Looking at positional and scheme fits for the Ravens' six new additions

The Ravens saw 13 players depart in Free agency, but thanks to elite use of the compensatory picks system and comparable drafting, Baltimore will be able to maintain a talented roster while adding just six players on the open market. The biggest name is sack master, Trey Hendrickson, but John Simpson returns at one of the offensive guard spots on a three-year, $30 million deal, and Jaylinn Hawkins shores up the third safety spot after agreeing to a free agent deal. The Ravens made several notable moves in free agency as they look to contend in a loaded AFC.

But which new additions have the most potential to move the needle in 2026? We ranked every Ravens free agent signing by expected role and upside, breaking down which pickups could prove to be the most valuable as Baltimore chases another deep playoff run. Baltimore added six players in free agency, and here's a full breakdown of how each signing fits the Ravens roster, positional needs, and overall defensive and offensive schemes heading into the 2026 season.

Trey Hendrickson, OLB Fit: Starting edge rusher Hendrickson, 31, was coming off back-to-back 17. 5-sack seasons and four straight Pro Bowls before contract frustrations and core muscle surgery in December limited him to four sacks in seven games in 2025. He got a one-year, $29 million deal from the Bengals last year, but was uncertain to draw as much this time around.

The four-year deal averages out to $28 million per season and keeps the pass rusher in the AFC North. Hendrickson needs 19 sacks to reach 100 for his career and could take this defense to another level. Jaylinn Hawkins, S Fit: Starting safety Baltimore primarily plays three safeties, and Hawkins will team with Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks to give the Ravens the most versatile and athletic trio at the position.