Feb. 17, 2026, 6:07 a.m. ET
Roster building in the NFL is just as much about preparation as it is about reaction. The best front offices anticipate potential changes. The worst. Well, they become the NFL’s nottom-feeders. Fortunately, despite the ups and downs, the Baltimore Ravens are among the elite franchises.
Here’s why they get it right. The front office features some of the best at what they do. They hire smart coaches and add elite talent, and when they deem necessary, they only need to make adjustments.
Two of those adjustments, from a roster standpoint, came from trades on the defensive side of the ball. They added a pass rusher, Dre’Mont Jones. They sent an edge rusher, Odafe Oweh, to the Los Angeles Chargers to acquire safety Alohi Gilman.
Both were bullseye signings. Gilman’s addition allowed Baltimore the option to capitalize on Kyle Hamilton’s versatility. That’s a formula that works, but for it to continue, the Ravens must sign Gilman to an extension, as his contract expires.
If they can’t get that done and Gilman moves on, that potentially leaves holes on the secondary’s depth chart. Keep in mind that Ar’Darius Washington is an impending free agent, too. If the Ravens look to free agency for replacements, they’ll have options. Here are a few that make sense.
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Bryan Cook brings an edge and aggression. He’d align perfectly with Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks’ versatility. He’s a headhunter at times who feels comfortable traveling downhill.
He’s young, with upside, and has already shown some scheme versatility. If the Ravens want another young option who can grow into a long-term piece, Cook makes a lot of sense. He certainly wouldn’t be a band-aid addition.
Kamren Curl has already written an impressive story. He has taken advantage of an opportunity as a former seventh-round selection, and he’s constructed an impressive career. He’s still young at 27 and a nice blend of cost-effectiveness and return on investment, but he’s also probably going to wind up being more expensive than Gilman or Washington.
Jabrill Peppers would make a tremendous amount of sense for the Ravens. He embodies many of the traits their defense has historically valued. He’s tough and versatile with a high football IQ. He’s a proven playmaker who creates momentum plays. He’d also provide leadership for what we forget is a still-young Baltimore secondary.
As a five-year starter in the Cardinals‘ secondary, Jalen Thompson has established himself as one of the more reliable tacklers at his position. He’d also provide coverage help after taking a step forward with a fine season.
He has elite range and instincts, kind of like Hamilton and Starks. He consistently gets his hands on the football. He’s comfortable in multiple alignments and would provide a smooth transition from Alohi Gilman if necessary.