Baltimore Ravens 2026 NFL Season Preview
[Editor's note: The following article is from Athlon Sports' 2026 NFL Preview magazine. Order your issue online today, or grab a copy at newsstands and retail racks nationwide.]
The catchphrase around the Ravens this season is "fresh start." For the first time in 19 years, there's new leadership in Baltimore, with rookie head coach Jesse Minter taking over for ousted John Harbaugh. Led by inimitable quarterback Lamar Jackson on offense and Swiss-Army-knife safety Kyle Hamilton on defense, the Ravens again feature a balanced roster positioned to contend. Now it falls to Minter and a trio of new coordinators to move the Ravens past the late-season flameouts that have vexed Jackson throughout his career and ultimately cost Harbaugh his job.
Offense
Already in his ninth season at age 29, Jackson is 76-31 as a regular-season starter. As long as the two-time MVP stays healthy, the Ravens should contend.
This year, Jackson will be working with his fourth different offensive coordinator, as Declan Doyle takes over after holding that job for one season with the Chicago Bears. This will be Doyle's first experience as an NFL play-caller, and the first few games might reveal how much he is influenced by two head coaches he worked under, the Denver Broncos' Sean Payton and Chicago's Ben Johnson.
Marlon Humphrey is back to lead the cornerback group in his 10th season, and he can play in the slot or outside. Nate Wiggins will patrol one side, and Chidobe Awuzie is back after proving to be one of general manager Eric DeCosta's better under-the-radar signings a year ago. DeCosta has long echoed his former boss Ozzie Newsome's mantra that "you can never have too many corners," so the Ravens will probably add at least one veteran.
With Hamilton floating all over the field, 2025 top draft pick Malaki Starks and veteran free-agent addition Jaylinn Hawkins, who had four interceptions for the New England Patriots a year ago, profile as the more traditional safeties. Expect to see all three safeties on the field a lot.
Specialists
Placekicker Tyler Loop has had all summer to think about his shanked 44-yarder on the final play of the regular season that cost the Ravens a playoff spot. Kicking coach Randy Brown, who was instrumental in making Loop the first kicker ever drafted by the Ravens, remains on staff. So the job should still be Loop's, but he will face plenty of scrutiny. His first potential game-winner will be a huge test.
The Ravens drafted Michigan State punter Ryan Eckley as the presumptive replacement for free-agent departure Jordan Stout.
The Ravens like running backs to handle kickoff returns in the new format, so No. 3 back Rasheen Ali might get the first chance after having that job at times last season. Second-year receiver LaJohntay Wester has some pop as a punt returner.
Final analysis
For an organization that touts tradition and values continuity, this offseason was a jolt. The Ravens have new coaches, new uniforms (sort of) and a new mentality as they enter a new era. Minter worked in Baltimore before, and team officials view him as the perfect link from the past to the future. He inherits a roster and an infrastructure that any new coach would appreciate. An AFC North title and deep playoff run remain realistic expectations. But Minter also inherits this organization's postseason ghosts. The clock is ticking for Jackson, who will continue to be dogged by the narrative of playoff shortcomings until he writes a different story. Now it's up to Minter to help him do just that.
Related: Athlon Sports 2026 NFL Preview Magazine Now Available
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This story was originally published July 2, 2026 at 9:51 AM.