Ravens handed surprising free agency grade

The Baltimore Ravens have been in the headlines the most since free agency began, and not for the reasons they would want to be.

The failed Maxx Crosby trade left a sour taste in the mouths of most, and even more so when the day after the Ravens walked back on the trade, they signed Trey Hendrickson.

Plus, Baltimore lost key players Tyler Linderbaum and Isaiah Likely, leaving key holes in the offense.

So, considering all the moves that have happened, are the Ravens better than they were last season?

In grading Baltimore's free agency moves, Sports Illustrated's Gilberto Manzano has given the franchise a "B-" grade.

“The Ravens went from being a strong Super Bowl contender with Maxx Crosby to a team that lost a lot in the first wave of free agency,” Manzano wrote. “Not only did they back out of the Crosby trade, but center Tyler Linderbaum went with the star edge rusher to Las Vegas.

"Signing Hendrickson was a solid backup plan, but this team has concerns at a handful of positions, including wide receiver and defensive tackle. For the short term, Baltimore would have been better off going through with the Crosby deal, especially if it meant pairing him with Hendrickson.”

More: Did Chargers make most underrated free agency signing?

Did Ravens do enough in free agency?

Well, you can make the case that they didn't. Yes, the signing of Hendrickson was good, but they also lost Linderbaum, who isn't easily replaced. Neither is Likely, who looked to be the next star tight end behind Mark Andrews.

Lamar Jackson likely still needs another receiver, so the draft could be where the franchise addresses that, but the most important thing for Baltimore in 2026 is to stay healthy.

It was ravaged last season, and that can't happen again. Yes, luck is needed to avoid that, but if the Ravens are to make the jump back up the AFC pecking order, their best ability will be availability.

Jesse Minter has his work cut out to get this team back to the playoffs, and a healthy Lamar will go a long way to making sure postseason football is achieved.

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