Ravens Bolster Defense as Hopkins Stays Unsigned

As the NFL offseason unfolds, the Baltimore Ravens are bolstering their defense while navigating uncertainty with veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who remains unsigned after a disappointing 2025 season with the team.

The Ravens, coming off a year marked by a middling pass rush that ranked 18th league-wide and contributed to allowing 23.4 points per game, moved quickly to address their front line. They signed edge rusher Trey Hendrickson to a lucrative multiyear contract shortly after backing out of a potential trade for Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, which fell through due to a failed physical exam. Hendrickson's addition brings proven pressure, with 16.5 sacks in his last full season. The team also eyes further reinforcement, including the possible return of linebacker Kyle Van Noy, who contributed 7.5 sacks in 2025 before entering free agency.

A key boost for Baltimore's defense could come from within. Star interior lineman Nnamdi Madubuike, sidelined for most of 2025 after a season-ending neck injury just two games in, shared a workout video this week showing him in peak condition. The 28-year-old, a second-team All-Pro in 2023 with 13 sacks, had emerged...