Head Coach Jesse Minter has been anticipating the start of the Ravens' offseason workout program like a kid waiting for Christmas.
Players will return to the Under Armour Performance Center on Monday, beginning an important offseason process as the new coaching staff builds relationships and culture.
Participation is voluntary, but Minter's enthusiasm is obvious. In his first season at the helm, Minter is eager to create an environment that sets the tone for a 2026 season that leads to the playoffs and more.
"I think since we hired the staff, this April 6th date has kind of been what we've been aiming for to get the guys back in the building and really start to lay the foundation," Minter said. "It starts with the relationships, getting a chance to be around the guys, working together, and them starting to understand my personality and how we want to operate."
The NFL offseason program ramps up over three phases:
Phase 1, which starts Monday, consists of a two-week program with activities limited to meetings, strength and conditioning, and physical rehabilitation.
Phase 2 lasts for three weeks and consists of on-field workouts that may include individual or group instruction and drills. Offensive players line up across from offensive players and defensive players may line up across from defensive players, during drills conducted at a walk-through pace. No live contact, or offense vs. defense drills, are permitted.
Phase 3 last four weeks, where teams may conduct a total of 10 days of OTAs. No live contact is permitted, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are permitted.
The start of the regular season is still five months away, but Minter wants a strong offseason that sets the proper tone for his first year as head coach. In addition to building strength and conditioning, Phase 1 will start to create bonds between players and coaches.
It remains to be seen how many players will participate in the voluntary workouts, and if two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson will attend. However, Minter hopes to create an enjoyable atmosphere while players learn a new staff and different schemes in all three phases.
"I know Lamar's excited," Minter said. "I think he is excited about some of the changes. We've had a lot of good connection points, but the offseason program is voluntary, and we're excited to get a chance to work with the guys, whoever wants to show up.
"We want to create an environment where we capture the players, and they feel like they're getting a lot out of it. We put a lot of time and energy into that, and we're excited for it to get started."
The Ravens felt they had a good offseason in 2025 but started the regular season 1-5 and spent the rest of the year climbing uphill. Missing the playoffs was disappointing to everyone in the organization, part of the reason why a coaching change was made.
The new staff represents a fresh start, and it's been a hectic offseason loaded with roster moves and preparation for the draft. But Minter believes the Ravens are setting the foundation for an offseason that leads to a bounce-back year in 2026.
"The offseason could be a great advantage if you put in the time, if you put in the work to learn," Minter said. "That way, when you get to training camp, you can kind of hit the ground running from a scheme standpoint and for how you operate.
"I'm just really excited to connect with these guys, get around each other, spend time together, and it's going to be a big offseason for us. Now we're ready to start teaching, ready to start connecting, ready to start being around these guys. I think we're in a good place."
