Three Major Baltimore Ravens Takeaways From 2026 NFL Owners Meetings

The Baltimore Ravens still have an extremely long offseason ahead of them.

The memory of kicker Tyler Loop whiffing a field goal that would've sent the Ravens to the postseason will haunt Baltimore fans until the new regular season kicks off this September. Until then, the Ravens organization are doing everything they can to prevent a season from beginning or ending like last season did. Baltimore opened the season as Super Bowl betting favorites, but finished the regular season with just eight wins and nine losses.

Following the week 18 loss to Pittsburgh that bumped Baltimore out of postseason contention, the Ravens organization fired longtime head coach Jim Harbaugh. They began searching for a breath of fresh air and new set of messages to relay to the team on a daily basis. We'll never know what would've happened to the Ravens future if Loop had made that final field goal and sent Baltimore to the playoffs.

What Ravens fans do know about their organization is that they're still doing everything they can with this new regime to produce a championship-contending culture and roster. New head coach Jesse Minter spoke to the media at the NFL Owners Meetings in Phoenix, Arizona.

Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Baltimore Ravens coach Jesse Minter speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Minter gives thoughts on Maxx Crosby situation

Minter is coming off of being the defensive coordinator for energetic head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Los Angeles Chargers. The idea of bringing in a monster pass rusher Maxx Crosby must've been an extremely attractive one for Minter. The Ravens front office went on to back out of the trade they agreed to verbally with the Las Vegas Raiders before the trade was set to become official a few days later.

Minter gave his reaction to how the 48-hour saga unfolded.

"I have so much respect for Maxx [Crosby]. I think we were obviously excited about it and then disappointed about it. [I am] not going to speak to many of the details about it, but [I have] tons of respect for him as a player and the Raiders as an organization."
Ravens head coach Jesse Minter

The Ravens ended up signing former Bengals all-pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson instead of losing two first-round picks for Crosby. Hendrickson signed to Baltimore on a new contract worth four years and up to $120 million with incentives.

Minter unsure about Jackson's participation for offseason programs

Lamar Jackson forfeited $750,000 for a second consecutive season last summer for failing to participate in 80% of offseason Organized Team Activities. These OTAs are voluntary for players to attend.

Minter was asked about how much he's talked to quarterback Lamar Jackson since being hired. He was also asked about Jackson's status for the voluntary OTAs this year.

"I know Lamar [Jackson]'s excited. I think he is excited about some of the changes. We've had a lot of good connection points, but the offseason program is voluntary, and we're excited to get a chance to work with all of the guys, whoever wants to show up. We feel confident that a lot of guys will be there."
Ravens head coach Jesse Minter

When asked about Jackson's status for offseason workouts once more to end the press conference, Minter reiterated he thinks Jackson is excited about the opportunities that can come out of participating in offseason workouts, but also reiterated that the workouts are voluntary and we'll see which players walk into practice April 6

Minter open to kicker competition

Minter asserted his confidence in rookie kicker Tyler Loop. The 24-year-old had a standout rookie season, but missed a 44-yard field goal to eviscerate Baltimore's chances at making the postseason. However, he did not rule out bringing in competition for Loop in training camp.

Loop made 30 of 34 field goals and missed just two extra points all last season.

"Truthfully, we'll see how it goes. I think you could certainly add another guy there to have another guy in training camp, but again, I just have a lot of confidence in [Tyler Loop] going forward."
Ravens head coach Jesse Minter

Loop was drafted in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL rookie draft. Bringing in veteran competition against Loop in training camp could be exactly what the young and hungry kicker needs to get his engine revved up again.