The Baltimore Ravens concluded the 2025 NFL season with an 8-9 record, narrowly missing the playoffs and ending their postseason streak that had lasted since 2021. The team came within one victory of securing the AFC North title but ultimately fell short after a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in their final regular-season game.
Despite Baltimore’s overall struggles, Lamar Jackson maintained solid numbers in 13 appearances. The former Louisville Cardinals quarterback completed 192 of 302 passes, amassing 2,549 yards along with 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Additionally, Jackson contributed 349 rushing yards and scored twice on the ground, underpinning his role as a dual-threat leader for the Ravens.
Key Departures Shake Up Ravens’ Offensive Core
The Ravens are facing significant changes heading into 2026 with the departure of head coach John Harbaugh and critical offensive players. Among those leaving is Tyler Linderbaum, the Ravens’ starting center who was chosen 25th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft from Iowa. Linderbaum quickly earned a starting role as a rookie and established himself as a top interior lineman, earning three Pro Bowl selections in four seasons alongside Jackson.
Following the 2025 campaign, Baltimore decided against picking up Linderbaum’s $23.4 million contract option, allowing him to enter free agency. The center then agreed to a lucrative three-year, $81 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, making him the highest-paid interior offensive lineman in NFL history.
ESPN Sources: former Ravens free-agent center Tyler Linderbaum reached agreement today on a record deal with the Raiders, who are awarding him with a three-year, $81 million deal that includes $60 million guaranteed and makes him the highest paid interior offensive lineman in NFL history,
ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on X.
Adding to Baltimore’s offensive challenges, tight end Isaiah Likely will also exit, signing a three-year, $40 million contract with the New York Giants. Likely’s departure leaves Jackson without one of his primary receivers entering the next season.
BREAKING: The #Giants are signing former #Ravens TE Isaiah Likely to a 3-year, $40M contract with upside to $47.5M, per multiple sources,
NFL insider Jordan Schultz wrote on X.
Deal done by @ErikBurkhardt of @RocNationSports. The deal makes Likely the 3rd-highest paid TE in the NFL, and pairs him with Jaxson Dart and Malik Nabers as a dangerous offense in NYC.
Upcoming Free Agency to Redefine Baltimore’s Offense
The legal tampering period is currently active, but Linderbaum and Likely cannot officially sign their new contracts until free agency begins on Wednesday. With the loss of their starting center and a top tight end, Lamar Jackson will step into 2026 facing a drastically altered offensive lineup. The Ravens’ ability to rebuild around Jackson and adapt to these changes will be crucial for their future success.
