Eric DeCosta
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Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta looks on before a 2023 game between Baltimore and the Miami Dolphins.
Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta shocked the NFL by trading for edge rusher Maxx Crosby last week. Now, a national writer thinks the team still has work to do. Jeff Zrebiec from The Athletic detailed the team’s depth and the extent of recent losses.
“To be clear, the exodus wasn’t totally unexpected, nor is it unfamiliar territory for these Ravens. For some of the criticism the Ravens’ front office and coaching staff get locally, the fact remains that other teams show annually at this time of year how much they like and covet Baltimore’s players. ”
“But that didn’t mean the departures didn’t hurt, and the totality of them wasn’t jarring. They also served as a strong reminder of the plethora of challenges general manager Eric DeCosta faces this offseason as he attempts to retool a team that was arguably the most disappointing in the NFL last year and had its longtime coach, Harbaugh, get unceremoniously fired after 18 seasons.”
In the end, the Ravens paid for their success by losing players. Winning and making the playoffs means the roster performs well, so those players want raises. Although the salary cap grows each year, no NFL team can keep every player. The Ravens’ losses have exceeded the NFL compensatory pick system limit of four per season. As of Monday, March 9, Baltimore lost five players.
Ravens players moves so far
In: OLB Maxx Crosby; G John Simpson
Re-signed: QB Tyler Huntley
Out: TE Isaiah Likely (NYG), TE Charlie Kolar (LAC), C Tyler Linderbaum (LV), P Jordan Stout (NYG), RB Keaton Mitchell (non-tendered); OLB Dre’Mont Jones (NE)
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) March 9, 2026
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Losing Linderbaum Exacerbates Line Issue
The Las Vegas Raiders effectively traded Maxx Crosby to the Ravens for center Tyler Linderbaum and two first-round draft picks. Linderbaum, a center, signed a three-year, $81 million contract with the Raiders. Although Baltimore offered more years, the Raiders’ deal had a higher annual salary and allowed Linderbaum to become a free agent before turning 30, giving him a chance at another big contract.
The Ravens also face the loss of right guard Daniel Faalele. Despite Faalele’s struggles last season, losing him leaves Baltimore without two-thirds of its interior line. With no first-round pick this year, the team may look at a second-round option like Texas A&M’s Chase Bisontis, but that doesn’t address the center position. With no player of the caliber of the departed Linderbaum, the team will need to address the issue sooner than later.
Raiders signing C Tyler Linderbaum to 3-year, $81M deal with $60M guaranteed. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/YqetNxQwg9
— NFL (@NFL) March 9, 2026
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Tight End Probably More Than Likely Arose
Losing Isaiah Likely was not unexpected. With his potential, the tight end room was depleted. Charlie Kolar, the third-string tight end, signed with the Los Angeles Chargers. Now, Mark Andrews is the only tight end left.
This could be an issue with the new offensive coordinator, Declan Doyle. He did not call plays for the Chicago Bears. Still, Doyle’s offense, likely influenced by Ben Johnson, used two tight ends who can catch and block. The Ravens must address the tight end position in free agency and the draft to make the offense work.
Charlie Kolar
GettyFormer Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar celebrates a first down.
Safety Issues Spring Up
With Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks as the last line of defense, head coach Jesse Minter’s secondary looks solid. However, depth is an issue. The team lost Alohi Gilman to the Kansas City Chiefs and backup Ar’Darius Washington to the New York Giants. In Los Angeles, Minter often used the nickel defense. Baltimore cannot run this scheme as planned until it adds players at that position.
The first day of free agency hit the Ravens’ depth chart hard, with many players leaving. Despite DeCosta’s praise, many believe he needs to find a way through this expected rough patch and build the team in the manner the head coach wishes.
Isaiah Likely
GettyFormer Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely makes a catch against the Pittsburgh.