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The Baltimore Ravens may not have made every move fans hoped for, but that's to be expected in the NFL, where roster turnover is part of the deal. Still, one of the more popular platforms for content likes what it has seen so far. Pro Football Focus recently released 2026 NFL free agency grades for all 32 teams. In their eyes, Baltimore has done enough to earn a solid B+ grade following the first wave of free agency.
The lens seems to focus heavily on new additions and select re-signings rather than departures. Four names stood out as the primary drivers of Baltimore's mark.
Guard John Simpson and edge rusher Trey Hendrickson find their way into the discussion. So do safety Jaylinn Hawkins and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie.
Leading the way is the addition of Trey Hendrickson, who immediately upgrades the pass rush. Fresh off multiple elite seasons as a disruptive force, Hendrickson brings proven production to a unit that needed it.
His ability to consistently win off the edge gives Baltimore something it lacked last season, a reliable closer who can affect quarterbacks at a high level. In the secondary, the signing of Jaylinn Hawkins may quietly be one of the better value moves of the cycle. Coming off a breakout campaign, Hawkins adds versatility and range to a safety group that already features Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks. On paper, that trio has the potential to be one of the league's most complete units. Baltimore also retained Chidobe Awuzie on a one-year deal. That move provides stability at a position that still carries some question marks. After a strong 2025 showing, Awuzie's return gives the Ravens a dependable veteran presence alongside Nate Wiggins.
The lone move drawing more skepticism from Gordon McGuinness, the writer of this one, is the addition of John Simpson. While he's coming off the best season of his career, consistency has been an issue, and some question whether his contract reflects that risk.
Still, when viewed as a whole, the Ravens addressed key needs with a mix of high-impact talent and calculated depth. It may not have been perfect. Their haul, however, was productive, and that may be enough to reintroduce Baltimore into the conversation about contenders.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens receive passing grade after the first wave of free agency
Continue reading...
The lens seems to focus heavily on new additions and select re-signings rather than departures. Four names stood out as the primary drivers of Baltimore's mark.
Four exciting signings push the Ravens to a passing grade on the PFF platform.
Guard John Simpson and edge rusher Trey Hendrickson find their way into the discussion. So do safety Jaylinn Hawkins and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie.
Leading the way is the addition of Trey Hendrickson, who immediately upgrades the pass rush. Fresh off multiple elite seasons as a disruptive force, Hendrickson brings proven production to a unit that needed it.
His ability to consistently win off the edge gives Baltimore something it lacked last season, a reliable closer who can affect quarterbacks at a high level. In the secondary, the signing of Jaylinn Hawkins may quietly be one of the better value moves of the cycle. Coming off a breakout campaign, Hawkins adds versatility and range to a safety group that already features Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks. On paper, that trio has the potential to be one of the league's most complete units. Baltimore also retained Chidobe Awuzie on a one-year deal. That move provides stability at a position that still carries some question marks. After a strong 2025 showing, Awuzie's return gives the Ravens a dependable veteran presence alongside Nate Wiggins.
The lone move drawing more skepticism from Gordon McGuinness, the writer of this one, is the addition of John Simpson. While he's coming off the best season of his career, consistency has been an issue, and some question whether his contract reflects that risk.
Still, when viewed as a whole, the Ravens addressed key needs with a mix of high-impact talent and calculated depth. It may not have been perfect. Their haul, however, was productive, and that may be enough to reintroduce Baltimore into the conversation about contenders.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens receive passing grade after the first wave of free agency
Continue reading...
