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By James Brizuela
Contributing Writer
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The Baltimore Ravens once again faced an upper-echelon AFC team in the playoffs, and they once again were forced into an early exit with a loss. The Buffalo Bills beat the Ravens in a nail-biter during the Divisional Round of the playoffs, winning with a close 27-25 score.
More news: Bills All-Pro Safety Announces Surprise Retirement
The Ravens' loss in 2024 was eerily similar to the 2023 season when they also lost in the AFC Championship to the Kansas City Chiefs 17-10. Considering Baltimore has not yet made it to the big show with Lamar Jackson, they need to address some areas of their roster in the offseason.
Read More on NFL
Here is a look at the top position needs for the Ravens.
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Offensive Line
The Ravens had a solid offensive line in the 2024 season, and Jackson was sacked only 26 times in the regular season. However, there could be some big decisions to make regarding both left tackle Ronnie Stanley and left guard Patrick Mekari.
Stanley and Mekari could fetch some bigger contracts in the offseason, as both are set to be unrestricted free agents. Considering how coveted stalwart offensive linemen are, the Ravens could lose both to teams willing to pay a higher price.
Per overthecap.com, the Ravens only have a projected $2 million in available cap in 2025. This low number could lead to the team having to replace both their star OL via cheaper free agent options.
Cornerback
The Ravens' secondary, primarily the cornerback position struggled mightily. The team gave up a second-worst 244.1 passing yards per game. While the offense was chugging along and able to keep pace with the NFL's best, the defense was dropping the ball.
Though Nate Wiggins has held down the left side, the right is where there are major concerns. Brandon Stephens gave up more than 900 yards and a 106.1 passer rating.
Stephens is set to become an unrestricted free agent, as is second-string Tre'Davious White. Should both leave for free agency, the team will be stuck with reserves that may not make the cut. Baltimore should be looking to strike big on this front if they can.
Edge Rusher
This might come as a surprise that an edge rusher would be a point of contention for a team who was second in sacks with 54, and near the bottom in rushing yards allowed with 80 per game. However, it appears that more might be needed for the Ravens to stop their biggest adversaries.
One thing that rings true for the top AFC teams, along with most in the NFL, is shaking up a quarterback can pay dividends. The Chiefs and Bills are so good because they allow their superstar quarterbacks the time to throw the ball.
The Ravens have Roquan Smith and Kyle Van Noy, but there is something missing. It wouldn't hurt to go after a big fish in free agency, and potentially call about the generational talent that is Myles Garrett, though it's doubtful the Browns would allow this.
More NFL:
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Browns All-Pro DE Myles Garrett Shockingly Requests a Trade
For more on the Ravens, head to Newsweek Sports.
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