The sting of that AFC Championship loss still lingers, but the Baltimore Ravens aren’t dwelling on the past. Lamar Jackson and company know they were closer than ever to that elusive Super Bowl. But instead of sulking, they’re already setting the foundation for another deep playoff run. The offseason has barely begun, but Baltimore is wasting no time fortifying its roster.

The Ravens have already locked in 12 players on reserve/futures contracts, an early but crucial move to start shaping their 2025 squad. While most of these names are familiar faces from within the organization, there’s one new addition—a defensive lineman who caught their eye after a strong preseason performance with the Chargers.

According to the Ravens’ official reports, the franchise have signed:

• WR Dayton Wade
• WR Anthony Miller
• WR Keith Kirkwood
• OT Corey Bullock
• TE Zaire Mitchell-Paden
• DE Adedayo Odeleye
• DT Basil Okoye
• WR Malik Cunningham
• G Darrian Dalcourt
• LB William Kwenkeu
• QB Devin Leary
• DE C.J. Ravenell

Among these 12 players, eleven have already played with Lamar Jackson’s team. Basil Okoye, who was the defensive end for the Chargers and had a sack in his first organized game in preseason, wasn’t signed by his former team. This led him to enter the free agent market, helping the Ravens lock him into their flock.

Apart from him, only Kwenkeu and Miller actually played in the regular-season games. To be precise, the linebacker saw action on special teams twice, against the Eagles and the Giants. Whereas the WR made key late-season contributions, catching passes in both of their playoff games. Now they have been granted their wishes to be back on the squad.

But Baltimore’s ambitions this offseason aren’t just about the roster. They’re making big moves off the field too, investing millions into making M&T Bank Stadium a fortress for years to come.

Lamar Jackson’s Ravens are building in other terms as well

At first, the Ravens announced the contract/reserve decisions on their 12 players. And now, Lamar Jackson’s team has brought up another exciting news for them and the rest of the locker room. According to ProFootballTalk on X, “The planned renovations to M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore will cost more than expected. Still, it’s good that the Ravens and Baltimore are making a 27-year-old stadium work — especially when other teams with younger stadiums are trying to get new ones.” Not just younger ones, many other teams have also decided to reconstruct their stadiums.

M&T Bank Stadium, which has stood strong for 27 years, is set for renovations before the 2025 season. However, the problem is that, initially, Maryland had committed $434 million to the project. But now, the cost has jumped to $489 million. So, as per reports, instead of passing the full burden to taxpayers, the Ravens are stepping up. Yes! Lamar Jackson’s team will cover the added costs. To be precise, they will give the extra $55 million, though the state could reimburse them up to $35 million. That means the team will actually pay around $20 million out of pocket. And that’s definitely a huge decision by the franchise!

With this hefty investment, the upgrades will be bigger too—Bigger concourses, a beer hall, and new luxury suites—all will be designed to elevate the fan experience. And guess what? The stadium authority board has already approved the plan. But wait! There’s one more sign-off needed, and that is from the Maryland Board of Public Works. Until then, the Ravens have locked in a lease to stay in Baltimore until at least 2037, with an option to extend until 2047. Let’s see that shiny new nest!