NEXT STEPS FOR 2026
Obviously, they have a need at center, since both of theirs who started last year are free agents. Nick Samac, a developmental player signed off the Ravens practice squad, could project into someone who could work his way into the rotation, but he lacks experience (only 46 special teams snaps this year, none on offense).
With Mays entering free agency younger (turning 27 on draft weekend) and largely injury free, he could find a healthy market. Corbett’s versatility and leadership absolutely have value, but they also have to consider that he’s 30 years old and has played 20 games over the last three seasons.
It would also be helpful to layer in some younger depth pieces to the group, particularly through the draft, since they have a number of big-ticket items at this position already. So investing one of their seven picks in some line depth makes sense.
The Ekwonu question also looms large, since it’s unclear how long his recovery will take. It seems wise to assume the regular season opener as a rather optimistic goal, so having a plan in place for September (Nijman or otherwise) would be a reasonable starting point. But Nijman is a free agent, so he has a choice in this as well.
But because the anticipation is that Ekwonu returns at some point, if you drafted a tackle with an eye toward the future, you’d likely want that person to be able to play inside as well, to give yourself maximum flexibility in case things come up.
Because as we’ve seen, that’s something they’re likely to need.