Was the first week of NFL free agency wild enough for you?
Who needs reality TV or soap operas? Each day you woke up wondering what would happen next, and Ravens were major stars in a show that was truly unscripted.
Now that the smoke has cleared after a frenetic week, here's what I think. The Ravens bounced back well from the trade that didn't happen.
No, they didn't get Maxx Crosby, and some talented players walked out the door this week.
However, they acquired another elite pass rusher in Trey Hendrickson. They made significant moves like signing guard John Simpson, safety Jaylinn Hawkins, blocking tight end Durham Smythe, and guard/center Jovaughn Gwyn. They re-signed two other key players, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie and backup quarterback Tyler Huntley.
They've still got work to do, as General Manager Eric DeCosta said at Hendrickson's introductory press conference on Friday. But with 11 draft picks, it's not like the Ravens don't have ammunition to address their needs.
Here are 10 thoughts on the Ravens after a wild week, all in 50 words or less:
- It was easy to be impressed with Hendrickson at Friday's presser. The way he talked about being excited for OTAs, how he likes his cleats to be sweaty after a hard day of practice, was old school. You can't have too many defensive leaders, and Hendrickson sounds like one.
- Watching Hendrickson's highlights, you see how often he attacks the football, trying to dislodge it while he's making a sack. There's every reason to believe Hendrickson will create some takeaways in crucial spots.
- Being teammates with Hendrickson should be a positive experience for second-year outside linebacker Mike Green. Hendrickson has plenty of tools in his bag, and Green has plenty of talent and the opportunity to learn from one of the best.
- With the Ravens back in the first round of the draft, speculation resumes about who they should take at No. 14. Even after acquiring Simpson, I wouldn't rule out Baltimore taking Penn State guard Vega Ioane, especially if he's viewed as a plug-and-play starter.
- DeCosta was thinking about acquiring both Crosby and Hendrickson. Does that mean the Ravens would consider trading up for another edge rusher like Reuben Bain Jr. of Miami if he began to fall? After this week, few trade scenarios involving the Ravens would shock me.
- Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks reportedly suffered a broken foot at the Combine and could be sidelined until June. That could alter the Ravens' plans at No. 14 if they would prefer a first-round pick who's ready to hit the ground running.
- Don't sleep on the acquisition of Hawkins. He had four interceptions and 71 tackles last season with the New England Patriots, which would have tied him with Marlon Humphrey for the team lead in Baltimore. Minter may use three safety looks often, featuring Hawkins, Kyle Hamilton, and Malaki Starks.
The Ravens have added to their secondary, signing former New England Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins.
- Awuzie was probably the Ravens' most consistent corner last season. Getting him back is a plus for Baltimore's defense, and with his new contract, buying McChicken sandwiches won't be a problem.
- Now that Patrick Ricard is a Giant, I'm even more curious how much Offensive Coordinator Declan Doyle will utilize Smythe. Smythe played 25.3% of the offensive snaps for the Chicago Bears in 2025 and sometimes lined up in the backfield. He may see even more action in Baltimore.
- I really wish the Ravens were playing the Giants in 2026. It's like they've become "Ravens North," with Ricard, Isaiah Likely, Ar'Darius Washington, and Jordan Stout all joining John Harbaugh. Just another sign that it's the start of a fresh era in Baltimore.
