Notes, takeaways from Ravens' GM Eric DeCosta at the NFL Combine

[ASFN Admin]

All eyes are on Indianapolis as the league has descended upon Lucas Oil Stadium for the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. Ravens GM Eric DeCosta was front and center on Tuesday morning for his state-of-the-team address.

Here are notes and takeaways from the 45-minute session.

Thoughts on Roquan Smith​

The Ravens can create upwards of $20 million in cap space by restructuring or signing the All-Pro linebacker to a contract extension. On Tuesday, DeCosta stated that initial discussions have begun regarding Smith's contract.

DeCosta said he hasn’t spoken to Roquan Smith about a contract alteration.

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) February 24, 2026

Ravens will target a pass rusher​

Even after using a 2025 second-round pick on an edge rusher, Baltimore will use draft capital to upgrade the position after a down year in sacks and with four players set to test free agency.

DeCosta: “We certainly know we need to augment the pass rush.”

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) February 24, 2026

Ravens want to retain Tyler Linderbaum​

There won't be a franchise tag placed, but Baltimore GM confirmed the team made a substantial offer to Tyler Linderbaum.

"We want to bring @TLinderbaum back." EDC pic.twitter.com/1sP3BYfmh5

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) February 24, 2026

Emery Jones has a place on the roster​

DeCosta spoke at length about the Ravens' 2025 draft pick on Tuesday, and there's no doubt that the former LSU offensive guard will compete for a starting spot.

DeCosta on #Ravens OL/DL: Excited about Emery Jones Jr. Losing Madubuike hurt.

— Brian Wacker (@brianwacker1) February 24, 2026

Ravens still uncertain on Nnamdi Madubuike​

The Ravens are retooling and preparing for the 2026 season, but most Ravens fans and analysts are eager for news on Pro Bowl defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike. Madubuike was placed on injured reserve with a neck injury before the Ravens' 37-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. When asked whether Madubuike's neck injury could be career-threatening, then Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said he's not allowed to share much. That was over four months ago, and there has been no real discussion, prognosis, or update on Madubuike's future. Madubuike's 21.5 sacks since the start of the 2023 season were the most by an NFL defensive tackle over that span before his injury. Madubuike, 27, had played in 55 straight games before injuring his neck in a 41-17 win over the Cleveland Browns on September 14.

Madubuike led the Ravens and all NFL defensive tackles with 13 sacks in 2023 and was off to a strong start with two sacks in the Ravens' first two games. The Ravens signed Madubuike, 27, to a four-year, reported $98 million contract extension before the 2024 season. John Jenkins and Travis Jones had breakout seasons in Madubuike's extended absence.

DeCosta says he does not have an update on Nnamdi Madubuike. Also says the uncertainty doesn’t impact his decision making right now.

— Brian Wacker (@brianwacker1) February 24, 2026

Marlon Humphrey is expected to return​

There has been some discussion on Humphrey potentially getting cut or traded, but the Ravens GM confirmed Humphrey is in their plans.

Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said he expects CB Marlon Humphrey to be part of the team this year.

Humphrey has a $26.2 million cap hit in 2026.

— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) February 24, 2026

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Notes, takeaways from Ravens' GM Eric DeCosta at the NFL Combine

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