With a 7-3 record so far this season, the Baltimore Ravens have solidified their place among the NFL’s top teams. Their offense has been almost unstoppable, with to Lamar Jackson’s MVP-caliber play and Derrick Henry’s acquisition to strengthen the run game. This season, the Ravens have the most yards (440.2) and points (31.8) per game in the league. But in 2024, the defense has made significant progress. They lead the NFL last season in scoring just 16.5 points per game. They have given up an average of 25.3 points per game this season, dropping them to the bottom 10 in the league. The defense will need to settle in if the Ravens are to make up for last season’s AFC Championship loss and make it to the Super Bowl this year. The Ravens’ defense may see major adjustments in 2025, regardless of how this season concludes. Star cornerback Marlon Humphrey may be a candidate to depart Baltimore this offseason, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano. Humphrey and the Ravens agreed to a five-year, $97.5 million contract deal in 2020. Graziano listed a number of potential explanations, beginning with the Ravens’ ineffective defense. Depending on how the rest of the season unfolds, he added, “At the moment, Humphrey has four interceptions but is part of a failing defense that could need an overhaul in the offseason.” Humphrey’s age and contract status were also brought up by Graziano. Graziano continued, “Humphrey, Baltimore’s first-round selection in the 2017 draft, is currently 28 years old and expected to earn $18 million in 2025.” “Of that, $4 million is a roster bonus that is due on the fifth day of the league year in March, and $14 million is a salary… If Baltimore were to release him prior to the roster bonus taking effect, they would lose roughly $12.7 million in dead money. The Ravens’ choice to select another cornerback in the April draft was the last justification for Graziano. “This year’s draft saw the Ravens choose cornerback Nate Wiggins in the first round as well,” Graziano stated.
When Baltimore (7-3) plays the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2) on Sunday, it hopes to overtake them for the top spot in the AFC North. On CBS, kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET.
