The Baltimore Ravens are soaring this season, boasting an impressive 8-4 record after clinching a gritty 30-23 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Spearheading this campaign are Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, the dynamic duo turning the Ravens’ offense into a juggernaut.
Rightfully earning the moniker “Greatest Show on Grass,” the Ravens top the league in yards per game (426.7) and come in second for points per game (30.3). This lethal combination of explosive plays and consistent efficiency is enough to keep any opposing defense awake at night.
But while the Ravens fly high on the field, it’s time to dial in on their salary-cap situation as Black Friday rolls around. With a tight budget under the 2024 cap, the Ravens need to concoct a creative strategy in the offseason to maintain their roster’s competitive edge.
Baltimore’s 2024 Salary-Cap Snapshot
Cranking the numbers, the Ravens find themselves with $2,005,575 in cap space, placing them 30th in the league. A breakdown of their cap allocation reveals this financial picture:
- Total Cap Allocations: $251,754,819 (15th in NFL)
- Dead Cap: $22,126,083 (28th)
- Reserve Lists (Injured/Practice Squad): $8,572,780 (31st)
The financial terrain is dominated by key players:
- Lamar Jackson: $32.4 million
- Marlon Humphrey: $22.88 million
- Marcus Williams: $18.72 million
- Ronnie Stanley: $17.1 million
- Mark Andrews: $16.9 million
These five alone chew up over 40% of Baltimore’s cap, a stark reminder of the cost of top-tier talent.
Big Contracts and Key Challenges
Lamar Jackson’s contract leads the charge with a whopping $32.4 million cap hit. Far from burdensome, Jackson’s performance as a legitimate MVP contender has justified the expense and laid the blueprint for the team’s limited financial flexibility.
While investments in veterans like Derrick Henry and Mark Andrews have paid dividends, powering Baltimore’s offensive success, the defensive side has sprung a few leaks. Marcus Williams’ $18.72 million cap hit, in particular, raises eyebrows, casting a shadow on defense that hasn’t quite matched the offense’s brilliance.
Then there’s the dead cap – a $22.1 million millstone born of past decisions. It’s a hefty weight, restraining Baltimore’s ability to tweak and add depth as the season unfolds.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Baltimore’s cap prospects look a bit more forgiving come 2025:
- Projected Total Allocations: $261,606,965 (9th)
- Cap Space: $13,773,610 (26th)
- Dead Cap: $8,691,147 (14th)
With the cap set to rise and dead money poised to peel away, there’s a whisper of breathing room. But that doesn’t mean they can rest easy. Secure key players like Ronnie Stanley and Brandon Stephens while tending to depth issues, and you’ve got yourself a financial puzzle that demands shrewd maneuvering.
The Baltimore Ravens’ Black Friday Wishlist
The Ravens’ roster is undeniably stacked, yet there are needs they can’t ignore looking towards 2025 and beyond. With cap space tighter than ever, any aspirations for a spending spree will likely pivot toward internal restructuring, extensions, or even cuts to make room. Here are a few items that might make it onto their wishlist:
- Defensive Line Depth: Bolstering the pass rush and fortifying run defense should top the priority list.
- Defensive Back Support: After a shaky season for pass defense, a combination of internal development and a standout free-agent signing is crucial.
- Offensive Line Depth: The interior offensive line needs attention with struggles all season; not one current starting guard appears primed for long-term impact.
As the Ravens continue their quest for postseason glory, these cap constraints are the subplot worth keeping an eye on. They’ve built a formidable contender, no doubt, but the financial balancing act promises to be critical if they plan to sustain this success into 2025 and beyond.
