The Baltimore Ravens enter the 2026 offseason with a long list of defensive free agents and a new defensive‑minded head coach in Jesse Minter. With the defense slipping to 29th in pressure rate and 14th in success rate the previous season, Baltimore must decide which defenders fit the new vision and which should be replaced.
Below is a breakdown of the most notable defensive free agents and what the Ravens should do with each.
Dre’Mont Jones (DE) — Keep
Jones headlines the defensive free‑agent class. As one of the Ravens’ top unrestricted free agents, he remains a disruptive interior presence and a valuable piece for a defense that struggled to generate pressure. His versatility and ability to play multiple fronts make him a strong fit for Minter’s system. Letting him walk would create a major hole along the defensive line.
Alohi Gilman (S) — Keep if Affordable
Gilman is a smart, instinctive safety who brings range and reliability. With Baltimore’s secondary in transition, keeping Gilman would provide stability. However, safety is a position where the Ravens historically avoid overspending. If his market spikes, they may opt to develop younger talent instead.
Chidobe Awuzie (CB) — Let Walk
Awuzie is a solid veteran corner, but he ranks in the middle of Baltimore’s free‑agent importance list, suggesting the team may be comfortable moving on. With the Ravens needing to get younger and faster on defense, Awuzie’s age and injury history make him a likely cap casualty unless he returns on a bargain deal.
Ar’Darius Washington (S) — Keep
Washington is one of the more underrated defenders on the list. He ranks higher than several other defensive free agents in importance, and his versatility as a slot defender and safety hybrid fits well in modern defensive schemes. His price tag should be manageable, making him a smart re‑signing.
David Ojabo (OLB) — Let Walk
Ojabo’s ranking near the bottom of the free‑agent importance list reflects his limited impact and ongoing injury concerns. Baltimore has invested heavily in edge defenders in recent drafts, and Ojabo hasn’t developed into a consistent contributor. The Ravens can replace his production more cheaply.
Brent Urban (DL) — Let Walk
Urban has been a steady rotational lineman, but he ranks low among Baltimore’s free agents and is nearing the end of his career. With the Ravens needing to improve their pass rush and interior disruption, they should look for younger, more dynamic options.
Taven Bryan (DL) — Let Walk
Bryan is another depth lineman who ranks low in importance. His inconsistency and limited upside make him expendable as Baltimore reshapes its defensive front.
Jake Hummel (LB) — Let Walk
Hummel appears near the bottom of the free‑agent rankings and has not carved out a significant defensive role. Baltimore can easily replace his special‑teams contributions with cheaper options.
Carl Jones Jr. (EDGE, ERFA) — Keep
As an exclusive‑rights free agent, Jones is inexpensive to retain. His athleticism and developmental upside make him worth keeping as a depth edge rusher.
Final Verdict
The Ravens’ defensive overhaul will depend heavily on which of these players they retain. With a new coaching staff and a mandate to rebuild a once‑dominant unit, Baltimore must prioritize youth, versatility, and pass‑rush upside as they reshape the roster for 2026.
