Ravens free-agency tracker: A look at Baltimore’s signings, trades and cuts

G Ben Cleveland (re-signed)
WR DeAndre Hopkins (free agent): One-year deal worth up to $6 million
LB Jake Hummel (free agent): One-year deal
FB Patrick Ricard (re-signed): One-year, $2.9 million deal
QB Cooper Rush (free agent): Two-year, $6.2 million deal with max value of $12.2 million
LT Ronnie Stanley (re-signed): Three-year, $60 million deal ($44 million guaranteed)
WR Tylan Wallace (re-signed): One-year deal worth up to $2.25 million

S Marcus Williams

March 16

Ravens agree to 2-year, $6.2 million deal with QB Cooper Rush

The Ravens have typically not spent notable money on filling the backup quarterback position, both recently behind Lamar Jackson and going back further behind Joe Flacco. However, Rush, a former Dak Prescott backup in Dallas, gets a nice deal that could be worth as much as $12.2 million if he gets incentives based on play time, starts and wins. The two-year pact includes $4.2 million guaranteed.

Rush replaces Josh Johnson as Jackson’s primary backup. Johnson is a free agent, and the only other quarterback on Baltimore’s roster besides Jackson had been Devin Leary, a 2024 sixth-round pick who spent his rookie season on the practice squad.

Rush, 31, has started 14 games over seven NFL seasons, all spent with the Cowboys. He’s completed 60.7 percent of his passing attempts for 3,463 yards, to go along with 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The Cowboys were 9-5 in games Rush started. That included a 4-4 mark in 2024, when Rush filled in for an injured Prescott and threw 12 touchdown passes and five interceptions.

March 15

Ravens re-sign G Ben Cleveland

Cleveland was a major change of scenery candidate after Baltimore’s 2021 third-round pick got limited opportunities to play while on his rookie contract. Thus, his re-signing is a modest surprise, although Cleveland at least offers depth, which the team is lacking up front. The Ravens lost two versatile offensive linemen, Patrick Mekari and Josh Jones, in free agency and Cleveland has shown he can play multiple positions along the O-line.

The 26-year-old has started seven games over four NFL seasons. It was widely expected that he’d get a chance to earn a starting guard spot last summer, but he never entered the mix.

Cleveland has some legal issues to sort out. He was arrested on Feb. 12 in Georgia and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and failing to stay in his lane. Per reports, he had a 0.178 blood alcohol level, which is more than double the legal limit.

March 13

Ravens restructure CB Marlon Humphrey’s contract, create $13.4 million of salary-cap space

The Ravens were up against the cap and were going to need to create flexibility at some point. They did that by restructuring the contract of Humphrey, the four-time Pro Bowler who is preparing for his ninth NFL season.

As first reported by Russell Street Report, the Ravens trimmed Humphrey’s 2025 salary from $18 million to $1.255 million and converted $16.75 million into a signing bonus. They also added two void years to Humphrey’s deal, which runs through 2026.

Humphrey’s salary-cap number, which had been $25.4 million, dropped to $11.74 million. The restructure doesn’t necessarily portend a big move. It does, however, put the Ravens in position to make more additions.

March 12

Ravens re-sign WR Tylan Wallace to 1-year deal worth up to $2.25 million

Wallace becomes the third Ravens unrestricted free agent to re-sign with the team, joining left tackle Ronnie Stanley and fullback Patrick Ricard. He’s coming off his best NFL season as he posted career highs in catches (11), receiving yards (193) and touchdown catches (one).

The 2021 fourth-round pick has been the quintessential role player for Baltimore. He’s generally made good on limited opportunities in the passing game. He’s a really physical blocker on the outside. He’s also been one of the Ravens’ better special teams players and won a game against the Los Angeles Rams in 2023 with a punt return touchdown in overtime.

Wallace played 268 special teams snaps for the Ravens last year, tied for the fifth most on the team. He’ll likely slot into either the fourth or fifth wide receiver role behind Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and DeAndre Hopkins.

Ravens Flock! Let’s run it back 😈💜 pic.twitter.com/7nAbNifdZA

— Tylan Wallace (@OfficialTylan2) March 13, 2025

Ravens agree to sign LB Jake Hummel to 1-year deal

The Ravens were interested in Hummel to bolster their special teams corps, which lost two of its most active members, linebackers Malik Harrison and Chris Board, in free agency. Hummel played 827 special teams snaps for the Los Angeles Rams over the past three seasons.

Hummel had eight special teams tackles and a blocked punt that led to a touchdown against Buffalo last season. A former college teammate at Iowa State of Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar, Hummel also gives Baltimore some depth at inside linebacker. Not only did the Ravens lose Harrison and Board, but another core special-teamer and inside linebacker, Kristian Welch, remains a free agent.

Ravens give S Ar’Darius Washington cheapest tender

The Ravens placed a $3.26 million right of first refusal tender on restricted free agent Ar’Darius Washington, a move that leaves open the possibility that the safety could go elsewhere following his breakout season. Washington, 25, played in all 17 games in 2024, and his insertion as a starter in late October helped turn around Baltimore’s struggling pass defense.

Washington, though, is free to sign an offer sheet with any other team. The Ravens, who have no other safeties on their roster beyond starter Kyle Hamilton and second-year pros Sanoussi Kane and Beau Brade, would have an opportunity to match the offer. If they don’t, they’d lose Washington and get nothing in return.

The right of first refusal tender is the cheapest one, and the Ravens using it on Washington, who emerged as a key player last year with 64 tackles, two interceptions, a sack and a forced fumble, is the latest proof of just how tight Baltimore is against the salary cap.

If the Ravens had used the $5.35 million second-round tender on Washington, they would have been guaranteed a second-round draft pick if he signed an offer sheet elsewhere, and they didn’t want to match it. Instead, the Ravens opted to save $2-plus million with their tender choice, but that leaves them vulnerable to losing Washington without compensation.

The Ravens also did not tender a contract to restricted free-agent defensive back Christian Matthew or exclusive rights free-agent running back Owen Wright.

Ravens NT Michael Pierce announces retirement

The longtime Raven made the announcement on the Sports Spectrum podcast, saying he was “looking forward to (doing) other things in life.” Pierce, 32, spent nine years in the NFL, with seven in Baltimore.

One of the Ravens’ many undrafted success stories, Pierce made Baltimore’s roster as a rookie in 2016. He established himself as an impactful nose tackle who often garnered double-teams. He left Baltimore in 2020 to sign with the Minnesota Vikings but returned to the Ravens two years later.

Pierce played 99 career games (59 starts) and finished with 238 tackles, 9 1/2 sacks, three forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries. He got his first interception against the Cleveland Browns in Week 18 last season. Otherwise, his final season was injury-plagued as he played in just 11 games and was limited to 23 total snaps in Baltimore’s two playoff contests.

His decision to retire was not unexpected and probably won’t impact Baltimore’s offseason plans too much. With Pierce’s close friend Brent Urban also a free agent, the Ravens were always expected to add to the interior defensive line, and the draft seems to be where they’ll do it.

March 11

Ravens to release safety Marcus Williams, team sources confirm

This move was considered a formality after the two sides reached an agreement on a reworked contract in January that helped facilitate the safety’s exit. Williams will be designated a post-June 1 release, but the altered contract earlier this year allowed Baltimore to gain $9.9 million of immediate salary-cap savings. The Ravens will get an additional $2.1 million of savings after June 1.

This comes after a season in which Williams, 28, lost his starting job in early November and was made a healthy scratch over Baltimore’s final seven games, including both playoff contests. Williams played in 11 games (starting nine) and posted 33 tackles and two pass breakups. He was involved in several secondary breakdowns earlier in the year as a pass defense with many first-round picks and high-priced veterans ranked dead last for a chunk of the season.

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta was widely praised when he signed Williams to a five-year, $70 million deal during the 2022 offseason. Williams was a durable and ball-hawking safety during his first five NFL seasons with the New Orleans Saints. He had three interceptions in his first two games with Baltimore, but Williams’ three-year run with the Ravens will be defined by injury issues — he missed 13 games over his first two years — and a confounding dropoff in play last season.

The expected move affirms Williams as one of DeCosta’s biggest free-agent misses. It also leaves the Ravens thin at safety. The only current safeties under contract are starter Kyle Hamilton and second-year players Sanoussi Kane and Beau Brade. The Ravens are also hopeful that restricted free agent Ar’Darius Washington, who stepped into the starting lineup in place of Williams last season, will return. The Ravens will have a decision to make on Washington by 4 p.m. ET Wednesday.

Ravens to release CB Arthur Maulet

The Ravens released Maulet after a season in which the veteran cornerback was limited to just three games because of injuries. The move, which NFL Network first reported and was expected given Maulet’s age and Baltimore’s tight salary-cap situation, creates $2.25 million of space.

Maulet, 31, originally signed with the Ravens before the 2023 season and became a key member of arguably the league’s best defense. He contributed 37 tackles, two sacks, an interception and two fumble recoveries, and the Ravens signed him to a two-year extension after the season.

However, Maulet sustained a knee injury that required surgery during last year’s training camp. He returned in late October, but then more injury issues arose and he did not return for the rest of the season.

Maulet departs a cornerback group that could have a different look for the 2025 season. Brandon Stephens agreed to terms with the New York Jets in free agency. Tre’Davious White is also an unrestricted free agent, and the Ravens will likely have to target replacements either in free agency or the draft.

Ravens agree to terms with WR DeAndre Hopkins

The Ravens have agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth up to $6 million with the veteran wide receiver, team sources confirmed.

Hopkins, one of the most accomplished wide receivers on the market, comes to Baltimore after splitting last season with the Titans and Chiefs. The 32-year-old had 56 catches for 610 yards and five touchdowns in 16 total games and averaged 10.9 yards per reception, the lowest mark of his career.

The Ravens have been rumored as a potential suitor for years, and Hopkins, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, has spoken excitedly about the opportunity to play with quarterback Lamar Jackson in the past. Jackson suggested to Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta before the 2023 season that the team acquire Hopkins and Odell Beckham Jr. The Ravens signed Beckham, and now two years later they’re adding Hopkins.

Hopkins may have lost a step, but he’s still a strong route runner with reliable hands. He also won’t need to carry a heavy burden for the Ravens, who have Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman at wide receiver and Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely at tight end. Baltimore, though, is lacking in wide receiver depth behind Flowers and Bateman. Nelson Agholor, Tylan Wallace, Diontae Johnson, Deonte Harty and Steven Sims are all pending free agents.

Hopkins is the first outside free agent to sign with the Ravens this offseason.

Ravens agree to re-sign All-Pro FB Patrick Ricard to 1-year deal

Ricard becomes the second Ravens unrestricted free agent to return, joining longtime teammate Ronnie Stanley. His deal will be for roughly $2.9 million as part of a four-year qualifying offer. His deal is fully guaranteed, and the cap hit will be approximately $1.45 million. It amounts to a pay cut for Ricard, who made a base salary of $4 million last year.

A five-time Pro Bowler, Ricard is a vital part of the Ravens’ offense, which led the league in rushing last season. He is widely considered the best lead blocker in the sport, and the Ravens use the 6-foot-3, 300-pound battering ram in a variety of ways. Often, they line him up in front of Derrick Henry, but Baltimore is also comfortable having him on the edge and blocking top pass rushers. He’s made the Pro Bowl in five of the past six seasons, and last year he was named a first-team All-Pro.

Ricard’s return leaves the Ravens with 11 unrestricted free agents.

March 10

OL Josh Jones expected to sign 1-year deal worth up to $4.75 million with Seahawks

The Ravens lost their fifth unrestricted free agent on Day 1 of the legal tampering period when Jones verbally agreed to a one-year deal with Mike Macdonald’s Seattle Seahawks, according to NFL Network. Jones saw action in 16 games with the Ravens last season but started none and played just 46 total offensive snaps. He was mostly used as the sixth offensive lineman in heavy personnel packages.

Still, Jones provided experience and versatility with his ability to play both guard and tackle spots. The Ravens, despite re-signing left tackle Ronnie Stanley, have very little depth at both tackle and guard. Starting left guard and occasional tackle Patrick Mekari agreed to terms with Jacksonville. Backup guard Ben Cleveland is also a free agent.

When Stanley officially signs, the Ravens will have only eight offensive linemen under contract, and three of them have never been active for an NFL regular-season game.

LB Chris Board agrees to 2-year deal worth up to $6 million with Giants

Board’s second stint with the Ravens ends after just one season as he departs for New York, leaving Baltimore even thinner at inside linebacker and with their special teams corps. Board played a team-leading 386 special teams snaps last season and was voted a captain of that unit. He also gave the Ravens some quality snaps as a reserve inside linebacker, his role increasing defensively following Trenton Simpson’s benching.

With him and Malik Harrison leaving, Baltimore has only three inside linebackers: Roquan Smith, Simpson and William Kwenkeu. Kristian Welch, a reserve linebacker and special-teamer like Board and Harrison, is also a pending free agent.

LB Malik Harrison agrees to 2-year, $10 million deal with Steelers

For a second straight year, the Ravens lose one of their linebackers to a division rival. Harrison reportedly agrees to a deal with the Steelers, joining former teammate Patrick Queen in Pittsburgh. Harrison and Queen were part of Baltimore’s 2020 draft class, with Queen going in the first round and Harrison in the third. 

Harrison was a valuable and versatile player for the Ravens, starting 34 games over five seasons and establishing himself as one of the team’s core special-teamers. Harrison had one of his best seasons in 2024, playing in 15 games (starting seven) and making 54 tackles to go along with two sacks and three tackles for loss. His ability to play outside and set the edge against the run while also moving inside made him an important complementary piece of Zach Orr’s defense. He also played the second-most special teams snaps on the team.

CB Brandon Stephens reportedly agrees to 3-year, $36 million deal with Jets

In his season-ending news conference, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta foreshadowed Stephens’ departure, saying the team would allow him to test the market. With 2024 first-round pick Nate Wiggins having such a strong rookie season, the Ravens weren’t expected to be major suitors for Stephens — and certainly not at the price the Jets paid. NFL Network first reported Stephens’ deal.

Stephens, a third-round pick in 2021, started 48 games over four seasons with the Ravens. Mostly a safety early in his career, Stephens was a starting cornerback for the past two seasons and had a very strong 2023. However, he struggled throughout 2024, allowing 926 receiving yards, the second most in football, according to Pro Football Focus.

Stephens’ departure does leave the Ravens extremely thin in the secondary behind projected starters Marlon Humphrey and Wiggins. They have second-year, fourth-round pick T.J. Tampa and injury-plagued Jalyn Armour-Davis as potential reserves.

LG Patrick Mekari agrees to 3-year, $37.5 million deal with Jaguars

Mekari, an undrafted free agent in 2019 who wound up spending six seasons in Baltimore and starting games at every position along the O-line, became the first of the Ravens’ unrestricted free agents to sign elsewhere. He got $20 million in guaranteed money, a nice payday for one of Baltimore’s most versatile and respected players in recent years.

Mekari’s departure was expected after the Ravens re-signed left tackle Ronnie Stanley. The veteran was their free-agent priority over Mekari, and it always seemed unlikely that the Ravens, who are up against the salary cap, had the space to give out two big deals for starting offensive linemen. Baltimore also has a potential internal replacement for Mekari in Andrew Vorhees, who started the first two games of the 2024 season at left guard. The Ravens figure to draft a guard in next month’s draft, too.

Still, Mekari had a nice run for Baltimore, becoming one of its most successful undrafted free agents in franchise history. He got two contracts from the team and started 53 games over six seasons. He started all 19 games for the Ravens last year, and his versatility was one of several reasons why he was such a well-respected and valuable player for the organization.

March 8

Ravens agree to 3-year, $60 million deal ($44 million guaranteed) with LT Ronnie Stanley

Re-signing their No. 1 free agent and most experienced offensive lineman was one of the Ravens’ top priorities heading into the new league year, and they got it done before Stanley was officially able to field offers from other teams. Stanley, 31 next week, was expected to generate significant interest from the tackle-needy teams, which include the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Commanders, and he almost certainly left money on the table to remain in Baltimore.

The return of Stanley, who was selected to his second Pro Bowl last year and played in every regular-season game for the first time in his career, helps the Ravens avoid an offensive line overhaul for a second straight offseason. Last year, they had to replace three starters up front. With Stanley, Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, right guard Daniel Faalele and right tackle Roger Rosengarten all under contract, the Ravens may only have to replace pending free-agent left guard Patrick Mekari.

Baltimore has long prioritized signing its own players before spending big on outside free agents, and Stanley was clearly the Ravens’ biggest-ticket item this offseason. They’ll have to create salary-cap space before Wednesday to be active on other fronts.

(Photo of Cooper Rush: Sam Hodde / Getty Images)