Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta offers an optimistic update on one of Baltimore’s biggest problem spots in 2025
‘We feel really strongly about (him) being a guy that’s going to come in and win a spot.’
The Baltimore Ravens are hoping to get back on track in 2026.
In order to do so, Baltimore is going to have to bank on some new leadership, but also some familiar faces taking a step forward, too. Offensively, the issues in Baltimore last season ranged from issues with injuries to QB Lamar Jackson and company to execution from some key figures up front who had been groomed for starting roles. Don’t expect general manager Eric DeCosta to change his stripes. The Ravens’ school of thought is the bedrock of the organization. But for those worried about the trenches in the year ahead, DeCosta seems to believe they’ve gotten a pick right that can help upgrade the interior. He shared high expectations for 2025 third-round draft choice Emery Jones on ‘The Inner Circle Podcast’ with Aaron Donald this week.
Ravens GM Eric DeCosta expects Emery Jones to win a starting spot in 2026
“We’ve got some work to do on Tyler Linderbaum’s contract, he’s a free agent. We strongly hope to have him back, he’s a great player for us and a great leader. And then we’ve just got to augment the guard position, which is something that we can do. We’ve got some good young guys that we really believe in this year are going to make a big, big jump this year for us. Emery Jones is a guy we drafted last year in the third round, we feel really strongly about as being a guy that’s going to come in and win a spot for us at the guard spot.”
— Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta on how Baltimore will proceed with their offensive line
The good news for Jones is that he appears to already have the backing of his general manager. The even better news for Jones is that the new offensive system in Baltimore this season will have everyone starting on even footing for the chance to compete for a starting spot. Jones was a physical blocker at LSU and, after essentially redshirting his rookie season amid recovery from a shoulder injury (49 snaps on offense), he’s now a viable contender to seize a role.
The presumed departure of Daniel Faalele via free agency could further fortify his footing. And given Baltimore’s ongoing push to try to re-sign Linderbaum at center, it is easy to assume that Faalele will hit the market to explore what kind of market he could seize as a possible starter elsewhere.
The draft and develop school of thought wasn’t kind to Baltimore this past season. A new year will give a new round of investments a chance to inspire the approach once more. Jones will be a central piece of how that story plays out for DeCosta and company in 2026.