Ravens 2025 Guide to Free Agency

The Philadelphia Eagles are the Super Bowl LIX Champs and now the collective attention of the 31 teams not celebrating a world championship has turned towards the 2025 NFL Season and Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, CA. Each will have to deal with a list of free agents and salary cap hurdles.

Typically, NFL teams experience significant turnover from one season to the next. Most teams will go through roughly 20% roster attrition. Some players will retire; some will be cut and never play again; some will seek greener pastures in free agency. Trades can shake things up even more, and of course there’s the NFL Draft. Now that’s a lot of moving parts, many of which are influenced by how a team chooses to manage its salary cap.

The new league year begins on March 12 and at that time, the Ravens, like all of the league’s 32 teams, need to be in cap compliance. Any of the team’s free agents will heavily sway roster machinations. As for the Ravens, they have eighteen (18) Unrestricted Free Agents (UFA) and two (2) Restricted Free Agents. In this article, RSR’s Brian McFarland, Dev Panchwagh and Tony Lombardi will huddle together to provide a unique perspective to uncover how GM Eric DeCosta & Co. will handle each of their pending free agents.

[Ravens Current Salary Cap Situation]

RAVENS FREE AGENTS

WR Nelson Agholor (VOID)

2024 Key Stats: 14 games (7 starts); 14 rec, 231 yds, 2 TDs; 37.8% Off Snaps.

2023 Key Stats: 17 games (3 starts, 3 games Inactive); 35 rec, 381 yards, 4 TDs; 51.7% Off Snaps.

Analysis (Dev Panchwagh): Agholor (or “Nelly”) has been a steadying presence for the wide receiver room since his arrival last season. He’s offered some key plays in key moments. At times, the explosion he had in spades is still there in the open field and on downfield catches. However, his value is capped as a No. 4 receiver and the time is probably right to give some young guys like Tylan Wallace and Tez Walker more of a chance.

2024 Contract: 1-year, $3.75M deal.

Cap Implications (Brian McFarland): Agholor is one of the players who were given deals with void years in 2023 when the Ravens were trying to maximum their Cap flexibility to thwart off any potential offer sheets for Lamar Jackson. Due to these void years, there will be $3.283M in dead money on the Salary Cap unless Agholor is signed to an extension before his deal voids on March 3^rd.

Tony’s Take (Tony Lombardi): Nelly’s production dropped from 35 catches in 2023 to 14 grabs in 2024. He’s a nice veteran piece to have in the wide receiver stable but the emergence of Rashod Bateman as a more dependable and available target, diminishes the team’s need for Agholor. The 4th or 5th receiver on the depth chart should be a developmental player. That said, the dead money may persuade DeCosta to consider an extension. But hopefully, that’s nothing more than a momentary lapse of reasoning. It’s time to get younger and cheaper for a player who does little on special teams and had less than a catch per game last season. It was once, “Oh, Nelly!”. Soon it will be “No Nelly!”

LB Chris Board (UFA)

2024 Key Stats: 17 games (1 start), 30 tackles, 1 sack; 14.8% DEF Spans, 80.5% ST Snaps.

Analysis: Board’s return to the team was largely a success. He remained a mainstay on special teams. But he also provided defensive coordinator Zach Orr with a viable option when second-year backer Trenton Simpson’s snaps were reduced. Board rotated with Malik Harrison, mostly in passing situations, and added much-needed disguise technique to boost Orr’s pressure packages.

2024 Contract: 1-year, $1,292,500 Veteran Salary Benefit (VSB) deal.

Cap Implications: Board signed a VSB in 2024 and would likely be in line to sign another such deal, be it in Baltimore or elsewhere.

Tony’s Take: Board was a nice stopgap piece when the Ravens struggled to defend any opponent’s intermediate passing game. He also provides value on special teams. The Ravens are likely to use draft capital on an inside backer but that shouldn’t threaten Board’s status with the team. That said, there’s no need to rush to sign Board before the draft unless he agrees to a VSB deal without guaranteed money.

G Ben Cleveland (UFA)

2024 Key Stats: 17 games (0 starts); 14.4% Def Snaps.

2023 Key Stats: 16 games (1 Inactive); 4.4% Def Snaps

Analysis: Cleveland seemed poised to become the starting right guard when Kevin Zeitler moved on to Detroit. However, in a training camp battle of sorts, it didn’t even seem like Cleveland was ever in the equation. Although he still got some snaps in heavy packages as an extra lineman, Cleveland remained on the bench. It’s hard to say why he wasn’t given a true chance. When he’s played, Cleveland has been a solid pass blocker and has shown decent power at the point. But he simply never put it together to grab a starting job.

2024 Contract: Final year of 4-year, $4.787M rookie deal; $1.5M 2025 Cap number.

Cap Implications: Cleveland is likely going to look for an opportunity to at least compete for a starting job. As such, he’s likely to be in line for a 1-year “prove it” deal, perhaps with playing time incentives included.

Tony’s Take: John Harbaugh wanted Cleveland and personally influenced the 94th overall pick during the 2021 NFL Draft. Making matters worse, Cleveland was selected four picks ahead of Quinn Meinerz who has been an extremely solid player for the Broncos and was named 1st-team All Pro in 2024. The former Georgia Bulldog’s sentence in Harbaugh’s doghouse will finally come to an end. And if Harbs’ apparent disdain for the squirrel-eating giant wasn’t enough to usher him out of town, his recent DUI for blowing a .178 was the final nail in the coffin of his career as a Raven.

LB Malik Harrison (UFA)

2024 Key Stats: 15 games (0 starts, 1 Inactive); 32.8% Def Snaps, 70.7% ST Snaps.

2023 Key Stats: 14 games (8 starts); 21.3% Def Snaps; 73.5% ST Snaps.

2022 Key Stats: 17 games (8 starts); 17.0% Def Snaps; 64.9% ST Snaps.

Analysis: Harrison’s ability to step in as a SAM backer and iLB because of injuries and Simpson’s ineffectiveness, helped to keep the defense afloat. Although he was a liability in pass coverage, Harrison remained effective playing downhill and setting the edge. He’s the player who’ll throw his body around, take on blockers, and set up rushers on stunts. There is a place for players like Harrison who are willing to do the dirty work.

2024 Contract: 1-year, $2,742,500 deal (4-Year Qualifying Contract).

Cap Implications: Harrison signed a 4-Year Qualify Contract in 2024, which reduced his deal down to $1,292,500. Harrison would be in line for such a deal again if re-signed.

Tony’s Take: As mentioned, the Ravens will probably spend a draft pick on an iLB and when they do, it’s tough to justify keeping both Board and Harrison. Board’s versatility makes him the better choice although we must be mindful that the Ravens often allow the draft capital invested in a player to determine their choice. Harrison was a 2020 3rd-round pick. Board was undrafted. I still prefer the better athlete – and that’s Board.

WR Deonte Harty (UFA)

2024 Key Stats: Spent entire 2024 season on Injured Reserve (IR).

Analysis: It was a disappointing season for Harty, who seemed to have the juice to play a part on offense down the field and boost the return game. The former All Pro returner appeared to be a great answer to the return-game, rules change from the league. All that promise went up in smoke before the season even started. Harty never saw the field and chances are, he’s not getting another shot.

2024 Contract: 1-year, $1,292,500 fully gtd VSB deal.

Cap Implications: Harty signed a fully guaranteed VSB deal in 2024 and would likely be in line to sign another such deal. Given that spent the entire season on Injured Reserve (IR), that is likely to happen elsewhere.

Tony’s Take: It pains me to say this as an Archbishop Curley graduate, but Harty, another Curley alum, has got to go. The new kick return rules set up better for a reserve running back than they do a small receiver. And as a punt returner, Deonte just doesn’t have the juice. He lacks top end speed, and his change of direction skills don’t align with his size. Smaller players typically have better quicks. Harty’s homecoming was intriguing. Unfortunately, it was short-lived and now, unnecessary.

WR Diontae Johnson (UFA)

2024 Key Stats: 4 games (1 Suspended); 1 rec, 6 yards, 0 TDs.

Analysis: The Diontae Johnson saga was more soap opera than anything worthwhile on the field. Johnson had a handful of targets, and on his lone catch, he failed to get out of bounds in a two-minute situation. All that resulted in the former Steeler, Panther and now Texan wanting out. And the only reason he came back to the Ravens was purely transactional so the team could potentially recoup a compensatory pick. A talented receiver who can’t seem to get out of his own way.

2024 Contract: 1-year, $1.125M deal after being acquired via trade from Carolina.

Cap Implications: Who knows what kind of deal Johnson will receive after basically wearing out his welcome with 3 team in 2024. He clearly will not be re-signing in Baltimore, but the Ravens will be crossing their fingers that some team will believe they can rehabilitate him and sign him to a deal that averages over $3M per year. If so, Johnson would qualify for the Compensatory Draft pick formula as a UFA loss for the Ravens.

Tony’s Take: When Kansas City loses Marquise Brown or DeAndre Hopkins to free agency (or both), the cap-strapped Chiefs will look for a cheap replacement with upside. Enter Diontae Johnson. Andy Reid doesn’t care if you’re a malcontent or a perp with DV issues if you can help his football team. John Harbaugh on the other hand, doesn’t share his former mentor’s ability or willingness to cure locker room cancers.

QB Josh Johnson (UFA)

2024 Key Stats: 0 games (0 starts).

2023 Key Stats: 0 games (0 starts).

Analysis: Johnson has found a place as the backup quarterback for the Ravens. More an emergency option than anything else, he’s shown he can give the team a spot start. Fortunately, he didn’t see the field because Lamar Jackson avoided injuries. But it might be time for the team to start considering a backup who can give them more if Jackson misses significant time.

2024 Contract: 1-year, $1,377,500 fully gtd VSB deal.

Cap Implications: Johnson will be 39 when the 2025 season begins. Whether he wants to continue to play and/or whether the Ravens want him to return, remains to be seen. If he plays in 2025, he will likely sign another VSB contract.

Tony’s Take: Let’s be honest, the purpose of a backup quarterback in Baltimore is a bit like a fire alarm. In case of emergency, break open glass. Johnson is just a warm body. If the Ravens lose Lamar, they’ll likely lose. It’s that simple. But it would be nice to have a younger QB with mobility waiting in the wings, who could at least help the team tread water until LJ returns and Timothy Leary or Devin Leary, whatever his name is, isn’t that guy! BUT…if the Ravens can’t find that youthful Lamar wannabe, and given their cap situation they refuse to invest much more than the veteran minimum at backup QB, don’t be surprised if No. 17 is on the game day scorecard again in September.

OT Josh Jones (UFA)

2024 Key Stats: 16 games (0 starts); 4.1% Off Snaps.

Analysis: When the Ravens signed Jones, he seemed like a decent bet to possibly compete for one of the starting guard spots. He’s a player who has positional versatility, like Patrick Mekari. As a backup, Jones gave the team viable depth, and he saw some action in heavy packages as an extra blocker.

2024 Contract: 1-year, $1.79M deal.

Cap Implications: Jones was signed to be a back-up LT and thanks to Ronnie Stanley staying healthy all year, Jones rarely saw the field. His deal was for about $500K over the veteran minimum, so he would likely be seeking the same sort of deal in 2025.

Tony’s Take: Jones’ versatility is desirable – it’s a quality the Ravens seek in reserve offensive linemen. He’s a potential insurance policy if the Ravens fail to boost their offensive line in the draft. But if I’m EDC, I’m not signing that insurance policy before the draft unless it’s cancellable. And by that I mean, it can’t include any guarantees. If Jones demands them, then wait until after the draft. Someone of his caliber will be looking for work in late Spring. Jake from State Farm will have to put off this insurance policy for a bit.

CB Christian Matthew (RFA)

2024 Key Stats: Spent the entire 2024 season on Injured Reserve (IR).

Analysis: Matthew’s season was a wash, like Harty. And going forward, the team has other young corners who they should prioritize for development.

2024 Contract: 1-year, $985K ERFA deal.

Cap Implications: The low RFA tender is $3.267M, which is clearly too much for Matthew. As such, Matthew will be non-tender and perhaps the Ravens will look to re-sign him to a minimum deal of $1.1M instead.

Tony’s Take: Matthew has played in a total of 20 games during his 3 seasons in the NFL. He’s bounced around to three different NFL teams and he played at 3 different colleges before being selected by the Cardinals in the 7^th round of the 2022 NFL Draft as a 25-year-old rookie. Teams are consistently lured in by his measurables – until they no longer measure up. There’s a reason that he’s now a 28-year-old corner with very little playing experience. Maybe Christian is a practice squad candidate. Maybe he’s a camp invitee without a guaranteed deal. Maybe we’ve spent more time discussing him here than he’ll spend on an NFL field in 2025. 

OL Patrick Mekari (UFA)

2024 Key Stats: 17 games (17 starts); 89.9% Off Snaps.

2023 Key Stats: 17 games (7 starts); 51.6 Off Snaps.

Analysis: Mekari started every game after being a career utility man for the team. He’s always given the coaching staff comfort knowing he can play any position on the line and is a viable starter when needed. As a starting left guard, Mekari had his moments, particularly in pass pro situations. But where he fell flat was driving defenders off the line to get movement in the running game. That’s simply not Mekari’s game. And although he’s always been steady, the question is, is that good enough?

2024 Contract: Final year of 3-year, $15.45M extension ($5.15M APY); $6.35M 2025 Cap number.

Cap Implications: It will be interesting to see what kind of offers Mekari will receive. In the past couple of years, the Ravens have lost Guards Ben Powers and John Simpson to FA deals that ended up being for a lot more than most expected. If Mekari follows suit, it could very likely mean that he is also headed out of town.

Tony’s Take: Any NFL team would benefit from a player like Mekari, given the right circumstances. But as a full-time starter, his limitations rear their ugly heads. That was apparent in 2024. At 28, Mekari will likely look to at least match the deal he signed in 2022. I just don’t see it happening in Baltimore. It was a nice run for the former California Golden Bear.

CB Trayvon Mullen (UFA)

2024 Key Stats: Spent entire 2024 season on Injured Reserve (IR).

2023 Key Stats: Spent entire 2023 season on the Non-Football Injury List (NFI).

Analysis: Mullen has been more of a reclamation project than anything else. He’s always had the talent but has barely flashed given injuries. He could remain in the mix, but it just seems like the team is better off investing that time into other young CBs.

2024 Contract: 1-year, $1.125M deal.

Cap Implications: Mullen, originally signed in 2023, has spent the last 2 years on NFI and IR. As such, he’s in line for another minimum salary deal (if any).

Tony’s Take: You can’t help the club in the tub – and that’s exactly where Mullen has been for two seasons. His talents may pave the way to a training camp invite, aka camp fodder. Nothing more. 

FB Patrick Ricard (UFA)

2024 Key Stats: 17 games (6 starts); 1 TD; 39.2% Off Snaps.

2023 Key Stats: 17 games (9 starts); 1 TD; 36.9% Off Snaps.

Analysis: One of the best blockers in the league, period, Ricard continued to be an enforcer for the Baltimore offense. Monken has figured out how to deploy Ricard in a way that offers blocking advantages in both the pass game and the run game. He can give the line a boost as an extra blocker, for example. But his true greatness is a lead blocker who can either devastate to cave in the back side or lead a direct path on the front side for Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson. He’s so good as a puller that you almost wonder why Monken doesn’t keep him on the field more than roughly 40% of the time. His value is hard to quantify with numbers. But having a guy who can knock the opponents on their asses, and they must handle it for four quarters is pretty priceless.

2024 Contract: Final year of 3-year, $11.25M deal ($3.75M APY); $5.155M 2025 Cap number.

Cap Implications: Ricard was re-signed in 2022 to a deal that was for far less than many had expected. This time around, with teams using fullbacks less and less, it should be easier to reach an extension. A small pay raise from the $3.75M yearly average of his prior deal will likely get the deal done.

Tony’s Take: Ricard helps to shape the personality of the Ravens offense. While as Dev indicates, his contributions are sometimes difficult to quantify, Monken’s offense isn’t the same without Project Pat. It’s time to extend the project.

WR/KR Steven Sims (UFA)

2024 Key Stats: Claimed on Waivers prior to week 17; 2 games (0 starts).

Analysis: Sims was brought in as an emergency fill in for the return game and incredibly saw playing time in the playoffs given injuries to the WR position. As a chess piece who can do some damage in the open field, Sims is really close to what Harty could have represented.

2024 Contract: 1-year, $1.325M deal.

Cap Implications:  Sims, a late season waiver claim who didn’t really do much of anything to distinguish himself, is likely to sign another modest deal, probably elsewhere.

Tony’s Take: Sims, at times while fielding punts, conjured up unsavory memories of Lamont Brightful, even inside the 10-yard line. Relatively speaking, Sims is a JAG. To put Sims in perspective, I’d take a healthy Harty over him. And as stated above, I’m ready to move on from him too.

OT Ronnie Stanley (VOID)

2024 Key Stats: 17 games (17 starts); 98.1% Off Snaps.

2023 Key Stats: 13 games (13 starts); 64.1%%

Analysis: Stanley accepted a restructured, prove-it type deal, and he came through in a big way for the Ravens when the gamble really needed to pay off. What was especially impressive is how often the former All Pro handled some of the elite pass rushers in the game (like Trey Hendrickson) without help. He looked like the Stanley of old who has some of the most nimble footwork in the league. Stanley was also agile and adept as a run blocker who offensive coordinator Todd Monken unleashed on pulls and traps. Overall, he was close to the player he’s been at his very best and remained healthy.

2024 Contract: 1-year, $7.5M restructured deal, after 5-year, $98.75M ($19.75M APY); $17.168M 2025 Cap number.

Cap Implications: The Ravens and Stanley agreed to a revised contract last year by which Stanley took a $7.5M pay cut. In return Stanley’s 2024 salary was guaranteed and the 2025 year was removed from his contract. Given his injury history, the valuation for Stanley is going to be interesting. A 3-year deal for $16-18M a year would seem to be in the right range, but it only takes one team to mess things up. That said, recent comments by GM Eric DeCosta would seem to indicate that Stanley’s re-signing is, perhaps, imminent.

Tony’s Take: 2024 was the first time in his entire career that Stanley played a full season. The 31-year-old two-time Pro Bowler represents a signing conundrum. In 2024 he proved that he can still play to the level of a near $20M/year player but he’s missed so much time that other GMs could view signing him to a lucrative deal as a career death sentence. The injury history, his familiarity with the Ravens that appeals to his creature comforts, and his relationship with EDC will keep Ronnie on Lamar’s blindside. Yes Virginia, hometown discounts do exist. Let’s take Ronnie Stanley for example…

CB Brandon Stephens (UFA)

2024 Key Stats: 17 games (17 starts); 74 tackles, 11 PD’s, 2 INTs; 92.4% Def Snaps.

2023 Key Stats: 16 games (16 starts); 70 tackles, 10 PD’s, 1.5 sacks; 93.1% Def Snaps.

Analysis: Talk about the tale of two seasons. One of the great enigmas was the 2024 campaign of Stephens. He was among the very best corners in the league in 2023 and plummeted to one of the worst, based on PFF and simply the performance itself. Teams picked on Stephens mercilessly. He couldn’t locate the ball and his technique wasn’t consistent. Stephens competed but the results were still about as bad as you could get. The physical talent isn’t in question – he remains a freak who is explosive and can beat up smaller receivers. He’s also skilled in the blitz game and can play in the box. But the question is, is 2024 more reflective of who he is, or can he be salvaged?

2024 Contract: Final year of 4-year, $6.589M rookie deal; $3.326M 2025 Cap number.

Cap Implications: Stephens looked poised to cash in with another solid season in 2024, but things didn’t go as planned. Now, instead of an upper echelon deal ($15-20M/yr), Stephens is now likely looking at a far lesser deal ($6-10M/yr) or perhaps even a one-year “prove it” deal.

Tony’s Take: Stephens’ 2024 fell off a cliff. Perhaps the loss of DB Coach Dennard Wilson was detrimental to Stephens’ cause, triggering his precipitous decline after a very productive 2023. Maybe the return of Chuck Pagano to the defensive coaching staff could help if Stephens sticks around. And maybe it helps return B-Steve to his level of play in 2023. But that mystery, that intrigue, makes Brandon a risky investment. Pagano could re-ignite Stephens’ innate skills, but the inherent risk only makes sense if the former SMU Mustang accepts a cap-friendly, incentive-laden deal. If not, let some other team overpay while EDC counts his future comp pick chips.

DE Brent Urban (UFA)

2024 Key Stats: 13 games (0 starts, 4 Inactive); 0 sacks; 17.3% Def Snaps.

2023 Key Stats: 17 games (3 starts); 3 sacks; 26.4% Def Snaps.

2022 Key Stats: 16 games (0 starts); 0 sacks; 24.2% Def Snaps.

Analysis: After a successful comeback in 2023, the team brought back Urban for another tour of duty in 2024. He remained a solid piece of the rotation, especially against the run and on early down. Given his length and wingspan, Urban is also a cog on special teams on the field blocking unit.

2024 Contract: 1-year, $1,377,500 VSB deal.

Cap Implications: Urban has been playing on a series of 1-year VSB deals and will likely sign another (here or elsewhere).

Tony’s Take: Urban plays with an uncommon joy and he fills a role at a reasonable price. The Canadian native turns 34 in May and is looking to tackle his 12th campaign in the NFL. If he and Michael Pierce both leave (rumors persist that Pierce may retire), Ravens Wired will never be the same. Another VSB deal please.

WR Tylan Wallace (UFA)

2024 Key Stats: 17 games (0 starts); 11 rec, 193 yards, 1 TD; 24.8% Off Snaps; 56.4% ST Snaps.

2023 Key Stats: 11 games (0 starts); 1 rec, 11 yards, 0 TDs; 1 PR TD; 5.8% Off Snaps, 35.5% ST Snaps.

Analysis: It always seems like when the team gets the ball in Wallace’s hands, he comes through in a spectacular way. Especially when you consider those opportunities aren’t exactly plentiful. Wallace is as clutch as it comes as a returner and receiver. He’s got some Amon-Ra St. Brown to his game — really dangerous as a runner with the ball in his hands. Only real challenge is how to get him involved when Zay Flowers has a similar role in the offense.

2024 Contract: Final year of 4-year, $4.165M rookie deal; $1.226M 2025 Cap number.

Cap Implications: Wallace’s return to the Ravens will likely hinge on interest from other teams, but the Ravens may have an advantage over other teams. Since Wallace has played the last 4 years with the Ravens, he is eligible for a 4-Year Qualifying Contract. Under this rule, Wallace can receive a salary that is reduced by ~ $1.5M for Cap purposes, allowing the Ravens to possibly outbid other teams while keeping Wallace’s Cap number reasonable.

Tony’s Take: Wallace is a player who probably regrets being drafted by Baltimore, a place where receivers’ careers often go to die. If the Ravens move on from Agholor, Wallace will get more reps and as Dev points out, he’s been productive when called upon. It’s time to call upon him a little more. Time for EDC to leverage that 4-Year qualifier advantage Brian’s mentions above, to keep Wallace in purple and black during the 2025 season and beyond.

DB Ar’Darius Washington (RFA)

2024 Key Stats: 17 games (10 starts); 64 tackles, 8 PD’s 1 INT, 1 sack; 64.2 % Def Snaps, 33% ST Snaps.

2023 Key Stats: 2 games (1 start); 11 tackles, 2 PD’s, 1 sack; 9.7% Def Snaps, 33% ST Snaps.

Analysis: The story of Washington’s ascent to a starting safety was one of the true shining moments of the season. He gave the team physicality and an aggressive trigger they haven’t quite had in a long time. Washington was especially good making tackles in the open field and gave the team a relentlessness they lacked. His coverage ability wasn’t at all dynamic, but he’s a pit bull, especially given his smaller stature. It was impressive to see him go toe-to-toe with tight ends like Pat Freiermuth. At a time when the team really needed someone to step up and calm the back end, Washington delivered.

2024 Contract: 1-year, $985K ERFA deal.

Cap Implications: Washington is certainly in line to receive a RFA tender. But as a UDFA, there’s only the right to match an offer sheet with the low RFA tender (approx. $3.267M) and there’s no draft pick compensation. This would be very risky and possibly allow another team to craft an offer sheet that is difficult for the Ravens to match. Instead, the Ravens may be compelled to use the 2nd Round RFA tender ($5.351M). While pricier, the 2nd Round tender would ensure that Washington returns in 2025. All that said, a contract extension would be the best outcome as it would come with a 2025 Cap number that is less than the 2nd Round tender and it would secure Washington’s services into the future.

Tony’s Take: The Ravens are looking to add a safety, not lose one of their most productive ones. Ar’Darius plays bigger than his size and pound for pound is the team’s best tackler. He’s like a poor man’s Tyrann Mathieu. Washington is an instinctive player who has struggled to stay healthy. That wasn’t the case in 2024. Hopefully the two sides land on a win-win deal that keeps him around through 2026. I’m betting that they will.

LB Kristan Welch (UFA)

2024 Key Stats: 15 games (0 starts); 4.1% Off Snaps, 57% Def Snaps.

2023 Key Stats:

Analysis: Welch was brought back mainly for special teams, although he’s still an interesting option for pure play ILB snaps. However, his impact remained minimal at best and it’s a wonder if he’s the type of linebacker worthy of a dedicated special teams role.

2024 Contract: 1-year, $1.125M deal.

Cap Implications: Welch is again looking at signing a minimum salary deal.

Tony’s Take: If Welch returns, he’ll contribute in small ways. If he doesn’t, the Ravens won’t miss him all that much. Right player, right price scenario here. Offer the minimum and move on if Welch is looking for more.

CB Tre’Davious White (UFA)

2024 Key Stats: Acquired in Trade prior to week 10; 6 games (0 Starts; 1 Inactive); 34% Def Snaps.

Analysis: When DeCosta traded for White, it was an afterthought for a lot of people. The former Bill and Ram toiled away in LA, and it seemed like he might be on his last legs. But coming off an Achilles tear, DeCosta had the right intuition that he was poised to get better during the back half of the season. White gave the team an added shot in the arm as a rotational outside corner. His ability to handle bigger receivers like George Pickens particularly paid off in the red area and on boundary shots. All in all, White’s short time with the team was a success and he could be an ideal fourth CB for a team in need of veteran stability.

2024 Contract: 1-year, $1.5M deal.

Cap Implications: White, who played reasonably well down the stretch for the Ravens, is likely to receive a 1-yr “prove it” deal. Teams will want to see if his play with the Ravens was the real thing or if his poor beginning to the season with the Rams was.

Tony’s Take: White is a boundary corner who is better in zone than man. His change of direction skills have diminished with injury and age. He’s now 30 and while he could be a solid reserve if used in a way that aligns with his declining abilities, I’d be hard-pressed to give him any more than what he earned in 2024. And I’d only commit to that after the draft.

2025 Ravens Salary Cap Preview

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