All articles tagged with #eric decosta
Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said after the draft that Baltimore didn’t land a center and that moving up for a center may have been too costly, but the team could pursue a trade or other options to fill the vacancy created by Tyler Linderbaum’s departure, with Danny Pinter, Jovaughn Gwyn and Corey Bullock currently on the roster as scouts look for alternatives before fall.
Baltimore planned to trade down from 14 in the first round with an unnamed team that would have sent two fourth‑round picks, but that team changed terms and offered a worse deal, so the Ravens kept the 14th pick and drafted guard Vega Ioane; with Rueben Bain Jr. and Kenyon Sadiq still on the board, Baltimore chose to stay put after hearing the new terms, guided by HC Jesse Minter’s strong pull for Ioane. The Ravens later made one fourth-round trade‑up for a tight end, leaving questions about how the failed Crosby deal could affect future negotiations.
In Round 1 of the NFL Draft, Baltimore explored trading back to pick up extra fourth-rounders, but the other team reportedly changed its offer and pulled out, forcing the Ravens to pass. The moment adds to an eventful offseason that also saw Baltimore back out of a deal with the Raiders to acquire Maxx Crosby, illustrating a rocky period for the franchise.
Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti personally influenced the team’s fifth-round pick, advocating for Clemson RB Adam Randall after doing his homework; GM Eric DeCosta confirmed the move, noting Randall’s 2025 Clemson stats (168 carries, 814 yards, 10 TDs; 36 receptions, 254 yards) and that he’ll compete for a backfield role behind veterans like Derrick Henry, Justice Hill and Rasheen Ali.
Baltimore is still viewed as the NFL’s drafting benchmark: since 2019, GM Eric DeCosta’s era leads in approximate value per draft pick, thanks to early stars like Kyle Hamilton and Tyler Linderbaum and strong late-round finds such as Travis Jones and Isaiah Likely, despite occasional misses. Analysts say the Ravens consistently produce two to three contributors per class and remain in the conversation as one of the league’s best drafting teams, with mock-draft chatter and ‘dream scenarios’ continuing to shape expectations. The piece also covers Jaire Alexander’s brief Ravens tenure and his open reflection on his mental-health journey, while underscoring Baltimore’s enduring reputation for smart, aggressive drafting.”,
Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said the 2026 NFL draft features a strong first half but a weaker second half, with talent dropping off midway through the first round around No. 14. He noted roughly 200 players are draftable for Baltimore—fewer than last year—and if the board shifted as projected the team would need to go outside their list to finish the draft. DeCosta also pushed back on the idea that trading the 14th pick for Maxx Crosby signals low value at 14, saying the team is excited to add a quality player this year.
Baltimore’s chaotic start to free agency isn’t over. After nixing the Maxx Crosby deal and losing Tyler Linderbaum, the Ravens face questions about a Lamar Jackson extension, but their 2026 outlook remains positive thanks to strong drafting (11 picks planned) and a focus on development. GM Eric DeCosta says they won’t “break the bank” again while eyeing potential WR additions, and new OL coach Dwayne Ledford will help stabilize the line as the team pursues more pass-rush help. The rallying cry “I think we ain’t done yet” sums up Baltimore’s plan to keep upgrading this offseason.
The Ravens couldn’t finalize Lamar Jackson’s contract extension before the window closed, a delay tied to ongoing talks and Jackson negotiating without an NFLPA-certified agent. GM Eric DeCosta said discussions “ran out of time,” while owner Steve Bisciotti stressed the urgency to avoid free-agent distractions. A new deal would likely elevate the annual value to about $62 million, with questions still hovering over guarantees. If no deal lands before the next league year, Jackson could reach unrestricted free agency in 2027, leaving Ravens’ plans and payroll in flux as they pursue re-signings and other moves.
Baltimore GM Eric DeCosta said he was guted after the Ravens couldn’t complete the Maxx Crosby trade due to Crosby’s knee issues; with the deal off, Baltimore pivoted to signing Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million contract and restructured Lamar Jackson’s deal to free up cap space, signaling a strategic reset for 2026.
Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said he was gut-punched that Baltimore’s bid to trade for Maxx Crosby fell through after Crosby failed his physical following knee surgery, and he stressed that the choice was about the club’s best interests. Baltimore had been prepared to surrender two first-round picks and had also pursued Trey Hendrickson, but the deal couldn’t be salvaged; DeCosta denied cold feet and said the Ravens’ reputation and relationships with agents remain strong as they move on from the deal.
Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said Baltimore hoped to acquire Maxx Crosby, but Crosby failed the team’s physical due to a knee injury, ending the trade; DeCosta called the outcome 'gutted' and said he must follow medical advice.
Baltimore restructured Lamar Jackson’s deal to lower the 2026 cap hit after officials said they ran out of time to secure an extension before the league year, with talks likely to resume later as Jackson’s current contract runs through 2027.
Baltimore named Dr. Nic Gill, a world‑renowned health and performance coach, as vice president of health and performance to lead the Ravens’ integrated strength, medical, nutrition and sports science teams. Gill spent 18 years with the New Zealand All Blacks, helping them win two Rugby World Cups and maintain a high international win rate, and he aims to keep Ravens players healthy, available and performing at their best as the organization pursues industry-leading standards. He holds a PhD in Exercise Physiology and serves as an associate professor at the University of Waikato.
Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta said at the NFL Scouting Combine that he’s confident Baltimore can reach a contract extension with Lamar Jackson, noting Jackson has been very engaged in talks and that details won’t be disclosed; the team currently has about $22 million in cap space and plans to move forward with the new league year, with OTAs being voluntary.
The Ravens’ post-Harbaugh coaching search is expansive and not wedded to a single 'type,' with GM Eric DeCosta and ownership leading an effort that has included about 20 first‑round interviews. They aim to trim to four or five finalists for full in-person, day-long meetings, possibly with owner Steve Bisciotti and Lamar Jackson involved. The team seeks the best leader who can hold players accountable, excels in X’s and O’s, and can relate to players while building a strong staff around the head coach. Confirmed and reported candidates span veteran coordinators (Schwartz, Flores, Kingsbury, Nagy, Stefanski, Joseph) and up-and-coming coaches (Kubiak, Davis Webb), with others like Mike McDaniel and Robert Saleh reportedly in the mix. The Ravens emphasize culture, quarterback context, track record, and staff fit over a specific coaching template, and believe they have a top, selective job on the market.