As the NFL continues to evolve, managing the salary cap becomes a critical aspect of team-building. For the Baltimore Ravens, a franchise that has consistently been competitive and built on a foundation of strong defense and dynamic playmakers, the salary cap is an ever-present consideration. As we look ahead to the 2025 season, several key players will have significant salary cap hits that will impact the team’s flexibility and future planning.
The salary cap is an essential tool for ensuring that teams don’t overspend and remain competitive. However, for teams like the Ravens—who’ve traditionally focused on drafting well, developing talent, and retaining key players—it’s important to balance player salaries with long-term team goals. Let’s take a deep dive into the 15 biggest salary cap hits for the Baltimore Ravens in 2025 and how they will shape the team’s roster decisions going forward.
### 1. **Lamar Jackson (QB) – $55.5 Million**
Lamar Jackson’s extension in 2023 remains one of the most significant financial commitments in Ravens’ history. With his contract extension kicking in for 2025, Jackson’s $55.5 million cap hit will be the largest on the team. The Ravens bet on Jackson as their franchise quarterback, and with good reason. Jackson, when healthy, is one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the NFL. His unique skill set not only makes him a dangerous dual-threat quarterback but also a central figure in the Ravens’ offense. This salary cap hit will have a substantial impact on the Ravens’ ability to add other key pieces, but Jackson’s presence under center is pivotal to their long-term success.
### 2. **Marlon Humphrey (CB) – $20.3 Million**
Marlon Humphrey has been a stalwart of the Ravens’ secondary since being drafted in 2017. With the rising costs of cornerback play across the league, Humphrey’s $20.3 million cap hit in 2025 reflects his status as one of the league’s top cornerbacks. Known for his physicality and ability to lock down top receivers, Humphrey is one of the cornerstones of Baltimore’s defense. Although his contract has become one of the higher ones at his position, the Ravens will likely prioritize his presence in their defense, particularly as they continue to rely on their defensive unit to carry the team.
### 3. **Ronnie Stanley (OT) – $18.7 Million**
Ronnie Stanley, one of the league’s premier left tackles, is another player with a hefty salary cap hit. After being selected with the sixth overall pick in 2016, Stanley quickly became the foundation of the Ravens’ offensive line. As one of the highest-paid tackles in the NFL, his $18.7 million cap hit is a reflection of his importance to the Ravens’ offense, protecting Lamar Jackson’s blindside. The team has invested heavily in Stanley, and given the nature of his position, the Ravens are likely to keep him for the long haul, ensuring Jackson has the protection he needs.
### 4. **Mark Andrews (TE) – $15.2 Million**
Mark Andrews, one of the NFL’s top tight ends, is another key player who commands a significant salary. His $15.2 million cap hit in 2025 comes as a result of his 2021 contract extension. Andrews has been Jackson’s most trusted target and is one of the most reliable tight ends in the league, capable of both making contested catches and providing a big-play threat in the passing game. His chemistry with Jackson is invaluable, and while the cap hit may be hefty, the Ravens’ offense is built around Andrews as a top weapon in both the passing and blocking game.
### 5. **Roquan Smith (ILB) – $13.6 Million**
Roquan Smith, acquired from the Chicago Bears in a trade during the 2022 season, quickly became one of the league’s premier inside linebackers and a leader for the Ravens’ defense. His $13.6 million cap hit reflects the massive value the Ravens place on his leadership and his ability to anchor the middle of their defense. Smith is a versatile defender who can impact both the run and pass game, and Baltimore will continue to lean on him as one of their most important defensive assets in 2025.
### 6. **Odell Beckham Jr. (WR) – $14.5 Million**
Odell Beckham Jr.’s contract in 2025 is expected to carry a $14.5 million cap hit, following a two-year deal he signed with the Ravens in 2023. Beckham’s presence in Baltimore was seen as a way to give Lamar Jackson a top-tier weapon in the passing game. Despite his injury history, Beckham remains a dynamic playmaker who can stretch the field and make contested catches. His cap hit is a reflection of the potential upside he brings to the Ravens’ offense, especially as the team looks to take the next step in their passing attack.
### 7. **J.K. Dobbins (RB) – $5.8 Million**
J.K. Dobbins, a second-round pick in 2020, will have a cap hit of $5.8 million in 2025 as he continues to be a centerpiece of the Ravens’ run-heavy offense. After an injury-plagued start to his career, Dobbins has proven to be a dynamic playmaker when healthy. His ability to control the ground game provides a balance to the Ravens’ offense and takes pressure off of Lamar Jackson. While the cap hit is somewhat manageable for a starting running back, Dobbins’ production on the field will be a critical factor in ensuring that the Ravens continue to have a strong rushing attack.
### 8. **Calais Campbell (DE) – $7.5 Million**
At 39 years old, Calais Campbell is still one of the most respected defensive linemen in the league. His $7.5 million cap hit reflects his leadership and his ability to still contribute at a high level. While the Ravens have other younger players on the defensive line, Campbell’s experience, size, and ability to disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage will remain valuable in 2025. His leadership, both on and off the field, is crucial in a defense that prides itself on toughness and physicality.
### 9. **Tyus Bowser (OLB) – $8.3 Million**
Tyus Bowser has developed into one of the Ravens’ most important pass rushers. His $8.3 million cap hit reflects his value as an outside linebacker who can consistently pressure the quarterback. Bowser’s ability to get after the passer has become crucial in the Ravens’ defensive scheme, especially as they seek to keep up with high-powered offenses in the AFC. His continued development will be critical as the Ravens look to remain competitive in a division filled with explosive offenses.
### 10. **Marcus Williams (S) – $10.1 Million**
Marcus Williams, one of the top safeties in the league, has a $10.1 million cap hit for 2025. Williams provides elite coverage skills in the back end of the Ravens’ defense, contributing to one of the best secondaries in the NFL. His ability to disrupt the passing game with interceptions and his leadership in the defensive backfield are key components of the Ravens’ defense. The team is likely to retain Williams, as his value in an increasingly pass-happy NFL cannot be overstated.
### 11. **Zay Flowers (WR) – $3.9 Million**
The rookie deal for Zay Flowers, the Ravens’ first-round pick in 2024, will come with a cap hit of $3.9 million in 2025. Flowers, a dynamic wide receiver from Boston College, is expected to contribute immediately. His speed, agility, and route-running make him an ideal fit for the Ravens’ offense as they look to expand their passing game. As a rookie, his cap hit is relatively low, giving the Ravens flexibility as they develop him into a top weapon for Lamar Jackson.
### 12. **Tyler Linderbaum (C) – $4.5 Million**
Tyler Linderbaum, the 2022 first-round pick, has quickly become one of the best young centers in the league. His $4.5 million cap hit in 2025 is reflective of his early success and the value the Ravens place on having a strong offensive line. Linderbaum’s ability to anchor the line and provide protection for Lamar Jackson is crucial, and his salary is expected to rise in the future, but for now, he remains one of the more affordable core pieces on the Ravens’ roster.
### 13. **Justin Madubuike (DT) – $6.3 Million**
Justin Madubuike has become a key player on the Ravens’ defensive line. His $6.3 million cap hit is a reflection of his breakout potential as a dominant interior presence. Madubuike’s ability to generate pressure and stop the run makes him a valuable commodity, and the Ravens will look to continue developing him into a cornerstone of their defensive front.
### 14. **Nelson Agholor (WR) – $5.0 Million**
Nelson Agholor’s $5.0 million cap hit in 2025 reflects his role as a veteran receiver who can stretch the field. Though his impact has been somewhat inconsistent, Agholor provides experience and depth to a receiving corps that needs to support Lamar Jackson. His ability to make big plays and contribute in clutch moments will remain important for the Ravens in 2025.
### 15. **Ben Powers (OG) – $6.0 Million**
Ben Powers, a key cog in the Ravens’ offensive line, has a $6.0 million cap hit. Powers has been reliable as a starting guard and helps ensure Lamar Jackson has the protection he