Ravens GM Flattered by John Harbaugh Poaching Free Agents

Baltimore's front office unfazed by former coach luring top players to New York Giants

Mar. 15, 2026 at 10:12am

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Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta expressed no concern over former head coach John Harbaugh signing several key Ravens players to the New York Giants in free agency, stating it's "flattering" that other teams covet their talent. DeCosta said the team will continue focusing on the draft to replenish the roster, with 11 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Why it matters

The Ravens have long been known as one of the NFL's most consistently successful franchises, so it's no surprise that other teams would target their players and coaches. DeCosta's relaxed attitude shows the organization's confidence in its ability to develop talent and maintain a competitive roster, even as it loses some key contributors to division rivals.

The details

Harbaugh, who was fired as Ravens head coach in January, has signed four former Ravens players to the Giants in free agency, including Pro Bowl fullback Patrick Ricard, All-Pro punter Jordan Stout, and tight end Isaiah Likely. DeCosta said he wishes the players well but is not bothered by the losses, stating "People want our players. It's flattering." The Ravens will look to replenish the roster through the draft, where they hold 11 picks in 2026, including the 14th overall selection.

  • Harbaugh was fired as Ravens head coach in January 2026.
  • The Ravens lost several key players to the Giants in free agency in March 2026.

The players

Eric DeCosta

The general manager of the Baltimore Ravens, who expressed confidence in the team's ability to develop talent and maintain a competitive roster despite losing players to division rivals.

John Harbaugh

The former head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, who was hired as the head coach of the New York Giants and has signed several former Ravens players to his new team.

Patrick Ricard

A six-time Pro Bowl fullback who left the Ravens to join the Giants in free agency.

Jordan Stout

An All-Pro punter who left the Ravens to join the Giants in free agency.

Isaiah Likely

A young tight end who left the Ravens to join the Giants in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“People want our players. It's flattering. It means we're doing a good job.”

— Eric DeCosta, General Manager, Baltimore Ravens (yardbarker.com)

“I love those guys, you know, and those players that he's gotten, I love those players. I've been texting a few of those guys [and] I wish them the best.”

— Eric DeCosta, General Manager, Baltimore Ravens (yardbarker.com)

What’s next

The Ravens will hold their pre-draft meetings later this month and into April to finalize their draft board and strategy for the 2026 NFL Draft, where they hold 11 total picks, including the 14th overall selection.

The takeaway

The Ravens' ability to consistently develop top talent is a testament to their scouting and player development, and while losing players to division rivals is never easy, the organization remains confident in its ability to replenish the roster through the draft and continue its run as one of the NFL's most successful franchises.