The Ravens lost 13 players in free agency but added six new free agents, including standout linebacker Trey Hendrickson. Key signings like John Simpson and Jaylinn Hawkins aim to strengthen the roster for the 2026 season.
The Ravens saw 13 players depart in free agency, responding by adding six outside free agents, including a former AFC North rival looking to cash in. Thanks to elite use of the compensatory picks system and comparable drafting, Baltimore will be able to maintain a talented roster. 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 two notable moves in free agency as they look to contend in a loaded AFC. From key signings to under-the-radar additions, we grade every Ravens move from the first wave of NFL free agency and examine how each decision impacts Baltimore's roster heading into the 2026 season.
Trey Hendrickson #91 (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
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. Hendrickson needs 19 sacks to reach 100 for his career and could take this defense to another level.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins (21) tackles Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
2025 PFF grade: 82.4
Ranked 5th in the NFL
Baltimore primarily plays three safeties, and Hawkins will team with Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks to give the Ravens the most versatile and athletic trio at the position. Last season, Hawkins had a breakout performance, recording 71 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a team-high four interceptions for the Patriots. 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.
Dec 15, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; New York Jets offensive linebacker John Simpson (76) before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
2025 PFF grade: 56.9
Simpson started every game for the Jets the last two seasons, but returns to a Ravens team with a new head coach and questions at both guard spots. Simpson earned a 56.9 overall PFF grade in the 2025 season, 54th among 81 qualified offensive guards, playing 1,014 offensive snaps. 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.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 18: Durham Smythe #81 of the Chicago Bears in action against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Playoffs at Soldier Field on January 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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.
Aug 15, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons guard Jovaughn Gwyn (52) blocks against the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
2025 PFF grade: 81.2
Gwyn has spent two seasons on the Falcons' practice squad and reunites with former Atlanta offensive line coach and new Ravens run game coordinator Dwayne Ledford. He played 11 snaps in the season in 2025.
Dec 7, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA;Indianapolis Colts center Danny Pinter (63) walks off the field after a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
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. In 2024, Pinter appeared in 14 games and started at center in Weeks 13 and 15, earning a career-high 82.9 Pro Football Focus overall grade as a starter in the Colts' Week 13 win over the New England Patriots. In 2025, Pinter played just 139 snaps in a reserve role, earning a 56.5 PFF grade in six appearances last season.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens free agency grades: breaking down every early move
The Ravens signed notable free agents including linebacker Trey Hendrickson, offensive guard John Simpson, and safety Jaylinn Hawkins.
The Ravens lost a total of 13 players during the free agency period.
John Simpson signed a three-year contract worth $30 million with the Ravens.
The free agency moves are aimed at bolstering the Ravens' roster as they prepare to contend in a competitive AFC for the 2026 season.
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