“Lamar has been one of the leaders of the offseason program. A couple things going on yesterday and today. I do expect him to be back soon. We’ve had some great conversations. [I] know when he’s going to be back, and I’ll probably leave that between me and Lamar,” Minter said during his press conference.

The lack of clarity surrounding the quarterback’s absence created quite a bit of uncertainty. However, there was also no indication of a potential injury to the signal-caller, which certainly would not have been a positive development for the team.

The Ravens fell short of reaching the playoffs last season, and they have taken matters into their own hands to change the course of the franchise. Despite having one of the deepest quarterback rooms in the NFL, the organization continues to place its trust in Jackson to finally deliver the long-awaited Super Bowl title.

Jesse Minter’s options in the QB room

Under new head coach Jesse Minter, the Baltimore Ravens are currently carrying an unusually crowded five-man quarterback room, anchored by superstar Lamar Jackson and locked-in veteran backup Tyler Huntley. With depth charting tightly behind the top two, the real battle lies at the bottom of the roster, where Skylar Thompson, acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers, undrafted Heisman finalist Diego Pavia, and Joe Fagnano are competing for a depth spot.

Carrying five quarterbacks through the summer is highly impractical for practice reps, meaning at least two of them will certainly be cut before the regular season, with the survivors likely fighting for a single No. 3 spot on the practice squad.

First challenges for the Ravens

The Ravens will wrap up their offseason with OTAs on June 1, 2, and 4, followed by Mandatory Minicamp on June 9–10, before rookies report to Training Camp in mid-July and veterans arrive on July 21.

From there, Baltimore transitions straight into a demanding opening stretch of the regular season, starting with a road opener at the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, September 13 (Week 1), followed by their home opener against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, September 20 (Week 2), and culminating in a historic international matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, September 27 (Week 3).

This ranking comes directly from NFL insider Jordan Schultz, who meticulously evaluated every team’s matchups to determine who has the smoothest path to the postseason. In his detailed list, Schultz placed the Ravens in the 6th position for the easiest schedule, while the Chiefs sit in the 10th spot, suggesting both teams could see a high win total this year.

The schedule for Baltimore includes early tests against teams like the Saints and a unique Week 3 trip to face the Cowboys at Maracanã Stadium. Meanwhile, the Chiefs will kick off their campaign under the bright lights of Monday Night Football against the Broncos, followed by a home game against the Colts.

Analyzing the path to the 2026 playoffs

For the Ravens, the middle of the season features a heavy dose of divisional play and a challenging road trip to Buffalo in Week 8. However, facing opponents like the Panthers and Jaguars in the second half of the year should allow Lamar Jackson and company to stay fresh.

The Chiefs’ schedule is bolstered by a Week 5 bye and several high-profile matchups at Arrowhead Stadium, including visits from the Jets and the 49ers. While road games against the Bills and Bengals in the winter will be tough, having the Patriots and Raiders at home during the final stretch provides a clear runway for Patrick Mahomes to navigate another deep playoff run with minimal resistance.

Ultimately, these rankings suggest that the road to the Super Bowl may once again run through Baltimore or Kansas City thanks to their balanced calendars. While no game in the NFL is a guaranteed victory, having a schedule ranked among the bottom third in difficulty gives these elite rosters a larger margin for error as they battle through the physical grind of an 18-week regular season.

They once again face a demanding AFC North schedule, but the team’s list of opponents also includes several heavyweight matchups against contenders from across the conference and beyond.

The road schedule could be even more challenging. Trips to face teams like the Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions will test Jesse Minter‘s roster, which remains built to compete for a Super Bowl.

Who will the Ravens face during the 2026 NFL season?

The Baltimore Ravens will face all three AFC North rivals twice during the 2026 season, while also taking on the AFC South and NFC South as part of the National Football League’s rotating scheduling formula.

They are scheduled to play eight home games and nine road games because AFC teams receive the extra away game in even-numbered seasons. That means the team will once again deal with several difficult road environments while trying to stay among the AFC’s top Super Bowl contenders.

Baltimore’s home schedule includes several marquee matchups at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens are set to host the Los Angeles Chargers in one of the top AFC non-division games of the year.

The Ravens will also play outside the US as they will take on the Dallas Cowboys in Brazil in Week 3, giving them one of the NFL’s marquee international games of the 2026 season.

Home opponents

• Cincinnati Bengals
• Cleveland Browns
• Pittsburgh Steelers
• Jacksonville Jaguars
• Tennessee Titans
• Los Angeles Chargers
• New Orleans Saints
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Away opponents

• Cincinnati Bengals
• Cleveland Browns
• Pittsburgh Steelers
• Houston Texans
• Indianapolis Colts
• Atlanta Falcons
• Carolina Panthers
• Buffalo Bills
• Dallas Cowboys

“I think I would be surprised, but prepared for it, if that’s what they choose to do to us for the fifth straight year,” Zac Taylor said while awaiting the release of the schedule on Thursday. It is clear that the coach wants to bring this game to Cincinnati this season.

On November 25, 2025, during Thanksgiving, the Bengals managed to secure a 32-14 victory at M&T Bank Stadium, snapping a three-game losing streak in primetime against the Ravens. Will the league finally grant them a divisional classic in 2026 at The Jungle?

Bengals look for a revamped and healthy season

Bengals finished the 2025-26 season with a disappointing 6–11 record. A major factor in this outcome was once again the health of Joe Burrow, who missed a significant portion of the season due to a severe Grade 3 turf toe injury and ligament damage suffered in Week 2, which ultimately required surgery.

Heading into the 2026 season, Burrow’s primary focus is on durability and staying on the field, especially after a grueling stretch of recent setbacks that include a torn wrist ligament in 2023 and a strained calf that hampered his early performance that same year.

Confirmed opponents for the Bengals in 2026

After a disappointing season, all efforts are focused on turning things around immediately. Although the exact dates are still unknown, the Cincinnati Bengals already know their opponents, and their trips away from Paycor Stadium look promising for what lies ahead.

Earlier this offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders agreed to send Maxx Crosby to the Ravens in exchange for two first-round picks. The move ultimately fell through after Crosby failed his physical due to concerns regarding a meniscus repair, a twist of fate that directly impacted the Buccaneers.

Jason Licht, general manager of the Bucs, revealed that the failed trade was a “blessing in disguise.” Had the trade been finalized, the Raiders would have held the No. 14 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft—one spot ahead of Tampa Bay. Licht believes the Raiders would have likely selected Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., whom the Buccaneers ultimately secured at No. 15.

“Then I think going back to free agency when, you know, the Raiders-Ravens trade didn’t work out, I think that in some way I’d like to think helped us a little bit. I was a little afraid if the Raiders made that trade, Spytek, he and I are very close, he was taunting me a little bit, hey, we’re sitting right in front of you, I know what you need,” Licht said “And then, you know, Crosby goes back to the Raiders, then the Ravens are sitting there again with their pick, and I know they love their edge rushers, too, so that had me nervous.”

There is a lot of uncertainty regarding Rueben Bain Jr.

Prior to the 2026 NFL Draft, Rueben Bain Jr. was regarded as a top-10 prospect. However, concerns over his arm length (measured at 30 7/8″) caused him to slide down the board to the 15th overall pick.

Scouts describe Bain Jr. as an explosive, NFL-ready edge rusher. Nevertheless, critics believe his lack of length might hinder his ability to disengage from veteran offensive linemen at the professional level.

Bain Jr. famously dismissed these concerns by comparing himself to Mike Tyson, noting that while Tyson wasn’t the longest fighter, “when you felt him, you felt him.” Now, he must prove scouts wrong on the field and show the teams that passed on him that they made a significant mistake.

Will Maxx Crosby be traded?

With the Ravens backing out of the deal, Crosby remains with the Raiders for the 2026 season. While he had reportedly envisioned a future outside of Las Vegas, those plans are now on hold.

Crosby remains an elite pass rusher, but he must deliver an outstanding 2026 campaign. Given the injury concerns raised by Baltimore, he needs a healthy season to prove his long-term value, or his time in Las Vegas may truly be reaching its end.

According to Ian Rapoport, the Ravens are signing Thompson, meaning they will boast a five-man quarterback room. At least for the time being. Roster cuts could—and likely will—be made as the year progresses. Lamar Jackson will command the huddle, with Tyler Huntley expected to be the second-string quarterback.

The third and emergency quarterback throughout the 2026 NFL season will most likely be decided throughout rookie camp, minicamp, and training camp between Joe Fagnano, Diego Pavia, and Skylar Thompson. Both Fagnano and Pavia were signed as undrafted free agents (UDFA) by Baltimore.

Ravens’ QB situation

Although Jackson is the franchise’s solution at quarterback, Baltimore knows better than to leave the position unattended. Jackson is under contract through the 2027 NFL season thanks to the five-year, $260 million extension he signed back in 2023. However, his contract includes a potential out next offseason, per Spotrac, and the Ravens are searching for other answers in case Jackson shocks the world and leaves Charm City.

The signings of UDFAs Pavia and Fagnano serve that purpose. Though his off-the-field issues concern several teams, Pavia was a Heisman Trophy runner-up for a reason, and he might prove to be a reliable quarterback in the NFL. Pavia isn’t the tallest, biggest, or fastest prospect, but he plays with the heart of a lion. One would be amazed to realize how often that proves to be a difference-maker in the league.

If neither UDFA experiment (Pavia and Fagnano) works out, the Ravens can resort to Huntley. Obviously, keeping Jackson in town is priority number one, but Baltimore is still weighing all its options. With a stacked QB class coming up in 2027, the Ravens may have a Plan B to a potential departure from Lamar after all.

More about Skylar Thompson

Thompson was a seventh-round selection by the Miami Dolphins in 2022. Although he signed with the Steelers in 2025, Thompson’s last career appearance came in 2024. So far, he’s played 10 career games, with only 721 passing yards, one passing touchdown, and three interceptions to show for it.

Despite his limited playing time, Thompson has playoff experience under his belt. With Tua Tagovailoa injured, Thompson was named the starting QB for the Dolphins in their Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills in the 2022 postseason. Despite the high-stakes scenario, that was arguably his best game of his career. Thompson threw for 220 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.

“So now he’s in the door, and it’s like, ‘Show us what you can do,’” the head coach said Saturday, via Jamison Hensley of ESPN. “And just like all the undrafted rookies, that’s what I would say.”

The Ravens’ new head coach sees tremendous potential in Pavia, so he will be given the necessary opportunities to prove it. “For us, we see it as an opportunity to bring a player in that could potentially be something, and that’s really what this is for us.”

It is clear that the former Heisman Trophy finalist is coming in to compete for a spot with Joe Fagnano as the second backup behind Lamar Jackson. The primary backup will be the experienced Tyler Huntley.

Minter and Pavia share Vanderbilt connection

Diego Pavia was one of the standout players for the Commodores last season. Jesse Minter previously served as defensive coordinator for the program back in 2021 and is also a well-known friend of Clark Lea. Eventually, their reunion in Baltimore makes sense.

“[Pavia has] had some experiences that are learning experiences that he could learn from and be better from. I don’t think anybody would dispute that,” Minter said. “But when you talk to the people inside that building [at Vanderbilt] and what he’s about as a player, he is showing up early every day and working really hard.”

What Pavia can learn from Lamar Jackson?

After signing a three-year deal with the Ravens, Diego Pavia is poised to compete for the third quarterback spot on the depth chart. Given his dynamic playmaking ability and dual-threat style, Pavia finds himself in the ideal environment to develop his game.

By studying under Lamar Jackson, he can learn how to effectively translate his mobility to the professional level and refine his pocket presence while observing the habits of a two-time league MVP.

Pavia aims to make history as an undrafted rookie

The NFL has a storied history of undrafted players becoming legends, headlined by Kurt Warner, who went from stocking grocery shelves to winning a Super Bowl and two MVP awards. Defensively, Dick “Night Train” Lane set a league record with 14 interceptions in his 1952 rookie season, a mark that still stands today.

Additionally, Warren Moon overcame initial rejection to become the first undrafted quarterback inducted into the Hall of Fame, proving that elite talent can emerge from outside the Draft. Can Pavia join this list and make history in his new chapter with the Ravens?

Pavia is now signed to the Ravens’ 90-man offseason roster. However, his contract has no guarantees, according to many reports, including Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Pavia got no signing bonus and no guarantees in his salary.

Basically, the only financial security that Pavia has is if he gets seriously injured and lands him on injured reserve. If not, this is basically the best deal possible for the Ravens. It’s a prove-it-and-get-paid deal for Pavia.

Ravens updated QB depth chart

Lamar Jackson is obviously the QB1 of the team. He is backed up by Tyler ‘Snoop‘ Huntley, Diego Pavia, and Joe Fagnano. Hence, it’s a battle between Fagnano and Pavia to stay as the team’s third-tier quarterback.

Pavia has one key aspect that could get him the QB3 job over Fagnano. Jackson is highly mobile, just as Snoop Huntley. Pavia fits the mold on being mobile, while Fagnano is considered more of a pure pocket passer.

Pavia’s pros and cons

A highly competitive, dual-threat QB, Pavia had 826 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns in 2025 with Vanderbilt. He was very effective at extending plays and on designed runs. That fits perfectly for the Ravens.

However, Pavia is just 5’9″ and 200 lbs, considered way too undersized for NFL quarterback standards. He also lacks arm strength. Pavia also has some turnover issues. For instance, he had eight interceptions and five games with under 200 passing yards.

“Wonder if there’s one fewer suitor for DJ Reader with Calais Campbell going back to Baltimore,” as Art Stapleton from USA Today stated. Baltimore found the defensive lineman it was looking for in Campbell. With the Ravens likely out of the picture, the Giants may have one less side to worry about.

That is, of course, if the veteran nose tackle and his camp are willing to lower their asking price, as the Giants might be asking Reader for a discount. Moreover, John Harbaugh may rest assured his former NFL organization won’t come out of the dark to snag who’s clearly become the No. 1 target for New York.

The Giants reportedly have a new priority to replace Dexter Lawrence, and it’s Reader. Still, sooner or later, New York will have to put its actions—and wallet— where its words and rumors are.

Why the Ravens may be out on Reader

Harbaugh built a strong defense in Baltimore. Still, first-year head coach Jesse Minter was looking to customize it to his preferences and perhaps put the final touches on it for it to be among the best in the NFL in 2026. With the addition of Campbell, the Ravens secure a veteran defensive tackle who excels when rushing guards.

Campbell isn’t a 0-technique nose tackle like Reader is, but the defensive line in Charm City has no need for such an addition. Baltimore has Travis Jones, who is only 26 and has proven he can do a phenomenal job lined up against centers. However, just as the Ravens may be off Reader’s trail, another suitor may emerge.

Giants may face new competitors

While the Ravens may indeed be content with their latest defensive line addition and leave the market, teams that were in on Campbell may now steer away from the 19-season NFL veteran and closer to another long-tenured DT like Reader. With the likes of Travis Jones and John Jenkins, Baltimore has not one, but two suitable nose tackles.

Other franchises, though, don’t enjoy the same depth on the interior of the defensive line—case in point: the New York Giants. That’s why the G-Men must make a move fast. Otherwise, they may give other organizations enough time to knock on Reader’s door, and there’s no telling what the 31-year-old defensive lineman will answer.

As it stands, New York is confident Reader is waiting for its call, but that may not last forever. And just as one standpoint indicates there is one less team to worry about pouncing on Reader, it could turn out to be the other way around.

Diego Pavia, whose future was up in the air, went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft. While the Ravens “rescued” him by offering a three-year deal, the structure of the agreement may not be as favorable as it appears.

As noted by NFL analyst Ari Meirov, all undrafted rookies sign standard three-year deals. The Ravens initially intended to bring Pavia in for a tryout, but they opted to give him a contract instead to secure him for the summer.

Diego Pavia’s contract with the Ravens puts extra pressure on him

On Monday, reports emerged that the Ravens would bring Diego Pavia in for a tryout. Nevertheless, just a day later, they signed him to a three-year deal in a move that many considered unusual.

The decision reportedly came after other teams showed interest in Pavia. For that reason, the Ravens decided to lock him into a rookie contract; yet, this may not be the best outcome for the quarterback.

Under an undrafted rookie contract, Pavia does not have a secured spot on the final 53-man roster, and the Ravens could release him with a minimal impact on their dead cap.

Can Diego Pavia make it to the final 53-man roster of the Ravens?

Pavia will now compete against Tyler Huntley and Joe Fagnano (out of UConn), who also signed an undrafted free agent contract earlier on Tuesday, to be Lamar Jackson‘s backup in 2026.

According to scouts, Pavia’s size (5’10”) is one of the main reasons he was not drafted. As a 2025 Heisman Trophy finalist, the former Vanderbilt standout now needs to showcase his talent and prove that his skill is more important than his stature.

Flowers’ appeared on the 4th and South podcast and said that John Harbaugh‘s practices were “full pads all the time… Week 17, we’re doing one-on-ones, everybody out there, we’re tired, we’re still going.” Flowers also stated, “That’s why we had a lot of injuries.”

Flowers spoke to Minter and stated that the new Ravens coach assured him that now the practices will be a little easier on your body for players to be fresher in games. Minter was on the Ravens roster as an assistant back in 2017.

Flowers has been quite healthy despite complaints

Flowers said Harbaugh’s regime caused plenty of injuries, however, he has missed just one game in his whole career. The two-time Pro Bowl has been as consistent as a player can be. Having said that, the Ravens as a whole have been quite injured for the last couple of years.

The fact is football is a contact sport, so injuries are bound to happen. However, going full pads, full force every single time will wear on the players, but apparently that was a risk Harbaugh was willing to take.

The Ravens need to bounce back

Last season, the Ravens ended 8-9, missed the playoffs, and had to restructure the whole staff. Harbaugh is gone, offensive coordinator Todd Monken is gone, and defensive coordinator Zach Orr is also gone.

This is a team with a generational quarterback, so expectations are always to win the Super Bowl. Not going to the playoffs is not an acceptable outcome, regardless of injuries. Hence, it’s bounce back season for them.