Roster Moves Considered to Bolster the Baltimore Ravens Lineup

As the Baltimore Ravens push for a deep playoff run, the team’s front office is exploring strategic roster moves to address key weaknesses that have surfaced in recent weeks—particularly along the offensive line, in the secondary, and at wide receiver. While the Ravens’ defense has remained a strength (ranking sixth in total yards allowed), inconsistencies on offense and depth concerns on defense have left room for improvement. With the NFL’s trade deadline long past and free agency limited to veteran players released by other teams, the Ravens are weighing a mix of internal promotions, free-agent signings, and potential practice squad elevations to shore up their lineup. Roster Moves Considered to Bolster the Baltimore Ravens Lineup breaks down the positions targeted for upgrades, the candidates being evaluated, and how these moves could impact the team’s playoff aspirations.

Roster Moves Considered to Bolster the Baltimore Ravens Lineup begins with the offensive line, a unit that has struggled with injuries and inconsistency in recent games. Starting left tackle Ronnie Stanley has missed two of the last three games with a knee injury, and backup Ja’Wuan James has struggled to fill his role—allowing three sacks and five quarterback hits in Stanley’s absence. To address this, the Ravens are considering signing free-agent offensive tackle Cameron Fleming, a 10-year veteran who was released by the Denver Broncos earlier this month. Fleming has experience playing both left and right tackle, making him a versatile addition who could provide depth at multiple positions. The Ravens are also evaluating their practice squad, with offensive tackle David Sharpe—a former fourth-round pick with 33 career starts—being considered for a promotion to the active roster. “Our offensive line is the foundation of our offense, and we need to make sure we have reliable depth,” Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris said. “Adding a veteran like Fleming or promoting Sharpe would give us more flexibility and help protect Lamar [Jackson] down the stretch.”

Roster Moves Considered to Bolster the Baltimore Ravens Lineup shifts to the secondary, where injuries have tested the team’s depth. Starting cornerback Marlon Humphrey is expected to miss another 2-3 weeks with a hamstring injury, and backup cornerback Rock Ya-Sin suffered a ankle sprain in the Thanksgiving loss to the Steelers, leaving the Ravens thin at the position. The team is exploring free-agent options, including former Ravens cornerback Marcus Peters—a fan favorite who spent three seasons in Baltimore (2019-2021) and recorded 10 interceptions during that time. Peters, who was released by the Las Vegas Raiders in November, has experience in the Ravens’ defensive system and could step in immediately to help the secondary. The Ravens are also considering promoting practice squad cornerback Corey Ballentine, who has played in 47 NFL games with the New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Detroit Lions. “Our secondary has stepped up, but we need more depth to handle the tough wide receivers we’ll face in the playoffs,” Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald said. “Marcus knows our system, and Corey has proven he can contribute in game situations—both are strong candidates to help us.”

Roster Moves Considered to Bolster the Baltimore Ravens Lineup delves into the wide receiver position, where the Ravens have lacked consistency beyond star tight end Mark Andrews. Wide receiver Rashod Bateman has shown flashes of potential but has struggled with drops (four in the last three games), and backup Zay Flowers has been limited by a shoulder injury. The Ravens are considering signing free-agent wide receiver Nelson Agholor, a 9-year veteran who has played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Las Vegas Raiders, and New England Patriots. Agholor has experience as a slot receiver and a deep threat, and he recorded 31 catches for 362 yards and two touchdowns with the Patriots earlier this season. The team is also evaluating practice squad wide receiver James Proche II, who spent the first three seasons of his career with the Ravens and has 25 career catches. For the Baltimore Ravens, adding a reliable wide receiver would help take pressure off Andrews and give Jackson another target in critical situations. “We need more consistency at wide receiver,” Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken said. “Nelson has proven he can make plays in big games, and James knows our offense inside and out—either one would be a valuable addition.”

Roster Moves Considered to Bolster the Baltimore Ravens Lineup explores the team’s approach to internal promotions, which have become a key part of their roster strategy in recent seasons. The Ravens have a history of finding talent on their practice squad—including running back Gus Edwards and defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, both of whom started their careers on the practice squad before becoming key contributors. This season, the team is high on practice squad running back Keaton Mitchell, who has impressed coaches with his speed and agility in practice. Mitchell, an undrafted rookie out of East Carolina, could be promoted to the active roster to provide depth behind Edwards and J.K. Dobbins, especially with Dobbins dealing with a minor knee issue. The Ravens are also considering promoting practice squad defensive end Brent Urban, a veteran who has played in 89 NFL games and could add depth to a defensive line that has been dealing with minor injuries. For the Baltimore Ravens, internal promotions not only provide depth but also reward players for their hard work, helping to build team morale. “We believe in developing our own talent,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said. “Keaton and Brent have worked their tails off in practice, and they’re ready to contribute if given the chance.”

Roster Moves Considered to Bolster the Baltimore Ravens Lineup wraps up with the factors the Ravens are weighing when evaluating these moves, including salary cap space, fit with the team’s system, and long-term potential. The Ravens currently have approximately $4.2 million in salary cap space, which gives them flexibility to sign free agents like Fleming, Peters, or Agholor without making major roster cuts. They’re also prioritizing players who fit their culture—hardworking, team-first individuals who are willing to take on complementary roles. Additionally, the Ravens are considering the long-term impact of each move, avoiding short-term fixes that could hinder their ability to retain key players (like Jackson and Andrews) in future seasons. For the Baltimore Ravens, the goal of these roster moves is simple: to put the best possible team on the field for the playoffs while maintaining the team’s long-term success. “We’re not just playing for this season—we’re building a sustainable winner,” DeCosta said. “Every roster move we make is designed to help us win now and in the years to come.” For Ravens fans, these moves are a sign that the front office is committed to maximizing the team’s potential, giving them hope that this could be the year the Ravens make a deep run in the playoffs.