OTL: Ravens Window is Closed, Per…Ben Roethlisberger? (LOL)

We find ourselves in another lull of the NFL offseason, but Ravens fans continue to think about how to avoid moments like these in the 2026 campaign:

Every year before the season I think to myself “what’s the worst way this season could end?”

And somehow I am amazed at the result every time https://t.co/GKSFK8HVcT

— Yuri (@Yuri_Ravens) June 15, 2026

While we’re a long way away from the team being able to flip their fate at the end of this coming season, one former rival feels there’s little likelihood of it happening:

Former Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger on the Ravens

I think they’re falling apart. I don’t think they’re the same team…They just feel different. They feel like their window closed…To me, losing Harbaugh, King Henry’s a year older, his body’s taking a beating, what’s was… pic.twitter.com/JBtl0AZBO4

— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) June 15, 2026

Had Roethlisberger shared this sentiment halfway through last season, he may have looked sharp, but it’s hard not to laugh for a couple reasons.

First, aren’t the Steelers in an incredibly similar situation, but worse off?

Couldn’t you say the same exact thing about the Steelers and just swap names lmao https://t.co/klBB96ltkO

— Yuri (@Yuri_Ravens) June 15, 2026

Second, all indications are that new HC Jesse Minter and his staff are impressing. Future Hall of Famer Calais Campbell spoke on Minter’s impact, as well as QB Lamar Jackson’s growth on Monday:

.@Ravens DE @CalaisCampbell on what stands out about HC Jesse Minter and the growth he’s seen from QB Lamar Jackson in Baltimore.

https://t.co/v3G0iz5IH6#Ravens | #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/0jiJBP4zL8

— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) June 16, 2026

In my opinion, Jackson’s presence is the biggest factor that leapfrogs Baltimore ahead of Pittsburgh in terms of brightest future. Sure, the Steelers have a future Hall of Famer of their own, but he’s on Hole 18 and may or may not be in the mix at the end of the season.

Jackson, meanwhile, is fully healthy and seems infatuated by his new Offensive Coordinator. If Baltimore can sort out a long-term deal, there’s not much to question. Of course, that’s a big if, and time’s ticking:

Patrick Mahomes’ renegotiation has him lapping the field in terms of practical remaining salary, while more than a few notable QBs (Burrow, Jackson, Prescott) are nearing the end of their financial stability. pic.twitter.com/Gz2GNOMUfi

— Spotrac (@spotrac) June 16, 2026

Jeff Zrebiec seems to think it’s up to Jackson to reengage with Baltimore brass on the subject, but feels confident in both sides’ ability to reach a deal:

The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec believes the Ravens are prepared to get a Lamar Jackson extension done.

“I think the Ravens are more than ready. I think the ball’s in Lamar’s court.” pic.twitter.com/iGYlN0HzjX

— Ravens Nation ð™‡ð™„ð™‘𙀠(@LiveRavenNation) June 16, 2026

Meanwhile, Femi Ayanbadejo Sr. predicts a $76.1M AAV but that a deal gets struck. As long as it happens, I don’t care what the number is (within reason) – It’s not my money!

The good news is, while much of the last negotiations’ discourse was whether Jackson was worth investing in, there seems to be little question now. Even when evaluating the future of RB Derrick Henry (another future Hall of Famer that gives the Ravens an advantage over Pittsburgh), Jackson’s impact is the real story:

Lamar’s gravity is insane. Henry will be on there for a 3rd time after this year. https://t.co/UBBKYfzIM0

— Ronrosco (@Ronrosco2) June 16, 2026

Explosive run rate leaders in 2025
[plays of 10+ yards]

1. De’Von Achane – 10.1%
2. Derrick Henry in Lamar Jackson’s starts – 9.0%
—
Derrick Henry without Lamar Jackson – 2.1% (ranks 32nd of 33 qualifying RBs) pic.twitter.com/QlEjwu3JB1

— Fantasy Points Data (@FantasyPtsData) June 16, 2026

Henry’s age will eventually catch up to him, and for that I understand Roethlisberger’s comment, but as long as Jackson’s there to open up holes, he should be productive.

In the meantime, how should Baltimore plan for that inevitability? Tony Lombardi shares his thoughts here:

The King’s Reign and Father Time

With that in mind, it’s interesting that Fox Sports highlights DE Zion Young as the team’s biggest X-Factor heading into 2026. I’ve ignored defense for most of today’s OTL and do understand the argument, but there’s a number of others who will be asked to do more.

For instance, will the RB2 – whether Justice Hill or someone else – be a viable replacement for Keaton Mitchell’s explosiveness? The available free agents don’t inspire excitement:

Top Offensive Free Agents STILL Available in June:

RBs:
– Joe Mixon
– Najee Harris
– Nick Chubb
– Kareem Hunt

WRs:
– Tyreek Hill
– Stefon Diggs
– Deebo Samuel
– Keenan Allen
– Brandin Cooks

TEs:
– Jonnu Smith
– Darren Waller
– Taysom Hill

OL:
– Taylor Decker
– Mekhi Becton
-… pic.twitter.com/DFeGKYSTVm

— Max Loeb (@loebsleads) June 16, 2026

Beyond the RB position, we’ve talked ad nauseum about the WRs other than Zay Flowers. Could Declan Doyle’s offense make Zay, Rashod Bateman, or Devontez Walker the weapon Jackson needs to go the distance this year?

Who will lead the #Ravens in touchdown receptions in 2026? #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/IyH7E0gr6j

— SleeperRavens (@SleeperRavenss) June 16, 2026

Sports Illustrated’s Josh Reed named WR Devontez Walker one of the biggest winners of the Ravens offseason program.

Walker reportedly took advantage of extra reps while Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman were sidelined. pic.twitter.com/iYcWxvWhDd

— Ravens Nation ð™‡ð™„ð™‘𙀠(@LiveRavenNation) June 15, 2026

Keep telling yourself this isn’t a top-10 WR talent in the league… pic.twitter.com/p1JK254IAI

— SleeperRavens (@SleeperRavenss) June 16, 2026

Time will tell, but here’s to hoping that the Ravens avoid the gut-wrenching ending we’ve become accustomed to in Charm City.

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