With general manager Eric DeCosta discussing the state of the Ravens following final roster cuts at the conclusion of the 2026 preseason, I’ve offered a dozen thoughts, each in 50 words or less:
1. DeCosta’s update on Lamar Jackson extension talks was brief and predictable, but his response when asked about every week potentially morphing into a referendum on Jackson’s future pulled back the curtain slightly. “We have dealt with that distraction before. There’s only so much we can do.” Understandably, there’s some frustration.
2. DeCosta acknowledged being “very disappointed” about Rashod Bateman’s legal matter and its potential consequences. Though the sixth-year receiver has avoided the commissioner’s exempt list for the time being, the return on Baltimore’s substantial investment in Bateman remains very disappointing. Only 19 catches last season.
3. I thought it remained possible that Nnamdi Madubuike might still end up on injured reserve the day before the Sept. 13 opener, but DeCosta saying he’s “more bullish on [his return] right now than I even have been” leaves you confident that he’ll be playing before Week 5. That’s encouraging.
4. Asked about signing Jake Moody, DeCosta said, “We’ve got to make kicks. It’s a fresh set of legs to look at, evaluate, compare, see how it all works out. In the end, it’s a performance business, right?” I’d say Tyler Loop isn’t assured anything beyond Week 1 at this point.
5. It’s not a secret that Baltimore has leaned heavily on senior special teams coach Randy Brown’s expertise to scout and develop kickers and punters, but DeCosta did mention “grooming a young guy on our staff to scout kickers.” That doesn’t sound great for Brown if Loop doesn’t turn this around.
6. “I feel confident he’s going to rebound and have a great year this year. … Veteran corners who’ve played at very high levels are hard to find.” That was DeCosta’s answer on bringing back Marlon Humphrey on a cap number exceeding $26 million. The Jesse Minter factor needs to be big.
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7. Offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford is a believer in Jovaughn Gwyn as the apparent Week 1 favorite to start at center despite DeCosta signing Ethan Pocic in July. DeCosta said, “I haven’t seen what it’s going to look like yet, but I’m excited about it.” This remains fluid, of course.
8. DeCosta called Joe Fagnano the “Cinderella Man” and said he received trade offers from other teams after the undrafted rookie quarterback’s impressive preseason. It’s crazy that Fagnano is only four years younger than Jackson, who’s now entering his ninth NFL season.
9. On the same day ex-Raven Kyle Van Noy signed with Minnesota, DeCosta praised the outside linebackers by noting how he’s “so happy with that room that we’ve put together. It’s a great mix of veteran guys and young guys.” Of course, that could always be revisited before the trade deadline.
10. Ja’Kobi Lane stood out all summer, but DeCosta did his best to temper expectations. “He’s got to do a lot more work to really be what we want him to be. I think he’ll get there.” How Lane separates against press coverage remains a factor, but there’s much to like.
11. According to DeCosta, linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips is the only player in the last 10 years the Ravens have claimed off waivers immediately following roster cutdown day. That sounds about right, and it’s not a secret that they prefer their own, which also applies to the makeup of the practice squad.
12. Baltimore’s in solid shape from a cap perspective. DeCosta said, “We certainly can do most things we’d like to do, but if we need it, we know how to make more.” That said, it’s worth noting you’d prefer increasing Jackson’s 2026 number some in the event of an in-season extension.
