Ravens Head Coach Jesse Minter Ready to Give QB Diego Pavia 'Clean Slate' in Baltimore Diego Pavia, the 2025 Heisman Trophy runner-up, has secured a three-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens, marking a significant move for the undrafted free agent who once languished in the shadows of NFL drafts. The deal, finalized before Pavia completed a scheduled tryout with the Ravens, brings a high-profile name into an organization already anchored by franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson. Pavia’s arrival has sparked anticipation, as his reputation as a transformative leader at Vanderbilt University positions him as a potential game-changer for the Ravens. Jesse Minter, the Ravens’ head coach, has expressed confidence in Pavia’s ability to redefine his career in Baltimore. Minter emphasized that Pavia’s impact at Vanderbilt was instrumental in elevating the struggling program into a Southeastern Conference contender. “Diego was a force multiplier at Vanderbilt,” Minter said during an appearance on Good Morning Football. “He came there at a time when they needed to get it going, and he made everybody in the building better. He’s one of the first people in, one of the last to leave. He’s a really hard worker.” Minter’s willingness to grant Pavia a “clean slate” reflects the Ravens’ openness to nurturing his potential despite the quarterback’s unconventional profile. Pavia’s journey to the NFL has been marked by resilience. After going undrafted in 2025, he leveraged his Heisman-winning season at Vanderbilt to attract attention. His leadership and unyielding confidence propelled the Commodores to a historic turnaround, culminating in a playoff berth. However, his physical attributes—5-foot-10 and 207 pounds—raise questions about his readiness for the NFL.#baltimore_ravens #lamar_jackson #vanderbilt_university #jessie_minter #diego_pavia
Blockbuster Trade Proposal Has Ravens Acquiring George Pickens The Baltimore Ravens are exploring a potential blockbuster trade to address their needs at wide receiver and tight end, with a proposed blockbuster deal involving Dallas Cowboys star George Pickens emerging as a focal point. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox outlined a scenario in which the Ravens could acquire Pickens in exchange for their first-round pick (No. 14 overall). This trade would mark a significant shift for the Ravens, who are seeking to bolster their receiving corps after losing key players like Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar in free agency. Pickens, a 25-year-old All-Pro wide receiver, has been a standout performer for the Cowboys, posting 1,429 receiving yards in 2025. His physicality and contested-catch ability make him a high-value asset, contrasting with Zay Flowers, the Ravens’ current No. 1 receiver. While Flowers is known for his speed and agility, Pickens’ size and production could provide a different dimension to the Ravens’ offense. However, the financial implications of such a trade are significant. Flowers, who is set to become a free agent, is expected to command a substantial contract extension, and acquiring Pickens would require the Ravens to sign him to a long-term deal, potentially straining their salary cap. The Cowboys’ stance on Pickens remains a critical factor in the trade’s feasibility. Owner Jerry Jones has publicly stated his desire to keep Pickens in Dallas long-term, but Knox suggests the Cowboys might be open to a trade given their financial constraints. The team is already paying CeeDee Lamb $34 million annually, and replacing Pickens with a cheaper option like Kevin Concepcion or Omar Cooper Jr.—on a rookie contract—could be a more cost-effective move for Dallas.#baltimore_ravens #dallas_cowboys #lamar_jackson #george_pickens #kris_knox
Three Ravens to Watch As Offseason Workout Program Begins The Baltimore Ravens began their offseason program on April 6, 2026, marking the first step in preparing for the upcoming season. The initiative is particularly significant as it represents the first opportunity for the new coaching staff, led by Head Coach Jesse Minter, to interact with players and set the tone for the season. Minter emphasized the importance of building relationships and establishing a shared understanding of the team’s culture and expectations. “Since we hired the staff, this April 6th date has been our goal to get the guys back in the building and start laying the foundation,” Minter stated at the NFL owners meetings. The program’s early start reflects the team’s commitment to fostering cohesion and readiness for the challenges ahead. Several key players, including quarterback Lamar Jackson, running back Derrick Henry, and defensive end Trey Hendrickson, attended the first day of workouts at the Under Armour Performance Center. While participation in the voluntary sessions is optional, the presence of high-profile players signals the team’s focus on integrating new strategies and reinforcing team dynamics. Analysts, including The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec, have highlighted the importance of the offseason in shaping the team’s trajectory. Zrebiec identified three players whose performance during this phase could significantly impact the 2026 season. One of the focal points is defensive tackle D’Andre Madubuike, who has been sidelined since sustaining a season-ending neck injury in 2025. Despite his absence, Madubuike has been seen working out at the Ravens’ facility, and his social media activity suggests he is actively preparing to return.#baltimore_ravens #lamar_jackson #jessie_minter #dandre_madubuike #jeff_zrebiec
Lamar Jackson Begins Ravens' Offseason Workouts Amid Uncertainty Over Participation Lamar Jackson made his debut at the start of the Baltimore Ravens' voluntary offseason workout program on April 6, 2026, signaling his commitment to the team under new head coach Jesse Minter. The move came as Minter, who expressed uncertainty about Jackson’s participation during a recent NFL meeting, acknowledged the quarterback’s enthusiasm for the offseason activities. Minter’s comments during the league’s annual meeting in Phoenix highlighted the coach’s cautious approach, noting that Jackson’s involvement remained unclear until the program’s first day. The Ravens’ offseason plan is divided into phases, with Phase 1 focusing on meetings, strength and conditioning, and physical rehabilitation. On-field practices are scheduled to begin in May, following the completion of voluntary workouts. Minter’s remarks on April 6 underscored the team’s anticipation of Jackson’s presence, as he stated, “I think he’s excited about opportunities in the offseason program. And again, we’ll see on April 6th. We’ll see who all walks in the door.” This marked a shift from Minter’s earlier uncertainty, as the coach now emphasized the importance of Jackson’s engagement in the program. Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP and one of the league’s premier dual-threat quarterbacks, has historically participated selectively in voluntary workouts. Over his eight-year NFL career, he skipped most of the on-field practices during previous offseasons, attending only one of nine sessions before mandatory minicamp in 2025. Despite this pattern, his presence at the start of the 2026 program suggests a potential change in approach.#baltimore_ravens #lamar_jackson #jesse_minter #nfl_meeting #voluntary_workouts
Buffalo Bills Re-Sign Damar Hamlin for 2026 Season The Buffalo Bills have re-signed safety Damar Hamlin to a one-year contract for the 2026 NFL season. The 28-year-old player, who became the only NFL team Hamlin has ever known, returns after his 2025 campaign was cut short due to a pectoral injury. Hamlin, who previously endured a life-threatening cardiac arrest during a game in January 2023, made a full recovery and played in five games the following season, earning second-place honors in Comeback Player of the Year voting. Hamlin’s 2025 season was limited to five games after sustaining a pectoral injury during practice, which required surgery and ended his season early. His resilience was tested in January 2023 when he suffered a cardiac incident during a “Monday Night Football” matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Diagnosed as commotio cordis—a rare condition caused by blunt force trauma that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest—Hamlin was resuscitated on the field and has since fully recovered. His return to play in 2024, including a standout performance in the AFC divisional round, marked a significant milestone in his career. During the 2024 season, Hamlin recorded eight tackles and forced a strip-sack on Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson in a Bills victory. His efforts on the field were complemented by his off-field advocacy, as he has collaborated with the American Heart Association and lawmakers to promote CPR and AED training in schools, youth organizations, and communities. Hamlin has also worked to secure AEDs for educational institutions and help implement emergency action plans to address cardiac emergencies. Hamlin’s journey from a near-fatal incident to becoming a key player for the Bills underscores his determination.#buffalo_bills #american_heart_association #cincinnati_bengals #damar_hamlin #lamar_jackson
