“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).

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?

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media confirmed that Denzel Boston met with the Ravens on Friday. He visited Baltimore after meeting with the Carolina Panthers earlier this week, who are also reportedly interested in acquiring his services. The Ravens also received news on WR Jordyn Tyson’s scouting, so Boston’s visit makes a lot of sense.

Boston is generating substantial interest across the league. The Steelers, Raiders, Browns, and Dolphins are among the clubs that have already met with the former Washington standout during the pre-draft process.

Can the Ravens land Denzel Boston?

It appears that Denzel Boston will be a highly sought-after prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. His red-zone production is particularly attractive to teams, as he recorded 11 receiving touchdowns during the 2025 season with Washington, tying for ninth in the FBS.

With a “big-bodied” archetype (6’4″, 212 lbs), Boston could be the perfect complement to Zay Flowers’ elite speed. According to scouts, he is a “pro-ready” target whose elite ball skills and contested-catch ability could be a crucial addition to any offense.

Baltimore currently holds the No. 14 overall pick in the draft. While Boston is widely considered a top-30 prospect, he could be available when the Ravens are on the clock, though they face stiff competition from other wide receiver-needy teams picking late in the first round.

An offense that may need a new top wide receiver

With Zay Flowers established as a cornerstone, the Ravens are looking to add depth to create a more formidable wide receiver duo. As of today, the future of Rashod Bateman remains uncertain, with trade rumors linking him to the New York Giants and New York Jets as potential landing spots.

The Ravens have remained focused on bolstering Lamar Jackson’s offense in recent years. With a veteran presence in Derrick Henry and an outstanding tight end in Mark Andrews, a dominant boundary receiver like Boston could be the final piece required to achieve a championship.

Recently, Trey Hendrickson joined Jackson, providing a luxury reinforcement at that position on the field. The impact of Clowney’s potential arrival to the Ravens Flock could further boost the roster.

Last seen with the Dallas Cowboys, Jadeveon Clowney is also on the radar of two NFC North contenders: the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears. Where will he ultimately land for the upcoming NFL season?

Clowney’s 2025 season

During the 2025 NFL season, Jadeveon Clowney proved to be a vital mid-season addition for the Dallas Cowboys after signing with the team in September. Despite appearing in only 13 games, the veteran edge rusher remained highly productive, recording 8.5 sacks, 41 combined tackles (24 solo), and 4 passes defended.

Clowney’s impact was particularly felt in the pass rush, where he generated 40 total pressures and forced one fumble. His season was highlighted by a dominant performance in the final week against the Giants, where he racked up 3.0 sacks and a forced fumble, solidifying his status as a top-tier defender even at 33 years old.

His stint in Baltimore

Appearing in all 17 regular-season games in 2023, Clowney matched his career-high with 9.5 sacks and recorded 43 combined tackles, proving to be one of the most efficient veteran signings in the league. His disruptive presence was further highlighted by 19 quarterback hits, 5 passes defended, and 2 forced fumbles, providing the elite edge pressure necessary for Baltimore and Lamar Jackson to secure the AFC’s top seed.

Elite pass rushers for Lamar

Despite missing out on Maxx Crosby, the Baltimore Ravens have solidified their defensive front for the 2026 season. The pass rush is now spearheaded by elite veteran Trey Hendrickson, who serves as the primary edge threat alongside the interior dominance of Nnamdi Madubuike.

This new-look unit will also rely on the continued growth of young talent like Tavius Robinson and Adisa Isaac, ensuring that Lamar Jackson is supported by a relentless and hungry group of rushers as they chase a championship.

In fact, the message is loud and clear, the reason Hendrickson joined the team is because he wants to win the Super Bowl right now. “The standard is high here and I’m excited for that challenge,” Hendrickson said. “Incredible defense, incredible people, and looking forward to this season.”

Hendrickson has 31 years of age, so he knows it’s not like he has forever to wait for that all-elusive Super Bowl ring to come by. Instead, he is chasing the championship, and that’s his main goal before calling it a career. Hendrickson is still a high-impact player.

Hendrickson is not Crosby for one main reason

As a pass-rusher, Hendrickson has nothing to envy from Crosby. The fact is the main and key difference relies on the rushing defense aspect of the game. Crosby is miles better defending the run. That’s the main difference. Now, when you also have linebacker Roquan Smith on the roster, maybe you just want the pass-rusher side of things.

Hendrickson’s 2025 season got cut short due to injury. However, he is a more prolific pass-rusher. Still, the fact is Crosby is just a much more dangerous presence to deal with. The fact is the Ravens are now getting an elite pass-rush, and the run defense will have to be a problem that someone else solves.

The Ravens are a promising defense

The last two years, the Ravens have been a bipolar defensive unit. They usually stink at first, and then turn elite in the second half. The hope is all that changes now that Jesse Minter is the head coach.

Minter is a defensive-minded coach, and he also comes from the Harbaugh coaching tree. He has all the bases to make this unit one of the best in football. Then, let Lamar Jackson and company take the reins on offense.

Hendrickson got quite the deal by the Ravens. Now, the Ravens have released quarterback Cooper Rush, per NBC Sports. The Ravens also re-signed Snoop Huntley to become Lamar Jackson’s backup. Rush had signed a two-year deal, but after just one, his time in Baltimore is up.

Huntley played for the Ravens from his rookie year in 2020 to 2023. He played six games in 2022, starting four of them and that earned him a Pro Bowl selection. After spending the 2024 season in Miami, he went back to Baltimore last year, and it seems like he beat Rush in the QB2 competition.

Huntley had a massive advantage over Rush

Rush is years older than Huntley, but the real disadvantage he faced is his style compared to Huntley’s. Being the backup of Lamar Jackson is no easy feat. He is the fastest, must mobile QB in the NFL. Rush is a pure pocket passer, not that mobile, so when he steps in, the playbook must dramatically change.

As for, Huntley, he is like a mini version of Jackson. He is mobile, he runs quite a lot and the playbook can remain almost exactly the same. Hence, it’s an easier transition. After all, Lamar has missed games in all but one season. Usually, the backup will need to step up for a couple of games.

Baltimore has plenty of cap space to work

After restructuring Lamar Jackson’s contract, signing Trey Hendrickson, and ditching the Crosby trade, Baltimore is in quite a great position. On the Lamar Jackson side of things, that freed up nearly $40 million in cap space. And without the Crosby trade, they kept this year’s and next year’s first round picks.

Hence, now the Ravens have plenty of room to move and keep building their roster. The Ravens are in prime position to continue bringing big-time names as they hope to go on a Super Bowl trip for once in Jackson’s career.

The report came from Adam Schefter on X (@adamschefter): “Tyler ‘Snoop’ Huntley is signing a two-year deal worth up to $11 million to return to the Baltimore Ravens, per his agent Drew Rosenhaus.” The news did not come as much of a surprise, but it was widely expected following John Harbaugh’s departure.

Last season, Huntley had to step in for Jackson while he recovered, once again, from an injury. He appeared in five games, winning two of them. Huntley threw two touchdowns with no interceptions, finishing with a total of 462 passing yards.

Jackson will have all the help he needs

Not only will Jackson have Huntley for longer as his backup quarterback, but the team could also bring in another backup. It’s still unclear whether that will be Cooper Rush or another player. There has been no confirmation yet on whether Rush could return or be released, but at least one reliable arm is already secured.

“Can confirm. Smart move. Huntley played well last year in leading Ravens to wins over Bears and Packers. In a league where demand for quality backup QBs far exceeds the supply, Huntley would probably have had a decent market,” Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic wrote about the backup’s extension.

Huntley has spent five years in the Ravens’ system and has been there primarily to step in for Jackson when needed. However, if he is asked to take on a larger role during the upcoming season, he would likely do so if new head coach Jesse Minter calls on him.

Lamar Jackson is the tenth-highest-paid quarterback in football and he’s been wanting to adjust his contract for months. Owner Steve Bisciotti wants a new deal for Lamar Jackson too, and he wants to do it before the league year begins to avoid a massive cap hit. Without an extension, Jackson’s cost jumps from $43.5 million to $74.5 million.

If no deal is reached, the Ravens will likely restructure his contract to save money now, but that would only make his 2027 cap hit—the final year of his deal—even more expensive. Hence, the team would face massive problems to make deals.

Who are ahead of Lamar?

While there are some names that one can understand being ahead of Jackson, like Josh Allen or Joe Burrow, the fact is there are other names that are just outrageous. For instance, Brock Purdy, Jared Goff, and Tua Tagovailoa earning more than Jackson must really stink for the Ravens QB. This is the list of highest-paid QBs in the NFL according to Spotrac.

Jackson has the leverage here. No one would want to lose a top-tier QB in the middle of his prime, and Jackson can look at that list and say “I have two MVPs, the other nine have one MVP combined.” How much of an adjustment will be done remains to be seen, but the clock is ticking.

It’s deserved, but is it wise?

No one will deny Lamar Jackson should always be in the higher half of that list. However, is it wise? Notice, there is no Patrick Mahomes there. Why? He prioritized winning more than getting paid. Mahomes has three rings already, the whole top 10 list has zero. In fact, only three of those have even played in a Super Bowl (Purdy, Goff, and Burrow).

Tom Brady was never one of the highest-paid QBs. He earned his good money, but he wanted to keep team-friendly deals in place so the roster could be as good as possible to compete for Super Bowls. So, yes, Lamar is in his right to look for more money, but is it in his best interest regarding winning in the NFL? Remember, the Ravens just traded for Maxx Crosby, so the pressure is on.

Tight end Isaiah Likely is pretty much gone from the Baltimore Ravens. After passing catches from Lamar Jackson but living under the shadow of veteran Mark Andrews, Likely wants the chance to shine.

Speaking to Jon Gruden, Likely said, “With my agent, what I told him was I just want to be able to blossom. The last couple years, I’ve had a great vet in Mark Andrews, where he taught me everything to be a star-caliber tight end to the point where it’s like now I just want to be on a team where I can get out there and help a quarterback, help a team be able to put as much points on the board as possible.”

Likely is very talented, but has been limited by Andrews

Many could argue that Likely is already better than Andrews, however, the veteran is held in very high regard by the Ravens. Likely had 27 catches for 307 yards and just one touchdown in 2025. In all fairness, it was a down year for all the Ravens’ roster.

Likely has some suitors already. Reports state that the Commanders could be the frontrunners to land Likely. The Commanders had the always reliable Zach Ertz as tight end. However, Ertz suffered a gruesome knee injury that might end his playing career. Hence, Likely would be really tempting.

The Commanders might be tempting for Likely

Likely wants the chance to blossom, the Commanders need a tight end. It has a very good chance of actually happening. The Commanders are likely to lose wideout Deebo Samuel, don’t have Ertz, and WR1 Terry McLaurin is aging and has suffered injuries in the last season. Hence, Likely would have the chance to actually become the best weapon on the roster.

Jayden Daniels needs to bounce back from an under-par, injury-filled season too. Hence, having a reliable weapon in Likely would certainly give him plenty of motivation. Also, it would give him a massive red zone threat.

The Ravens will look very different in 2026. Following John Harbaugh’s departure, Baltimore named Jessie Minter as head coach, and he has already begun assembling his staff for the upcoming season.

On Thursday, CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported that the Ravens are hiring Keary Colbert as their new wide receivers coach. However, the move has not generated much excitement among fans due to his recent track record.

Keary Colbert coming off disappointing 2025 season with Broncos

Colbert became the Denver Broncos’ wide receivers coach in 2023, marking his first NFL position after Sean Payton gave him the opportunity to make the leap to the professional level.

Unfortunately, his tenure did not unfold as hoped. While Denver’s wide receiver corps lacked elite star power, many believed the group underperformed relative to its talent. As a result, Colbert faced significant scrutiny.

In 2025, the Broncos’ receivers ranked among the league’s worst in dropped passes. Although players ultimately bear responsibility for execution on the field, the position coach inevitably shares in the criticism.

Now in Baltimore, Colbert will inherit a receiving group that has also struggled to consistently meet expectations. The difference is that he will be working with Lamar Jackson, whose passing accuracy has improved significantly in recent seasons. For the Ravens to take the next step, their receivers must become more reliable and eliminate costly mistakes.

Will the Ravens trade Zay Flowers?

Zay Flowers remains under the rookie contract he signed in 2023. However, rumors have surfaced suggesting that, after failing to establish himself as the clear No. 1 receiver the team envisioned, he could become a trade candidate this offseason.

While speculation continues, no concrete landing spots have emerged. Several teams around the league are in need of wide receiver help, and a fresh start could potentially allow Flowers to prove he can develop into the elite weapon many expected him to be.