough of the rookie before gameday. It looked like Taylor would at least get first dibs on a practice-squad spot if he was released on roster cutdown day, but now, it seems like his chance of developing in Pittsburgh is gone entirely. Now, he is just hoping someone gives him a call for a chance to be on a practice squad elsewhere. It seemed like Taylor's stock was rising after preseason Week 2. Hurleman had a very rough game, and the former Memphis Tigers standout had three receptions for 39 yards against the Bucs. He was the second-leading receiver on the team, only behind Roman Wilson. It looked like he was forcing himself onto a roster spot, but apparently, Tomlin might have just been waiting until after the game to tell him to pack his bags and try again somewhere else. Steelers' recent receiver issues make Taylor cut even more concerning What makes this decision even more rough is the fact that the Steelers have three receivers who are not healthy at all. Calvin Austin III is trying to return after missing multiple weeks of practice with an injury, Ben Skowronek recently developed a toe issue and utility man Jonnu Smith has barely participated in practice since July. Spots were opening up for undrafted rookies to take, but Taylor may have said or done something inexcusable enough to lose that chance. The Steelers entered training camp with questionable wide receiver depth, and now it's only more concerning. Wilson's recent development has been the bright spot of the preseason at that position, as Scotty Miller has been taking over the role of WR3 since the game against Tampa Bay. That's why they brought in another possibly injured veteran, Gabe Davis, for a visit, and now they may be hoping that he does not sign elsewhere. Instead of Taylor taking the opportunity to push for a roster spot, guys like Hurleman and Brandon Johnson will be looking to make the team and stick around as numerous players recover from their injuries. With Davis having another visit on Wednesday and the Steelers playing in the preseason finale on Thursday, he most likely will not be signed until after that game. That means the bubble players can prove to the team that they don't need him. It's not public in regards to what Taylor did to get himself in trouble, but he could have had this prime opportunity to be on an active roster as an undrafted rookie. He could have easily been above Hurleman and Johnson on the depth chart. Instead, he is just hoping he makes any team's practice squad now.
Texas' Arch Manning reacts to grandfather Archie's 2026 NFL Draft prediction
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning should keep his family group chat updated about his decision for the 2026 NFL Draft. He doesn't want it tipping his plans, especially when they're not confirmed. Manning's grandfather, former New Orleans Saints QB Archie, told Texas Monthly his grandson isn't going to declare for the 2026 draft in a story published at the beginning of August. The 21-year-old passer, however, clarified he's keeping his options open. "I don't know where he got that from," Manning said Tuesday, via CJ Vogel of OnTexasFootball. "He texted me and apologized about that, but I'm really just taking it day-by-day right now." Manning attempted just 95 passes in his first two seasons at Texas but is already viewed as a potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft. In a story published Tuesday, The Athletic's Dane Brugler tabbed him as his top QB entering the season. Still, it would reportedly take a special circumstance for Manning to declare for the draft in 2026. He would want to play for a team that has a stable head-coaching situation and front office. Most franchises that are picking near the top of the draft don't have that. More importantly, Manning must prove he's worthy of the No. 1 pick. Despite his family name, he doesn't have a large enough sample size to show he's pro-ready. "If his last name were 'Smith' and he were a three-star recruit instead of a five-star blue-chipper, would he still appear this high early in draft rankings? Who knows," wrote Brugler. "However, what he has put on film so far has been very impressive. Now, scouts need to see it consistently each week, especially against the top opponents on Texas' schedule." Manning faces an elite opponent in Week 1. The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes host the No. 1 Longhorns on Aug. 30 at noon ET (Fox). The QB should probably tell his family to deflect questions about the draft until he's ready to make a decision. Speculation about his future could create even more pressure, which he doesn't need.
Five-time NBA All-Star announces retirement
Former No. 1 overall pick and five-time NBA All-Star John Wall has announced his retirement in a video on social media. “I’ve been chasing a ball since I could barely walk. Driveways, parks, packed gyms, 5:00 am workouts,” Wall said over a video montage of his career highlights. “I gave this game everything I had, from Raleigh to Kentucky to the league. Every jersey I’ve worn meant more than just wins and stats. It was about representing something bigger, and it’s something I couldn’t do without you. “To my family, my mom especially, thank you for all your sacrifices. I hope I made you proud. To my teammates, trainers, and coaches, thank you for believing in me. And to the fans, you made me feel unstoppable. “Today I’m stepping off the court, but not away from the game. Basketball will always be in my life. As new opportunities present themselves, I feel now is the time to walk confidently into my next chapter. Thank you for every cheer, every moment. Retired, but never done, I’m doing it the Wall way.” Drafted first overall by the Wizards in 2010 after earning SEC Player of the Year honors as a freshman at Kentucky, Wall almost immediately emerged as Washington’s full-time starting point guard and finished second in Rookie of the Year voting. The 6’3″ guard, known for his speed and athleticism, remained in D.C. for 10 seasons, receiving five straight All-Star nods from 2014-18, making an All-Defensive team in 2015 and earning All-NBA third team honors (and MVP votes) in 2017. However, a series of leg injuries, including a torn Achilles, slowed down Wall during his last few seasons with the Wizards. He was traded to Houston during the 2020 offseason, but was limited to just 40 appearances across two seasons with the Rockets due to ongoing health issues. Wall’s last season in the NBA came in 2022-23, when he made 34 outings for the Clippers. In total, Wall appeared in 647 NBA regular season games, making 604 starts, and averaged 18.7 points, 8.9 assists and 4.2 rebounds in 34.9 minutes per contest, with a career shooting line of .430/.322/.776. Reporting as recently as December 2024 indicated that Wall hadn’t given up on making an NBA comeback, but after no opportunities materialized this past season, the veteran – who will turn 35 on Sept. 6 – has decided to call it a career. Shortly after Wall made his announcement, the Wizards put out a social media post congratulating him on his retirement and referring to him as “one of our franchise all-time greats.”
Sophie Cunningham's sister calls out WNBA officials
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has not been shy about criticizing WNBA officials, and that trait seems to run in the family. Cunningham’s sister Lindsey had a critical message for the WNBA after Sophie was injured during the second quarter of the Fever’s game against the Connecticut Sun on Sunday. Lindsey Cunningham wrote on X that the league was “pathetic” for “fining players for commenting on your poor officiating” instead of “hiring officials that are able to call a consistent game and protect your athletes.” Sophie Cunningham suffered a season-ending knee injury when Connecticut’s Bria Hartley drove into her knee while trying to get to the basket. Critics felt that Hartley dove into Cunningham’s knee instead of making a basketball play. Cunningham is frequently critical of WNBA officiating and has already received multiple fines this season for it. Presumably, her sister’s commentary will not cost her any money, but one has to be wonder if Sophie’s thoughts are the same. The Fever came from behind to beat Connecticut 99-93 in overtime on Sunday. The win moved them to 19-16 on the year and back into sixth place in the standings.
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