Ravens’ Travis Jones, Tyler Linderbaum and Isaiah Likely made ESPNs top 25 NFL free agents for 2026
The Baltimore Ravens added 11 players in April’s NFL draft and still have a huge Super Bowl window thanks to an MVP candidate at quarterback, elite talent, and several critical positions.
Regardless of the outcome of this season, that window could be altered, with the Ravens initially having 25 players who’ll either test restricted or unrestricted free agency during the 2026 NFL off-season. Several key factors include a pending contract extension for Lamar Jackson and the contract status for Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum.
Odafe Oweh was one of the biggest names on the list, but the offense could look drastically different with the top three tight ends all set for unrestricted free agency and multiple big-name edge rushers.
ESPN ranked the top 25 free agents for 2026, and Baltimore has three of those players currently on the roster.
C Tyler Linderbaum (2nd)
What ESPN said. Linderbaum has a tone-setting mentality on the interior of the front with the foot speed and body control to match pass rushers and climb to the second level in the run game. Linderbaum’s pass block win rate of 95.5% ranks eighth among centers this season, and his 70.0% run block win rate is 16th. — Bowen
What we’re hearing: Linderbaum is considered a top-10 interior offensive lineman in the eyes of execs, coaches and scouts. That makes him an expensive option, poised to become one of the highest-paid centers. The Ravens have discussed an extension with Linderbaum but are not within striking distance on a deal. When the Ravens declined his fifth-year option in the spring, that enhanced his chances for free agency. — Fowler
DT Travis Jones (8th)
What ESPN said.
At 6-foot-4 and 341 pounds, Jones is a physical presence on the interior of the front, with the power to displace blockers and fill gaps. Over 3½ seasons in Baltimore, Warren has 5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and 33 pressures. He’s also a high-energy player on tape. — Bowen
What we’re hearing: Multiple teams consider him the best defensive tackle to potentially be available. “He’s awesome,” an NFC executive said. “Very tough to block, elite run stopper. A wide-bodied guy who has enough pass rush.” The Ravens could attempt to re-sign Jones but aren’t afraid to let key players leave via free agency. One player comp from an NFC exec: Dalvin Tomlinson, who got $57 million over four years from Cleveland in 2023. — Fowler
TE Isaiah Likely (9th)
What ESPN said.
Likely’s alignment versatility gives offensive playcallers more flexibility, and he has the catch-and-run traits to produce on high-percentage throws. Likely should be viewed as a “move” tight end who brings matchup upside. He has 10 catches for 103 yards this season, and he caught six touchdown passes in 2024. — Bowen
What we’re hearing: Several team executives anticipate Likely doing very well in free agency because he can serve as a matchup problem who can separate from coverage. Part of the equation: The tight end franchise tag in 2026 is very reasonable ($15.8 million). Some people I’ve talked to inside the league would not be surprised if Baltimore tags him, especially with its top three tight ends hitting free agency. — Fowler