Baltimore Ravens’ Path to the Super Bowl: Three Critical Hurdles This Offseason

On the wall leading to the Baltimore Ravens’ practice field, a new mantra stands in large lettering: “Be The Best.” The phrase, coined by coach Jesse Minter during his January introductory news conference, serves as a directive for a team that is already viewed as a championship heavyweight. According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Baltimore holds the second-shortest odds to win the Super Bowl at +950—trailing only the Los Angeles Rams—and is the favorite to secure the most regular-season wins in the NFL (+800).

However, the road to a title isn’t without obstacles. As the team prepares for organized team activities, three major questions loom over the organization: the future of quarterback Lamar Jackson, a void at center, and the health of a Pro Bowl defensive tackle.

The Lamar Jackson Contract Saga

The most pressing issue in Owings Mills is the contract status of two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson. While Jackson has two years remaining on his current deal, the financial implications of waiting are steep. His salary cap hit is projected to jump to $84.34 million next offseason, which would account for 26% of Baltimore’s 2027 cap—the second-highest hit in the league.

The situation is complicated by the fact that Jackson represents himself without an agent. Tensions rose in March when owner Steve Bisciotti emphasized the urgency of an extension before the start of free agency, yet a deal remained elusive. Despite this, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta remains optimistic.

“I am confident Lamar will be here,” DeCosta said. “I think he loves the team, he loves the city, he loves our fanbase. And when I think of the Ravens, I think of Lamar Jackson being on the field.”

There are positive signs. Jackson has attended the team’s voluntary offseason workout program and first minicamp, a departure from previous years when he skipped most voluntary sessions. Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle also noted that he is enjoying the process of building trust and a working relationship with the quarterback.

Solving the Center Crisis

While the quarterback situation is a matter of finance, the center position is a matter of personnel. The Ravens currently face their biggest roster hole after three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency.

Baltimore failed to address this need during the draft, as top prospects Logan Jones (Iowa) and Jake Slaughter (Florida) were taken earlier than projected. Because the Ravens were unwilling to use a second-round pick on the position, they entered the post-draft period without a seasoned starter.

General manager Eric DeCosta has admitted the position is in a “state of flux” and suggested that a trade may be the quickest solution. One potential target is veteran center Garrett Bradbury, a seven-year starter currently with the Chicago Bears.

Currently, the Ravens’ depth chart is thin. Danny Pinter is the most experienced option with 10 starts over five seasons. The remaining options—Jovaughn Gwyn, Corey Bullock, and undrafted rookie Nick Dawkins—have no NFL starts to their names.

The Nnamdi Madubuike Uncertainty

On the defensive side of the ball, the Ravens are waiting for clarity on Pro Bowl defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike. Madubuike underwent neck surgery last month, and while doctors believe he can play this season, the team has not provided a definitive timeline for his return. He missed the final 15 games of last season due to the injury.

The impact of Madubuike’s presence is reflected clearly in the team’s production. In 2024, with Madubuike playing every game, the Ravens ranked second in the NFL with 54 sacks. In 2025, during the period he missed the majority of games, that number plummeted to 30 sacks, ranking 28th in the league.

To mitigate this risk, Baltimore signed veteran Calais Campbell to a one-year, $5.5 million contract and drafted Rayshaun Benny in the seventh round. While DeCosta has remained vague regarding Madubuike’s specific health status, citing a policy to protect player privacy, he confirmed that the tackle is present in the offseason program.

The Baltimore Ravens possess the talent and the coaching vision to be the best team in the NFL. However, their success in 2026 will likely depend on whether the front office can secure their franchise quarterback, stabilize the interior offensive line, and get a healthy Nnamdi Madubuike back on the field.