The Baltimore Ravens are flying high this season at 8-4, fresh off a hard-fought 30-23 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Their offense, led by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, continues to dominate. Dubbed the “Greatest Show on Grass,” the Ravens lead the league in yards per game (426.7) and rank second in points per game (30.3).
They’ve been a nightmare for opposing defenses, combining explosive plays with efficiency that keeps the chains moving.
But as we celebrate the team’s on-field success, Black Friday serves as a perfect time to check in on their salary-cap situation. With limited room under the 2024 cap, the Ravens will need to get creative in the offseason to maintain their roster’s competitiveness.
As of now, the Ravens have $2,005,575 in cap space, ranking 30th in the league. Here’s how their cap allocation breaks down:
The team’s highest cap hits include:
These five players alone account for over 40% of the team’s total cap allocation.
Lamar Jackson’s deal leading the way
Lamar Jackson, the face of the franchise and arguably the frontrunner for MVP, carries the team’s largest cap hit at $32.4 million. While Jackson’s performance has justified every penny, his deal sets the tone for the team’s financial flexibility or lack thereof.
Veteran investments paying off... mostly
Players like Derrick Henry and Mark Andrews have delivered on their contracts, contributing to Baltimore’s high-powered offense. However, the defense has struggled in some areas, raising questions about the value of deals like Marcus Williams’ $18.72 million cap hit.
Dead cap dragging Ravens down
The $22.1 million in dead money from previous roster decisions has severely hampered Baltimore’s ability to make in-season moves or add depth.
Baltimore’s 2025 cap situation offers some breathing room:
With the cap expected to rise and some dead money clearing off the books, the Ravens will have slightly more flexibility next year. However, retaining key players like Ronnie Stanley and Brandon Stephens, and addressing depth concerns will require careful planning.
While the Ravens’ roster is stacked with talent, there are clear needs they’ll need to address for 2025 and beyond. A lack of cap space this year means their “shopping spree” might involve internal restructures, extensions, or cuts to create room. Here’s what might be on their wishlist:
As the Ravens continue their march toward the playoffs, their cap constraints will be a subplot worth monitoring. For now, they’ve built a contender, but the financial balancing act looms large as they look to sustain their success in 2025 and beyond.
