Five Ravens poised for expanded roles in 2026 season
Here are five Ravens players who could earn bigger roles in 2026, highlighting emerging talent and key contributors positioned to take on increased responsibilities this season.
The 2026 NFL off-season is quickly moving along, and the Ravens will look drastically different after replacing John Harbaugh and seeing more than 12 free agents depart for other teams, with four key starters heading to the New York Giants. The Ravens' culture will remain intact, with Jesse Minter hired as head coach and Anthony Weaver named defensive coordinator. A switch in regime bodes well for under-the-radar players seeking more snaps, and we've identified five players who could have bigger roles in 2026.
RB Rasheen Ali With Keaton Mitchell taking his talents to the Chargers and Derrick Henry being 32 years old, it's now or never for the former Marshall running back. The third-year rusher finished the 2025 season with seven carries for 24 yards, along with nine catches for 68 yards and a touchdown on 11 targets. He also compiled 763 kickoff-return yards.
With Keaton Mitchell joining the Chargers, Ali will battle Justice Hill for consistent playing time. WR Devontez Walker Walker is on the cusp of a huge leap, and he has a fan in Ravens GM Eric DeCosta. The former UNC wide receiver needs the snaps as the big play option in Declan Doyle's offense.
A highlight reel when he's in the lineup, Walker had six catches for 136 yards and three touchdowns on eight targets in 12 regular-season games for the Ravens in 2025. All he does is catch touchdowns, which should be the phrase used to describe Walker's abilities. Walker has seven catches on 11 career targets, for 157 yards and three touchdowns.