Ravens’ $97.5 Million Star Could Be Out Of Baltimore After Season

The Baltimore Ravens are having a standout season in 2024, with a 7-3 record, solidifying themselves as one of the NFL’s premier teams.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson is playing at an MVP level, while the addition of star running back Derrick Henry has bolstered the team’s already powerful offensive game.

With the league-leading offense averaging 440.2 yards and 31.8 points per game, the Ravens seem poised for a deep playoff run.

However, despite their offensive success, their defense has seen a significant decline.

In 2023, the Ravens’ defense was one of the league’s most formidable, allowing a mere 16.5 points per game, the best in the NFL.

Fast forward to this season, and the defense has fallen into the bottom tier, conceding an average of 25.3 points per game.

To make a true Super Bowl push this year and recover from last season’s AFC Championship exit, Baltimore will need to improve on defense.

But even as the team focuses on this season, major changes could be on the horizon for the Ravens’ defensive roster heading into 2025.

One potential change could involve star cornerback Marlon Humphrey, who could be leaving Baltimore after this season.

ESPN’s Dan Graziano recently raised the possibility, suggesting that Humphrey may not be long for the Ravens due to a variety of factors.

Humphrey, who signed a five-year, $97.5 million contract extension with Baltimore in 2020, is currently playing his fourth season under that deal.

While the 28-year-old cornerback has had a strong individual performance, recording four interceptions so far this year, his team’s overall defensive struggles could lead to tough decisions in the offseason.

Graziano pointed to multiple reasons why the Ravens might consider parting ways with Humphrey in the near future.

One factor is the Ravens’ defensive underperformance. Despite Humphrey’s contributions, the defense as a whole has not met expectations.

If the Ravens opt for a defensive overhaul, Humphrey might be one of the casualties. Additionally, Humphrey’s age and his looming contract situation could be influencing factors. In 2025, the cornerback is set to make $18 million, including a $14 million salary and a $4 million roster bonus. Releasing Humphrey before the bonus kicks in would cost the Ravens about $12.7 million in dead money, which might be a price they are willing to pay to make significant changes.

The Ravens also drafted cornerback Nate Wiggins in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, signaling a potential shift in the team’s long-term strategy. This move could signal that the Ravens are preparing for the future, and part of that future might not include Marlon Humphrey. With a younger player like Wiggins on the roster, the Ravens could look to save money and revamp their defense, especially if they feel Humphrey’s current production doesn’t justify his hefty salary.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Humphrey’s future in Baltimore, the team remains focused on the 2024 season. The Ravens are currently in a heated battle for the top spot in the AFC North, with a crucial game against the Pittsburgh Steelers scheduled for Sunday. At 7-2, the Steelers are just one game ahead of the Ravens in the division, making this matchup a pivotal one for both teams’ playoff aspirations.

As the Ravens strive for a Super Bowl appearance, all eyes will be on their defense to determine if they can regain their form. But regardless of what happens this season, the future of players like Marlon Humphrey could shape the team’s trajectory moving forward. If Humphrey does indeed depart in 2025, it would mark the end of an era for the Ravens’ defense, and a new chapter in their evolution as a team.

The Ravens are at a crossroads, balancing the immediate goals of a Super Bowl run with the long-term planning necessary to maintain success in the future. The next few months could see significant changes, and how the Ravens approach their roster decisions, especially in regard to star players like Humphrey, will play a key role in shaping the team’s future.

As the NFL season continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the Ravens are preparing for both the present and the future. Whether that future includes Marlon Humphrey remains to be seen, but the team’s performance and roster moves this offseason will undoubtedly make waves in Baltimore. For now, the Ravens’ focus is on clinching the AFC North and making a deep playoff push, but the offseason decisions will be just as important in determining the direction of the team in 2025.

In the end, the fate of Marlon Humphrey and the Ravens’ defense could be one of the most talked-about stories of the offseason, depending on how the rest of the season plays out. The next few months will certainly be a crucial time for the team, as they attempt to secure both their present and future in the ever-competitive NFL landscape.