Lamar Jackson
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Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson drops back to pass against the Cinncinnati Bengals during a December 14, 2025 game.
The Baltimore Ravens‘ offense needs help because of their quarterback. Lamar Jackson, as specialized as his skill set is, cannot do it alone. Blocking makes the offense dangerous. ESPN writer Jamison Hensley believes that the team will attack their line issues.
“Sign a guard. The buzz around the combine was that the Ravens would be involved in the interior offensive line market. Last season, Baltimore’s starting guards, Daniel Faalele and Andrew Vorhees, were the weak links of the offensive line. They struggled to protect Lamar Jackson, and both ranked 31st in pass block win rate among guards.”
The struggles of Faalele and Vorhees at guard have exposed a fundamental issue: the Ravens lack reliable interior protection, making them vulnerable to defensive disruptions. Addressing the guard position, whether through the draft or free agency, must be a primary objective if the team wants to maximize Jackson’s abilities and fix the offense. Hensley expects the Ravens to pursue this aggressively.
Throughout Jackson’s career, his arms and legs have led the offense. The Ravens may rely on his health more than other teams do.
Repeatedly, neither Faalele nor Vorhees has provided Jackson the protection he needs, often leading to drives ending with him scrambling on third-and-long. As Jackson approaches 30, it is critical for the Ravens to reconsider forcing him to shoulder so much offensive burden, especially via the run. His pending contract restructuring will free up cap space to spend on multiple positions.
I really hope John is bringing his pet project Daniel Faalele with him to New York so y’all can experience this. https://t.co/0Z9IeB7dA1 pic.twitter.com/gZa7vEZhpJ
— Kip Smithers (@Chughes612) January 24, 2026
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OC Doyle Prefers Movement Over All-Out Sprinting
The team won’t fully restrict Jackson’s mobility, but new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle wants to limit it. In Chicago, Doyle coached Caleb Williams. While not in Jackson’s caliber as a runner, Williams expanded the pocket to throw, buying time for receivers. Cornerbacks can’t cover indefinitely. Receivers can break off routes to help Jackson or, if the safety is up, try for a deep ball. Williams excelled at this, which benefited the Bears.
This is the best throw I’ve ever seen. Caleb Freaking Williams pic.twitter.com/rzmOxd1bqt
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) January 19, 2026
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Two Risky Free Agents Could Solve Interior Issues
The Ravens want to re-sign Tyler Linderbaum with a “market-changing” deal. Linderbaum may test free agency. If he leaves, it could actually help Baltimore, as they need guards. The free agent market has many aging options seeking a last contract.
Two guard options could sign together for less than the team offered Linderbaum: Evan Neal (formerly of the New York Giants) and Mekhi Becton (formerly of the Los Angeles Chargers). Both stand at least six-foot-six and 330 pounds and started at tackle before kicking inside. They bring elite athleticism, which helps with pulls.
However, there are concerns. Becton struggled in Los Angeles, and Neal missed last season. If new offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford succeeds, the duo could become steals and greatly boost the line’s athleticism for pulls and screens.
Spending More Money Nets Better Players
If Linderbaum leaves and Jackson’s contract changes, Baltimore can invest more to make the interior a strength. Dylan Parham (ex-Las Vegas Raider) and Ali Vera-Tucker (ex-New York Jet) would cost about $20 million combined but bring more movement and athleticism. Vera-Tucker is quick and powerful. Despite lacking Neal’s and Becton’s raw power, he’s fundamentally better.
Alijah Vera-Tucker
GettyPotential Ravens free agency target, guard Alijah Vera-Tucker.
Parham can also play a quality guard. He differs from the others: weighing only 225 pounds, he uses superior technique, leveraging speed. He can play center, too, possibly allowing the Ravens to draft a guard.
Dylan Patham
GettyPotential Ravens free agent target, guard Dylan Parham.
Ultimately, the Ravens’ most urgent issue is stabilizing their interior offensive line. This area must be the team’s top priority as they consider changes to the offense and face potential personnel losses.