Ravens Handed Interesting Free Agency Grade With Huge 2026 Potential

Baltimore's offseason moves have been solid, but more may be needed to climb in the AFC North.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:56pm

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The Baltimore Ravens have had a decent free agency period so far, making some key moves but also losing important players like Tyler Linderbaum and Isaiah Likely. CBS Sports' Garrett Podell has given the Ravens a B- grade for their offseason, noting they still have needs to address but could see their grade improve if they can re-sign defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike. The Ravens are hoping to bounce back in 2026 after being crippled by injuries last season, but questions remain about their offense without Linderbaum and Likely.

Why it matters

The Ravens are a perennial playoff contender in the AFC North, so their offseason moves are closely watched. Their ability to reload and improve their roster will be crucial to their chances of competing for a division title and making a deep playoff run in 2026.

The details

The Ravens made some key free agent signings, including Trey Hendrickson, but also lost important players like Linderbaum and Likely. They backed out of a trade for Maxx Crosby, only to sign Hendrickson shortly after. The team is hoping that if they can re-sign Madubuike, who suffered a season-ending neck injury in 2025, it would significantly boost their defensive line.

  • The Ravens' free agency period has been ongoing since the start of the new league year in March 2026.

The players

Maxx Crosby

A defensive end who the Ravens were initially set to trade for before backing out of the deal.

Trey Hendrickson

A defensive end the Ravens signed in free agency.

Tyler Linderbaum

An offensive lineman who left the Ravens in free agency.

Isaiah Likely

A tight end who left the Ravens in free agency.

Nnamdi Madubuike

A defensive lineman who suffered a season-ending neck injury in 2025 and is a free agent the Ravens hope to re-sign.

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What they’re saying

“Baltimore still has plenty of needs to address, but at least they have a first-round pick once again after the voided Crosby trade. If they can get two-time Pro Bowl defensive linemen Nnamdi Madubuike to return after suffering a season-ending neck injury, the Ravens offseason grade would certainly climb.”

— Garrett Podell, CBS Sports Writer (CBS Sports)

What’s next

The Ravens will continue to monitor the free agent market and look to address any remaining needs through the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, where they have a first-round pick after the voided Crosby trade.

The takeaway

The Ravens have had a decent free agency period so far, but they still have work to do to improve their roster and position themselves as a top contender in the AFC North. Their ability to re-sign key players like Nnamdi Madubuike and find the right mix of free agent additions and draft picks will be crucial to their success in 2026.