OTL: A Busy Wednesday in Baltimore

It was a busy day in Baltimore on Wednesday, between multiple free agent signings, Lamar Jackson’s contract restructure, and Eric DeCosta’s media availability to discuss free agency, as well as providing insight into the falling through of the Maxx Crosby deal. For one, it was a true opportunity to watch NFL media personnel backtrack their original declarations of “buyer’s remorse,” after learning the team’s intentions of pairing both Crosby and newly signed edge rusher Trey Hendrickson on the same defensive line. It also gave DeCosta a chance to be transparent, opening up on the disappointment felt amongst both the Ravens and Raiders organizations.

Between signings, restructures, and explanations, here’s everything you may have missed after a busy Wednesday in the Charm City.

Ravens Land Hendrickson for 4 Years/$112 Million

The Ravens have had an obvious need for an elite pass rusher for the last few years now, and nearly left the first few days of free agency with two of the best in the league. Ultimately, the Crosby deal has fallen short due to negative feelings surrounding his physical on Tuesday. Baltimore’s hopes of pairing Crosby and Hendrickson together have fallen apart, but that doesn’t change the fact that the Ravens have still acquired a pass-rushing savant. Hendrickson is no stranger to getting to the quarterback, totaling 94.0 career sacks over nine seasons, including 42.0 over his last three.

Tale of the Tape: What does Trey Hendrickson Bring to the Ravens?

The former Bengal brings immediate talent to a pass-rush group that could use all the help it could get right now. Hendrickson appeared in just seven games in 2025, before core muscle surgery ultimately shut him down in Week 8. It should be noted that he’s entering the season at the age of 31, compared to Crosby, who turns 29 in August. Hendrickson was the best pass rusher left on the market, and for a team that doesn’t spend a lot in free agency, it’s shocking to see Baltimore giving him the third-highest annual salary this free agency cycle ($28m/year). Should he be back to 100% by training camp, it’ll be a great veteran addition alongside young guys like Mike Green and Tavius Robinson.

Jackson and Ravens Agree to a Contract Restructure

There were talks on Tuesday night regarding a contract restructure for QB Lamar Jackson, with it becoming official on Wednesday morning. The restructure helps the Ravens immensely, after entering free agency with approximately -$10 million in cap space. The deal reportedly frees up roughly $40 million in cap space for the Ravens, with reports stating it’s similar to the restructured deals Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen agreed to this offseason. It’s not the extension fans and the front office were ultimately hoping for, but when speaking to the media Wednesday evening, DeCosta said they remain hopeful on getting an extension done with their 3x All-Pro quarterback.

Awuzie Returns on a 1-Year Deal

The Ravens brought in two veteran corners last offseason, Jaire Alexander and Chidobe Awuzie. Jaire was the “big splash” that didn’t pan out, but Awuzie showed an ability to still be a solid corner in the league. It’s led to the Ravens bringing the 30-year-old back, pairing him up again with Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins. Awuzie finished the season with seven pass breakups, the third highest on the defense in 2025. His highlight of the season was his clutch pass breakup against the Browns in the Ravens’ nail-biting 23-16 win in Week 11. It’s a low-risk, high-reward deal for Awuzie and the Ravens, who needed some depth at the corner position. It’s obviously a new system under Jesse Minter, but his familiarity with the organization makes it a great addition for an under-appreciated depth veteran.

S Hawkins Signs for Two Years

After losing both Ar’Darius Washington and Alohi Gilman to the first wave of free agency signings, it was more than clear that the Ravens had a real need at safety. Wednesday’s signing of former Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins is a signing Ravens fans are going to grow to appreciate. Hawkins showed consistency to get to and make plays on the ball both in coverage and the run game. The 28-year-old safety finished the 2025 season with four interceptions, two pass breakups, a 68.8% completion percentage allowed, two sacks, and a crucial forced fumble in Week 16 against the Ravens. It’s a 2-year, $10M deal, first reported by Jeremy Fowler. His versatility will fit well in Minter’s system, having serious snaps played as a free safety (682), box safety (270), and in the slot (118). He finished 2025 as the PFF’s 12th-ranked safety in coverage (74.7) and the 15th-ranked run defense grade amongst safeties (79.7).

Smythe Reunites with Doyle as Kolar’s Replacement

Ravens fans were under the assumption that at least one of the three tight ends from 2025 would sign elsewhere as “legal tampering” began on Monday. To the surprise of many, Baltimore wound up losing both Isaiah Likely to the Giants and Charlie Kolar to the Chargers on Monday, both within the first three hours of the negotiating period. Losing Kolar may have been the one that hurt the most, putting the Ravens in a predicament without their top run-blocking tight end. The addition of Durham Smythe brings both a strong blocking presence and familiarity to a system that Declan Doyle is bringing to Baltimore. Doyle and Smythe spent last season together in Chicago, their only season with the Bears, after Smythe’s seven seasons with Miami. Out of 334 total offensive snaps last season, Smythe played 237 as a blocker, for a total of 71.0% of his snaps. The details on the deal have not been announced yet, outside of the years. It’ll be interesting to see where else they decide to address the position, whether through free agency or the draft, but Smythe could become a solid low-value replacement for Charlie Kolar.

DeCosta Gives Updates on Offseason Outlook

Eric DeCosta met with the media on Wednesday evening, discussing a multitude of topics, including the Crosby drama, Jackson’s restructure, and the plans on replacing Pro-Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum. DeCosta stated how “excited” the team was about adding Maxx Crosby, but after bringing him in, “were not able to complete the process.” DeCosta believes it’s the right decision, despite it being a tough call to make. Despite the belief of pundits around the league, DeCosta confirmed the discussions with Hendrickson were to play alongside Crosby.

DeCosta, Ravens Slandered by Fans & Media

When discussing Jackson’s contract restructure, DeCosta said they “ran out of time” to get an extension done. The restructure frees up just under $40 million for this year, while adding a void year in 2030. The team remains hopeful they can get a restructure done, with the belief it’s best for both parties. Questioned whether the restructure will affect the dynamic to get a long-term deal done, DeCosta replied, “I don’t think this changes the dynamic.” Jackson is set to become a free agent in the 2027 offseason.

The loss of Linderbaum saved the Ravens serious money, but without a doubt hurts their offseason approach towards the offensive line. Guard was a need, but the loss of a Pro Bowl center leaves the Ravens with yet another hole in their interior offensive line. Asked what the plan would be to address the need, DeCosta pointed to the Ravens plethora of draft picks over the next two years, as well as the plan to bring free agents in over the next few weeks. DeCosta praised newly hired offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford and his ability to develop young talent. They’ve got their #14 pick back in this upcoming draft, as well as their first-rounder in 2027. Baltimore has shown an ability to draft and develop talent at the center position, and with Ledford running the room now, drafting could be the next step to finding Tyler’s replacement.

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