Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens concluded their season without a Super Bowl 59 appearance.

The Ravens suffered a narrow defeat against the Buffalo Bills, losing 27-25 in the divisional round. Despite outgaining the Bills 416 yards to 273, the Ravens’ three turnovers proved decisive, resulting in 10 points for Buffalo.

“Turnovers matter. Penalties matter. Today, the turnovers were unacceptable,” Jackson stated after the match. “That’s why we lost.”

Jackson is a top contender for the league MVP after making NFL history by throwing for over 4,000 yards and rushing for nearly 900. Yet, the Ravens’ season ended in frustration.

As AFC North champions, the team enters the offseason facing questions on both offense and defense. What are the Ravens’ next steps as they gear up for the 2025 season? YSL News Sports delves into the details.

Key Free Agents for the Ravens

Ronnie Stanley

Stanley is a top-notch left tackle when in good health. According to Pro Football Focus, he permitted only two sacks over 1,089 snaps. He participated in all 17 regular-season games this year, although his ability to stay fit has been an issue.

Patrick Mekari

This versatile offensive lineman can fill various roles on the line. He surrendered just one sack while playing guard this year and is poised to be among the leading free-agent guards.

Patrick Ricard

Ricard is crucial to the Ravens’ tough playing style. The fullback plays a vital role in the team’s strong running game.

Ravens Free Agency Outlook: Three Essential Moves

Enhance Pass Rush

The Ravens placed 29th in pass rush effectiveness, according to ESPN. Kyle Van Noy (12.5 sacks) and Odafe Oweh (10) each achieved double-digit sacks, but the team’s front seven struggled to consistently apply pressure. This lack of quarterback pressure greatly contributed to Baltimore having the NFL’s second-worst pass defense.

With edge rushers Khalil Mack, Haason Reddick, and Josh Sweat entering free agency, Baltimore may look to recruit a veteran pass rusher, as they have previously succeeded in this strategy, evidenced by their signing of Van Noy.

Strengthen Offensive Line

With two crucial free agents in Stanley and Mekari, losing either of them would create a significant gap. Stanley’s performance deserves an extension as he ranks among the elite tackles in the league when he’s healthy.

Pending free agents include Buccaneers guard Ben Bredeson and Steelers guard Nate Herbig, both under 27 years old, who could seamlessly integrate into Baltimore’s offensive line.

Cornerback Position

Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens allowed 906 receiving yards, four touchdowns, and a 106.1 passer rating, ranking him as the least effective among starters, including CB Nate Wiggins and nickel corner Marlon Humphrey. Baltimore requires another quality outside cornerback.

The Ravens selected Wiggins with a 2024 first-round pick, which may indicate a focus on this position in the upcoming offseason through both free agency and the draft. Potential free-agent cornerbacks include D.J. Reed, Carlton Davis, and Charvarius Ward.

Ravens NFL Draft Priorities

Depending on their free agency strategy, the Ravens might have specific draft priorities. Here are the key areas of focus:

• Edge Rusher
• Offensive Line
• Cornerback

The Ravens hold six picks in the 2025 NFL Draft:

• Round 1
• Round 2
• Round 3
• Round 4
• Round 6
• Round 6
• Round 7

Follow YSL News Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.