Mink: The Ravens could certainly go the offensive route with their head coach hire, but Owner Steve Bisciotti said he doesn't have a preference.
"As far as offensive and defensive coordinator, I really couldn't care [less], because you're bringing in three people," Bisciotti said, referencing a head coach's coordinator hires.
It wouldn't surprise me if the Ravens get two coaches from their first round of interviews – one more known for his defensive prowess and one for offense. One would be the head coach and the other a prized lieutenant.
For example, ESPN's Peter Schrager reported that Kliff Kingsbury interviewed for both the head coach and offensive coordinator jobs in Baltimore and that Kingsbury feels it would "be an honor" to work with Lamar Jackson. Schrager also reported that he expects Mike McDaniel to interview for both positions.
It's paramount that the Ravens maximize Jackson's next window, as his game continues to evolve as he approaches his 30s. Jackson is running less. He had a career-low 5.2 rushing attempts per game last season. The next head coach and offensive coordinator will be tasked with elevating his passing game again, just like Todd Monken helped with.
At the same time, Baltimore wants to get stronger on defense. This organization was built on tough defenses, and while Jackson changed who gets top billing, the Ravens would love to harken back to those days on the defensive side of the ball.
If Baltimore hires a head coach or defensive coordinator that came get the defense back playing like it did in 2023 under Mike Macdonald, when they led the league with just 16.5 points allowed, and you pair that with an offense led by Jackson, that's a very dangerous combination capable of winning a Super Bowl.
Brown: I think the Ravens need to improve their pass rush and offensive line play. They will be drawn to prospects at the Combine who can make that happen.
"I think generally speaking, we've got to do a better job of creating pressure on defense – that will help the secondary," General Manager Eric DeCosta said on Tuesday.
"I know the offensive line seemed to be a narrative this year. In some games, I thought the line played well, in other games, we struggled."
The Ravens dropped from 54 sacks in 2024 to 30 in 2025. Defensive tackle Travis Jones led the way with five sacks, but there were too many games when opposing quarterbacks simply had too much time to throw. That was part of the reason why the Ravens allowed the second-most passing yards in the league.
Guards who can possibly challenge for a starting position, or improve the Ravens' depth, will also be on their radar. Lamar Jackson was sacked at least three times in seven of his 13 games, and Baltimore went 2-5 in those contests.
A stronger pass rush and better pass protection for Jackson would go a long way toward vaulting the Ravens back into the postseason.
Mink: I do think the Ravens could be more aggressive in free agency this year – if they reach an extension with Jackson before it starts. If they get more salary-cap flexibility, Eric DeCosta indicated his willingness to spend.
"A deal with Lamar would give us the ability to be more active, to re-sign some more players on the team and to potentially go after a couple of big-ticket items," DeCosta said. "We haven't traditionally done that. We've been more reserved when it comes to free agency."
There has been plenty of speculation about the possibility that Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby could be traded this offseason after he reportedly stormed out of their facility late in the season when they shut him down for the last two games. Crosby plays the game like a Raven, but it wouldn't just be about absorbing his large contract ($30 million guaranteed salary for 2026). Any team would likely also have to give up draft compensation. Would the Ravens be that aggressive to get a game-changing defensive player?
Some of the other top free agent pass rushers include the Bengals' Trey Hendrickson, Eagles' Jaelan Phillips, Seahawks' Boye Mafe, Bills' Joey Bosa, and a guy Ravens fans are familiar with in Odafe Oweh.
Brown: Until it comes from Nnamdi Madubuike, there is unlikely to be further word on his status.
"I can't really discuss that, obviously," DeCosta said.
"I will say, not having Nnamdi this year was a horrible situation for our team. I think it affected us in different ways – in many ways. He is a great player, a great person, a special person. We are still working through a lot of his different ideas and things so that we can hopefully get more and more information about his situation."
Madubuike suffered a season-ending neck injury early in the season. He does it all as an interior defensive lineman – defends the run, pressures the quarterback, draws double-teams that help others make plays. He's only 28 years old, and everyone is hoping for the best.
With free agency and the draft looming, it may not be long before we hear more. But not until Madubuike is ready.
