Looking at positional and scheme fits for the Ravens' six new additions

The Ravens saw 13 players depart in Free agency, but thanks to elite use of the compensatory picks system and comparable drafting, Baltimore will be 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.

Baltimore added six players in free agency, and here's a full breakdown of how each signing fits the Ravens roster, positional needs, and overall defensive and offensive schemes heading into the 2026 season.

Trey Hendrickson, OLB

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) takes the field for the first quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025.

Fit: Starting edge rusher

Hendrickson, 31, was coming off back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons and four straight Pro Bowls before contract frustrations and core muscle surgery in December limited him to four sacks in seven games in 2025. He got a one-year, $29 million deal from the Bengals last year, but was uncertain to draw as much this time around. The four-year deal averages out to $28 million per season and keeps the pass rusher in the AFC North. Hendrickson needs 19 sacks to reach 100 for his career and could take this defense to another level.

Jaylinn Hawkins, S

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

Fit: Starting safety

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. The 28-year-old started all 15 games in which he played and logged 836 defensive snaps last season, marking the second-highest total of his career. In his second year with the Patriots, Hawkins proved to be a crucial part of the secondary, leading the team in interceptions and ranking fourth in passes defended.

John Simpson, OL

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

Fit: Starting offensive guard

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.

Durham Smythe, TE

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)

Fit: Backup tight end

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.

Jovaughn Gwyn, OL

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

Fit: Backup offensive guard, Center

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.

Danny Pinter, C

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

Fit: backup center

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 haul: six additions and how they fit