Ranking the Ravens' 2026 free agent additions by potential impact

[ASFN Admin]

The Ravens saw 13 players depart in Free agency, but thanks to elite use of the compensatory picks system and comparable drafting, Baltimore was able to maintain a talented roster while adding just six players on the open market. The biggest name is sack master, Trey Hendrickson, but John Simpson returns at one of the offensive guard spots on a three-year, $30 million deal, and Jaylinn Hawkins shores up the third safety spot after agreeing to a free agent deal.

The Ravens made several notable moves in free agency as they look to contend in a loaded AFC. But which new additions have the most potential to move the needle in 2026? We ranked every Ravens free agent signing by expected role and upside, breaking down which pickups could prove to be the most valuable as Baltimore chases another deep playoff run.

1. Trey Hendrickson, OLB​

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2025 PFF grade: 82.9

13th best in the NFL.

Hendrickson earned an 82.9 overall PFF defensive grade in the 2025 season, 13th among 115 qualified edge defenders. His PFF pass-rush grade of 90.0 ranked 6th among edge defenders. His run-defense grade of 56.8 ranked 90th at the position.

2. Jaylinn Hawkins, S​

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2025 PFF grade: 82.4

Ranked 5th in the NFL

Hawkins earned an 82.4 overall PFF defensive grade in the 2025 season, 5th among 98 qualified safeties. His PFF coverage grade of 79.0 ranked 8th among 98 safeties. His run-defense grade of 87.1 ranked 2nd at the position.Hawkins allowed a 73.7 passer rating when targeted by opposing quarterbacks.

3. John Simpson, OL​

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2025 PFF grade: 56.9

Simpson earned a 56.9 overall PFF grade in the 2025 season, 54th among 81 qualified offensive guards. He played 1,014 offensive snaps on the season. His PFF pass-blocking grade of 62.0 ranked 44th among offensive guards. His run-blocking grade of 56.7 ranked 53rd at the position. He allowed 29 total pressures in pass protection.

4. Durham Smythe, TE​

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Smith spent 2025 with the Bears, seeing action in all 17 games and catching four passes for 25 yards on six targets. He totaled 13 receptions over the last two seasons while serving primarily as a blocking tight end.

5. Jovaughn Gwyn, OL​

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2025 PFF grade: 81.2

He played 11 offensive snaps on the season.

6. Danny Pinter, C​

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Pinter earned a 56.5 overall PFF grade in the 2025 season, 0th among 40 qualified centers after playing 139 offensive snaps on the season. He allowed 5 total pressures in pass protection.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Which Ravens free agent addition will have the most impact in 2026?

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